numbers matching

my argument was, although not referenced to the vin there are correct numbers for a 70 radiator, 68 heads, '72 carb etc and that these should be the correct number for the year and model of the vehicle.

There is a serious lack of information on what you are talking about. While the VIN isn't on every part there are date codes and part numbers that will give you an idea on how many parts have been changed over the years.