Repro ZN-232 Signal Stat Flasher vs NOS

[Ian G.]

I wanted to post pics of what I think to be a reproduction ZN232 Flasher vs an NOS one. There is a vendor on the interwebs selling a ZN232 Flasher represented as NOS, but I just don't think it's the case. Please don't mention the vendor so the thread doesn't get deleted. if you don't already know who it is, message me. See pics below. The fourth pic is another example of the one I think to be NOS with box. Repro on the left, NOS on the right. Note the differences:

*different FONTS and spacing of stamping:
SIGNAL-STAT
ZN232-12V
FLASHER
*NOS one has what appears to be a date stamp not present on the Reproduction
*Bottom of reproduction does not have embossed "SIGNAL-STAT Brooklyn, NY"
*Reproduction has (possibly) nickle plated contacts vs brass on the NOS.
*The reproduction has inferior crimps resulting in the housing rattling if shaken.

IMG_1143.jpgIMG_1142.jpgIMG_1141.jpgZN232.jpg

[Jim T.]

Re: Repro ZN232 SIGNAL-STAT Flasher vs NOS

What year of Corvette does the flasher come in?

[Edward J.]

Re: Repro ZN232 SIGNAL-STAT Flasher vs NOS

Ian, I agree, It appears surely to be a half hearted attempt to make something to appear like an NOS piece. You could send Dave Strickland a PM he very knowledgeable with flashers.

[David L.]

Re: Repro ZN232 SIGNAL-STAT Flasher vs NOS

Jim,
GM # 3713382 is the part number for the Signal Stat ZN 232 flasher for 55-60 Corvettes.

Ian,
In my collection I have a NOS Signal Stat CP232 flasher. It has "SIGNAL STAT" and "BROOKLYN, N.Y." on the black plastic back side and is stamped "M387" (date code???) on the side. I do not know the application. It has 3 steel (not brass) terminals. The "dotted" stamping on the front has the same size letter as your NOS ZN232 flasher.,


Dave

[Dave S.]

Re: Repro ZN232 SIGNAL-STAT Flasher vs NOS

Ian, I agree, It appears surely to be a half hearted attempt to make something to appear like an NOS piece. You could send Dave Strickland a PM he very knowledgeable with flashers.

Ian has it figured out. There are many who are familiar with this seller and would never make the mistake of buying from him. Now many more have learned something.

[Jerry B.]

Re: Repro ZN232 SIGNAL-STAT Flasher vs NOS

Is this vendor a NCRS member?

[Ian G.]

Re: Repro ZN232 SIGNAL-STAT Flasher vs NOS

No I don't think so, but he shall remain nameless so this thread doesn't get killed I think the date code is M (Manufactured?) 2-digit week of year and then single-digit year. So the date code on mine is like week 15 of 1955, While David's would be week 38 of 1957.

[Terry M.]

Re: Repro ZN232 SIGNAL-STAT Flasher vs NOS

No I don't think so, but he shall remain nameless so this thread doesn't get killed I think the date code is M (Manufactured?) 2-digit week of year and then single-digit year. So the date code on mine is like week 15 of 1955, While David's would be week 38 of 1957.

Actually he was a member at one time, and may still be. He used his real name for his membership. His membership number was in the triple digits.

Edit: I have received additional data: He is a paid up member and his number is two digits.

[Michael W.]

Re: Repro ZN232 SIGNAL-STAT Flasher vs NOS

I guess if people assume that NOS means 'identical to what was used on the production line' there will always be anger and confusion. There are many parts used on the production line that were never identical to the 'new stock' sitting on the dealer's shelves, long before they became 'old'.

Looking at the vendor's on-line ad for this piece, I would never assume that a rare, real deal component from 1960 would sell for $49.95. That's not a bad price for a decent replacement part though. The box that it's sitting on is another clue. I'd guess 1980s?

[Dick W.]

Re: Repro ZN232 SIGNAL-STAT Flasher vs NOS

Maybe the vendor should spend more money on his repros instead of spending it on magic hair grower

[Bob B.]

Re: Repro ZN232 SIGNAL-STAT Flasher vs NOS

Hi all,

I have a small collection of ZN-232 flashers and none of them resemble the suspected repro. My vote is also for repro. IF the seller represented them as repro and priced them accordingly, I'd be very happy that someone is reproducing them and I'd probably note it on a judging form, but not deduct (That's just me). Representing them as NOS is another matter.

I also have some service replacements that have a blank cover. For these, you can just take the cover off a shot original ZN-232 and put it on the service replacement and no judge is ever going to make you take your flasher out to see if it says Signal-Stat on the back. Problem is that these are probably less common than original ZN-232s!

Bob

[Pat H.]

Re: Repro ZN232 SIGNAL-STAT Flasher vs NOS

I was curious about the 2 supposedly NOS one I have. I bought them from an NCRS member at a swap meet and they are a little different. I have one in a box that has brass contacts and Signal Stat Brooklyn NY on the bakelite and a patent pend which is located below the contact. There is also a X in a circle just above Signal Stat and an 'L' in the top right hand corner. The used one I have has identical markings except the contact spades are appear to be steel/aluminum. They both function as intended if you are using the correct bulbs. Which one is real?

[Jerry B.]

Re: Repro ZN232 SIGNAL-STAT Flasher vs NOS

Let me add alittle more mud to the water. I have my ZN232 that came with my 57. All the other electrical components are original and I beleive they were assembly line correct All the dates correspond with the build date of the car.. Mine ZN232 flasher has raised numbers/nos. All the ones I have ever seen are "engraved".

[Bob B.]

Re: Repro ZN232 SIGNAL-STAT Flasher vs NOS

Hi all,

Let me revise my comments on my flashers. I do have a couple that are like what is supposed to be a repro. If it is, I still salute someone who does that as long as it is priced accordingly. A complete repro would be prohibitively expensive to do. I have some blank replacements with rectangular covers that are just like the Signal-Stat ones that someone could conceivably put the writing on, but the backs are not like the one under discussion. Has anyone seen a replacement that is rectangular like the one in question, but blank? I ask because there would have to be a ready source even if someone were only adding the lettering to the cover. Otherwise, the expense would dictate that it just wouldn't happen.

As for the raised letters vs the stamped, I have three NOS ZN-232s in the black and orange GM boxes and they are all stamped, not like the one in question, and the terminals are copper, and Signal-Stat is on the bakelite on back. I have several loose ones that are exactly the same except the terminals are aluminum, so I can't say if they are different runs or made later.

I also have some NOS in box ZN-332s. I checked a couple and I have a stamped one with instructions dated 6-59 and one with the raised letters with instructions dated 12-61. This would indicate that the raised lettering came later.

Bob

[Ian G.]

Re: Repro ZN232 SIGNAL-STAT Flasher vs NOS

Could you gents post pics of the variations you are talking about?