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How are the various casting codes on calipers read? Is the "20" part of a dating syntax? I've attached a picture for reference. Thanks in advance.
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Re: C3: Decoding calipers - What info is there?
Dan------
I've examined a lot of these calipers. I really don't think that the characters between the screw heads represent a date. If they do, it's a date coding system like none other I've encountered. The original calipers on my 1969 don't have a "9" to be found in any of these "date-like" embossments on ANY of the 8 caliper halves. Since my car was built in September of 1969, I feel quite confident that the calipers would have been cast during 1969. So, if these embossments are date codes of some sort, I don't think they include a reference to year. That would make them fairly irrelevant even if they are date codes.
I don't know what the singular "$" represents. Most likely, it's a mold or pattern number.
The "wagon wheel" is the Central Foundry Division casting mark.
You might also see a "D" on the caliper halves. This represents the Tilton (Danville), IL foundry where these castings were poured.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: C3: Decoding calipers - What info is there?
Thanks, Joe. The other halves of the calipers have random numbers as well - that's why the question. Here's another shot with a grease pencil mark on the caliper. I thought it was interesting - there's a chance it was applied at the factory. Have you seen marks like this before?
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Re: C3: Decoding calipers - What info is there?
Dan------
I don't recall having seen the grease pen marking. However, it does look like it's factory. Also, this caliper has very little remaining of its original black paint.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: C3: Decoding calipers - What info is there?
Those are heavy duty brakes. I would look closely at the machined surface where the brake hose attaches. Master cylinders have there date stamped in that location and the numbers are very small. So, you might find it in that similar location also. I was told by a brake rebuilder that they are dated but I have not heard of that from anyone else and that person refused to explain it to me??
TerryComment
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Re: C3: Decoding calipers - What info is there?
Terry-
These J56 calipers are on the '70 ZR1 that you've helped answer a few other questions about. Of course the car has the J50 booster and dual master cylinder as part of the J56 package. I'll check both the master cylinder and caliper machined surfaces for any stampings. This is all part of photo documentation of the car before I do any restoration work that might alter original finishes or markings.
The ZR1 will be at the NW regional in a few weeks for those who may know more about these early sharks. Any and all info is appreciated.
Thanks for the tip.Comment
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Re: C3: Decoding calipers - What info is there?
If the surface is rusty, you may have difficulty seeing the letters. They are small and lightly stamped on the one's that I have seen on Master cylinders. If they are on the slave cylinders, I would assume they are the same. I bet they are there. TerryComment
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