Help uncover some obscure history

[type4org]

Dave Pateman of Porsche 914 fame and I are starting a research project. The goal: Decode the mysterious white stamped numbers found on the cooling tin of Type 4 engines. We want to know what meaning, if any, can be inferred by collating as many of these numbers and data about the cars carrying them. What can you do to help? Visit the project page and find out:

http://www.type4.org/technology/engine_markings_html

This is possibly the first time both the VW 411/412 and the Porsche 914 communities can come together to combine their knowledge!

[raygreenwood]

As you note, as much data as possible may help to find the origin and signifcance of the numbers.
I have found that there are lots of numbers in these cars that if not just indicative of when a sub-part was manufactured....may also help correlate the speed of assembly and where sub-assemblies came from.

At one time I knew based on the numbers in the vehicle...how to decipher the actual "birthday" of your car. I can't remember it all now...but do know the birthday of my vehicle because I am lucky enough have the end of the assembly line print-out.
I have also found that it coincides with several other numbers found within teh vehicle. I recommend to all owners to record what you have in a safe place ...when you come across these numbers.
Example are:
The date on the back of the clock and instruments in the dash.
The paper and ink quality control stamp in the trunk next to the paint code decal (if you still have it)
The tag that is usually wired to the seat springs under the back seat with the date of manufacture of that part.
There are lots of little clues like this in your car. Ray

[albert]

hi, tuna , here is a supplément for what i send you before ,, if you see a small paper or stamp on one parts ,,,ok,350,,, this number is for to identified the inspector of the quality parts ,,, and you can see sometime ,,, ok,350,, 12-12-74 ,,, the inspector no ,,350 ,,said this parts was in perfect condition during the instalation 12-12-1974 and the body no.is include in the VIN no. but the VIN can include too, the date of production and color code and M code ,, plus if this car is délivry with very spécial options ,,,not include in the normal M, code ( police car , fire , or ambulance ) spécial équipment for this model ,,, direct from the factory ,, plus what i said you before ,, ,,,,code ,,,c--u--uc--k--e,,,,exportation code ,, c=canada,, u=usa,,uc=usa california,,,and the rest, the list is to long,,, albert

[albert]

oh , correction, for the exportation code the letters ,, c-u-uc are only for example , i d,t have the list for now in my hand ,,