Interesting pad stamping

[Joe R.]

Hello All:

I keep an eye on ebay listings of 67 Corvettes, and I'm always interested to see photos of pad stampings. A recently completed ebay listing included several photos, including the pad. I have copied the pad photo here for convenience, and have included the URL for the ebay ad for those who want to see the entire ad.

What I found interesting is that the leading "7" in the VIN derivative appears to be distinctly lower than the remaining digits. From the descriptions I have seen of the factory stamping tool, this would seem impossible.

On the other hand, from the information provided, it seems unlikely that this is a restamp. The car has reportedly been off the road since 1980, and it certainly looks like it has been neglected for some time. Also, I would expect a restamper to do a better job of positioning the stamp.

I'm just curious what some of the pad experts think happened here.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4645676629&sspagename=ADME%3AB%3ASS%3AUS%3A1

[Terry F.]

Re: Interesting pad stamping

I love it. It is the real thing and it's not all pretty. It might even go against conventional ideals regarding stampings. Terry

[Brian M.]

Re: Interesting pad stamping

Look a little closer there is at least a 7 above this set of #'s. are

[lyndon sharpton]

Re: Interesting pad stamping

when did the restamps start? what year did they take off? why would anyone restamp a SB I thought just BB were the ones that got restamp

[Joe R.]

Re: Interesting pad stamping

Hi Brian:

Do you mean above the "39" at the end of the VIN? I can at least imagine a "7" up there but it's hard to be sure without a better photo of the pad.

I noticed the two different fonts for the "2" in the engine date, but I think that sort of variation is known to occur in some factory stampings.

I've also been looking at the remnants of the broach marks in the area of the engine code stamping. I'm not sure they are exactly parallel to the crankshaft axis, as I believe they are supposed to be.

The interesting thing about this pad is that if it was restamped, it was apparently done some time ago, judging by the overall condition of the car and the engine.

[Loren Smith]

Re: Interesting pad stamping

If you stare at it long enough, you can start to see the image of the Virgin Mary above the 9. Maybe there will be a pilgrimage to see the pad stamping.

[Mike E.]

Re: Interesting pad stamping

Why would anyone restamp a small block? To make a block "correct." To turn a low horse car into a higher performance car. etc. Many reasons.
When did restamping start? It would be a good idea to get the Restorer CD and look at some of the late 70-s/early 80's articles about restamping. It was certainly going on already in the late 70's.

[lyndon sharpton]

Re: Interesting pad stamping

no one can take a joke on this board!

[Roy B.]

Re: Interesting pad stamping

I've had people say my 55 and 67 could have been re stamped (COULD HAVE)and it looks near the pic. here .There is a guy not far from me that bought a 67 when NEW SB, he went to one NCRS meet and people questioned his block ( you think he'll ever come back)???. Where is all this going to end? Like some one said they could see the Virgin Mary if you try harder. It don't seem to matter any more any way ,stupid amount of money is being paid weather right or wrong . Only NCRS people seem to argue over it .
I'm 100% sure if I posted my 55 or 67 pad it would end up 50-50 being right or wrong by many members.

[lyndon sharpton]

Re: Interesting pad stamping

well, Roy lets see that pad.

[Mike M.]

Re: Interesting pad stamping

i've stated it before and i'll state it again: evaluation of broach marks is an area best done on a judging field or under the "eyes" of magnification. this pic , in terms of broach marks, is not evaluatable. the vin derivative is questioanable, at best, in this example. re-stamping, in my experience, began in the 70's.mike

[Terry F.]

Re: Interesting pad stamping

Great comment. I agree. Terry

[Terry F.]

Re: Interesting pad stamping

I think it is nearly impossible to comment on broach marks unless the heads are off and you can see the deck. My 2 cents. Terry

[Gary S.]

Re: Interesting pad stamping

I thought it was hilarious.

FWIW, as I try to educate myself based on these "what do you think of this pad?" comments, I save the photo to my computer and then I expand it using my photo software. Expanding the area of the photo, right up until it starts to get grainy yields lots of information.

I do agree with two comments here: way too much attentiona (and money) spent on pads and, if you decide to really look at a pad, do it in the field.

Gary

[Tim G.]

Re: Interesting pad stamping

I have a good picture of a '67 350 horse about 500 cars later and although the 7 is not lower than the other numbers on this pad, the VIN stamp is placed low on the pad like this one and the block appears to have a "chunk" out of it by the VIN. The chunk is the same pattern and I thought that the pad was damaged somehow. The bottom of three of the numbers hang over the bottom of the pad like the one in this post. It now appears that this may have been typical in this time frame.