[Lynn]

Jonesy probably has a decent database of photos. One of the problems on the partial vin is that for most of the year in 1969, it was stamped on the rough cast area down by the oil filter, and few are readable. That really hurts when trying to find "comparable" stampings.

This is my take, and I am hopeful Mike and Kurt will step in an correct me if I am wrong. Virtually ALL of the 3/16 inch character engine assy stamps are pretty darn uniform. Like you stated: all lined up perfectly. I see variations on the 1/8 inch vin stampings. I BELIEVE that the gang holder was a little sloppier. If the worker took the time to line them up perfectly, and then tighten the set screw, all would be perfect. I believe that many times the worker wasn't that careful, and may have just put the numbers in the holder, then held them loosely in place long enough to get it stamped, then got ready to chance numbers for the next car.