Fake 997's

[Mike T.]

I've run into 2 pairs of fake heads. Somebody is trying to make $3,500 heads out of $35 heads.
Are they grinding casting numbers, making a mold from real 997's, and using JB Weld to put the casting numbers back?
They could use the same product to make single towers from a base block symbol on the outside too .
Another red flag is heavy paint, both orange on the outside and "cast" color on the top.

Question is: Are there other ways to determine real 997's from counterfeits?

Also, can small magnets be used to determine possible JB Weld usage?

[Tom P.]

Re: Fake 997's

This is nothing new. The first time I recall this being done to castings is about 25-30yrs ago.
About all that can be done is the examine ANY casting VERY closely.

[Michael W.]

Re: Fake 997's

Also, can small magnets be used to determine possible JB Weld usage?

The fakers mix metal filings with the epoxy. The seller should be willing to remove the paint and allow gentle probing with a dental pick etc.