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69 Camaro L89 Automatic

1.7K views 13 replies 5 participants last post by  Kurt S  
#1 ·
All:

I need some help with a decode. I have what appears to be an original L89 block that does not appear to be a restamp. It has broach marks and the guy i got it from has had it over 30 years. The block is a 69 3955272 4 bolt main block that is standard bore. The casting date on the side of the block is A-11-9. This implies Jan 11, 1969. Now here is the strange parts that I need decode with. The partial VIN for the block is a Los Angeles VIN that begins with 511xxx. Based on the VIN decoding I am finding on the internet the car should have been built Dec of 68. How could this be, when the block was not cast until a month later. The second anomaly that I need help with is the assembly date stamped on the pad of the block. It is T0425JM. Again, how could the VIN be in Dec of 68 when the block was stamped April of 69? Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

D
 
#8 ·
Partial VIN is a problem.....and should be more than that. I've seen this before.....parts stamped that are destined for a vehicle 2 weeks out because it's been ordered from the dealer. Typically there is a vin already matched to the engine upon ordering.

Saw some judges and a car owner get into a heated discussion about the possibility of his cowl hood not actually being available--too early for the car........

Can you upload a picture of T0425JM?
 
#12 ·
I will check the pad above oil filter to see if VIN is stamped there. Again, if this was a restamp, why would they pay for broach marks and to stamp it wrong? VIN is Dec 68 and Pad shows assembly April 69. I would think if someone paid $1000 for restamp they would at least have it correct for their car. Thoughts?
 
#13 ·
I would think if someone paid $1000 for restamp they would at least have it correct for their car. Thoughts?
Some people aren't fully "aware" of what it all takes to restamp things to make them "match" their car. And even more aren't able to distinguish a restamp from an original stamp. Pretty common for guys to grab a stamp kit off the shelf and stamp their blocks and transmissions. Experts like Kurt can spot them a mile away, but not your average Joe.