Hi Lou,

The casting numbers (dates) are located close to the distributor. They stick out and are coded in a three part character string:

1. The first 'character' is a number (1-31) that indicates the day of the month that the block was cast.
2. The second character is a letter that indicates the casting month. A=Jan, B=Feb, etc.
3. The third character is a single number that indicates the casting year. 6=1926, 7=1927, 8=1928.

I believe the serial numbers you mentioned are stamped into a boss that is on the rear passenger side of the block. These numbers indicate where the block fits into the overall production numbers of the 4 cylinder engines. For example, 4310682 says that this block is the 4,310,682nd 4-cylinder block manufactured by Chevy. If I remember correctly, the entire 4 cylinder run was about 5.2 million units.

A 1928 block is different that the previous blocks in two ways: there is a hole (1/2"ish diameter) for the crankcase tube (under the water pump) that takes the fumes back to the carb and there are raised cast pieces that the push rod covers sit on. These two clues are unique to '28.

Cheers, Dean

@lou Lou, Later 4 speed transmissions had a "tin" cover at the base of the stick. you can push down and turn that cover and it unlocks from a pair if pins. It is the retainer that holds the lever in place. I have a 1928 4 speed somewhere but not close enough to look at for you.

Mike

Here is a photo of the 4-speed transmission that I put into Lurch.

The red arrow is pointing at the tin ball cover at the base of the shifter. The green arrow is pointing one of the pins that the tin cover is latched to.

The idea is to push the tin cover down a little and turn it to get it to unlatch from the pins. Then, the shifter can be lifted out of the tower.

Cheers, Dean

Thanks to all! 

Lou