[jocko]

In the grand scheme of things, on these trucks - VINs can be cross-checked and verified that they represent the truck one is looking at, but engines and transmissions, etc can really only be dis-proven as original. That's not so bad, if you're not trying to fool anyone as a seller, and just like the trucks because they are your style as a buyer, then I'm glad it doesn't get too sticky over the whole numbers matching thing. Where it DOES come into consideration is when one is talking about the closest a 67-72 can get to being a blue chip original, as in a 72 swb 402 super, and things like that - when paying high dollar at BJ's one better be able to at least confirm the numbers that CAN be proven as correct all line up - and that the drivetrain at least can't be dis-proven. I think that's where the general discussion on here tends to go - disproval of originality since that is possible (and common) as opposed to proving exact originality, incl drivetrain, which is darn near impossible. Personally, I enjoy deciphering a truck's history, but it doesn't mean I don't want one that isn't "original". I have one 72 with a GM crate and one with a swapped 350 from Lord knows what. Would I rather have the known original engine - yes, if it hadn't been bored twice already, but still, I'm just fine with my run of the mill mills.