Chassis number & Underbonnet Nomenclature
John
I agree with Tony: that's most likely the chassis number.
4012.M.2686 translates as the chassis number for a 1940 model Chevrolet 'Pullman' passenger car with a conventional front axle on a standard passenger chassis of 113 inch wheel base.
40 = production year
12 = Model abbreviation
M = assembled/manufactured at Fisherman's Bend, Melbourne.
2686 = the 2,686th for that production year.
The underbonnet nomenclature painted on the firewall became an Army requirement in mid-1942. Though not required in that exact format, there was plenty of interpretation at Unit level about what to paint, hence some variation. It does include the essentials: model and year.
Hence, your car was most likely in Army service in the second half of 1942 (at least) when the underbonnet nomenclature was painted.
Looks like it's time to start scouring AWM126 (both AIF and AMF books) for that chassis number. It's not guaranteed, of course, but in the absence of anything else, it's a good start.
David: thanks for the info re frost shields: don't think too many Australians will have heard of them before.
Regards
Mike
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