i might be wrong , but isn't the number stamped on the back of the motor by the oil pressure switch where the gearbox bolts up to ! that year i know 68s were stamped there but not all
Pete wrote:I thought that part of the VIN was on the Pass side Pan rail?
yes your correct Pete sort of !!
from the 69 model year ( E series ) & later it was on the passenger side of the block above the oil pan rail
early 69 built cars ie before january 69 or there abouts got the complete vin also , after that date just the last 8 digits
first three are D serise 68 model year vin location , not all were stamped i believe , think it was more of a hit & miss thingy with a assembly line worker
fourth picture , 69 (E series) & later vin location
Don't forget that production for every model year starts in AUGUST the year before. So a 1968 model could have been coming off the production line in August 1967.
When it comes to specifically dated blocks, I think six months is rather generous. Couple of months before the production date on the car is more usual.
for sorting out my confused post 
