"R" doesn't always mean "right"

[Mike E.]

We have all learned over the years that if a part is odd-numbered it goes on the left (driver) side of the car, and if even-numbered, the passenger side.
But not always.
When working on a C3 power window issue, I discovered that the motor stamped "R" was the left hand motor. Further investigation indicated that on a passenger car, that motor truly was right-hand, but was inverted (and therefore became the left motor) on a C3.
Another example is a 69-77 interior door pull. Pictured is a "right" door pull from passenger car usage, used as a "left" pull on Corvettes. Any other similar examples that you can think of?
door pull left NOS (2).jpgdoor pull left NOS (1).jpg power window motor (6).jpg

[Richard M.]

Re: "R" doesn't always mean "right"

I've not seen it on the older years, but when searching parts for my C6, I noticed the Left/Odd Right/Even protocol was not always adhered to.

It seems GM used that guidline for years, but I'm wondering if it was actually a directive or not.

Maybe a recommendation only?

Rich

[Reba W.]

Re: "R" doesn't always mean "right"

When Dick and I had the business, we found a few parts that had the usual odd/even sequence reversed. I don't remember if they had L and R on them. It has been too long for me to remember an example.

[Joe L.]

Re: "R" doesn't always mean "right"

I've not seen it on the older years, but when searching parts for my C6, I noticed the Left/Odd Right/Even protocol was not always adhered to.

It seems GM used that guidline for years, but I'm wondering if it was actually a directive or not.

Maybe a recommendation only?

Rich

Rich-----

VERY common on C4 and later parts. Some left/right parts still conform to the old odd/even sequencing but MANY do not. Sometimes the parts are not even consecutively numbered.

[Richard M.]

Re: "R" doesn't always mean "right"

Thanks Joe.

Curiously, A friend gave me this set of NOS C5 window regulators. Both in this box,10344132. So I looked it up and as thought, right side.

The left side is 10344133.

20231218_093409.jpg

[Joe L.]

Re: "R" doesn't always mean "right"

Thanks Joe.

Curiously, A friend gave me this set of NOS C5 window regulators. Both in this box,10344132. So I looked it up and as thought, right side.

The left side is 10344133.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]120076[/ATTACH]

Rich------


Good parts to have if you have a car they are applicable to. Both the 10344132 and 10344133 are discontinued AND their replacements are also now discontinued without supercession.

[Richard M.]

Re: "R" doesn't always mean "right"

Joe, What about parts that are side specific, but contain both numbers for left and right cast into them. Was this common also?

Like the F41 lower shock mounts on the 1967 L71,L88,L89. I don't recall the part number offhand.

Rich

[Joe L.]

Re: "R" doesn't always mean "right"

Joe, What about parts that are side specific, but contain both numbers for left and right cast into them. Was this common also?

Like the F41 lower shock mounts on the 1967 L71,L88,L89. I don't recall the part number offhand.

Rich

Rich------

Both F-41 shock mounts were machined from the same forging. I have seen them embossed "3829265-6", "3829265 & 6" and no embossment, at all. I don't recall seeing any with the "L" and "R" but there might be some, too.

The standard suspension shafts were different forgings for each side. They are usually embossed "3820929-L" and "3820930-R"

The F-41 shafts replaced the standard suspension shafts for SERVICE of all 1963-82 Corvettes in 1978. However, the 3820929 and 3820930 continued to be used in PRODUCTION for standard suspension Corvettes through 1982.

[Richard M.]

Re: "R" doesn't always mean "right"

Rich------

Both F-41 shock mounts were machined from the same forging. I have seen them embossed "3829265-6", "3829265 & 6" and no embossment, at all. I don't recall seeing any with the "L" and "R" but there might be some, too.

The standard suspension shafts were different forgings for each side. They are usually embossed "3820929-L" and "3820930-R"

The F-41 shafts replaced the standard suspension shafts for SERVICE of all 1963-82 Corvettes in 1978. However, the 3820929 and 3820930 continued to be used in PRODUCTION for standard suspension Corvettes through 1982.

Joe, Thank you for your references. It's interesting that after machining the L or R designation wasn't Stamped on those F41 mounts originally. I recall the confusion when I held them in my hands the first time I had them. I had to "test" install them to be sure.

I'll have to post some images later.

I also recall seeing some service parts ink stamped with their part numbers, and iirc some laser etched?

Rich

[Richard M.]

Re: "R" doesn't always mean "right"

Mike, Here's a relative example of parts marked L or R, that can actually be installed on "either" side also.

Their part numbers still followed the Odd/Even protocol.

The headlight motor inner bucket pivot housings on 1963 to 1967. This is the part that the motor/gearbox assembly attaches to and held with the small clothespin clip.

The caveat is the inner housings are physically reversible, and if they are, the bucket operation still functions properly, albeit other than their appearance being not properly configured, there is only one telltale they've been installed wrong.

Not many know what it is.

Rich
P.S. if you give up.... the answer is HERE

[Joseph S.]

Re: "R" doesn't always mean "right"

Mike, both those parts are carry over items from 63-67 production. The window motors are stamped properly for a 63-67 Corvette. When they used them on 68-82 Corvettes they had to swap the motors to the opposite sides. The same holds true for the door pulls. On 66-67 cars they are correctly identified. L on the Left and R on the Right.

[Joe L.]

Re: "R" doesn't always mean "right"

I also recall seeing some service parts ink stamped with their part numbers, and iirc some laser etched?

Rich

Rich------

Yes, some GM SERVICE examples of the 3829265 and 3829266 were ink or laser stamped with the part numbers. I think this may have been done after the embossments disappeared. In later SERVICE I think everything was gone. After all, SERVICE parts like these were supplied in a box with the part number on it. I suppose GM considered that was enough identification.

[Mike E.]

Re: "R" doesn't always mean "right"

Mike, both those parts are carry over items from 63-67 production. The window motors are stamped properly for a 63-67 Corvette. When they used them on 68-82 Corvettes they had to swap the motors to the opposite sides. The same holds true for the door pulls. On 66-67 cars they are correctly identified. L on the Left and R on the Right.

Joe,
Thanks for the input. A difference on the C3 power window motors (as opposed to passenger cars) is that they have a dense foam pad adhered to the side of the motor, because they are immediately against the metal door inner structure. Is the part number painted (stenciled) in large numbers on the C2 motors also? Thanks, Mike

[Con X.]

Re: "R" doesn't always mean "right"

Well - it's clear to me that the parts in question may have been installed/assembled by a Navy veteran whose training kicked in. On US Navy ships each compartment has a unique number.
https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval...ng-within-ship

OK - Now I'll show myself out
Merry Christmas