Vin numbers

[jck]

A friend has a 69 GTX that has the whole vin number stamped on the block. RS23 XXXXX. Have you seen this before and why?

[Cuda Cody]

Yes, it was common for a brief period that the factory stamped the complete VIN's in the blocks and trans.  Not on E-Bodies, but for a few months they did in on 69 model years.  There was new legislation being passed about stamping the Motor and Trans with an identification number and Mopar was trying to comply.  They started in 1968 by hand stamping the VIN on the top of the bellhousing area in the rear of the engine and matching area on the trans.  Then in 1969 they started casting VIN pads on the engine and trans lower down on the engine so it was easier to read when installed in a vehicle.  They must have figured out that they did not need the complete VIN at some point because them stopped stamping the full vin and just put the year, factory, and 6 digit VIN identification (what we see on all E-Bodies).   

[jck]

Thanks