NUMBERS (Part 1 of 4)
This truck came to me without the benefit (or detriment) of prior owners’ input or documented history. As I’ve been working on it, I’ve recorded information that provides clues to its origin, production date, and degree of originality. I’m not a stickler for originality, but it’s interesting to discover the story that all the various numbers on the vehicle can tell me. As the codes are deciphered, a clearer picture of the history of the truck emerges.
I’ve had some practice at this. The "numbers match" thing is a big deal in the Vette world, and as the owner of a Sting Ray since 1987, I’ve dug through a lot of numbers on it. It would be nice if there were an acknowledged authoritative source on originality for classic Chevy trucks (like Nolan Adams on Vettes), but there doesn’t seem to be. I read somewhere that a lot of GM documents about these trucks were destroyed in a fire so that could explain it ( urban myth or fact ? source info on the fire anyone ? ).
Most of the modifications to the truck that I’ve found are attached to the original engine block (ignition, carb, manifolds, heads, and headers, see Post #16, above). I’ve only included items here that first looked to me like factory original parts with coded information.
Where you see "Ref." Below, I have given the source of my information.
Odometer reading: 21880.7
Hmm. How many times has it rolled over ? Anyone’s guess, I’ll never know for sure. I’d like to think only once. When I get into the engine I’ll have a better take on this.
First sold by Gene Harvey Chevrolet, American Fork, UT according to the dealer sticker on the tailgate.
Serial number on cab nameplate: CE249S816458
---C = 4x2
---E = V8 gas
---2 = 3/4 ton
---4 = Pickup with Cab and Bed
---9 = 1969
---S = St. Louis
---816458 = serial number
Serial number on frame: 9S816458
SPID
Service Parts Identification V.I.N. CE249S816458 W/BASE 127
OPTION NO. DESCRIPTION
MODEL = CE20934
4BX2BB.....BODY SIDE MOLDING-W
4C60HF.....AIR CONDITIONING-AL
4LS9KA.....350 CU. IN. V-8 ENG
4N40GD.....POWER STEERING
4U63NA.....RADIO-PUSH BUTTON
4Z62BC.....CUST-COMF&APPEAR EQ
4A11CA.....TINTED GLASS
4B85AB.....BODY SIDE MOLDING
4G50DA.....HEAVY DUTY REAR SPR
4M49TD.....TURBO HYDRA-MATIC
4P03CA.....CHROMED HUBCAPS
4Z53EQ.....AMMETER- OIL GAUGE
4555AD.....WHITE/SADDLE