67 L-79 AC Power Steering roadster engine suffix

[Lawrence S.]

Yesterday I went to look at the above car. It was a great original piece with the original paint. I had looked at my 67 Judging guide and pocket guide before going so I would be somewhat prepared. I looked at the engine suffix code when I got there and found an "HT" instead of a "HP". Both of my reference materials listed "HP" as the correct suffix code for the L-79 A/C PS car. A little background on the car, the car body was an AO Smith body built in September of 66 and the engine assembly was mid to late January 67. Would this have anything to do with the fact that the car had the "HT" stamp instead of the "HP" stamp? The car had a top flight certificate and the judging sheets with the car. The sheets did not show where the judges took off for the stamp. So my question is should the car have an HP stamp or is the HT ok? I don't know if the car was judged chapter or regional. Thanks!

[Ara G.]

Re: 67 L-79 AC Power Steering roadster engine suffix

Lawrence, going from my memory (I don't have my books in front of me) but I believe the PS makes that motor one that should have the HP. I believe you could have the L79 with just AC and it's still an HT motor. The AC with L79 and PS makes it an HP motor. Obviously smog makes it an HD, which is not the case here. Hope you are well. ARA

[Larry M.]

[Michael H.]

Re: 67 L-79 AC Power Steering roadster engine suffix

I agree with Larry, more than likely the PS was added or the motor was restored not knowing that PS would change the suffix. I also have a hard time believing that this car has this late of motor, but I guess anything is possible. Have a knowledgeable person check the stamping and broach marks on the motor.

Mike

[Lawrence S.]

Re: 67 L-79 AC Power Steering roadster engine suffix

Thanks guys

[Bill M.]

Re: 67 L-79 AC Power Steering roadster engine suffix

I have a 67 AC 350 hp coupe. Tank sticker with C 60 on it. The code is HT. I have power steering which was added in the 70's according to a previous owner.

[Paul D.]

Re: 67 L-79 AC Power Steering roadster engine suffix

I assume the VIN and build date work for for the engine build date. I wonder how a September 66 body could hang around until late January or early February to be used. Others more knowledgeable please enlighten me. Chip.

[John H.]

Re: 67 L-79 AC Power Steering roadster engine suffix

I assume the VIN and build date work for for the engine build date. I wonder how a September 66 body could hang around until late January or early February to be used. Others more knowledgeable please enlighten me. Chip.

A September body wouldn't "hang around" for four or five days, much less four or five months; A.O. Smith bodies were a well-defined and planned continuous flow through the system, as they were built to customer order and scheduled by the St. Louis plant as 50% of production. What's the car's VIN, and what's the pad stamp?

[Lawrence S.]

Re: 67 L-79 AC Power Steering roadster engine suffix

Don't have the vin or engine stamp...my friend has no further interest in the car.