Best publication for deciphering date codes

[Gary V.]

For a C3 (1969 specifically) what is the best publication to acquire to decipher component date codes ?

Also, could someone tell me what this transmission code translates to ?

P9R038 (it is the original transmission, has the partial VIN # also).

Thanks

Viz

[William C.]

Re: Best publication for deciphering date codes

P=Muncie Plant
9=1969 Model Year
R=Month date code, October
03 should be the day of the month, I have no reference for the last "8" but would assume it is the calender year date.

A very good source for this type of information is the '68-82 Corvette spec guide, available from the NCRS store.

[Tom H.]

Re: Best publication for deciphering date codes

Corvette by the numbers. Written by Alan Colvin is a very good book too. Almost 600 pages of photos and charts of parts from 55 to 82.

[Gary V.]

Re: Best publication for deciphering date codes

Thank you both !!!

BTW, the car was built October 1969 (body October 18th), so I too am not sure what the last "8" means.

[Terry M.]

Re: Best publication for deciphering date codes

Thank you both !!!

BTW, the car was built October 1969 (body October 18th), so I too am not sure what the last "8" means.

It might be a "B" Take another look with a good light.

[Gary V.]

Re: Best publication for deciphering date codes

It might be a "B" Take another look with a good light.

Yep, that's it Terry, a "B". Sorry for the confusion. What does the "B" mean ?

Gary

[Terry M.]

Re: Best publication for deciphering date codes

Well now I have to work from memory -- which on this point sucks. And I don't have reference material at work.

It tells you if it is close ratio M22, wide ratio M20 or HD M21 -- but I can' t remember which is A, B or C. But someone else will tell us soon enough.

BTW: I know the answer for this and other date codes is in the TIM&JG, but the lay-out of these manuals is designed for judging and not for checking numbers. Finding what you want can be a bit of a chore if you are not following the judging score sheets. After years of doing it, finding the reference you want becomes easier, and the wealth of information in there is worth the chore of finding it -- but then i am a little biased about the TIM&JG.

[Tom H.]

Re: Best publication for deciphering date codes

The "B" is for the 2.20:1 Close Ratio. "A" was for 2.52:1 Wide Ratio and "C" was for the 2.20:1 M22 Close Ratio

[Gary V.]

Re: Best publication for deciphering date codes

....BTW: I know the answer for this and other date codes is in the TIM&JG, but the lay-out of these manuals is designed for judging and not for checking numbers.....

Thanks Terry. My TIM&JG hasn't arrived yet, but I'll look that over as well as the other pubs recommended (and to be ordered).

The "B" is for the 2.20:1 Close Ratio. "A" was for 2.52:1 Wide Ratio and "C" was for the 2.20:1 M22 Close Ratio

Thanks Tom !!

Gary

[Jack C.]

Re: Best publication for deciphering date codes

Welcome to the club.

[Gary V.]

Re: Best publication for deciphering date codes

Welcome to the club.

Thanks Jack ! And, thanks for your help offline too, it's appreciated !

Gary