Where COPO's Go To Die

[PapsMaro]

Got the rear end home, trans, drive shaft, and maybe the bell housing? I’m not sure what it is or if it’s original. I think it is but not positive. How do I confirm that it is the original rear end?

[R68GTO]

Looks like an M21 Transmission. Check the trans for VIN stamping. On the rear end, look on the passenger side tube on the section that faces the front of the car. There should be a stamp there for both the model (you're looking for BE) and the date of manufacture. Be careful in uncovering the stamp, don't use anything abrasive like sandpaper, it will mar the stamping. Clean it up gently and submit a few photos. Gotta be exciting for you, hell, I'm excited!

[PapsMaro]

[QUOTE=R68GTO;1545372]Looks like an M21 Transmission. Check the trans for VIN stamping. On the rear end, look on the passenger side tube on the section that faces the front of the car. There should be a stamp there for both the model (you're looking for BE) and the date of manufacture. Be careful in uncovering the stamp, don't use anything abrasive like sandpaper, it will mar the stamping. Clean it up gently and submit a few photos. Gotta be exciting for you, hell, I'm excited![/QUOTE

What do you recommend I use to clean it with? Just a brush? Thank you for the knowledge also!! I’m beyond excited!

[Too Many Projects]

It looks like it's mostly rust. I would use a wire brush with a rust penetrant to loosen it. Once you have the rust cleaned as well as possible, it may still take light sanding with 400 and water as a lubricant to reveal the stamping. You just don't want to use anything aggressive for sanding.
The stampings for the trans should be on top. It will have a coded assembly date and should have the last 6 numbers of the vin too. They can be almost anywhere, but the top was the most common, usually on the main case, but sometimes on the midplate.

[PapsMaro]

Hard to see

[WorkinProgress]

The assembly date and VIN on the trans will be on the flat pad (towards the tailhousing) across from the drain plug and where it says U.S. Patent. It is the flat pad where the mid-bearing plate is bolted up against.

Spray some carb or brake clean on it and the numbers should appear.

- Warren

[Too Many Projects]

Originally Posted by WorkinProgress

The assembly date and VIN on the trans will be on the flat pad (towards the tailhousing) across from the drain plug and where it says U.S. Patent. It is the flat pad where the mid-bearing plate is bolted up against.

Spray some carb or brake clean on it and the numbers should appear.

- Warren

Yeah, Here is an example pic. I had the wrong side.

[big gear head]

Just because you can turn one axle and the other one doesn't turn doesn't mean it's not positive traction. I've been telling people for more than 30 years that this is a completely unreliable way of testing a rear end. You will have to remove the cover to see what is in it. Look for a code stamped into the front of the right axle tube. The casting number that you posted is a common casting used for all Camaro and Nova 12 bolt rear ends that year. The stamped code will tell you what it is.

[Pro Stock John]

Hope you are having some luck getting codes off the rear and bell housing.