Cylinder head casting marks?

M

mcgarrett

Well-known member
Wondering if the casting marks on this cylinder head have any special significance? Is this an aftermarket head or replacement head made by Ford?
No other markings that I can see. The photos show squares cast into the head at the front and the rear top surface. One pic shows a circle with dots superimposed onto one of the circles. Also has Made in U.S.A. cast in the center of the head. Just curious about those kinds of things. :)
 

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McGarrett - there is an interesting listing of cylinder heads located at https://www.fordgarage.com/pages/headcompressionratio.htm. At first glance I don't see anything about the casting marks you show but there may be some other information there you can glean. A number of the aftermarket heads are noted to have "Made in USA" on them. The circle with dots is a code that many foundries use to indicate when the casting was produced.

I had a similar issue identifying an aftermarket head a few weeks ago and the Barners were really helpful. Hopefully someone here is familiar with what head you have. Good luck.

JayJay
 
JayJay,
thanks for you reply. I'll check my head a little closer to see if there are other identification markings that might be found on Vince Falter's website link.
 
I helped a friend with his model a and this is the head that was on it. I wasn't able to identify the maker. It looks like the same as you have.
 

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Dan,
yep, looks like the same head alright. I do see a casting date tag under the distributor. I didn't notice it, but I'll check to see if mine has a date tag there too.
 
Some of those after market heads have the heart shaped combustion chamber of a high compression head.

Don't know how to tell from the outside.
 
I did find a casting date of 3-26-48. It would be interesting to know who made it. No Ford markings anywhere I can see.
 
I had a similar head, it is just a stock ratio aftermarket head. The casting marks fall into two categories: Long term mold charecteristics are alphanumeric or a dial indicator with nothing around them. Short term mold variables are made on a strip and riveted to the form the mold is made from, so even though it is cast, it looks riveted on. There were many makers of aftermarket A heads in the 40s.
 
Is there a collection of photos and/or measurements of stock, police and high compression aftermarket heads? So one could identify random castings found at sales and swap meets?
 
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