Pictures needed for Date Code Book

Discussion in 'The "Paper Trail"' started by Duane, Jan 28, 2006.

  1. Duane

    Duane Member

    OK guys, it's time for me to beg for a few pictures.

    As many of you know I have been working on a Date Code book for late 60's-early 70's GM cars. I have been gathering info and pictures from the parts I have laying around, but simply do not have examples of every part necessary to make this book complete. And that's what I am shooting for.

    The book will include casting/manufacturing date codes, assembly date codes, shift codes, and time built codes. The only codes that will NOT be included will be both the engine and transmission production codes.

    What I need are good quality close-up digital pictures that I can change to "grayscale" and incorporate into my book. I also can accept only pictures that you have taken, and give me permission to use.

    I will be glad to publicly acknowledge you for the pictures I use, by adding the following note under each picture;

    (Picture courtesy of "Your Name"), and please I need your real names, not "Land shark", or "Big boat" etc.

    I will list the pictures I need and will update the list as time goes by.


    So, here's a chance to see your name in print, and help all your brothers. Thanks for your time.
    Duane


    Pictures needed

    Side cover from a Turbo 350, with the date code and Shift code stamped into it. The shift code will either be a "D" or "N" stamped at the bottom. A cover with the shift code is what I am looking for.

    Also from the same type of transmission, there should be a date code circle on the top, towards the tailshaft, with numbers cast inside the circle. (Found one)

    I need a nice picture of the sticker found on the 1970 California emmision canister. This would be from a 1970 only car, as 71-72's were different.
     
    Last edited: Jan 29, 2006
  2. gsxnut

    gsxnut Well-Known Member

    Duane,

    Is this all years or a certain year. I have a 1970 skylark that I can get a picture from if it will work. I also have some later mode trans on the floor from chevys. I will take the picture and send it your way. I am really excited about this book. I think it is a great idea. I am in for a couple.
    Mark
     
  3. Duane

    Duane Member

    Mark,
    I am not sure which years had the Day/Night shift code on them. The only TH 350 trans I have easy access to is the one in Rich's 71 350 GSX and it has no shift code. The only transmissions I have here are TH 400's, I gave all the 350's away.
    Duane
     
  4. GoldBoattail455

    GoldBoattail455 462 -> TH400 -> Posi

    I have most of my engine apart and have been restoring everything I take off an din the process recording the part numbers and date codes. Pictures wont be a hassle because the numbers are crisp and clear like new. I have two 1973 Electras, one very early build date with 1972 drivetrain parts and another early september one. I can and will help if you need me to. :)
     
  5. Jim Weise

    Jim Weise EFI/DIS 482

    Duane,

    You have mail.

    JW
     
  6. Ken Adams

    Ken Adams Well-Known Member

    Date Code Book

    Duane,
    Will the Date Code Book also include where to locate the various codes on our Buicks?
    Do you have any idea when available and a cost?
    Thanking you in advance for providing this much needed reference source.
     
  7. 1965 Land Shark

    1965 Land Shark The working man's muscle


    Land Shark is a great name, you remembered it.

    It's a very catchy name,Land Shark, that's the guy who was RIPPED OFF for $40,000 by Gran Sport AutoBody of Kahnawake Canada.

    http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=61907
     
  8. Duane

    Duane Member

    GoldBoattail455,
    I will let you know which pictures I need as I get further into it, I have most of the major engine date codes done already. The only cast codes left are for chevy motors, and I will dig my 454 out for them.

    Jim,
    Got your e-mail and sent one back at you for another picture I am looking for. Thanks for checking.

    Ken,
    Each date coding system will have photographs so you can see what they look like, and will have an example of each style that used it, ie cast, incise stamped, paint/ink stamped, or labels/printed tags.

    For instance the Month/day/year date coding system used all the above types, (cast, incise stamped, paint/ink stamped, or labels/printed tags) therefore it will have a photo for each type, and possibly 2 for some.

    When needed, I will also include locations where the codes can be found, like on body panels and engine components. Plus there will be step-by-step instructions with examples you can follow so you can decode everything easily. There will also be calendars for the years 64-72 included, along with a comprehensive list of parts, at the back of the book, that will reference which dating systems were used on which parts.

    The goal is to make this a complete stand-alone book so you can decode every date coded part on a car.

    As far as the cost and finish date, I guess it all depends on how big this grows, and the amount of time required to finish it. I am hoping for late spring, but we will see.

    1965 Land Shark,
    I will make you a deal, if I use some of your info we will just acknowledge your real name of Ray Ackerman. That's easier for me to remember. I may need some info for early GS auto & 4-speed cars, maybe you can help me with that.

    Again thanks guys.
    Duane
     
  9. 1965 Land Shark

    1965 Land Shark The working man's muscle

    1965 Land Shark,
    I will make you a deal, if I use some of your info we will just acknowledge your real name of Ray Ackerman. That's easier for me to remember. I may need some info for early GS auto & 4-speed cars, maybe you can help me with that.

    Again thanks guys.
    Duane[/QUOTE]

    Sure, I would absolutely love to help. My real name is no secret on this site, everyone who runs it and most people I deal with on this site know exactly who I am. By name, first and last name. I'm not running for political office or selling a service on this web site so I see no need to keep my last name in my signature.

    Your contribution to this site and the Buick community is outstanding and much appreciated. By all on this site, including me.

    Hey you never know I may need a set of foam intakes for a 71 GS stage 1 someday. You just never know, I may buy five in a short amount of time . One day I might be at a car show and the director will ask me to drive across the field to meet up with the other cars, and instead of me driving around the big puddle of water I might drive right through the water with a 71 GS stage 1 and then spend hours cleaning all the dirt and water from my car. If only I would have drove around that puddle.
     
  10. Duane

    Duane Member

    The list is updated. More to come later.
    Duane
     
  11. Duane

    Duane Member

    Guys,
    I am still looking for a picture of the aluminum Side cover from a Turbo 350, with the date code and Shift code stamped into it. The shift code will either be a "D" or "N" stamped at the bottom.

    Now I know you guys have bunches of TH 350's laying around so it should not be too hard to get a picture of one.

    I am also looking for a picture of the date code on a 71-72 Super Sport Wheel. It will be located at the valve stem, and will read something like this;
    K-1-1 1 29 WL

    Thanks.
    Duane
     
  12. bignastyGS

    bignastyGS Maggot pilot

    Duane you have mail...Let me know if they are ok... here's the particulars ..
    8 70 with an N on the top right
    JF 157
    D The part number on the actual piece is 6261141
     
  13. bignastyGS

    bignastyGS Maggot pilot

    like this
     
  14. Duane

    Duane Member

    Pat,
    The pictures are great, now I can finish the Turbo Hydramatic pages. Thank you.
    Duane
     
  15. Dan Healey

    Dan Healey Well-Known Member

    Ummm

    So there is a N and a D. :confused: Maybe it took 2 shifts to make that trans work. :laugh: :Do No:

    I forgot about a pict of the SS wheel date code. I'll see if I can get a pict. :Dou:
     
    Last edited: Feb 15, 2006
  16. Duane

    Duane Member

    Update,
    The Date Code Manual is coming along nicely, and has been expanded to include Mid 60's thru early 70's GM cars, so it could cover all the 65-72 GM Muscle cars. I am waiting on a few pictures for late model 3 speeds, and early/late 4-speeds, but other then that the majority of the work is done.

    Also, to get good definition the pictures will be printed in grayscale. I tried black/white but they got washed out, so the print shop will be charging me "color" prices for grayscale. Oh well.
    Duane
     
  17. Ken Adams

    Ken Adams Well-Known Member

    Date Code Manual

    Duane, looking forward for the completion of the date code book. Thanks once again for all your hard work and the time devoted to this much needed reference material. You are the man!
     
  18. Mike Trom

    Mike Trom Platinum Level Contributor

    Duane,

    When do you think they will be available :Brow:
     
  19. Duane

    Duane Member

    Ken & Mike,
    I expect to have everything done and printed by the middle of May. I have to finish a few pages, and need to work on the "parts vs. date code system" reference pages at the back of the book. (That's going to take some time.)

    Once I get the OK from my "editor/proof reader" we will be in production. I don't want to say who I "suckered" into taking that high paying job. :laugh:

    Right now the book is some 70+ pages, including the date coding systems, 64-72 calendars, and reference pages, and may get bigger. Just last weekend I added 5 more pages.
    Duane
     
  20. Duane

    Duane Member

    Here is a picture of the front cover. I had to chop it down in size to post it here, so I don't know how clear the pictures will be. I am sure some of the guys will recognize a few of the pictures they sent me.
    Duane
     

    Attached Files:

Share This Page