We had a customer with a '69 428CJ engine that had V.I.N. stampings at the rear driver's side of the block, and at the rear of both cylinder heads. The fonts appeared consistent and the engine was stated and was of a condition consistent with not having been monkeyed with previously; that is with the exception of the "machine shop" that the owner chose to rescue his parts from, but unfortunately only after they had ruined one cylinder head. Upon assembling the engine, with a replacement reasonable date coded but un V.I.N. stamped cylinder head, I chose to position the the remaining cylinder head with the V.I.N. stamping on the driver's side facing rearward. The customer received the assembly took it home and was determined to have it on the passenger side facing forward, so much so as he returned the engine and I swapped it so. I stated that I felt this was inconsistent with the norm, but perhaps at least it would provide evidence to the claims that at least some engine work (at least beyond the Krylon.........I mean Dupli-Color application, sorry!) was performed in the restoration.
Scott.