Is this alternator correct?

[Jeff Y.]

I have a 72 454 coupe with a build date of 12 Nov 1971. The alternator is a 1100543 with a 1A8 date code. Does this make sense that a November build would have a January alternator? Also, who is a good restorer?

Thanks

Jeff

[Don L.]

Re: Is this alternator correct?

Hi Jeff. According to my NCRS Pocket Spec Guide, the original alternator for a '71 454 WITHOUT AC was indeed part # 1100543. The correct part number for the AC version of this engine should be 1100544. I would say that a January 8, 1971 alternator on a November 12, 1971 built car is too early. I believe 6 months is the maximum but perhaps someone else will ring in to either confirm or correct what I've said here. I'll also say that I've read and heard of stranger things happening than a component that pre-dates an engine/car by more than 6 months (12 months for glass).

What tells you that your car was built in November? What is the build date for the engine?

[Jeff Y.]

Re: Is this alternator correct?

Thanks Don. I used the tank sheet for the build date. How do I get the engine build date, is that the casting date? Btw it is a non air car.

[Don L.]

Re: Is this alternator correct?

What's the alpha numeric build date code on your trim tag? The trim tag is a stainless plate, riveted inside your RH door (forward jamb area)

The engine's build date is stamped in the pad, found on the RH front of your block. Do a search and you'll find lots to learn about stamp pads.


Oh, for a re-builder, there are a couple that advertise in the Driveline. John Pirkle Jr is very good. So is Ken Bruno. Pirkle is in Georgia and Bruno Motorsports is in NY.

Hope this helps.

[Terry M.]

Re: Is this alternator correct?

What's the alpha numeric build date code on your trim tag? The trim tag is a stainless plate, riveted inside your LH door (forward jamb area)

The engine's build date is stamped in the pad, found on the RH front of your block. Do a search and you'll find lots to learn about stamp pads.


Oh, for a re-builder, there are a couple that advertise in the Driveline. John Pirkle Jr is very good. So is Ken Bruno. Pirkle is in Georgia and Bruno Motorsports is in NY.

Hope this helps.

Corrected it for you Don.

In judging early C3s we use the date on the trim tag as the production date of the car. That is not entirely accurate, but it is close enough for horseshoes, hand grenades and judging Corvettes.

[Don L.]

Re: Is this alternator correct?

Thanks Terry.

Some days I don't know my left from my right. Think one thing and type another. Does this mean I'm right-brained?

[Jeff Y.]

Re: Is this alternator correct?

LH makes more sense. I couldn't figure out what trim tag on the RH door. Interesting the code is D11. Does that mean April 11th? The blue tag on the back of the door says 11-71 and when I look up the vin I get Nov 71. Still have to look at the stamp pad.

[Ralph S.]

Re: Is this alternator correct?

D is correct for November Production started in August =A Sept=B and so on.

[Terry M.]

Re: Is this alternator correct?

LH makes more sense. I couldn't figure out what trim tag on the RH door. Interesting the code is D11. Does that mean April 11th? The blue tag on the back of the door says 11-71 and when I look up the vin I get Nov 71. Still have to look at the stamp pad.

Jeff,

Allow me to urge you to get a copy of the 1970-72 TIM&JG (Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide) from the NCRS store. Click on the radio button marked "NCRS Shop" on the top of this page.

On page 33 of the 1970-72 TIM&JG: You will find for 1971 & 1972 D = November as you might suspect based on the date on the blue label (we call it the "Certification label") on your door. So in judging we would consider your car built November 11, 1971. The build sheet date is more likely the date that piece of paper was produced. The actual "off the assembly line" date might be a day or two later.

All that is a little beside the point, however, Don's original post responding to your alternator question is quite correct. Your alternator is dated too far before the build of your car to be acceptable as TFP (Typical Factory Production). Could it be the originally installed alternator? Sure could. Is it typical? Nope. End of story.

Now if you were the original owner of the car, and could state that was the originally installed alternator delivered on your car -- I would encourage you to leave it on there and have "fun" with the judges. Absent that story, and if you want ALL the points, find a later dated alternator.

[Mark D.]

Re: Is this alternator correct?

Does this mean I'm right-brained?

You're amphibious

[Don L.]

Re: Is this alternator correct?

No Mark. Amphibious people are only found in Kentucky, 'member?


...and I always tried to be SO nice to you...