Possible Purchase

[dutch]

Kurt...

What's your opinion of my theory that there could have been some form of batch assembly of similar engines early in the '68 model year not unlike the process distributors went through? 
Is what I see here just a huge coincidence in that the assembly dating on this block is exactly the same as a few other Z2/8 cars I've seen built roughly in the same timeframe and if not is there more to this story?

Thanks - Randy

[KurtS]

All components were built in batches.
The component plants (engine, alt, dist, you name it) would switch over to a given part # and produce X number per the production schedule. All part #'s had an associated BOM (bill of materials) that stated what subcomponents need to be in the assembly and the changeover would would make sure these subcomponents were used in the build and the proper part # stamped on the part.

[dutch]

Thanks Kurt, I didn't realize that - interesting - I knew about the alternators and distributors but didn't realize it applied further..
Guess it makes sense considering what it would take to prepare for one specific engine assembly routine and its necessary parts, verses another - like a grouping of 327 / 215 hp 2 barrel engines to the next which could be 327 / 275 4 barrel variants with different pistons, intake, cam, and carb etc..
Back then it must have been a factory logistical nightmare with so many more options available to customers with often only subtle differences between them, compared to today's limited powertrain choices where everything seems to be lumped into 1 or 2 option packages with almost no variablity...
No wonder often we often hear about mismatched engine components or options from back then.

[JohnZ]

  Guess it makes sense considering what it would take to prepare for one specific engine assembly routine and its necessary parts, verses another - like a grouping of 327 / 215 hp 2 barrel engines to the next which could be 327 / 275 4 barrel variants with different pistons, intake, cam, and carb etc..

The engine plants each built 300 engines per hour, 16-20 hours per day, and on any given day it wasn't unusual for them to build 20-40 different suffix codes, as they served both passenger car and truck plants. Procurement and Production Control at that volume and with that kind of constantly-changing variety and complexity WAS a miracle.

[dutch]

Truly done on an amazing scale - Thanks John for the info..

Randy

[KurtS]

The plant also had to deal with the oddball low-volume jobs too, where they might only run a few - L89's and export engines come to mind.

[69houdini]

Thanks for your opinions, I'm going forward with it, is there any other issues or concerns i might be overlooking?

[69houdini]

Hi X66 714 your reply is appreciated and noted, the '68 01C build fender emblem s/b 302 and not Z28. The Z28 fender emblem came out in March '69 correct? Also this is a J2 paint code which is Rallye Green with Black Vinyl Top. Is there any way I can tell what color the stripes should be? There is a copy of the POP imprint. Is there a specific code for white or black stripes?

[bertfam]

The Z28 fender emblem came out in March '69 correct?

I think you probably meant March of 1968, and you are correct. And Rally Green would have come with white stripes.

JB, would it be possible to get a scan of your POP for out database? My email address is in my signature to the left.

Thanks
Ed

[69houdini]

Ed, yes I will scan it and get it to you in a couple weeks and yes I meant '68 March. Thanks, JB

[vtfb68]

JB,
 Good luck on the purchase, Hope to see it at the shows in a few months. I know a guy in Lawndale that picks and polishes trim if needed for your wheel moulding.
    Victor

[69houdini]

Thanks Victor, we'll talk later so I can get the info.

[x66 714]

In refference to the z/28 emblems, I have strong evidence that L.A. cars were changed 5th week of February. So far I have one car that left with 302 emblems & 3 that left with z/28 emblems.....all 02E L.A........Joe

[fireZ]

My 02E  LA car has 302 emblems on it. Original owner said he always thought about putting the Z28 ones on but never did.

[x66 714]

Yep, Your is the one with 302 emblems. I know of three more 02E cars that have z/28 emblems originally. Their VINs are newer than yours which would make sense. LA must've made the change during the last 4 days of the month (leap year)