68 R/T 4 speed stampings

[Voss]

Hi,

Going into the engine/trans numbers for a 4 speed -68 Charger led me to some questions.

1) Now, the early -68:s didn't have the partial VIN stamped on the block. Is that also true for early -68:s 4 speed transmission casings? Or were the transmission case always stamped at the raised pad?

2) Is it possible to put some kind of reasonable date where they actually did started to stamp the VIN for the -68:s?

3) Assume you have the build sheet and everything in place. Having a block casting date and engine assembly date before the scheduled production date is the best you can reach when it comes to matching numbers, right? Of course, many other parts can be checked as well for date codes and correct part #. The engine assembly date can be found at the machined pad in front of the intake, but I've heard of another position at the bottom passenger side. Can anyone clarify or confirm this?

Thanks!

[Dans 68]

Hi,

Going into the engine/trans numbers for a 4 speed -68 Charger led me to some questions.

1) Now, the early -68:s didn't have the partial VIN stamped on the block. Is that also true for early -68:s 4 speed transmission casings? Or were the transmission case always stamped at the raised pad?

2) Is it possible to put some kind of reasonable date where they actually did started to stamp the VIN for the -68:s?

3) Assume you have the build sheet and everything in place. Having a block casting date and engine assembly date before the scheduled production date is the best you can reach when it comes to matching numbers, right? Of course, many other parts can be checked as well for date codes and correct part #. The engine assembly date can be found at the machined pad in front of the intake, but I've heard of another position at the bottom passenger side. Can anyone clarify or confirm this?

Thanks!

1)  As far as I know if the 4-speed transmission was stamped with a partial vin it would be on the raised pad, and nowhere else.

2) I would guess Oct/Nov/Dec 1967. You have to realize that there is no precise date on when the engines and transmissions started being stamped. My '68 has the 4-speed transmission stamped and has a SPD of Dec 26th, but there are other cars assembled later that do not have partial vins stamped on either the engine or transmission.

3) Other casting dates/stampings can help with regards to determining if the assembly is date correct. Others will have to speak to a bottom passenger side machined pad.


Dan

[bull]

It's very difficult for me to use the words "always" and "never" when it comes to '68s. Moreso early in the year.

In the case of my January '68 4 speed car, the transmission is clearly stamped on the pad and yet I have no bellhousing stamps.