1973 Numbers

[Steve H.]

Hello to all:
Do these numbers look correct for a base 350 '73 coupe?
Serial 1Z37J3S40117X
Block 3970010 date H 16 2
Pad (could be slightly different as I forgot to write down S40117X)
VO817CLA

My main question is the VO on the pad stamping. Is that correct?
From what I can tell from the information this is an August 72 car that has a 350 with automatic transmission.

Also what is the exterior cast mark on the end of a 3998993 head?

Last question, is there any special cautions or concerns for the 73 corvette I would need to be aware of?

I am a C1 and C2 guy but am looking at a 73 a fellow needs to sell due to the loss of his job.
Thanks,
Steve

[Harmon C.]

Re: 1973 Numbers

Hello to all:
Do these numbers look correct for a base 350 '73 coupe?
Serial 1Z37J3S40117X
Block 3970010 date H 16 2
Pad (could be slightly different as I forgot to write down S40117X)
VO817CLA

My main question is the VO on the pad stamping. Is that correct?
From what I can tell from the information this is an August 72 car that has a 350 with automatic transmission.

Also what is the exterior cast mark on the end of a 3998993 head?

Last question, is there any special cautions or concerns for the 73 corvette I would need to be aware of?

I am a C1 and C2 guy but am looking at a 73 a fellow needs to sell due to the loss of his job.
Thanks,
Steve

The 73 was built Sept.1 1972
engine block cast H 16 2 Aug. 16 1972
engine assembled 08 17 Aug. 17 1972 The O in VO is the month O8
CLA Automatic trans L-48
That head is an original 73 number for a head
Everything checks out great
Rust in the birdcage is if present is hard to fix.

[William M.]

Re: 1973 Numbers

VIN serial # indicates 8/72 build

3970010 is for '73 L48/L82

H 16 2 = 8/16/72

V0817CLA:
V = Flint
0817 = 8/17/72
CLA = L48 auto

H 16 2 = 8/16/72

3998993 is for '73 L48

Cylinder head casting date code would be: H dd 72, where H is August and dd would be the numeric day

Most important would be to look for rust in the birdcage or frame dog leg

Good luck!

(Lyle, I type too slow, you beat me to it)

[Steve H.]

Re: 1973 Numbers

Thanks guys,
That is good news.
Do you know what the head end cast mark looks like for a 3998993? I was not able to remove the valve covers and wanted to know if there is another way to identify the head. For instance on the cars I own a 67 350 has the "double hump cast mark and a '56 has the twin tower cast.

Steve

[Tim M.]

Re: 1973 Numbers

Thanks guys,
That is good news.
Do you know what the head end cast mark looks like for a 3998993? I was not able to remove the valve covers and wanted to know if there is another way to identify the head. For instance on the cars I own a 67 350 has the "double hump cast mark and a '56 has the twin tower cast.

Steve

Cant you look at the head from the oil fill hole and see the head casting #?

[Alan S.]

Re: 1973 Numbers

Hi Steve,
Picking up on Lyle and Williams points... you can sometimes get some idea about windshield frame rust by looking through the windshield's perimeter from the out side (in the non-tinted areas). You can also lay upside down in each foot-well ( if your back can take it) and see a bit of the birdcage that forms the cowl on each side. Lastly, ask the owner if you can take the kick panels off each side (2 screws each), you can then get a look at the bottom of each hinge pillar and the #2 body mount. Although the owner may wonder if you really need to do that I think finding rust after the deal is done will spoil you day.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

PS: Get William to show you some pictures of his 73; that car will make you HAVE to have one.

[Jim T.]

Re: 1973 Numbers

Don't know specifically about a 73, but should be the same as my 68 and 70 that requre the aluminum door sills to be removed to remove the plastic kick panels.
Be careful where the kick panels enter the dash panels in removal to keep from damaging the dash panel covering material.

Windshield frame rust can be present without any significant indication behind the kick panel at the #2 body mount.

When lying on your back on the floorboard looking up at the windshield framing you will be looking at the inside steel layer that is below the windshield upper layer of steel windshield framing.

Removal of the three pieces of steel windshield trim will reveal the windshield frames condition.

[Peter G.]

Re: 1973 Numbers

Steve..I remember on the '73 some missing VIN #s. VIN #s 25k-30k. They were either lost or stolen or damaged. VIN stamping continued after 30-34k. Look up maybe in the Archives?

Sorry, I am not exactly sure of this info, but it good be a big deal. Lyle would know about this.

[Michael W.]

Re: 1973 Numbers

VIN tags 424001 through 428000 incl. were lost.

[Harmon C.]

Re: 1973 Numbers

We may have some new information why the 73 VINs 424001-428000 were not used. I seen a 73 with a VIN just before 24001 about one day and the stamping was not nice and straight as we usally see them. Anyone with a 73 built after 423500 and before 424001 could help us learn more about the VINs to see if they could have got so bad they had to scrap the missing numbers.

[Robert R.]

Re: 1973 Numbers

Lyle,
Mine is: 42835 and looks straight.
Would you like a picture?
Bob