The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1953 Chevy Engine ID

I recently required a family, one owner Chevy 3100 pick-up truck. If anyone can help me with the year of the truck and engine size, it would be greatly appreciated. I found the following number just above the starter on the left side of the block as you are looking at it from the front of the truck...JAC 760064. The valve cover is held in place by two bolts through the center of the cover. The vehicle identification number is H53SO36680. I think the truck is an earlier 50's model, but not sure. Thanks in advance.

JAC prefix equates to a 1951 216 ci. Block casting number should be 3835497, also look behind the starter or a bit forward on that side for date code. Like B 13 1, B is 2nd month Feb, 13 day of the month, 1 is year like 1951 etc.
Hope this helps.

I can help in deciphering your truck serial number (H53S036680):

H=3100 series 1/2-ton.
53=model year 1953.
S=assembly plant=St. Louis.
036680=build sequence number beginning with 1001. This truck was number 35680 built at the St. Louis plant.

For a 1953 engine, the serial number prefix would begin with L. The J is for a 1951 engine, as JiMerit says (they went alphabetically). So JAC deciphers as:

J=1951
A=passenger car (I believe the 216 was the only one available for 51 passenger cars).
C=built at Flint plant with RPO 227 heavy duty clutch.
The rest of the engine serial number is the plant build sequence number, again beginning with 1001.

This engine info comes from a 1951 passenger car restoration pack, not the truck pack, but I believe it should apply here too. Somebody can correct me if I'm wrong.