Matching gearbox without serial?

[smiles11]

Looks like the serial/type was grounded off. Are there any other details on the gearbox that would help confirm it to be a matching gearbox? Maybe a date code etc? Only other number I could pull off was a ‘12’

[steve shea]

Maybe there is a casting date. Should read something like 33/66 in a circle. The thirty third week of 1966. but that's for a 901/02 67S trans. Not sure about 915. The casting date would obviously predate the build date of your car but if in the ballpark should give a nod to authenticity.

[smiles11]

My shop & I assume the '12' circle is December. Car was built in February 1973. So that would make sense.

It was the only number we could find on the gearbox however, so making doubly sure I have a matching gearbox when I'm paying matching numbers kind of money.

[Jon B]

It was the only number we could find on the gearbox however, so making doubly sure I have a matching gearbox when I'm paying matching numbers kind of money.

The "12" pictured is not a month code, as those numbers go beyond 12.
There are normally casting date codes on the housing side cover, and on the guide fork plate.

Without a serial number, it cannot be a "matching numbers" transmission, meaning a serial number that matches a factory document or original sale material for the car.
It can still be "period correct" or "possibly original to the car", unless it's also determined to not be period correct either.

It's a common issue with 915 transmissions, due to the placement of the stampings.

Jon B.
Vista, CA

[smiles11]

The "12" pictured is not a month code, as those numbers go beyond 12.
There are normally casting date codes on the housing side cover, and on the guide fork plate.

Without a serial number, it cannot be a "matching numbers" transmission, meaning a serial number that matches a factory document or original sale material for the car.
It can still be "period correct" or "possibly original to the car", unless it's also determined to not be period correct either.

It's a common issue with 915 transmissions, due to the placement of the stampings.

Jon B.
Vista, CA

Thanks Jon. I forwarded this to my shop who has the car. They are going to send me pictures tomorrow of the housing side cover & guide fork.

Honestly, I wouldn’t have second guessed buying this car if the number was visible. I’ve been burnt once before buying a LH under the impression it was a numbers matching engine/transmission that turned out to be false.

If I can pull any dates that will align it with the 2/73 production of the car; I won’t sweat it.

[Jon B]

Thanks Jon. I forwarded this to my shop who has the car. They are going to send me pictures tomorrow of the housing side cover & guide fork.

For reference, here are two current eBay sales with date codes shown...

A 915 housing side cover with a 73 date code (5th picture)... https://www.ebay.com/itm/363981030553
A 915 guide fork plate with a 72 date code (last picture)... https://www.ebay.com/itm/164242497214

Jon B.
Vista, CA

[smiles11]

Thanks. I forwarded this info as well.

[smiles11]

Thanks again Jon.

Turns out to be a 1974 box on this 73S. ��