hello, what a great site and i finally registerd after reading all of the great posts for the past few years . i have been into a frame off for over 2 years on my 66 ss and something has always eluded me and i hope that someone can help.
on my cowl tag there is a # 8 stamped into the tag
just above and to the left of where the word body appears, can anyone help? it is not pressed out like the rest of the cowl info, the car is a 138 from the freemont facility. also any input as whether to put the l-78 under the bench for safe keeping and run a nice rat in its place or go ahead and update it with new advances and run her just as i have done to the suspension and drive train ? thanks for any help 66maxrat

I have five 66 Fremont tags and four have a hand stamped number on 'em that's readable (11, 12, 21 and 23) - usually in the upper right corner but nobody knows their meaning - yet. They aren't a uniform stamping, looks more like someone leaning over the fender and stamping each number individually like it'd be one person stamping two numbers or maybe even two different stampings along the assembly line.

See http://www.chevellestuff.com/66velle/66_trim_tags-bf.htm

If you really have one of the few L78 cars and want to drive it, I'd replace the original engine and hold it for a future restorer. Put in a nice 396/402/454 that you can live with and maybe hotrod and/or dress it up to suit your tastes.

I agree with Dale. Store the original engine somewhere safe and install another BB in it's place. Then you have nothing to worry about. ;)

Wow this is interesting because my tag is stamped too. Mine even has an extra hole in it too. Here's a pic.
http://f2.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/mg_engineering/detail?.dir=/7935&.dnm=1519.jpg

I could be wrong, but my Dad worked at the Framingham plant from 64 to 86. He use to bring home by mistake or forgetfulness these different hand punches that put these different holes is the data plate. They looked like a hand held single hole punch. I think he told me they were for each inspector that did quality control or repair inspection. Each guy had his own marking. So, either he was wrong I doubt it, or I don't remember it right. The number stamping I don't have a clue. But, I have only seen single digit numbers from Fremont.

My Alanta built 66 has a hand stamp 9 on the right upper corner

Bob Adamsky