63 main case date stamp

[Joe T.]

I have a May 25 built 1963 coupe. I found a trans case cast number 3831704 with side cover 3831707. The date code is P0515. This code is stamped just under the side cover on the machined part of the main case. Does this stamp location mean anything? Would it make sense to put this cover in my car? I currently have a 64 trans in the car( I have the correct 421 bellhousing and 383731 tail.) Thanks Joe

[Bob R.]

Re: 63 main case date stamp

All the Muncie transmissions are stamped in that location. When the cars are judged they do not check the date on the transmissions so the exact date might not be that immportant to you however the date you found looks to be fine for your car. The 421 bellhousing has a small opening for the retainer if someone installed a 64 transmission and used the 421 bellhousing they either altered the transmission and installed a small retainer on it or they altered the bellhousing to allow the larger retainer to fit. You won't know until you take the transmission down. You will have to use the small retainer on the 1704 main case. 63 is the only year for the small retainer.

[Wayne M.]

Re: 63 main case date stamp

All the Muncie transmissions are stamped in that location. .

Well, all '63 and '64 Muncies are (lower rear machined corner of shifter side cover opening); starting in 1965, stamped on rear maincase vertical flange on passenger side.

BTW, Joe --- the '64 maincase you now have in your car; is it a 3851325 with "Pat. Pend.", or does it have the patent number ?

[Joe T.]

Re: 63 main case date stamp

it is the 3851325, I'm not sure about the patent pending and the car is not on the lift right now, for soome reason I wrote down 3840383 but I can't remember if that is the patent number or some other number. If you would like that info I can look again when the car goes back on the lift. the date on the case is P0126.This is stamped on the vertical flange so maybe it is a 65 case?

[Wayne M.]

Re: 63 main case date stamp

it is the 3851325, I'm not sure about the patent pending and the car is not on the lift right now, for soome reason I wrote down 3840383 but I can't remember if that is the patent number or some other number. If you would like that info I can look again when the car goes back on the lift. the date on the case is P0126.This is stamped on the vertical flange so maybe it is a 65 case?

Joe -- the 3840343 is the bellhousing casting number. I was curious about the Pat.Pend. because my many examples (off eBay) seem to indicate that the (full) Patent number was added on the '325' sometime around December 1963 or Jan '64. So you might find either version, given your Jan 26th 1964 assembly stamping.

OOps ... just re-read your post. Yes, this is a '65 case (if vertical flange on passenger side). Will definitely have the patent #.