65 differential identification

[John C.]

Can anyone point me in the right direction to find a chart that explains the stamping on the bottom of the housing on a 65. I've searched the archives but couldn't find anything. If I'm reading it correctly, it says A K5 1965. This is a May of 65 car 18***.
Thanks for any help !
JC

[Joe L.]

Re: 65 diffirential identification

John------


The important code is the "AK". This indicates a 3.36:1 standard (i.e. non-posi) axles ratio. The rest of it is not the sequence I would expect but probably denotes the date of May 19, 1965

[Jim D.]

Re: 65 diffirential identification

AK is the axle code (3.36:1, non-posi, small block). 5-19-65 is the date of assembly which the typical format used.

[Joe R.]

Re: 65 diffirential identification

Many questions like this can be found in the "Corvette Specifications Guide" published by the NCRS Volume 16, Number 1 Summer 1989. It was compiled by John Amgwert.
It was a special membership edition and contains many specifications needed by ALL NCRS members. If you don't have one you may be able to purchase one from the NCRS store or find one for sale on E-bay.

JR

[John C.]

Re: 65 diffirential identification

Good to know it appears the rear end is original to the car. I assume there is a stamp somewhere on the housing that shows the numerical sequence that would coincide with the VIN number, in other words, that would verify a number matching housing ?
I have the AIM guide and the assembly book, but I don't have the Corvette Spec guide. I'll see if I can locate one, thanks Joe !
Thank you for the help fellas !
JC

[Joe L.]

Re: 65 diffirential identification

Good to know it appears the rear end is original to the car. I assume there is a stamp somewhere on the housing that shows the numerical sequence that would coincide with the VIN number, in other words, that would verify a number matching housing ?
I have the AIM guide and the assembly book, but I don't have the Corvette Spec guide. I'll see if I can locate one, thanks Joe !
Thank you for the help fellas !
JC

JC------


There is no VIN derivative stamping on the differential carrier. The only stamping is the one you pictured.

[John C.]

Re: 65 diffirential identification

Thanks for the clarification Joe !
JC

[Wayne M.]

Re: 65 diffirential identification

Another cast number on the diff carrier, on driver side, below and slightly forward of the left wheel output yoke (sometimes hard to see on the car because of the strut rod bracket). This particular diff is stamped July 21 1965.

[Jim S.]

Re: 65 diffirential identification

"This particular diff is stamped July 21 1965."

That isn't April 30th 66 ???

[Wayne M.]

Re: 65 diffirential identification

"This particular diff is stamped July 21 1965."

That isn't April 30th 66 ???

How's this ? Angle of lighting better ? The diff is stamped FA_7_21_65, so about 11 weeks from cast to assemble.

[Jim D.]

Re: 65 diffirential identification

Wayne, 11 weeks seems about the right time frame. On my 65's, one was cast "A 15 5" & assembled "3 29 65" (10 weeks) the other one was cast
"B 1 5" and assembled 4 28 65 (12 weeks).

[John C.]

Re: 65 diffirential identification

Thank you Jim, great information ! I find all the date stamp information really interesting !
JC