1962 "D" block casting

[Bernie Schneider]

I have looked at 3 "D" #870 blocks recently and they all appeared to have a varying degree of casting flaw making it difficult to recognize as a D. Has anyone else seen this phenomenon in any other D casting dates in 1962 blocks? I've querried Al Grenning and the other "'62 gurus" and haven't gotten a concensus. Anyone care to hazard an opinion? I've seen a tremendous amount of castings, but never this poor.
B

[Jack H.]

Re: 1962 "D" block casting

Try reading an early 396 block (A or B casting of '962 cylinder case)! Many have 'fills' so poor that the date is a true challenge to try and recognize. It wouldn't be the first time a new block (327 in your case--the 'BB' of straight axle cars) had inconsistency at the foundry. However, the true answer lies with the appropriate National Team Leader, Dennis Clark, in this case. Queries on this board can only give you individual/personal feelings about the subject--NOT a definitive answer....

[Jack H.]

Re: 1962 "D" block casting

Try reading an early 396 block (A or B casting of '962 cylinder case)! Many have 'fills' so poor that the date is a true challenge to try and recognize. It wouldn't be the first time a new block (327 in your case--the 'BB' of straight axle cars) had inconsistency at the foundry. However, the true answer lies with the appropriate National Team Leader, Dennis Clark, in this case. Queries on this board can only give you individual/personal feelings about the subject--NOT a definitive answer....

[Bernie Schneider]

Re: 1962 "D" block casting

Thanks for the quick response Jack.
I did query Dennis and he was not aware of any casting deficiencies in 1962. That's why I'm asking the general population of members and/or judges for any information.

[Bernie Schneider]

Re: 1962 "D" block casting

Thanks for the quick response Jack.
I did query Dennis and he was not aware of any casting deficiencies in 1962. That's why I'm asking the general population of members and/or judges for any information.

[Dale Pearman]

Re: 1962 "D" block casting

I've never encountered an April 1962 Flint block (Saganaw Cast) with a poor or unreadable casting date. I have two in my shop that are "quite" nice. Are you looking at a Tonawanda cylinder case?

Dale.

[Dale Pearman]

Re: 1962 "D" block casting

I've never encountered an April 1962 Flint block (Saganaw Cast) with a poor or unreadable casting date. I have two in my shop that are "quite" nice. Are you looking at a Tonawanda cylinder case?

Dale.