1971 Alternator Codes

[Gerard Q.]

I could use some help with the codes on my altenator. It's on my 71 S/B w/air. The part number 1100544 is correct, followed by 61A (61amps) is also correct ....but where is the date code??? the next code is 4A7 followed by 12VNEG I believe...what are these codes?...if one is the date code how does it break down....Thanks in advance for any help.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1971 Alternator Codes

4A7 = January 7, 1974.

Don't get rid of it. If you're looking for a 544 alternator for your 71, it will be a long time before you find any date for 1971, much less one you think is correct for your car. Keep looking for one, but it's hardly worth 1-2 points to fret yourself too much about getting the right one.

The total number of 1971 MY dated 544 alternators I have seen in 10 years of looking could be counted on one hand. After July of 1971 (i.e. 1972 MY and leter) they are not that hard to find.

Patrick

[Dave S.]

Re: 1971 Alternator Codes

Jerry,
The date is worth 6 points. Its rare that a doctor underestimates, but this time he did.

[Gerard Q.]

Thanks Guys

Just my luck.....add it to my list of hopeless searches, although I did just this week find a correcly dated ralley wheel for my spare, so I guess the NCRS gods gave me one and took one away.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1971 Alternator Codes

Hmmm. 6 points.

Easier to barter for a suffix sticker for those same points, eh?

I tried to guess the value off the top of my head. By the way, one of those 544 alternators that I've seen in the last 10 years ... is the one I found and put on my own car. [Not for sale, to quote Joe] I've been on Pirkle's list for at least 7 years with no luck yet.

Patrick

[Dave S.]

Re: 1971 Alternator Codes

Patrick,

Now I understand why the suffix stickers are so rare and expensive. I was confused about that for quite awhile. The 544 alternator is a breeze to find compared to an 884 so Jerry should consider himself lucky. Ehhhhh !!!!!!

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1971 Alternator Codes

True.

Here's a fact for you: I've seen as many 884's as I have 1971 dated 544's. While 544's of 1972 and later vintage are relatively easy to find and available at seemingly any auto parts store or through John Pirkle, I would surmise that a 1971 MY dated 544 (i.e. any date 1970 through early July of 1971) is just as hard to find as an earlier 884. Now, that's only based on my own personal observation and opinion. But at this point, I'd guess that finding even ONE 1971 MY 1100544 currently for sale, anywhere, would be difficult. Pirkle and Jr. just laugh when I stop by every year and ask if they've seen one.

I "count" alternators both on cars and off, by the way. I'm still only at a handful of each.

Patrick

[Chuck S.]

Re: 1971 Alternator Codes

"Pirkle and Jr. just laugh when I stop by every year and ask if they've seen one."

Why, that's almost as bad as having your physician find humor in your symptoms. (How long has it been since your trip to Mexico?, he asked.) Most unprofessional in my opinion.