ID no.

[ownfc59]

Hello,
I have recently got a 59 FC and notice on the top left side of the engine bay a number stamped into the metal.  Can anyone tell me what this number is?  It doesn't seem to match up with any of the numbers on the vehicle ID plate.
The number is FC 56782 M.  The number in the ID plate is FC 225 27138 M (I know this signifies it is a FC Special Sedan, the 27138th produced in Melbourne.  I would like to know what this other number in the engine bay is.  Should it match up with the number on the ID plate?
Cheers,
Pete

[customFC]

The Chassis number says:
The vehicle was assembled during 1959, and was the 55,782nd FC (in any bodystyle) assembled in Melbourne, Victoria.
You are correct about the ID plate #.

If you want to find out more about the numbers on your car, check out this calculator:
http://www.fefcholden.org.au/techinfo/idinfo.html

Regards
Alex

[ownfc59]

Thanks CustomFC,
I think I get it now.  The number on the ID plate signifies it was the 27,138th Special Sedan manufactured in Melbourne.  The number stamped on the engine bay signifies it was the 55,782nd FC of any style assembled in Melbourne.
The link you gave me was very helpful, even confirmed that colour scheme & interior are all original colours - although I think the exterior has been re-sprayed at some time.
It has also confirmed that the engine in it isn't the original as numbers don't match to those put in the FC's.  This is assuming I have written down the right number.  Can someone confirm where I can find the engine number of a grey motor?
Thanks for your help.
Pete

[mcl1959]

Pete, the engine number is on a machined pad just forward of the bolt which locks the distributor in place.

Ken

[RET]

... and FE/FC series grey motors are 6 digits long and have an "L" prefix, ie L326478. 48/FJ have no prefix (except FJ vans and utes manufactured after July '56 which have a "U" prefix). FB/EK greys have a "B" prefix and restarted the sequence at B1001. EJ series start with "J".

You can find approximate build date by original engine number info here.

Hope all that is helpful.

cheers
RET