That is the "Body Type" number for the part. Fisher Body stamped numbers like this on every part they made. It let them know the types of car the part would fit on. On the A-body Buicks the easiest one to see is on the tulip panel between the trunk lid and the rear window. It is in the middle of the part just forward of the trunk weatherstripping. A lot of people think its a vin number, or partial body number but it's not. The reason people "never see" these numbers is because they are generally stamped in a place where they will not be seen once the car is put together. The ones stamped on the rocker panels are on the top, where they will be hidden by the carpet once the car is finished. Obviously someone goofed here and put it in the wrong place. Duane
Thanks for clearing it up folks! Scared the **** out of me thinking did I just buy a car with mismatching VIN numbers!
"...interesting, so that number is not in fixed location as part of mechanical forming process?..." I always thought they were. Maybe the part slipped out of place when the number was struck???? As long as Buick "bought" the body from Fisher Body, I would bet they could care less where the numbers ended up. It would be interesting to see if the car had a "Body Shop Inspection" sheet. If so I would bet the "flaw" was noted before Buick bought it out. Duane
There are also numbers stamped on the hinge areas as well. I have located them in various spots,but this is a new one to me..
Pat, The numbers on the outer rockers are usually beneath the sill plates. Fisher Body put those numbers on almost every part. They are even on the bottom of the front fenders, but most guys never see them due to the rust. Duane
