71 Distributor Cap
I understand the correct distributor cap for my 71 base engine would be a Delco Remy #1971244 D-308 R (Black with Aluminum contacts). However, some of the older NOS caps have "Delco Remy" embossed on one half of the cap with EITHER "patent pending R" OR "AW Patent 2769047 R" embossed on the other half. Does anyone know which one would be considered the correct factory original? It appears the cap with the embossed "Patent 2769047 R" would have come later following the actual patent. Either cap seems scarce now. Just trying to source an original cap for my car. Thanks!
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Re: 71 Distributor Cap
Terry -
I have the fourth edition TIM &JG and did read it. I also have a 2500 actual mile 71 with the patent numbered distributor cap. I guess the better question is when did the patent numbered cap hit the parts counter? As for TIM&JG, this is a great resource for certain. Unfortunately, it is NOT 100% correct in all instances. So, as for you your snide comment? No comment.Comment
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Re: 71 Distributor Cap
Well Seth, the problem is we are not reading from the same book. The 5th Edition of the 1970-72 TIM&JG came out (with color pictures) in 2016. And my crystal ball tells me there will at least be an up-date in 2018, and maybe another edition by then. But none of that answers your queztion.
Here is the relevant text:
"Distributor Cap
All distributor caps are black with Delco Remy printed on the exterior in raised letters. Original cars are known to have PATENT PENDING R in a
circular pattern between the center tower and the outer ring of towers (See Fig. M 8.2) and a reinforcement that runs on the right about three fourths of the way from the base. (See Fig. M 8.3)"
As to when the cap with the patent numbers became available; I will have to leave that question for others to answer.TerryComment
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Re: 71 Distributor Cap
All------
It's my opinion that caps embossed "Patent Pending" or "Patent 2769047" could have been in use at the same time and depended upon from which mold a particular cap was manufactured. The fact of the matter is that U.S. patent number 2769047 was applied for on December 23, 1953 and granted on October 30, 1956. So, after October 30, 1956 the patent was no longer "pending" regardless of what is embossed on a particular cap and, consequently, the term "patent pending" amounts to nothing more than an anachronism. I'm sure there were MANY molds for these caps as they were in use across all of GM car and truck lines with MILLIONS being produced in any given year.
Just because someone has observed caps with "Patent Pending" on cars believed to have survived with their original caps does not mean that all originally installed caps were so-embossed.
Most, if not all, 1969 caps should have the "R" embossed on them, though, as do all later caps.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: 71 Distributor Cap
Seth,
The 5th Edition manual has been out for about a year and well worth the money. Lots of good pictures from original, unrestored cars.
Several people have commented to me about the "047" distributor caps being available then. A few months ago, I looked at a 400-mile 72, still had the original battery in it, and it had a Patent Pending R on it. Ed Foss's 4-mile car had a Patent Pending R on it. I have a good friend with a 3,000 mile 72, it has a Patent Pending R. Do we know if they have been changed? No, but the 400-mile car was driven a few weeks, parked and never moved, so I am pretty sure at least that one is real.
During my years of judging, I have been told the 047 caps appeared in the mid-70's. When I look at the date on the original Delco boxes the caps are packaged in, I tend to agree with that. I wish we could find out for sure when they added the patent number, as those are sure a lot cheaper than the others and more plentiful. But, as I walk through swap meets, I look at the 047 caps in there boxes and look at the dates.
But for now, both the 68-69 and 70-72 manuals are calling for Patent Pending R. If we learn more, we will update them.
Gary BosselmanComment
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Re: 71 Distributor Cap
Terry - I understand you to be an expert and a great resource to folks like me. However, in the brief past 24hrs of researching this subject, I'm yet to find with 100% certainty, which 308 R distributor cap was placed on my car, from the factory in May 1971 when it was built. In all due respect to you and the latest edition TIM-JG, am I missing something? Right now, what I am seeing is that there indeed appears to be production variations in the "patent pending R" cap vs. the patent numbered R cap placed on these cars. It seems to me that the TIM-JG manual should footnote this in some type of acknowledgement if not known for certain. In any event, thanks for the information.Comment
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Re: 71 Distributor Cap
Seth,
Until an 047 distributor cap is seen on unrestored cars it will be difficult to add a footnote in my opinion. I think there is to much subjective information here to consider an 047 cap to be possible.
Refer to the latest wording in the 70/72 Judging guide on oil filters. That should assist you in understanding how hard it is provide accurate details on how to properly and fairly judge these cars.
If you can provide compelling information on the originality of 047 distributor caps to the 70/72 Team Leader and /or Gary Bosselman I'm sure that change will be considered.Comment
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Re: 71 Distributor Cap
Unless you have the Time Machine we'd all like to borrow, there will likely never be a way to determine exactly what cap was installed on your particular car in 1971.
What we do know is that so far we have not seen anything but the Patent Pending R on known untouched, original cars. However, as Terry often says, we haven't seen all of them. Given that the ones we've seen have said Patent Pending R, that is what we believe was installed on all of them. We have to make that extrapolation on many points of the Judging Guide, as is mentioned on the first page of the new 5th Edition:
"This Corvette Technical Information Manual and Judging Guide has been prepared through the
assistance of many knowledgeable people, some of whom are listed below. The information contained
herein is based upon research involving published data and inspection of numerous representative
vehicles. It is intended to serve as a technical information and judging manual only and not as a vehicle
restoration guide. Every effort has been made to publish the most accurate information at the time of
printing. Any information for which there is not full agreement among experienced people has either been
indicated as such or omitted. However, incorrect or incomplete information may appear. Input concerning
possible corrections, clarifications or additions is encouraged and can be directed to the Team Leader
listed below. Please enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope if you wish a reply."
I hope that clarifies it further for you.Vice-Chairman (West), Michigan Chapter NCRS
71 "deer modified" coupe
72 5-Star Bowtie / Duntov coupe. https://www.flickr.com/photos/124695...57649252735124
2008 coupe
Available stickers: Engine suffix code, exhaust tips & mufflers, shocks, AIR diverter valve broadcast code.Comment
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Re: 71 Distributor Cap
Thanks Joe. Based on accounts from original owners with ultra low milage untouched cars on this thread and posted within the Archives, I have to agree with you. Thanks everyone for sharing your knowledge and suggestions.Comment
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Re: 71 Distributor Cap
Certainly a fine line between accurate and precise. Regardless, Zora must be laughing at all of us! That said, as lifetime Corvette hobbyist and enthusiast, I sincerely appreciate the shared knowledge and expertise from everyone. It is invaluable to both the hobby and the Corvette community.Comment
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