1966 Steering Damper ID

[Steven J.]

Took the steering damper off my 66 non-PS car to do some cleanup/detailing. I wasn't sure whether the damper was original to the car / correct for the car so I Looked at the markings and cross-ref my 6th Ed TIM/JG.

The TIM/JG calls for it to be Part No 3178100 with a Julian date code (i.e. something in the March /April 1966 range so 60 66 thru about 120 66 which would be appropriate for my late May 1966 build date).

See the attached pics. My damper is marked 3718100, Pliacell, Delco Products, Dayton Ohio, but the date code is 3 D 66.

I'm sure there are those of you that know who can help me understand what I have.


Thx
Steve

[Gary B.]

Steve,

What you have there is what I guess is the damper that came on your car from the factory. But also what you have there is a damper with a date code format that does not match what the ‘66 JG says is correct. When I bought my July build ‘66 it had a damper with the date code of 5 A 66, for the 5th month, first week, 1966. Perfect for my July build car. And the damper had the expect appearance of so many of the other original chassis parts on my car. But it was not amenable to a simple cosmetic restoration. In the end, I had Dan Patch recreate a new damper with a comparable Julian date, to avoid a debate with any judges.

In summary, I believe steering dampers in ‘66 came with two different date formats, but whether the ‘66 JG will ever allow for that possibility I cannot predict.

Gary

[Steven J.]

Thanks Gary - appreciate your insight. Do you know if this topic - the two different date formats - has been brought up for discussion ?

[Gary B.]

Sorry, no.

Gary