Correct block for a 59?

[Kevin Riel]

Is this correct? I have a 59 C1 with vin number 6956. In order to have the correct block, I'd need a block with a casting number 373779, a casting date of March or April (April 27 build date for my car, I think) and a DG suffix, since the car has the original powerglide. What number would be stamped on the pad before the DG suffix?

Kevin Riel

[Ted L.]

Re: Correct block for a 59?

Kevin,

I think the block casting number would be 7 digits, not 6. The casting number on my 60 is 3756519 and I think yours would be the same. The pad should be FxxyyDG where F (Flint) xx is the month and yy is the day. As you know, the DG is the designation for a 283-230 with powerglide. Also, the VIN is on my stamp pad but I don't think they put them on the 59's. FWIW.

Ted #32350

[Ted L.]

Re: Correct block for a 59?

Kevin,

I checked the black book and I quess the 3737739 block was an early production block but considering your serial number, it wasn't an early production car. I have no idea at which point they changed over to the 519 block.

Ted

[Kevin Riel]

Re: Correct block for a 59?

I'm wondering this too. The heads on my car have staggered bolt holes for the valve covers, however I haven't had time to check the casting numbers and such to see if they are the original ones. The block in the car now is a Sept '59 build date for a 230 h.p. manual tranny Vette.

Does anyone know when they switched casting numbers?

Kevin Riel

[Mike E.]

Re: Correct block for a 59?

My 10 year old judging manual indicates that the change took place between May 5 and May 19, 1959, with occasional remaining staggered-hole heads being seen into June or early July.