Date Code ?

[Beavis]

Does anyone have a block for sale?

What should I expect to pay for a date block for the car?

 

[moparnation74]

Given that the basic design of the block is the same but the 78 is structurally stronger, the 78. The date on the block is irrelevant as neither is original. I would not pay more because the 69 block is a close but no cigar 69.

There is no question you have a valid point and we all understand what you are saying.

The market of these particular cars says different...and that will not change.....The buyers would pay less for an A12 with a 78 block in it and that is a given....the same car with a date correct block would command more...The sellers, buyers and auctions have proven that repeatedly!

 

[PurpleBeeper]

Does anyone have a block for sale?

What should I expect to pay for a date block for the car?

I'm guessing in the $400-$500 range for a block, regardless of the year. It just might take you a little longer to find a "date correct" late '68/'69 block.

 

[Beavis]

my build date is 4/26 im looking at a block thats 4/18. is that to close to the build date ??

 

[dieseldazzle]

my build date is 4/26 im looking at a block thats 4/18. is that to close to the build date ??

That'll work.

 

[Beavis]

thats not to close to the build date ?

 

[moparnation74]

8 days prior will work....

 

[69Coronetrt]

my build date is 4/26 im looking at a block thats 4/18. is that to close to the build date ??

A12s only had two SPDs: 329 and 426. An A12 with an SPD with 426 could have been built anytime between mid April to early July. You need to narrow down the most likely assembly date before you look for or buy a block.

 

[brad 66]

I thought date correct only made a difference pre 68 when there were no numbers matching

 

[dieseldazzle]

I thought date correct only made a difference pre 68 when there were no numbers matching

It does but the trend with higher dollar or rarer machinery that's original engine is long gone, is to try to make it date code correct kinda like the next best thing to the actual numbers matching motor

 

[NJRR]

There are multiple levels of restoring a car, all dependent on your goal, budget, time frame, ability to get parts and whether it's for personal enjoyment or resale. Once you clarify these things for yourself the decision becomes easier.

In my situation, I bought a restored 70 RR. It was a numbers matching engine, but not matching 727 tranny. Also, the guy who did the restoration added an air grabber hood, bucket seats (was bench originally) and go wing. All of those were offered as options for the 70, so they were "correct" for the car although not original. I actually wanted a 4 speed when I was looking but fell in love with this car so I bought it. Fast forward 5+ years, I want the 4 speed. I decided to convert it since the car was no longer original as built anyhow. However, I wanted to keep it "correct" , so I bought a date correct A833, the correct aluminum bell housing, pistol grip shifter, boot, etc. So in the end, I got the car I wanted and it is date correct, i.e. it could have been ordered that way from the factory. Is it worth more than a non-date correct 70 RR? Probably not, however, it is also not as rare as an A12 car. The point is, YOU have to decide your goals and how far you want to go with your build and the limitations you run into. Whatever you decide, an A12 is an awesome kickass car. Enjoy the build and enjoy the ride !!!!!

 

[69Coronetrt]

I thought date correct only made a difference pre 68 when there were no numbers matching

Pre 68 there is no way to prove a date coded engine didn't come in the car as there is no VIN to tie to the body. Due to extensive variables, I don't believe credible comparables exist in 69 and later sales that definitively prove date correct is a signicant factor is pricing.

 

[Beavis]

I have the build sheet. It's 4/26

 

[Beavis]

I have an opportunity to buy this block. He says it's out of an A12 RR. This is the vin#

Is it possible? It's complete except the intake and flywheel. What's the most I should pay for it?

 

[moparnation74]

Pre 68 there is no way to prove a date coded engine didn't come in the car as there is no VIN to tie to the body. Due to extensive variables, I don't believe credible comparables exist in 69 and later sales that definitively prove date correct is a signicant factor is pricing.

Sales HAVE proven where the market stands. That is it and if the owner wants to be happy in his mind of being more correct in his mind...So be it...

Your "I don't Believe" means you really do not know...you are justifying your earlier point with no factual proof other than an opinion...

 

[69Coronetrt]

I have the build sheet. It's 4/26

As stated above, A12 cars only have two SPDs; 329 and 426. A better indicator on actual production date for an A12 car seems to be the date code on the K member. You can also compare the VIN to non A12 cars to do a close approximation of assembly. For your purposes, that might be close enough.

 

[69Coronetrt]

View attachment 407401 View attachment 407402 I have an opportunity to buy this block. He says it's out of an A12 RR. This is the vin#

Is it possible? It's complete except the intake and flywheel. What's the most I should pay for it?

A 207 VIN is way too early to be from an A12 car. The earliest A12 RR VINs are in the 246 range. The approximate SPD for that VIN would be about 110. That's likely at least 3 months ahead of an A12 with a 426 SPD.

 

[Beavis]

you sure its not 267 not 207

i think its 267

 

[69Coronetrt]

A 267 VIN would be out of a Belvedere based car meaning it's out of a GTX or A12 RR. Approximate SPD of 506.

 

[Beavis]

So it could be an A12 motor?