Matching numbers?

[turbo39151]

I was just curious about matching numbers...

When you match the numbers are you looking at the : vin, engine block, trans, and frame? (or is there more)?

Are these numbers supposed to be the last few numbers of the vin or how does it work?

I ask because I was under a tr yesterday and wiped the LH side of the trans housing (it was all grimy and I was doing a trans mount). Anyway, I wiped the grime and on the side of the bellhousing it said Hydromatic and below that there was a number several digits long (can't remember how ong exactly). I read off the VIN and none of the numbers seemed to jive. Maybe I'm reading it wrong?

Can someone post pics of the locations as well?

 

[turbofish38]

Numbers matching usually means that the car has the original engine and transmission. On our cars the VIN is stamped on the engine block and trans case. On the engine it will be just the last 8 digits. The full VIN is stamped on the transmission. There is a flat spot on the left side of the case on the pan rail. Sounds like you were pulling the trans number off the ID tag. Checking the frame VIN is worthless IMO. You cant read it with the tub on the frame and its only the last 6 digits anyway. Here is a thread that shows those two locations.

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/general-turbo-buick-tech/208952-vin-numbers.html

 

[supercoupe5]

here is the thread on it i posted last week. good pics on it too. dave

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/general-turbo-buick-tech/208952-vin-numbers.html

 

[turbo39151]

Thanks for the info.

Another question:

If you do a complete "frame-off" style restoration, What is acceptable to replace or must every component be original? (ie: engine internals, etc.)

Please bear with the newbie questions but I may be getting a project Big Block Chevelle this summer (yes it's numbers matching) It needs a full resto and was curious about the "nazi's" who complain that everything is not exactly as was intended from the factory or at least per the tags on the car... (I'll probably be doing a frame- off T Type as well)... So just figured I'd better ask than to start "upgrading" odds and ends and end up with less value but the same amount of work.