how can i tell if i have a matching #s 56?

[whyisbobsosexy]

hey guys, i just picked up a 56 belair,or 210, from a guy out in the desert. he said he dosnt know the history of the car, he just bought it for the hood and wanted it out of his house. i have the pink and i believe its the matching engine, stright 6, but how can i be sure?either way im putting a big block 396 in it, but i have allready had offers on the engine. So if its not the matching number engine, no real reason to keep it, but if it is ill keep it in the back for value reasons, ya know. thanks for the input and the help!
Bob

[MrPbody]

Bob,

235 or 265? The 6 isn't worth keeping, "matching" or not. But, there IS a market for it. There's a pad machined on the deck of the 265 block, passenger's side/front, with a bunch of numbers stamped into it. A series will match the last portion of the VIN if it's a "match". I believe it's the last 6 digits, but it may only be the last 5.

Jim

[whyisbobsosexy]

hey thanks for the help. ill check that when i get back to the shop. So even with the matching engine, theres no need to keep it in the car?will it not hold the value because its the 6? either way its good news to hear cuz i really want to throw my big block in her!

[MrPbody]

In my experience, only an absolutely PERFECT car with the 235 in it will bring high value. Not everything "old" is necessarily valuable. If it's a special model with limited equipment, etc., a different matter. If it's a "run of the mill" 210, no big deal. They made SO MANY of those cars, they aren't THAT rare.

FWIW

Jim

[whyisbobsosexy]

ok thanks, yea its just an everyday 210. not to sure on engine size but its sure not "loaded" with options. thanks for the advise guys

[MrPbody]

If truly original, there are only 2 engine "sizes". The 6 is a 235 and the 8 is a 265. There are a couple of versions (HP) of each.

Jim

[whyisbobsosexy]

yea its a stright 6. ill post sum pictures as soon as i can. and thanks for all the help jim!