The answer is (I know this is going to create a lot of controversy) if you are interested in preserving the numbers on the deck, ask your machine shop to check the deck for squareness. Unless the block is really, really needs to be decked, there are some good head gasket compostions unlike the original steel shim that can be used on a less that perfect block. Obviously, decking the block is the optimal solution when remachining a short block. This becomes a judgement call of what is most important, preserving the numbers or a perfectly square block. Or, get ready to break out the steel stamps. I told you this would be controversial!! Ken
Document the factory stamping first, with high quality digital photos. I've also read that the original stamping can still often be "seen" with a bit of technological processes. I don't recall how it works, but the stamping leaves an impression in the metal that is deeper than the visible characters, as I recall.
The car has had only 1 owner, My father-in-law. He ordered it new and still has all the paperwork he has ever gotten with the car. From the window sticker to the loan papers. He even has all of the maintenance records. Everything is original. I am restoring it for him and want to keep it as original as possible.
i believe a good machine shop can deck a engine without ruining the numbers area. you have to tell them that you do not want the numbers taken off. that being said you should not need the block decked. it has worked fine now for all these years. just have them clean hone and check clearances. i bet it will be fine. tell them to call you before they do any decking. jim
Yes youre right. I think forensics uses this to trace stolen guns. The stress in the metal remains by the impressions of the stamp. by studying the patterns of the stress marks you can see what the old numbers are. Prolly not cheap to do and should be avoided, but it is possible (to an extent).
Does anyone have any suggestions on who to approach to get such forensic work done? Perhaps a local CSI employee could do it in his off hours. Anyone else? The VIN stamp on the block of my Olds fades from deep to non-existant as the numbers progress. I'd love to validate what I'm sure is the original block.
Brian I am told by the N.C. Theft and Enforcement division that there is a chemical that can be used to bring back the numbers. They will not tell me what that chemical is but surely some chem. engineer would know. Check with your local DMV office ..
if you search hard you might find the previous threads on this. Wasn't it a wipe with vinegar that would bring back the traces of the stamps?
Unless youre trying to ring every last hp out of your build don't bother with decking it. A zero decked block with the right head gasket will get you that nice 0.045 quench, but how much hp...Maybe 5 or 10 tops? Round cylinders and the right hone job in general are much more important to your rebuild. Leave the numbers alone.
Find another block and use that. Put the original in mothballs and you will always have it. Then you will not cry as much when you blow it.:dollar:
document with pics and do the work and put em back.You can prove they belong there so i dont see the problem.
The etching solution you are talking about is called Nital. It's used by CSI to raise serial numbers on guns. It consists of between 2-5% nitric acid in methanol, ethanol or methylated spirits.
