1971 Horn Date Survey & Impact of Strikes on Part Dates

[Paul C.]

Mike Ernst wrote an article for the corvette restorer on deciphering a 1971 LT-1 where he discussed the dates of major parts compared to the build date (car was built November 25, 1970). There was a strike than ran from September 14-November 23,1970 which impacted 1971 production. I noticed that his horn was outisde the 6 month window (Feb 3, 1970). My Jan 28, 1971 built car has the original horn dated 4th week April 1970--outside the 6 month window. I wonder how many times this occurs with the horns but also with other parts that were mass produced and were stored in bulk waiting for a strike to end and production to begin again. Has NCRS considered this when applying the 6 month rule to years where lengthy strikes occurred and do any other 1971 owners find their horn or other original parts are outside the 6 month window. This is a "QUESTION" not a complaint on judging standards. Surely other members have wondered this.

[Alan S.]

Re: 1971 Horn Date Survey & Impact of Strikes on Part Dates

Hi Paul,
My 71, #6589, mid-January, car's horn is dated 0H3. 1970, August, 3rd week.
It'll be interesting to see what some other dates turn out to be.
Regards,
Alan

[Doug J.]

Re: 1971 Horn Date Survey & Impact of Strikes on Part Dates

"I wonder how many times this occurs with the horns but also with other parts that were mass produced and were stored in bulk waiting for a strike to end and production to begin again. Has NCRS considered this when applying the 6 month rule to years where lengthy strikes occurred and do any other 1971 owners find their horn or other original parts are outside the 6 month window. This is a "QUESTION" not a complaint on judging standards. Surely other members have wondered this."

My Dec 23, 1970 built '71 #4897 has mostly if not all parts from July, August or early Sept. 1970. I have often wondered about the same thing, if anyone has considered this when judging an early '71. Judges remarks would be appreciated...

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1971 Horn Date Survey & Impact of Strikes on Part Dates

Different part, but my mid June of 71 car has an August of 1970 water pump.

Patrick

[Don L.]

Re: 1971 Horn Date Survey & Impact of Strikes on Part Dates

When shopping for a correct pump for my car last fall, I talked to fellow NCRS member Bill Mock in OK. Bill told me that water pumps for SB's were made in batches, and for my Aug '71 built SB, the closest he's seen is March '71. The next set of dates he's seen is after my engine was built. Obviously, March fit my build date, but not ideal. I listened to him, accepted what he said and took it. It's now on the car. Anyone else heard this?

[Don R.]

Re: 1971 Horn Date Survey & Impact of Strikes on Part Dates

Paul, I have a 1971 coupe build date December 14,1970 and I have a horn build date of February 1970. I also have a starter with a build date of March 1970. All my other dated parts fall around August & September.

[William C.]

Re: 1971 Horn Date Survey & Impact of Strikes on Part Dates

Generally speaking the higher level judges usually are aware of the effect of strikes of any length in the models they work with regularly, a novice might not be as aware, but should have some guidance from the judging leadership. That said, For a strike of any real length, the parts plants generally closed also, so the quantity of dates in question should be limited to in-plant stock on hand in most cases. The Judging manuals generally give a pretty wide leaway on acceptable dates, although cars produced on the last week of the model run may have some unusual items, I once had a '72 454 with M/T and A/C, and the carb on the car was produced in Dec of 71! I think Rochester produced the years supply of those in one batch!

[Paul C.]

Re: 1971 Horn Date Survey & Impact of Strikes on Part Dates

My starter was July 4, 1970 which is outside the 6 months (1/28/71). I replaced it with a December 1970 but I am convinced the July one was and is the original--but unfortunately I can't prove it. Every other part of the car is original except the gas tank which was replaced because it was leaking in 1976 by a previous owner.
Paul