Distributor Cap 1962 327/340hp

[David H.]

I see by a thread in the archives that a distributor cap with "delco remy R" on the top is the incorrect cap for my '62 327/340hp car, but can someone tell me what the "R" stands for and what is the correct GM part number for the correct cap for this car? I dont find it in the AIM or the service guide or the judging manual. Thanks.

[Donald L.]

Re: Distributor Cap 1962 327/340hp

I believe you re looking for a Delco dual window cap D324.

[David H.]

Re: Distributor Cap 1962 327/340hp

Thanks for the reply. I have that number, but isn't there a seven digit part number for it? like 1941551 is listed on ebay but this has the "R" imprint in the top of the cap. In the AIM it shows it with a designation next to it of "3b L" but I dont know what that means.

[Dave S.]

Re: Distributor Cap 1962 327/340hp

Thanks for the reply. I have that number, but isn't there a seven digit part number for it? like 1941551 is listed on ebay but this has the "R" imprint in the top of the cap.

David,
The Chevrolet part number will not give you all the various details of the cap. The Delco number D-324 or D-308 etc. will give you the general configuration i.e. dual window, single window, short tower etc. You will need to see the cap in person or photo to verify the markings like patent pending, R, no R etc.

[David H.]

Re: Distributor Cap 1962 327/340hp

OK, got that. This one does have the "R" on the top, so it is incorrect for my car. The lister is using GM part number 1941551 so I figure the correct cap must have a part number other than the D324 but maybe not. Does the "R" signify anything?

[Mike M.]

Re: Distributor Cap 1962 327/340hp

the presence of the "R" will merit a small deduction on the judging field. the dual window cap you need will be embossed Patent Pending without the R. a dremel tool can remove the offending R, then polish the area with a buff and rubbing compound. get an old cap to practice on before attacking the R on a valuble cap.mike

[Terry M.]

Re: Distributor Cap 1962 327/340hp

OK, got that. This one does have the "R" on the top, so it is incorrect for my car. The lister is using GM part number 1941551 so I figure the correct cap must have a part number other than the D324 but maybe not. Does the "R" signify anything?

The R = Registered as in Registered Trade Mark.
There are those who believe, or used to believe, that it stood for resistor, but that idea has generally been rebuffed. There is no resistor in any of the Delco distributor caps, and there is no electrical difference between any of the many styles of Delco distributor caps. So most folks now believe the R refers to the patent process and not resistance.

But there are still those who believe the world is flat. See "the Flat Earth Society."

[John D.]

Re: Distributor Cap 1962 327/340hp

Terry, Thanx very much for clarifying just what the famous "R" stands for.

Meanwhile that advice given by the good MD is cheating. Now here is how you tell if old Doc has been buffing off the "R". The cap is shiny!!!
But you'll have that. To remove the shine put the cap in the dishwasher.

You won't see very many NOS D324's around without the "R"s on them. To get that rare cap you will need to find one in a very old box. They are just not out there.

[Jack H.]

Re: Distributor Cap 1962 327/340hp

And, in GENERAL, the Delco 'short number' on the box should tell you whether it's a late era 'R' part vs. the earlier era non-R part. The standard distributor cap was a D-308. It's later era version is typically designated D-308R on the box...

[Tom P.]

Re: Distributor Cap 1962 327/340hp

------------------------------------------------ They are just not out there.

John,
One of your customers has one----------------IN THE BOX!