Ford Script and Date Code on a Generator?

Tom Wesenberg

Tom Wesenberg

Well-known member
GeneratorDate1_zpsf6e8717e.jpg


GeneratorDate2_zps8729766f.jpg


Does anyone know what year the "B" represents on this date code? This generator is post Model A production as indicated by the beveled rear edge on the body. The field poles also have Roberstson screws.

I also cleaned up a typical Model A generator body that has Ford script and "R 8" for a date code. Does anyone know what year the "R" is and why would it be on a generator case built during Model A years? This body also has Robertson screws holding the field poles in place.

I don't recall seeing Ford script on the other Model A generators I've worked on, except for a few powerhouse generators that had Ford script on the mounting bracket.
 
It is not referenced in the 35-36 restoration book, but I have seen similar marks on V8 starters-gen ---there was a post that talked of original date codes but I don't remember when or where, I have a known original 31 gen, the date code is on the band, letter for year, number for month is what I remember form the article, the armature had a date with normal numbers, I am surprised that judging is not explicit about date codes,
 
As far as the band's go i think(H=’27, I=’28), J='29, K='30 and that L= '31.
That came off of Pluck's site.
 
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When I see such codes on parts my first thought is that the letter is for month, the number is for year, I will try to look at Hershey, I don't think that the letter for year would work, it would be too many years to get back to "B", there wouldn't be much reason to make new housings for such an old style generator, but feb 37 is in line with that style, and possibly feb 47
 
Kurt, sometimes date code letters repeat themselves after "Z". then B might mean 1946 and 7=July?
 
caserider said:
Here's another...slightly different. No marking on band.
Click to expand...

Your picture looks just like the second one I mentioned, except mine has FORD R8 and then J1 off to the side. I wonder why they have two different date codes? I suppose it might be a factory rebuild, with the second code being the date of the rebuild.
 
Tom Wesenberg said:
Your picture looks just like the second one I mentioned, except mine has FORD R8 and then J1 off to the side. I wonder why they have two different date codes? I suppose it might be a factory rebuild, with the second code being the date of the rebuild.
Click to expand...

I don't think out Canadian friends have paid much attention to this particular detail so it may take years to find the answers! Obviously it's a bit different than USA practices.
 
Here are2more from my 36 pile, 33-39 V8 style ---interesting, the letter and number are reversed in order between them
 

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Also interesting is the dash between the number and letter. One has it, but not the other. I don't recall seeing any dashes on Model A date codes.
 
I just bought this generator at the local flea on Sunday and was amazed to see the tiny (1/4") Ford script and the code S-9. It looks like new, no rust, and clean inside. Not sure what I have here, but I'm only out $10 !:)
 

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