Engine Pad Date/Serial #

[Steve K.]

Guys,

I am looking for your expert opinion if this engine pad serial number stamp and date code look right. I bought the car from Hawks Corvette in Arizona. I have been going thru the car with many little things wrong and would like to just check. The engine casting date is I 23 5

Thanks!!

[Steven S.]

Re: Engine Pad Date/Serial #

Wow, our cars must have been very close on the line!

First let me say that I am no expert in this area...but I'll tell you what I think based on what I have learned so far.

I believe the guys are going to tell you that a better close up picture is required to evaluate the pad, especially the pad surface. The Tonawanda stamp looks correct as far as character and size, the vin derivitive is closer to the Tonowanda stamp than I have seen on other original examples, and the absence of rust inside the characters, while there is corrosion all around them, is curious. The cast date is awefully early for that build date as well.

Lets hear what the others have to say...

Steve

[Jack C.]

Re: Engine Pad Date/Serial #

The pad looks altered, however I'm no expert.

[Tom H.]

Re: Engine Pad Date/Serial #

The S should not appear on the stamp.

[Steven S.]

Re: Engine Pad Date/Serial #

There is no S.

[David D.]

Re: Engine Pad Date/Serial #

I am no expert, but having stayed at a Holiday Inn Express, I will venture an opinion.

That opinion is, they both look tooooo perfect. Like they were both struck at the same time by the same person. They have the same depth, end to end, and top to bottom. I also agree with the fact there is no rust/age look to the characters. It is also very hard to see, from pictures provided, the broach marks.

I believe it is a Re-stamp.

[Steve K.]

Re: Engine Pad Date/Serial #

If someone was going to re-stamp it then why wouldn't they pick a date somewhere between casting date and car build date? Not trying to justify but trying to get an opinion.
What are the proper character hieghts and lengths? How long should the string be? Does it matter which order (i.e. serial number first, date second)?
What if the block was mag'd before rebuild? Would this change appearence?

Thanks!

[Robert C.]

Re: Engine Pad Date/Serial #

There's no such thing as "too perfect". That won't fly. I see good broach marks. The number stamp looks good. Also, after seeing hundreds of these, almost anything goes. I said "almost".
You really need to see the pad in person to make a final call.

[Steve K.]

Re: Engine Pad Date/Serial #

So Robert, when are you coming over? Dinner and drinks on me!

Thanks!