My long running theory is that the latch tray bracket somehow interfered with the jig. No Nobel prize, but recognizable credit.
You might be right. Here is why I think you could be wrong.
Where I worked (BELVIDERE) the Body in White was Vin Stamped at the last line workers station before the Louden Hoist transferred it to the Metal Line.
There were no fenders doors or hoods/decklids on the Body at this time.
Now The C-Body was a stub frame car. (nothing before the firewall till Metal Line)
RRunners and E-Body's could and I say could have had the Vin #'s put on in Metal after fenders and doors but sadly, I wasn't paying attention that day in Detroit.
I will see if one of my friends/enemies from the past at Lynch Road can remember. But I wouldn't count on it as most are now pushing up daisys or being spoon feed.
But the real reason I disagree is the fact that the latch tray was painted Black and assembled later in the life of the car.
Don't go spending that Nobel prize money just yet
