Matching numbers

[bob duffer]

How do i tell if my 34 Buick has the original engine? Is the VIN number somewhere on the engine?

[bobj49f2]

At least on the '37 I've had the number is on the passenger side of the block, somewhere near the starter. At least that's where I think I remember it being.

[Ben Bruce aka First Born]

How do i tell if my 34 Buick has the original engine? Is the VIN number somewhere on the engine?

No. The ENGINE number is stamped on a pad near the distributor. It has nothing to do with the SERIAL number[frame number] in Buicks.

Ben

[1939_Buick]

There is no such thing as "matching numbers" on pre war Buicks

You have

- chassis frame number

- engine number

- body number (on the data plate)

There is no documentation to know what was assembled with each other. The late Dave C could estimate the date of the engine number and chassis production, so give an opinion as to if they were likely be original. Sadly this data is no longer available.

VIN's as we know them today did not start until the 1950's.

Edited February 15, 2015 by 1939_buick (see edit history)

[sean1997]

First year the car serial number and engine serial number match for Buick is 1957.

[hidden_hunter]

probably the other way to find out if you're car has it's original parts is to try and find the original registration - I know here they recording chassis number and engines on that

[1967 - 1997 Riviera]

There is no such thing as "matching numbers" on pre war Buicks

You have

- chassis frame number

- engine number

- body number (on the data plate)

There is no documentation to know what was assembled with each other. The late Dave C could estimate the date of the engine number and chassis production, so give an opinion as to if they were likely be original. Sadly this data is no longer available.

VIN's as we know them today did not start until the 1950's.

If I understand what you are saying, the late Mr. Dave Corbin researched the numbers provided to him by a car's owner and provided an approximate date(s) of manufacture of the car and/or when an engine was made. If I recall, he did this from some original Buick production record books in his possession. Does enyone know what became of these record books after his passing? Would it be possible for another Buick Club member to continue this valuble service?