Decoding a 1940 46c VIN

Jer M

Newbie
Hello everyone!

I have a 1940 46c Buick with this engine number that I can't understand especially because of the B and nothing match with existing information available on this website....
Anyone can help?


IMG-20201024-WA0000.jpg
 
Jer, thanks for joining us. That is not an original number. Been ground off and restamped. Some more pictures of the engine might help. Drivers side down low. I believe the engine number is stamped under the water pump as well. Is in '50s any way.

Ben
 
From what I can see in the driver side picture, I believe you have a 1953 engine, which is a 263. The air cleaner on earlier engines set
square" with the engine, not angled forward as yours. Did that in 53 only. Of course, valve cover may not be original. It IS a '50 or later as evidenced by the water pump.

Ben
 
Jer, after looking through some GM Canadian service bulletins from the early 1950's, it turns out Buick used a different numbering system on engines built in Canada.

Attached is a page explaining engine numbering for 1953 started at B119001. This confirms your engine B124557 came from a 1953 car with synchromesh transmission. It can't be later than '53, as that was the last year for the straight eight.

Other typical bulletins show running changes made at 1951 engine B105140, 1952 engine B115170, and 1955 engine B154443. So it looks like Buick was building about 10,000 engines a year in Canada back then.
 

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