Distributor Date Code Band

[Patrick N.]

I am going to replace the missing metal ID band on my distributor to add this detail back on the car and was curious how far the date code precedes the build? - 68, L68 March 7th trim tag on the car. Also- should the band be red or silver facing out or does that not make a difference?

Thanks
Pat

[John H.]

Re: Distributor Date Code Band

I am going to replace the missing metal ID band on my distributor to add this detail back on the car and was curious how far the date code precedes the build? - 68, L68 March 7th trim tag on the car. Pat

Pat -

The distributor was installed at the engine plant, so its date needs to precede the stamped engine assembly date.

[Mark D.]

Re: Distributor Date Code Band

As for the color, I suggest placing the red on the inside. Alan Colvin published a research article on the color thingy about a hundred years ago in Vette Vues. If you purchase a repop, it will most likely stick out like a sore thumb as the part number font is too small. Best to find an original or it'll take a point(s) hit.

[Patrick N.]

Re: Distributor Date Code Band

Thanks guys,

John- any typical/general range of dates for preceding the engine assembly date, i.e. two weeks, two months or just within 6mth window?

Mark- thanks on the color and repop advice- I see a bunch on ebay-years / dates are hit and miss. Is there a source for these out there or wait for the right one to show up?

Thanks again,
Pat

[Terry M.]

Re: Distributor Date Code Band

Thanks guys,

John- any typical/general range of dates for preceding the engine assembly date, i.e. two weeks, two months or just within 6mth window?

Mark- thanks on the color and repop advice- I see a bunch on ebay-years / dates are hit and miss. Is there a source for these out there or wait for the right one to show up?

Thanks again,
Pat

There are some vendors with a stash of originals that I see once in a great while at swap meets, but you will need to educate yourself as to the differences Mark talks about. Some venders are pedaling reproductions.

Now for what you don't want to hear: distributors, alternators, & carburetors (as well as many other parts) were batch built. Some people have a large enough reference library to tell what those batch dates are. So far as I know none of those people are yet using their data bases on the judging field, but as technology goes forward and us old technologically challenged farts pass on to the judging field in the sky, I wouldn't rule out their use on the judging field.

[Patrick N.]

Re: Distributor Date Code Band

There are some vendors with a stash of originals that I see once in a great while at swap meets, but you will need to educate yourself as to the differences Mark talks about. Some venders are pedaling reproductions.

Now for what you don't want to hear: distributors, alternators, & carburetors (as well as many other parts) were batch built. Some people have a large enough reference library to tell what those batch dates are. So far as I know none of those people are yet using their data bases on the judging field, but as technology goes forward and us old technologically challenged farts pass on to the judging field in the sky, I wouldn't rule out their use on the judging field.

Thanks Terry, I will do some homework to learn how to spot reproductions. The batch number makes sense. I would image that at the very least, the date code would need to precede the engine assembly per John's comments but also could fit within the 6 month window as with other parts- that is until the batch number surfaced. This would be a good article for the Restorer...

Pat

[Terry M.]

Re: Distributor Date Code Band

Thanks Terry, I will do some homework to learn how to spot reproductions. The batch number makes sense. I would image that at the very least, the date code would need to precede the engine assembly per John's comments but also could fit within the 6 month window as with other parts- that is until the batch number surfaced. This would be a good article for the Restorer...

Pat

Your time line is all that is needed -- for now, and maybe forever. who knows? Maybe the reproductions will get better -- if we keep bugging them. Maybe pigs will fly.

No Restorer story. People would be pertering me to name names and I ain't goign to do that.

[Wayne M.]

Re: Distributor Date Code Band

As to red or aluminum band facing outward; I have about 9 originals (incl. 2 service) and slightly more than half have the silver exposed. I don't think that Delco assemblers were given any specific instructions, or, if so, they relaxed or modified the rules over the C2-C3 decade.

As to the batch applications, this sounds logical, especially with the lesser demand units. Pic below is of a L76 K66 assembled 4_C_30 (March 30th, 1964). Per Nolan's ECL breakdown, there were only about 385 of these installed in 22,229 Corvettes. T.I was introduced early in the calendar year. Over a decade on eBay, I've noticed another one or two, and they both had the same assy. date. Closest I have to your case is a '68 L71 1111296 8_B_26, with red band out.

The '65 TIM&JG wisely does not pronounce on which color is exposed.



y

[Harry S.]

Re: Distributor Date Code Band

I am going to replace the missing metal ID band on my distributor to add this detail back on the car and was curious how far the date code precedes the build? - 68, L68 March 7th trim tag on the car. Also- should the band be red or silver facing out or does that not make a difference?

Thanks
Pat

I just have to ask, how do you know the distributor in the car is actually what you think it is? Without the Band can you tell what it is? Are you putting the band on a distributor that is not original to the car and/or will not match the number on the Band.

[Patrick N.]

Re: Distributor Date Code Band

Your time line is all that is needed -- for now, and maybe forever. who knows? Maybe the reproductions will get better -- if we keep bugging them. Maybe pigs will fly.

No Restorer story. People would be pertering me to name names and I ain't goign to do that.

Well my restoration project seems to be taking forever, so, I'm in

Pat

[Patrick N.]

Re: Distributor Date Code Band

I just have to ask, how do you know the distributor in the car is actually what you think it is? Without the Band can you tell what it is? Are you putting the band on a distributor that is not original to the car and/or will not match the number on the Band.

I would be happy to post a couple pics later tonight to have others with more experience take a look to be sure.

Pat

[Harry S.]

Re: Distributor Date Code Band

Pat, I ask the question as I have that exact problem. I believe my distributor is correct, but it need to finish a good deal of research to make sure.

[Mark D.]

Re: Distributor Date Code Band

I just have to ask, how do you know the distributor in the car is actually what you think it is? Without the Band can you tell what it is? Are you putting the band on a distributor that is not original to the car and/or will not match the number on the Band.

By lifting it out of the block. That way, you can at least see if the configuration matches the model year and application.

[Patrick N.]

Re: Distributor Date Code Band

Hi Harry, totally share the same concerns, I cannot be sure that its the correct configuration, but will put up a couple pics - and would love to learn what the tell tale elements to evaluate are. I would rather correct as many parts now before its all back together.

Best,
Pat

[Patrick N.]

Re: Distributor Date Code Band

To build off of the conversation yesterday I am attaching a few pics of the distributor I am working on for my 68 L68. Cast into the upper housing are the numbers 231, no ID band is present so any thoughts on this dist being correct for the car is greatly welcomed as well as the knowledge you could pass my way as to what to look for to determine what is correct. I have replaced the Vacuum advance (repop), points, rotor, wick, and kept the rest as it came on the car. Thanks again for everyone's help on this!
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