The seller of this 455 actually went out of the way to point out that the "F" heads are actually doctored "E" heads, including showing the casting number. There really are honest people left in the world.

 

Was browsing eBay for parts and came across this "W-30." I told the guy what was wrong with it and how it couldn't be a W-30. He replied that it was a tribute. So at least he was honest...NOT IN HIS EBAY TITLE, but in his response.

 

Unfortunately, you can't pay attention to titles in ebay ads any more. Sellers are instructed on how to use words that maximize visibility in keyword searches, whether those words actually apply to the item or not. That's why you see all those ads with "fits oldsmobile" or similar BS in the titles.

 

That's true. But I am still having problems not throwing up from seeing that digital dash on that thing. Who does that???

 

I have not seen enough F heads in person or online to see how good or not good the forgery is? Joe(or others) do you have any pix of real F heads for comparison? It is good to see that he is honest. Just for posterity maybe the ebay auction & the pictures of those heads should be stored here in case they become "real" F heads in the future?

 

The way to tell is to look at the casting number, not the letter. It's easy to change an "E" into an "F". It's very difficult to change 403686 into 404438. In this case, the seller actually showed the 403686 casting number in addition to the altered "F"

 

Went out and took some more pics. Trying to help because so many have helped me here:

 

Joe,
Thanks for the info, that makes sense.

70-442,
Thanks for the pix.

 

Very different font on the altered E, were any of the F's like that or were they all sans-serif like the real deal pics here?

 

ebay altered E f head pic

 

Ah, I was looking at this one...but now that I look again, that's on the block, right?

 

Yeah, that's really kind of an abomination, isn't it?

 

Yes, here is the one I have from under the car:

 

I think Octavia can verify to you all that it is NOT impossible to alter/change the casting number on the heads --- albeit difficult, but not impossible! BUYER BEWARE!

I have a set of REAL F-head tested empty cores for sale if anyone is interested.

 

Of course, real casting numbers will be cast iron. Altered ones will be JB Weld or some similar non-metallic material. The tip of a pocket knife will tell you the difference pretty quickly.

 

Well that F in post #10 looks almost like one of mine but I an 99% sure that I never altered just the main ID part. I do the big ID and the 6-digit. I leave the underside proof of original casting intact.


I see around this "F" what appears to be the edge of the modified area, about 3/4" square, with some discontinuity to the texture. A close inspection with a magnifying glass should make it apparent.

 

So what exactly happened in your situation, Octania?

 

If anyone has any ideas why there is some signs of red on mine, I'd like to hear what that's all about. It has given me an uneasy feeling and although it may be fine, I'd rather know sooner than later if it isn't.