Posted By: TrueTripleX
P/N and date code - 12/20/09 12:58 AM
I am in the process of my first super high end restoration and would like your input. My client wants a near perfect numbers matching car. What is more important – part number or date code? Lucky for me this car came with correct motor, tranny, carbs and rear axle. But he is missing the correct alternator, starter, exhaust manifolds, etc (the little things). I can find the correct part number items to replace, but am not finding the correct (acceptable) date codes on these items. How do others handle this issue?
Posted By: 70440+6bbl
Re: P/N and date code - 12/20/09 01:49 AM
I personally try to get the right part # as that is easier (usually)and satifies my needs, but for a true "super high end resto", you will need to have both... No small feat
Posted By: moparjohn
Re: P/N and date code - 12/20/09 02:17 AM
Recently I went through the same thing! I'll use the starter as an example. I had to buy a real nice starter that had the correct part number and date code on the aluminum snout. Then I had to buy another starter that had the right part number and date code on the barrel. It's getting hard to find parts that havn't been blasted to the point of no return. Years ago the rebuild shops would tear them down and throw the components into bins. Worse yet sometimes they would remove all original part numbers and date codes and replace them with their logos. Make a list and start searching!
Posted By: sg333e
Re: P/N and date code - 12/20/09 02:18 AM
Well if you're coming from the Chevy world you know the answer, simply restamp it to your liking!
Seriously, for a top dollar resto like you describe you need both. And I would say those items you listed above are the "little things" that separate the crap from the nicer cars. If you can have just one PN is more important.
What kind of car are we talking about?
Posted By: TrueTripleX
Re: P/N and date code - 12/21/09 04:15 PM
Thanks Scott, Bill and the rest. I knew what you were going to say. You should also know that this car is going to be a driver, and will never go for judging. The guy just wants it "right". But I will do as he request. He will have to understand that right takes time. But for a driver, is this extra time worth it?