decode the stamp pad

[roadster601@aol.com]

OK now before everyone goes nuts i dont know where to find this info, is there a decoding section at tri five to decode my engine stamp pad and body tag thanks...

[BamaNomad]

Danchuk has a section in their catalog (Sec 17) which gives most of the original specification data for our cars. You should be able to find it there since you want to look it up yourself.. :)

https://www.danchuk.com/images/Downloads/Catalog/2020-Catalog-37/17-Original-Specs.pdf

PS. MOST of the vendors maintain such sections (probably to help their sales people more than helping their customers).. :)

If you can't find what you're looking for, then hit us with your detailed questions.. :)

[roadster601@aol.com]

Danchuk has a section in their catalog (Sec 17) which gives most of the original specification data for our cars. You should be able to find it there since you want to look it up yourself.. :)

https://www.danchuk.com/images/Downloads/Catalog/2020-Catalog-37/17-Original-Specs.pdf

PS. MOST of the vendors maintain such sections (probably to help their sales people more than helping their customers).. :)

If you can't find what you're looking for, then hit us with your detailed questions.. :)

hello bama is there a way to decode the engine stamp pad # 02943I2T55FB the engine is a 55 265 4 barrel TY

[567chevys]

Here is one from this site

http://www.trifivechevys.com/calculators/VINCowlTagDecoder.htm

Sid

[567chevys]

Another one from this site


http://www.trifivechevys.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=8374&d=1519397744

Thanks Sid

[BamaNomad]

hello bama is there a way to decode the engine stamp pad # 02943I2T55FB the engine is a 55 265 4 barrel TY

Yes, The first V8s (1955) were a little different than later, as

1) the first set of numbers (0294312) is a sequence number for the engine (think of it as the 'engine serial number'). In a few states, this stamping was used as the vehicle serial number on the title, as VIN plates were new at the time.

The remainder of the engine stamping is more consistent with later years.

2) The 'T' means the engine was assembled at the GM Tonawanda (NY) engine plant.
3) '55' is of course the model year.
4) and the suffix 'FB' indicates a 4-bbl, 205 hp 265 ci, driving a Powerglide trans in the Passenger car.

[roadster601@aol.com]

Yes, The first V8s (1955) were a little different than later, as

1) the first set of numbers (0294312) is a sequence number for the engine (think of it as the 'engine serial number'). In a few states, this stamping was used as the vehicle serial number on the title, as VIN plates were new at the time.

The remainder of the engine stamping is more consistent with later years.

2) The 'T' means the engine was assembled at the GM Tonawanda (NY) engine plant.
3) '55' is of course the model year.
4) and the suffix 'FB' indicates a 4-bbl, 205 hp 265 ci, driving a Powerglide trans in the Passenger car.


lou here, bama on my vin is C55T084072, I read on the vin plate if the number set up should begin with a letter V for v8 if no letter it was a six cylinder or did it vary from state to state..

[Rick_L]

There is an engine number as described above and a VIN on the body. They are different, but every original car had both.

Bama's comment was about which of these is on the title.

[roadster601@aol.com]

There is an engine number as described above and a VIN on the body. They are different, but every original car had both.

Bama's comment was about which of these is on the title.

hello C55T084072 is on the title, OK so a NEW question could this be a 6 cylinder #, so i read a the letter V would be for a 8 and no letter would be a 6 is this true cross the board... Ty

as always thanks

[roadster601@aol.com]

[QUOTE=roadster601@aol.com;57049]hello C55T084072 is on the title, OK so a NEW question could this be a 6 cylinder #, so i read a the letter V would be for a 8 and no letter would be a 6 is this true cross the board.now the engine#02943I2T55FB any help...Ty

[roadster601@aol.com]

[QUOTE=roadster601@aol.com;57049]hello C55T084072 is on the title, OK so a NEW question could this be a 6 cylinder #, so i read a the letter V would be for a 8 and no letter would be a 6 is this true cross the board.now the engine#02943I2T55FB any help...Ty

not trying to be a pain just like to know i have the correct engine in the car guys thanks

[BamaNomad]

Based on the VIN you provided, and assuming that is the correct original VIN for the car, it originally came with a 6-cylinder engine (No 'V' preceding the trim level code). Your trim level code (C) indicates your car was built as a BelAir (with a 6 cylinder engine). Apparently someone replaced the original 6 cylinder engine with a V8 (and the V8 they installed is a correct 1955 V8 engine.

What are your plans for the car? what body style is it? We love hearing details and seeing photos of new member's cars... :)

[roadster601@aol.com]

Based on the VIN you provided, and assuming that is the correct original VIN for the car, it originally came with a 6-cylinder engine (No 'V' preceding the trim level code). Your trim level code (C) indicates your car was built as a BelAir (with a 6 cylinder engine). Apparently someone replaced the original 6 cylinder engine with a V8 (and the V8 they installed is a correct 1955 V8 engine.

What are your plans for the car? what body style is it? We love hearing details and seeing photos of new member's cars... :)
well i thought so well judging would be out as far as originality, its a convertible gypsy red and white.
thanks again

[BamaNomad]

Roadster: There's not many (if any?) organizations which do a detailed judging of our trifives any longer. AACA still judges all antique car models (including ours), but with so many different cars it's impossible for anyone to be familiar with minute details of all of them (or perhaps even any of them?).. If you progressed thru local AACA, then to regional and finally to National AACA competition in judging, there are likely to be persons familiar enough to deduct points for the 'incorrect' engine, but you'd also GET many points for the correct aspects of your 1955 V8 engine.


That said, my suggestion for you would be to choose "What you want'"...

1) If you want an absolutely factory original car, and Want to do the learning/work necessary to convert your car back to absolute factory originality, and you can afford the cost, and time, then do so. The downside of that approach is.. IF the persons who converted your convertible to a V8 also made 'other' changes to be consistent with that, then the job is not going to be an easy one.

2) IF you LIKE the car the way it is (wtih a V8), then keep it that way. If you want that 'Original' look, then keep/maintain it that way (just as if a V8 came in your car). It already has a 1955 V8 engine in it (and I assume lots of other items to be consistent with that). I suspect you could take it to ANY LOCAL/REGIONAL car show and represent it as 'original' and very few if any persons would examine the VIN plate closely enough to say to you that it had the 'wrong engine' in it... And it's probably worth more $$ with the V8 in it, even if it originally came with a 235 ci engine.

Bottom line: It's YOUR car, so build it for yourself... and those of us here will be very willing to help you in the details and making decisions etc... Good luck!

[roadster601@aol.com]

Roadster: There's not many (if any?) organizations which do a detailed judging of our trifives any longer. AACA still judges all antique car models (including ours), but with so many different cars it's impossible for anyone to be familiar with minute details of all of them (or perhaps even any of them?).. If you progressed thru local AACA, then to regional and finally to National AACA competition in judging, there are likely to be persons familiar enough to deduct points for the 'incorrect' engine, but you'd also GET many points for the correct aspects of your 1955 V8 engine.


That said, my suggestion for you would be to choose "What you want'"...

1) If you want an absolutely factory original car, and Want to do the learning/work necessary to convert your car back to absolute factory originality, and you can afford the cost, and time, then do so. The downside of that approach is.. IF the persons who converted your convertible to a V8 also made 'other' changes to be consistent with that, then the job is not going to be an easy one.

2) IF you LIKE the car the way it is (wtih a V8), then keep it that way. If you want that 'Original' look, then keep/maintain it that way (just as if a V8 came in your car). It already has a 1955 V8 engine in it (and I assume lots of other items to be consistent with that). I suspect you could take it to ANY LOCAL/REGIONAL car show and represent it as 'original' and very few if any persons would examine the VIN plate closely enough to say to you that it had the 'wrong engine' in it... And it's probably worth more $$ with the V8 in it, even if it originally came with a 235 ci engine.

Bottom line: It's YOUR car, so build it for yourself... and those of us here will be very willing to help you in the details and making decisions etc... Good luck!
i did the Corvette ncrs thing for 10 years was president of our club so i know what your saying about originality and the cost, i agree with with every thing you said. i did many cars and and tried to get them pretty perfect so ill look forward.
bama thanks for that i was bummed out before, got caught up in the beauty of the car. for me will go to local shows to be honest just feel i been had, i been doing Restoration work for 40 years it is time to finish my car when i get done ill try to figure how to post pictures again bama and all Ty