C2 More on Body Numbers

[Michael H.]

In Tuesdays post about "job Numbers" on the "Z" bar behind the instrument housing, Jack Whittles photo clearly shows a four digit number that appears to have been there since the time of assembly. We know it can't be a St. Louis job number for a number of reasons but I think I MAY have figured it out. First, we need to know if Jack's 65 is a Smith built body. If so, I have a feeling that may tie this all together. Even if it is a Smith body, I still believe the four digit number is something other than the typical one, two or three digit job number used for assembly at St. Louis.

I have a feeling that this is a "shipper" number and has little to do with production. This would be the easiest way to keep tract of bodies in storage and shipment from Smith and also for insurance while in transit. They couldn't have used the three digit "job number" because that started over at one about once a week.

I used the numbers and build date provided by Jack (6 April #8323) and concluded that his VIN was in the 16,000 range, roughly half the total production at that date. I really don't know what the ratio was but if every other body was a Smith body, his 8232 would be roughly half of the production total at that time.

The other possibility is that the number is the same as the body number that's stamped on the trim tag but if that's the case, I'm sure Jack would have mentioned this.

Does anyone have any info on this? How many of these four digit numbers have been reported? I know my November build 66 does not have a number like this. Maybe there's a real simple explanation for this and I'm just missing it.

Michael

[Jack W.]

Re: C2 More on Body Numbers

I should answer your call for more info on my car - yes, it is an A.O. Smith body; if it helps the Trim Tag reports it as "A4591" in the "Body" number field. I don't have the Body Time Built code handy, I can report back on that tonight if relevant to your curiosity.

production number 14,316, gives up an April 6th '65 "birthday". (Engine assembly date 0329)

happy to read your thoughts, interesting to me of course.

[Michael H.]

Re: C2 More on Body Numbers

Thanks Jack, It's beginning to look more and more like I'm correct in assuming that this was indeed a Smith body only number. Your 4000 range body would be somewhere near half of their total body production (coupe/conv)of 8323 at that point in time. If we get more input on this and the numbers go along the same lines, I feel confident that we can then assume that this was the case.

It could still be either a Smith number or a shipper number and we may never find that info but maybe someone that was close to Smith at that time can add info.

Off to the Wednesday night car cruise-in.

Michael

[Joe C.]

Re: C2 More on Body Numbers

Michael:

Most of the discussion in Noland's book involved the numbering schemes employed in St. Louis, with much less talk of Ionia. One interesting difference, is that St. Loo workers also wrote the job number on the left rear corner of the deck, and Smith did not. Of course, this number would be removed in paint prep. I also recall that Smith used an alphanumeric coding for the job number, in which the "suffix" was an indication of certain options packages. According to Noland, St Loo did not use this suffix.
I have a May, 1965 built Smith car. I was able to find "Q396" on the rear bulkhead, and "142" behind the speedo. That is all. The numbers inside of the doors were nonexistant, as was the one on the O/S of the right side footwell.
I was never able to make any sense of this. It would be great to be able to decipher this riddle before it is too late. Our beloved Mr. Gr----ng was not able to provide the answer. I hope that somebody eventually, can.

Joe

[Patrick T.]

Re: C2 More on Body Numbers

Here is another one many '67 owners won't see. If you take off the entire front clip to replace it, like I did, an abbreviated 2 digit number is visible just in front of the wiper tower. The Job number on the lower passenger firewall is #294 and the short version of #94 is up top. One is written in white, the other in black.

This # probably was added at a certain assembly line station as part of a checklist that it everything was OK up to that particular point. PT

[Michael H.]

Re: C2 More on Body Numbers

Jack,

Looks like this research project is on hold. I thought there would be more input from members of Smith cars but it looks like either you have the only car with these numbers behind the instrument housing or no one thinks it's important. If I learn more, I'll email you directly.

Michael

[Jack W.]

Re: C2 More on Body Numbers

let me see what I can drum up for you . . .

[Jack W.]

Re: C2 More on Body Numbers - Michael

keep an eye on this thread :

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=819006

and this thread:

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49201

for some more info, I will get clarification of Smith cars . .