VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1961-1964 Decoding 1962 235 in C10

Hello Group,

I have a 1962 LWB C10 stepside for which I am currently in the throes of a frame off restoration. The motor ran like a top before I took the whole thing apart. Of course, I'd like to determine if it is indeed the original motor.

The casting number on the side of the block seems to be a good sign. It is 3739716, which seems to indicate a 58-62 235. So far, so good. THere is a code also stamped on the landing near the distributor and I'd like to know how to "decode" this. THere seems to be alot of good info on the web for the older 235's (pre 1958), but very little for 1960 and onwards. Can someone please tell me how to decode these numbers and also what other codes I would need to find/decipher to tell definitively if the motor is original to the truck.

THanks in advance!!

Mark

There is no way to determine if the engine is original to that truck. The number will detrermine if it is a 235 truck engine for that year.

Hey Chevgene,

Very interesting. I was under the impression that there would be a partial VIN code also stamped on the landing area near the distributor. At least, that's how I believe the older motors were identified. Still, do you have any input regarding how to decode the information that is there (by the distributor)?

The engine number stamped into the ledge behind the distributor will provide the following info-

If first letter is an F the engine was made in Flint, If a T it was made in Tonawonda,N.Y.
The next number or numbers indicates the month made, 1 for Jan ,11 for Nov.,etc
The next two numbers indiacte the day of the month, 12 would be the 12th day, etc.
The last letter is the application for the engine, such as 1/2 through 1 ton truck, etc.
J = 235 with 3 speed
JC = 235 with heavy duty clutch
JF = 235 with Hydramatic.
These numbers were used from 1958 and up and do not indicate a year.
The will be various rasied numbers on the right side of the block. If you find like aan A 2 would indicate a Jan 1962 casting date for an example.

Dear Chevnut,

Thanks so much for the information. The code on the ledge behind the distributor reads, "F0922J". The J makes sense as the truck is a 1/2 ton with a 235 and 3 speed on the tree, and the rest you have explained nicely. I will look and see if I can find the year stamp on teh right side, as you indicated. Thanks again!

Mark