Identification Numbers
Short answer: “Numbers matching” means the body and its drivetrain (engine/trans/axle) are the original parts that left the line together, verified by VIN, part/casting numbers, and date codes. Here’s what each number on the car means:
- VIN: 13-digit, assigned at Fisher Body before Final Assembly; encodes division, series, model, year, plant, engine (V-8/6-cyl) plus a 5-digit serial. On a tag at the top LH dash; from 1968 also stamped (minus series/model) on the engine block and manual trans case, plus “hidden VINs” on frame/cowl/trunk gutter.
- Body Number: Fisher Body’s consecutive build number, on the trim tag and Broadcast Sheet (2–5 digits). No consistent pattern vs. the VIN. (1968 plants: LOR = Lordstown, LOS = Van Nuys.)
- Engine Unit Number: 6 digits on the front RH face of the block (V-8s start with 2, 6-cyls with 6). A tracking number, also on the Billing History and Protecto-Plate; no sequential tie to the VIN.
- Identification Number: 6 digits, on the Broadcast Sheet and bottom of the Window Sticker; trends higher with the VIN but isn’t directly sequential to it.
- Sequence Number: 3 digits, Broadcast Sheet only; plant scheduling, no tie to other numbers.
- Invoice Number: 6 digits preceded by a letter; billing only, on the Billing History.
- Casting / Part Numbers: on most cast parts (block, heads, manifolds, timing covers, transmission, axle housing) — usually the part number, sometimes an assembly.
- Date-Coded Parts: many parts carry a cast/stamped date (e.g., engine “L227” = Dec 22, 1967 — and yes, “I” was used in 1968). A part should date before the body (trim-tag date), ideally within a month or so. Dated parts include the engine, heads, manifolds, carb, alternator, starter, transmission, axle, glass, shocks, gauges, tachs, clocks, shifters, fan, master cylinder, mirrors, water pump, distributor, mufflers, brake drums, calipers, and steering box.
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Content last modified: June 13, 2026 at 10:06 am
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