Date code riddle (C1)

[Clare Carpenter]

I can't figure out the date code for my axle carrier, "B294". According to the NCRS TIM&JG, which says:

"Prefix code letters are followed by one or two digits indicating month of manufacture ("1" or "01" for January through "12" for December), and two additional digits indicating date of the month ("01" through "31")."

If "B" is the prefix code letter then 294 doesn't make sense for a date using the above info. My '62 was built in Nov.'61, so shouldn't it have something like 08, 09, or 10, followed by a day date?

Everything else jives as per the book, a large "P" for posi and casting # 3789812. I never checked this date number before, I just knew the casting and "P" were correct.

[Ted S.]

Re: Date code riddle (C1)

Clare, Are you looking at the cast code or the stamping?

[Clare Carpenter]

Re: Date code riddle (C1)

I'm assuming it's the cast code, right hand side of the carrier next to the casting part number. I noticed the book refers to the axle code as a "stamping" but says it is located on the front, right side of the carrier; which it is, facing from what would be the front of the car.

[Mike E.]

Re: Date code riddle (C1)

B294 is February 29, 1964--from a 64 passenger car (they used that rear end until 65)

[Ted S.]

Re: Date code riddle (C1)

Clare, On the carriers I have the cast date code is on the drivers side and the stamping is on the passenger side. I have one that has a C178 or March 17, 58 cast code by the thin P on the driver's side with a stamping on the passenger side for a 4:11 (the stamping is pretty light so it's hard to make out the assembly date). I have another one with a G78 casting code on the drivers side and an AN717 stamping on the passenger side. If I'm understanding you correctly I think the code you're seeing is the casting code. Is it raised or stamped into the carrier housing?

[Clare Carpenter]

Re: Date code riddle (C1)

Not what I wanted to hear. The "B" is NOT the prefix code as I thought, going back and looking again at the book, I see that I missed the rear axle ratio codes listed on pg. 87. Mine should have the CE stamped in the passenger side of the carrier, not cast, for a 4:11, followed by a numeric month/day date. This is not made entirely clear in the NCRS TIM&JG, as I didn't see any mention made of the casting date for which the "B" represents February.

The only stamped numbers visable on my carrier are a two threes stamped on the top side of the nose of the pig and nearly over the top of each other.

Looks like I'll lose 3 points originality on the axle housing. Expensive to correct and not many points gained. Kinda like the 1119 002E, correctly dated of course. Am I having fun yet? Heck, I just want to drive it!

[Dick W.]

Re: Date code riddle (C1)

The fun is just beginning. Remember, it is only a car. I used the cars as an excuse to visit friends. Been thar, done that.