I'm going to look at a hemi coronet in a couple of days. The guy says it has a buildsheet and the original engine. I have no idea how to decode a VIN or buildsheet. Can anyone help out? Thanks

If it's a 1966 Hemi car the fifth digit in the VIN will be an H. Of course that's if that VIN Tag actually came on that particular car. The engine did not have VIN number stampings that year but they did have particular assembly date info that should link to the cars build date, takes a decent education to figure out what is correct. Re-body and fake Hemi cars (and fake fender tags & Broadcast Sheets) are common these days, you can't take anything at face value anymore. It sounds like you should obtain some expert to take with you for help if you plan on making a good on the spot buying decision.

You're right, I have already contacted an expert to go along.

I'm not sure on 66 but for 67 (I believe 66 and 67 are the same).

Look on the inside of the upper rad support, there should be a stamping of the sequence number. The same number is also stamped on the driver side rear bumper support (or somewhere around there).

Anyway this number is the sequence "build" number not the vin.

You need the broadcast sheet that has the the vin and the sequence number to confirm the body sequence matches. Also make sure the vin tag rivets are the rosette style.

Without the broadcast sheet it's pretty hard to confirm the body sequence and vin number. It's buyer beware.

The body should have reinforced spring perches as well as a couple of there "Hemi" modifications.

The more original documentation the seller has the better, good luck.

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I'm not sure on 66 but for 67 (I believe 66 and 67 are the same).

Look on the inside of the upper rad support, there should be a stamping of the sequence number. The same number is also stamped on the driver side rear bumper support (or somewhere around there).

Anyway this number is the sequence "build" number not the vin.

You need the broadcast sheet that has the the vin and the sequence number to confirm the body sequence matches. Also make sure the vin tag rivets are the rosette style.

Without the broadcast sheet it's pretty hard to confirm the body sequence and vin number. It's buyer beware.

The body should have reinforced spring perches as well as a couple of there "Hemi" modifications.

The more original documentation the seller has the better, good luck.

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You are on the right track but not quite hitting the bullseye's.

66 and 67 were different (5th VIN digit was an H for Hemi engine in 66, the fith VIN digit was a J for Hemi in 1967)

The SO number is stamped on the drivers side radiator core support and USUALLY on the drivers side rear panel behind and below the rear bumper, this same number is found on the fender tag and the Broadcast Sheet. The VIN number is not found on the fender tag, only on the Broadcast sheet. Both the VIN and SPD are also found on the factory Certicard should the owner have a copy.

The only unibody body "Hemi" modifications include forward leaf spring Torque boxes, reinforcement plates within the Torque boxes, rear leaf spring hanger reinforcement plates, and a pinion snubber plate on the floor above the pinion snubber. Not every Hemi car recieved these weld on additions (although all SHOULD have) the lack of them does not dethrone it as a Hemi car, but it would lead to some serious questioning as it's quite rare for them to be lacking.

The Hemi K-Member is unique and has a skid plate.

All 4 speed cars had Dana 60 rear ends, all automatic cars had 8.75 rear ends.

Factory wheels were all the same, 14 x 5.5 steel wheels (look for a "5" stamped on both sides of the valve stem hole) with either full wheel covers or dog dish style hub caps

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Both the VIN and SO number are also found on the factory Certicard should the owner have a copy.

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VIN yes. I thought the SPD is there but not the remainder of the SO.

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The VIN number is only found on the fender tag....

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RT you are correct on both, mixed my terms while typing, thanks for catching that. I also forgot to mention the Certicard, a 66 car would have come with one located in a black plastic pouch attached to the back side of the drivers side radiator core support, if it's there and original it will have the VIN# and some of the info shown on the fender tag as well.

Fender tag - Same car

VIN tag, different car, rivots are correct

SO stamping location in rear

Core support stamp area

All 66 Hemi's had a unique bracket shown here (black bracket and all else shown attached to it). It was unique to Hemi's only, one year only.

The rear leaf spring eye support plates - Hemi only parts, not even convertibles got these unless they were Hemi convertibles

Forward Leaf Spring Torque Boxes (area sprayed with white primer)

Good info guys. The car is supposed to have the broadcast sheet. The car is said to be a lo-mile survivor. I have been on my share of wild-goose chases so I am cautious. I appreciate the info and if it pans out I will get pics.

Again, just be aware that there are reproductions of everything these days, fender tags, VIN tags, window stockers, certicards, engine stampings, body stampings, torque boxes, and yes, even broadcast sheets (artifically aged looking and all!) anything that identifies a car as a "real" hemi is available now, you can't take anything at face value these days!

We have looked at the car. It is without a doubt the real deal. It is a 12000 mile police captain's car. It has many unique features. I wish someone would call me to help verify a few things. 417-327-5869 It has the vin wl21h. It is a very exciting find.

I sent you my phone number

I can email you pictures of a real 66 Hemi Coronet broadcast sheet if you want.

PM me your email address.

Tom

Try to find as much History about the car as you can from this owner. Things like previous owners, were this owner bought the car from. Low mile cars usually have a Race History, not all but a lot. This History is good both before and after purchases. Maybe it is a real Hemi car and its missing a Distributor and you could phone previous owners and ask them were missing parts could be and also you could get old pictures and history from them.

Nothing like an old show box Hemi car.