Mid Year Stamp Size and Font Question

[Dennis H.]

I have read several post lately on correct engine block stamps, seen pictures of gang holders, looked at pictures of stamps and even visited a web site that sales stamps and holders.

I also started looking at my engine stamps, transmission stamps, Alt, Starter etc etc. I'm seeing different sizes and what looks like different font's.

So my question is: What size stamps and Font's were used through out the Mid Year build? Other that how they mount in a gang holder is there anything special about them?

[Terry M.]

Re: Mid Year Stamp Size and Font Question

Alternator and starter were stamped using a "roll stamp" by a machine.

Engine and transmission, both assembly and VIN, were stamped by hand using, for the most part, a gang holder. On occasion the engine assembly suffix code, or part of it, was stamped separately from the rest of the engine assembly stamp. There has been many discussions of the circumstances leading to such separate stamp operations, some of which Noland Adams has written about in his book(s).

I suspect the differential assembly stamp was stamped in individual letters, but since we rarely judge that item there has been little discussion of it.

As to size, I think it has been discussed here before.

[Dennis H.]

Re: Mid Year Stamp Size and Font Question

Thanks Terry

I will re-read my Noland Adams and see if he say's anything about the correct size of stamps that were used.

[Terry M.]

Re: Mid Year Stamp Size and Font Question

Dennis there was a thread on here some time ago about the stamp size. All I recall from it was that the size was difficult to measure because the harder the stamp is hit the more the displaced metal moves away from the character itself. Unfortunately I can't recall who the major players were in that thread, nor how long ago it was. Remembering either of those would make it easier to find in the archives. There were even some nice photos attached to some of the posts.
Maybe someone who saved a reference to it will help.

[William C.]

Re: Mid Year Stamp Size and Font Question

The stamp manufacturer specifies size from the bottom of the stamped surface area. This essentially means a lightly stamped configuration will be at or near the spec size, but a more heavily stamped version will be more difficult to measure to the "correct" size. (From the JT Schmidt Stamp catalog)

[Joe R.]

Re: Mid Year Stamp Size and Font Question

I have file copies of a couple old postings from our esteemed and banished former TDB participant, Michael Hanson. One thread was called "More boring numbers info" and was dated December 5, 2005. Another was called "Engine pad characteristics" dated December 4, 2005.

Mike's view was that the VIN derivative characters were 3/16 high, but due to the wedge-shaped stamps, they could look like 1/4 inch if driven in hard. He posted a photo of a representative letter slug.

Hopefully a directed search of the archives will readily turn up these discussion threads.