Classic/Antique Car Repair/pontiac 8 sr#

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Expert: - 7/8/2010


Question
QUESTION: I have what is supposed to be a '48 poncho 8.
the # on the block is 8-90128.

is the the ID #?

TIA

ANSWER: The best identifier of the Pontiac would be he numbers on the identification plat. That should be on the vertical door jab on the drivers side of the car. Check to see if the plate is there and send me the number and then I can decode it for you.
Brad

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Brad, but unfortunately, all I have is the block, not the car :(

Answer
I got it! After much digging through dusty old books I came up with the number. The engine is a 1937 eight cylinder. The 8 as the first number identifies it as an eight cylinder not the year reference. The numerical sequence identifies the model year. 1937 ran the numbers beginning 83001 ending the production run with 139968.  

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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