Hey all, I was hoping someone might be able to tell me what this serial # means it's a '83 Californian but all the sites I find to help id it kind of fall short. Thanks for the help.

Serial # M3-H1796

If that's a Mongoose it means it's the 1796th BB to be stamped in 1983-that's all you can tell from the serial number. If it has any components on it that will be able to help decipher the model. Not sure exactly what else you are looking for, but pictures help too.

I know it's a californian I was just wondering if it was built in Taiwan because the ones that were built in taiwan have the seat post tube decal that says "built in taiwan for bmx products" where as mine does not say that on the decal. The reason I was asking is the web site I looked at said frames built in taiwan the serial # starts with "m". 1 other question is how come all the cali repro decals have the down tube sticker that says "Mongoose" are yellow and fade into orange? Mine is solid yellow. Thanks for the help.

note the yellow mongoose sticker as opposed to the orange and yellow one sold in the repro kits and is on most californians I've seen.

Yours decals are solid yellow because the orange has faded off over the years. Buy some of Bill's, you will not be disappointed...

Someone told me to leave the originals that it would make a difference if I ever wanted to sell it. (Which I do not think I ever will) one more question, Do the repros say made in Taiwan or are they the one's without that. I do not want it to say that and do they have the year on them( the cali sticker on the seatpost tube is the one I'm referring to) mine has 1983 on it. Thanks for your help "All Mighty Goose Guru" Oh, these are all chro-moly aren't they? I've seen that the ones made later were Tri-Moly or part steel( the rear section). Thanks. I've been getting most of this info off of VintageMongoose.com.

i would say keep the original decals to be 100% authentic
but the new ones are spot on so its down to you really

Also the M at the front of the serial generally means Merida made - ie taiwan

what does your seat tube decal say then ?

Here is the seat tube sticker. It says Chatsworth on it so that does not jive with the M3 serial# theory does it?

pretty much a crossover period, frames were from Taiwan but still had decals from usa.
Note it does not say made in usa.