C2 Window Sticker "Identification Number"

[Ken K.]

Below is a link to a ebay auction that has a 1966 big block car. My question is, I've been reading about this six digit number in the upper right hand corner of the original window stickers. (He has a photo of all the original documentation at the end of all the photos.) This one looks to be original, but the number is not present. (The zone/dealer number is there.) Has anyone did any research on these "Identification Numbers"? Do they increment the VIN's? And why doesn't the window sticker have one?
Also, Did all the window sticker have the last six digits stamped by hand with blue ink? (see same photo way down in the auction)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4535923543&category=6168

[Brian M.]

Re: C2 Window Sticker "Identification Number"

I'm not sure on that window sticker, but there is alot of backup paperwork there. Very nice car.

[Kevin M.]

Re: C2 Window Sticker "Identification Number"

That is a very nice car. One of the things I noticed if this is a real low mileage unrestored car is the female hood latches are covered in black out. My car has the female latches in black out and I believe that's the way the it left the factory. I might have to copy this auctions photos for reference.

Kevin

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 Window Sticker "Identification Number"

Ken-----

The "identification number" to which you refer is the "order number". I referred to this in a post that I responded to very recently. This number is the one which "started out" on the upper right had corner of the "Corvette Order Form" which is the document that was used by the dealer to initiate the order with Chevrolet. While I referred to it previously as usually having a format of 3 alpha characters and 3 numerals, that format was used from about 1967 or 1968. Previous to that time it was just a series of numbers.

The "order number" usually followed the car throughout the order and build process and it was usually found on the upper right hand corner of the window sticker. I don't know why the copy seen with the photos of this car doesn't have one. However, I strongly suspect that this window sticker is a reproduction and not an original. It just doesn't look authentic to me. That doesn't mean that the car is a fake; other documentation seems to be authentic and would support the originality of the car, as-configured.

The "order number" is in no way related to the VIN. There is absolutely no way that one could infer an order number from a VIN. The VINs were assigned on a sequential basis as the cars were built. The order number was, as far as I know, sequential as the order forms were printed. These two processes are ENTIRELY independent.

The window sticker had the last 6 digits of the VIN ink-stamped as you see here. This system remained through, at least, 1972 and I believe longer. I do not know if it was actually hand-stamped, though.

The problem with the car in this auction is that there have not been enough photographs provided to completely evaluate it. At least another 500-600 photographs would be necessary.

[Dan A.]

[Everett Ogilvie]

Re: Off initial topic/frost plug

Originally-installed freeze plugs have no markings.

[Gary S.]

Re: Off initial topic/frost plug

While it means very little, when I had my 66 SB engine rebuilt ten years ago, the machine shop installed new freeze plugs and one of them had both stamped info and another metal insert, in the middle of the plug, that seemed to be either a shop stamp or some other identifying mark. It looked almost like a wax seal on that one finds on an old letter.
Gary

[John H.]

Re: C2 Window Sticker "Identification Number"

Nice car, but the window sticker is a reproduction; the originals all had the "Ident Number" in the upper right-hand corner. That six-digit number was assigned by the plant when the order was accepted for production, and linked it back to the specs on the dealer order (which was a different number). The Ident Number wasn't sequentially related to the VIN, and the last six digits of the VIN were hand-stamped on the window sticker at the end of the Final Line (the window sticker and the other carbons of it - Corvette Order Copy, etc. were computer-printed long before the car entered the Trim Line where the VIN was assigned and affixed).

[Stephen L.]

Re: Off initial topic/frost plug

I would bet that the engine in this car has been out of the vehicle because the bolts holding the bellhousing on have been "wrenched on". I agree that the original frost plugs had NO markings as I've recently replaced my originals....and they had no markings. The valve cover sticker #1TONOWANDA is missing with no apparent adhesive residue too....