The block casting number comes back as a 58-62 235.
I think the date code comes back as August 3(?) 1958 I = August 3 = 3rd day of the month (but usually 2 digits) 8 = last digit of the year within the range of the block casting number.
Can't help on the block serial number. Maybe Flint plant produced Dec 16 for a truck
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
F1216J Is your engine code. Note, the letter "eye" is used as number "one"...it keeps number one from looking like a miss stamped number seven.
F = Flint Engine Plant 12 = Month (December) 16 = Day J = Designation - 235 w/3-speed trans 3000 Series Truck (1/2, 3/4 & 1-ton). "J" was used from 1957 through 1962 and for 1963 factory 4x4's only).
I 3 8 is your Date Code.
I = September 3 = day 8= 1958
I believe B50 is the sand casting part number for that part of the head and it works with heads ending in 848 or 850...used by the foundry only...means nothing to us now.
So, it looks like your block was cast in Sept and built in Dec to go in a 1959 model year truck.
I agree with Mike. I can't count months. "I" would be the 9th month, which is September, not August.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.