Early 1966 distributor

[Mike G.]

Hi all,

I have a very early 1966 L79 (September 16 casting date and September 30 final assembly date, car #1940) My distributor tag has 1111087 which as I understand is a 65 L79 distributor. Question, would it be possible that the used left over 65 parts in early 66 cars? Would this pass NCRS judging?

Thanks,
Mike

[Dan A.]

Re: Early 1966 distributor

What is the date on the distributor tag?

[Mike G.]

Re: Early 1966 distributor

I didn't get a pic of that. Car isn't here so will have to circle back with that info

[Mike G.]

Re: Early 1966 distributor

As far as I can tell, it's 5 G 7 or 5 G 17. (July 7th or 17th, 1965).

[Dan A.]

Re: Early 1966 distributor

The date is a good fit. I'm not inclined to call it a '65 left over though. Some jump to that train of thought a little too quickly and often.

The judging manual only lists one L79 standard ignition distributor the 1111156 for th '66 model year.

There is a second school of thought that lists a first design 1111087, second design 1111156 and third design 1111196 standard ignition distributor.

I would suggest you seek out other very early '66 L79s and record their numbers including dates and whatever history you can.

I woul pursue your distributors history with the car.

You have an opportunity to contribute.

[Mike G.]

Re: Early 1966 distributor

Thanks Daniel. This is kind of what I thought but since I'm new to the "hobby" i wasn't sure and didn't want to assume. I would love to have other early 66's chime in and let me know what they have recorded.

[Edward J.]

Re: Early 1966 distributor

Mike G., I happen to be working on a first week of production 66 and the part no. tag on dist is 1111196. vin #is 100497

[Michael W.]

Re: Early 1966 distributor

As far as I can tell, it's 5 G 7 or 5 G 17. (July 7th or 17th, 1965).

I think the date works more against you tha helps as it was in the time frame when late '65s were still in production. If your distributor was dated later and within the '66 production year, it might would suggest it might have been an assembly line piece.

If there are any technical differences between the two part numbers that affect the advances curves and this is not noted on the AMA specs, that would indicate that the distributor is not original to the car.

[Dan A.]

Re: Early 1966 distributor

Mike G., I happen to be working on a first week of production 66 and the part no. tag on dist is 1111196. vin #is 100497

What is the date on the tag?

[Edward J.]

Re: Early 1966 distributor

Dan, The date looks like 6M5 ?? does not sound correct

[Dan A.]

Re: Early 1966 distributor

Dan, The date looks like 6M5 ?? does not sound correct

That part number and date is consistent with a 1967 model year car with an L79 built late December of 1966 or early January of 1967.

[Dan A.]

Re: Early 1966 distributor

Ed, I'm thinkin' you have good reason to research early '66 L79 distributors. Would make for a good Restorer article.

Dan