Pictures needed for Date Code Book

[Duane]

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.

[gsxnut]

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

[Duane]

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

[GoldBoattail455]

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. :)

[Jim Weise]

Duane,

You have mail.

JW

[Ken Adams]

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.

[1965 Land Shark]

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.

Also from the same transmission, there should be a date code circle on the top, towards the tailshaft, with numbers cast inside the circle.


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

[Duane]

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

[1965 Land Shark]

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.

[Duane]

The list is updated. More to come later.
Duane

[Duane]

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

[bignastyGS]

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

[bignastyGS]

like this

[Duane]

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

[Dan Healey]

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:

[Duane]

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

[Ken Adams]

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!

[Mike Trom]

Duane,

When do you think they will be available :Brow:

[Duane]

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

[Duane]

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

[Mark Ascher]

Duane, I'm taking photos this weekend.
Mark

[BOnoP]

Duane, this is a date code under this part #??????

[Duane]

Mark,
That's great, that way I can swap out a few pictures for better ones. I can really use a cleaner "WC---" picture and one of the overall trans, if available.

BOnop,
I can't tell all my secrets, at least not yet, but the book will decode date codes for Buick, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile and Pontiac;
body panels, all front end sheetmetal including core supports, all makes of glass, sport mirrors, radiators, all major cast engine components, vacuum trees, oil sending units (at least for the gauge equipped cars), water pumps, valve covers, oil pans, both varieties of clutch fans, Rochester Holly & Carter carburetors, starters, distributors, alternators, air cleaners, AC compressors, AC hoses, voltage regulators, steering boxes, master cylinders, power boosters, brake drums, calipers, brake rotors, car frames, front suspension center links, seat belts, radios, seat frames, bucket seat headrests, steering columns, Turbo-hydramatic auto transmissions, 3 & 4-speed manual transmissions, including the ford top-loaders, rear axles, rims/wheels, spark plug wires, and probably a hundred other parts I haven't mentioned.
Duane

[BOnoP]

Fair enough :TU:

I see a whole new ebay coming to life in the near future, as I parted so many 1970 GS's, this could be interesting. I guess spending all that foolish money on storage of engine/drivetrain, interior conponents for 20+ yrs might actually pay off in the end :beer

Thanks Duane, I anxiously await the book

[Duane]

BOnop,
Cool, I see you live in AZ and have been storing parts for years.

I am in desperate need of a picture of the sticker from a 1970 "California only" Charcoal Emisson Canister. The sticker has a date code printed on it and that type code is unique to that sticker. I figure you live a lot closer to CA then I do (Phila) so maybe you have one, or know someone that does. (1971-72's do not have a sticker so they will not work.) I would appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks.
Duane

[BOnoP]

All parts are from So Cal, mostly taken in the early 80's

PM sent

[fast-gs]

yes its a date code






Duane, this is a date code under this part #??????

[Brett Slater]

I am sure some of the guys will recognize a few of the pictures they sent me.
Duane

Yup....4th picture down on the left (of the cover) looks familiar....

:Brow:

[Duane]

Update,
The book is about 95% done now. The only thing left is to finish a few pages, and I won't have that info for a few weeks. Then comes the copyright stuff and getting it printed.

It will be approximately 70 pages, cover to cover, when completed.
Duane

[Duane]

Update,
The book is done. Now to send a few copies to the copyright office and start printing.

I am going to average out the shipping costs and will post a price with shipping later. That will be easier then trying to figure out shipping costs for each zipcode.
Duane

[71GSX455-4SPD]

Great job Duane! Can't wait!! :TU:

[Ken Adams]

Any possibility some books being available for sale at the GS Nationals?

[Duane]

Ken,
The books should be ready before the GSCA Nationals, but I will not be attending this year. I might be able to ship some to one of the vendors that are going, but would have to ask first.
Duane

[Carl Rychlik]

Duane,will you have your book ready around the time of the picnic at Yardley's? If so,I will be there and will buy a copy from you.


I too,am looking forward to your new book. Thank you.

[Nicholas Sloop]

Duane

Hope you can get some to the GS Nats. I'll buy one, and I bet they would sell like hot cakes, and everyone will be prowling through the vendor area referring to them!!! :laugh:

[Duane]

Carl,
I will have one at Yardley's for you.

Nick,
The guys will probably use them when looking at the cars for sale too. Shame I won't see it.
Duane

[Carl Rychlik]

Thanks Duane. See you at Yardley's. :TU:

[staged70]

Carl,
I will have one at Yardley's for you.

Nick,
The guys will probably use them when looking at the cars for sale too. Shame I won't see it.
Duane

I see what your doing :puzzled: and I invision a whole bunch of guys looking at nice GSX and saying "that fan shroud was made 2 months after the car was built" :Smarty: Or maybe your just trying to make your workload easier since we can all buy the book instead of calling you all the time . :laugh:
Ayway I am in for one also and you have my profound thanks for doing this and I hope you sell a ton of them
JK :TU:

[Marco]

I see what your doing...Or maybe your just trying to make your workload easier since we can all buy the book instead of calling you all the time...

I think you've hit the nail on the head, John :laugh:

...So Duane, are you keeping a 'running total' from both boards of how many books to bring to Yardley's? You may as well 'pre-autograph' a couple to save some time for you to enjoy yourself while you're there :laugh:

:beer

[Nicholas Sloop]

Nick,
The guys will probably use them when looking at the cars for sale too. Shame I won't see it.
Duane

If you get some to the GS Nats I'll take a picture of everyone I see using one while shopping, for parts or cars, or being wannabe Concourse judges!!! LOL :bglasses:

[Duane]

John asked,
"I see what your doing and I envision a whole bunch of guys looking at nice GSX and saying "that fan shroud was made 2 months after the car was built" Or maybe your just trying to make your workload easier since we can all buy the book instead of calling you all the time."

If you want an honest answer, the subject matter was too involved to do it justice, even with a series of articles in the “Build sheet”. Plus, it forced me to organize everything and I learned quite a bit while writing it, especially about the early cars. I was also amazed with how little info is really out there about date codes, I mean you can find all kinds of info about the subject regarding drive-train components, but what about the rest of the car? Most of the info out there is based on Chevrolets, and did not explain the codes for Buicks and Oldsmobiles, and in some cases, the authors “ass-umed” that all GM cars used the same codes as the Chevies, which is not the case.

There is also some truth about “Or maybe your just trying to make your workload easier since we can all buy the book instead of calling you all the time.” I have plans to start working on my own cars and decided it was time to write what I hope will be the definitive book on this subject. I am not saying that it will not be without an error here or there, but it should answer most of the questions everyone is asking. If I need to fix something, like a trans code, then I will catch it on the next revision.

Hopefully the book will not create more questions then answers.

Marco,
Yes I am tracking requests from both boards.
Duane

[Duane]

OK Guys here is the skinny,
The Manuals are $40.00 each and will be shipped first class for $4.50, to anywhere in the continental US.

That brings the total to $44.50 each. For those that want it shipped, you can send a check to,

Classic Car Interiors
120 President Ave.
Rutledge, Pa. 19070

You can make the check out to me or the company, either way is fine because it all goes to the same place.

Thanks again.
Duane

PS. When I get them printed I will donate a few copies to help support this board.

[BOnoP]

Duane,

Any chance of setting up a paypal account for payment?

BOnoP

[Duane]

BOnoP,
Sorry but I don't have paypal or visa/master card accounts. I accept either checks or Money Orders, or I can hand you one at Indy or Salem this year.
Duane

[BOnoP]

BOnoP,
Sorry but I don't have paypal or visa/master card accounts. I accept either checks or Money Orders, or I can hand you one at Indy or Salem this year.
Duane

No problem, I'll send a money order :TU:

[Duane]

BOnoP,
Thank you, I appreciate it.
Duane

[Duane]

For Nick, Ken, and all those that are interested,

I will have approximately 20 copies of my date code book for sale at the GSCA Nationals. Mark Reeves from "Then and Now Restorations" has graciously offered to take the copies to the show. He has a vending space and will be bringing the Motion GSX, so he should be easy to find.

The price will be $40.00 for each copy, so if you want one look up Mark.

Thanks.
Duane

[Ken Adams]

Duane,I will be arriving in Bowling Green Wednesday afternoon and will look for Mark. Any chance you could have Mark hold a copy for me?

Thanks to you once again for all the time and hard work you have devoted to make this much needed reference book a reality.

Ken

[Duane]

Ken,
Before I ship the box to Mark I will put a sticky on one of the books with your name on it. When you pick it up, let them know who you are so they know you got it.
Duane

[Ken Adams]

Thank you.

[Mike Trom]

WOW :eek2:

I received my Date Code Book from Duane and it is amazing. There is no way I could have figured out what each of those different style codes meant.....

This is a great book, thank you Duane for your hard work on this project :TU:

This is a "must have" information book for anyone wanting to learn more about the "original" parts on their car or it just makes interesting reading.....

:TU:
:beer

[Duane]

Mike,
Glad you like it. I can't wait to see the guys faces when I hand them out at Yardley's picnic. I am sure we will pick someone's car to use as an example.
Duane

[Mike Trom]

Mike,
Glad you like it. I can't wait to see the guys faces when I hand them out at Yardley's picnic. I am sure we will pick someone's car to use as an example.
Duane

I wish I could be there but I am glad its not my car that will be picked :laugh: I can't wait to check my codes to see how much of my GS is still original :eek2:

[Dan K]

Duane,
I want one at the Nats, but will arrive late Thursday. Any way you can earmark one for me? Thanks, Dan

[Duane]

Dan,
I already shipped the books to Mark Reeves. If you PM him, "stageX" on this board, he can put a sticky on one for you. I shipped him 20 copies and I think he has 14 left for the show.
Duane

[1967 Big Buick]

Duane money is headed your way.

[Duane]

Thanks Jarrod.
Duane

[flynbuick]

I will be calling later today to place an order for one plus some other stuff. We appreciate your efforts to put this info together.

[Duane]

Thanks Jim,
I would call after 7:30 PM tonight, we are running full throttle at work and I won't be home till then.
Duane

[BlackGold]

Duane,

I just received my date code book yesterday. Fast service! It will take some time (understatement) to digest all the information, but I just wanted to compliment you on the thorough and professional job you did. I've never seen so much date code information in one place before, and the pictures are outstanding. It's really something you can be proud of. Thanks for all your hard work!

[Duane]

Brian,
Thanks for the compliments about the book.
Duane

[flynbuick]

Duance

I read the book last night and it is a nice piece of work.

[Duane]

Thanks Jim.
Duane

[flynbuick]

Your book abides by the time honored principle that a pic is worth a thousand words.

[Duane]

"Your book abides by the time honored principle that a pic is worth a thousand words."

I agree, when Brad and I were first discussing how to set everything up, the biggest decision was how to let everyone know where the date codes were located on the various parts.

The decision was made to include a photograph of each type of dating system so everyone could see what they were looking for, instead of trying to explain in words where to find the codes on each part.
Duane

[Mister T]

Duane, I received my copy yesterday. Haven't had much more than a quick look through it, as unfortunately, I have other serious concerns taking precedence.

[buickx]

Duane....
Thanks for your time & energy, in putting this book of parts knowledge together.... This will be the bible of reference....

[Duane]

Guys,
I am re-posting the ordering info here so it's easier to find.

The Date Code Manuals are $40.00 each and will be shipped first class for $4.50, to anywhere in the continental US.

That brings the total to $44.50 each. For those that want it shipped, you can send a check to,

Classic Car Interiors
120 President Ave.
Rutledge, Pa. 19070

You can make the check out to me or the company, either way is fine because it all goes to the same place.

Thanks again.
Duane

[gsxnut]

Got mine in the mail. This is awewsome. I am very happy with it and wanted to thank you for putting it together. Excellent work!!!

Mark

[Duane]

Just to let everyone know I will have copies of the book for sale at Salem.
Duane