SWB Big Block Truck - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Purs · 01-31-2003, 08:20 PM

I found a guy that has what looks like a '72 SWB Fleet with a 402. He says it's the original 400. Is there a way to tell from the vin number if the tag is not on the glovebox door? Also, the rear view mirror attaches like a 71 from the top of the cab...? I may be able to pick it up but don't want to overpay. thanks.

ckhd · 01-31-2003, 08:27 PM

The VIN will only tell you that it is a V8. Look for emission stickers on the inner fender and the radiator support.

Look at the stamping code and post it. We should be able to tell you at least if the block was original to a '71 pickup (post the VIN too so that we can decode that for you too). I think the stamping on a BB is the same as a SB - on the front of the block, on the same surface the head would bolt to on the passenger side. It will have a code like T0625TMD or something.

Getting the casting numbers off the back (on the webbing where it bolts to the tranny on the driver's side).

Look for a build sheet in the back of the seat too.

JimKshortstep4x4 · 01-31-2003, 08:54 PM

A couple of things to look at:

Big block engine mounts were different in 72 from the 71,
(motor mounts are like the later style and the towers are very different)

Original big block trucks should have a tin shield screwed to the cab on the passenger side as an exhaust shield.

Look closer at the mirror where it is mounted on the cab. The 71 cab will have a raised hump for the mirror and the 72 will not. Some guys got tired of the glued on mirrors and screwed the earlier style on.

Good luck!

Jim

**breeh** · 01-31-2003, 11:34 PM

The serial number that is stamped on the block (pad is located in the front of the passenger side head) should match the VIN tag serial number and the frame stamping as well. Take a look at this:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/Chevyear.html

Longhorn Man · 02-01-2003, 01:02 AM

Here is the raised pad Jim was refering to. On the '70 and older there was no raised portion. I kinda wonder if it isn't a truck slapped together. (Always skeptical)
Also, if an original big block, it'll have a remote mounted power steering resivour...at least, if equipped with power steering.

Downtown · 02-01-2003, 12:24 PM

If the cab was a big block cab, it will have a high hump. You can also check to see if the VIN on the cab matches the one on the frame. The VIN is on the frame on top of the frame just behind the steering box and in front of the motor.

Purs · 02-01-2003, 01:43 PM

the cab is a high hump, I will look for the remote power steering res. thanks for the responses.

01-31-2003, 08:20 PM	#1
Purs Got Big Block? Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: West Texas Posts: 1,510	SWB Big Block Truck I found a guy that has what looks like a '72 SWB Fleet with a 402. He says it's the original 400. Is there a way to tell from the vin number if the tag is not on the glovebox door? Also, the rear view mirror attaches like a 71 from the top of the cab...? I may be able to pick it up but don't want to overpay. thanks. __________________ "Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted."

01-31-2003, 08:27 PM	#2
ckhd Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: St. Johns, Arizona Posts: 2,660	The VIN will only tell you that it is a V8. Look for emission stickers on the inner fender and the radiator support. Look at the stamping code and post it. We should be able to tell you at least if the block was original to a '71 pickup (post the VIN too so that we can decode that for you too). I think the stamping on a BB is the same as a SB - on the front of the block, on the same surface the head would bolt to on the passenger side. It will have a code like T0625TMD or something. Getting the casting numbers off the back (on the webbing where it bolts to the tranny on the driver's side). Look for a build sheet in the back of the seat too. __________________ my 2¢ - t.i.o.l.i. Bowen 1968 K20 fleet 1969 K10 swb fleet 1972 K10 Suburban 1972 C10 lwb step 1992 K1500 'burb 1995 K2500 'burb 1997 C1500 'burb 1999 K1500 2000 K1500 'burb Why do I own so many Suburbans?

01-31-2003, 11:34 PM	#4
breeh Recovering 67-72 Addict Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: North Bend, WA Posts: 1,788	The serial number that is stamped on the block (pad is located in the front of the passenger side head) should match the VIN tag serial number and the frame stamping as well. Take a look at this: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/Chevyear.html __________________ 68 Short Fleet 4x4; 427; BTO Level 3 700R4; NP205; Dana 60 front and rear; 4" lift with 35's; Disc brakes; AGR variable ratio steering; factory bucket seats; factory tach and tilt. "Friends call me cruzer cuz I like fast cars and fast women"

02-01-2003, 01:02 AM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Here is the raised pad Jim was refering to. On the '70 and older there was no raised portion. I kinda wonder if it isn't a truck slapped together. (Always skeptical) Also, if an original big block, it'll have a remote mounted power steering resivour...at least, if equipped with power steering. Attached Images

02-01-2003, 12:24 PM	#6
Downtown Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: New Palestine, IN Posts: 470	If the cab was a big block cab, it will have a high hump. You can also check to see if the VIN on the cab matches the one on the frame. The VIN is on the frame on top of the frame just behind the steering box and in front of the motor. __________________ 72 Shortbed fleetside 402 BB, AC, Posi 72 Super Cheyenne Longbed 350 49,000 original miles and My dad ordered it new 66 Chevy Caprice 2 dr 74 Honda CB750 New Palestine, IN

01-31-2003, 08:54 PM	#3
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	A couple of things to look at: Big block engine mounts were different in 72 from the 71, (motor mounts are like the later style and the towers are very different) Original big block trucks should have a tin shield screwed to the cab on the passenger side as an exhaust shield. Look closer at the mirror where it is mounted on the cab. The 71 cab will have a raised hump for the mirror and the 72 will not. Some guys got tired of the glued on mirrors and screwed the earlier style on. Good luck! Jim

02-01-2003, 01:43 PM	#7
Purs Got Big Block? Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: West Texas Posts: 1,510	the cab is a high hump, I will look for the remote power steering res. thanks for the responses. __________________ "Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted."



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