Hi, Randy -
A possible explanation is that the chassis were delivered from Jensen to BMC
and stored until needed. They were pulled out of the warehouse in no
particular VIN or body number order for completion, except that the chassis
were received in groups which would tend to keep the numbers fairly close
together, but not necessarily in sequence. I have evidence from registry
data that some short runs of three or four cars could be in sequence as far
as the chassis numbers and body numbers being sequential together, but not
too many more than that. The exception is the Metallic Golden Beige BJ8s
which have long sequences where chassis and body numbers are in sequence
together. Another interesting anomaly to make us wonder why.
It's my understanding that as the cars passed through the assembly process,
cards were filled out with the applicable Car Number, Body Number, Engine
Number, colors, optional equipment, etc. These "build cards" were intended
to stay at the factory, and were the source data for the microfilm records
used to produce the certificates. Three or four BJ8s that I have records
for somehow made their way out of the factory with the build cards in the
glovebox, and still have them today.
There is information on the cards and BMIHT archives that is interesting,
but not included on certificates: Date off Body Line, Date off Trim Line,
Date off Test, Date off Rectification, Date off Finishing, and Date Advised.
The dates on the certificates are the Date off Body Line and Date Advised.
The production process for some cars was as long as six months. It would be
interesting to know why, and what was going on during that time.
Cheers!
Steve Byers
HBJ8L/36666
BJ8 Registry
Havelock, NC USA
-----Original Message-----
From: healeys-bounces+sbyers=ec.rr.com@autox.team.net
[mailto:healeys-bounces+sbyers=ec.rr.com@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of
Randy Hicks
Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2007 12:55 PM
To: Dave Schweninger
Cc: Healeys at Autox
Subject: Re: [Healeys] Frame number and serial number
It's always interesting (and confusing) how the numbers and build
dates run.
My BN7 18014 was built 20 - 22 March, 1962. Body #19117.
So my car has an earlier serial #, later body number & later build
date. How is this explained?
Randy
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