So another project I'm about to undertake is putting the AC system back in my 72 U code Supreme. I have a line on the brackets, hoses and compressor but was wondering how to verify the date codes. Also does the CSM cover installation?

 

Typically stamped steel brackets and supports don't have a date on them. But the cast parts might. Although unless this is a car your going to try and get highest possible points in judging, or something like a W30 or Hurst Olds, I don't think anyone will look at the date code. As long as you have the correct style and maybe the correct casting numbers it will look correct. If your not sure how the parts go together we can provide pictures. If you don't have the Chassis Service Manual but plan to work on your car I'd encourage you to get one as they have lots of photos and diagrams plus text telling you how to do lots of things. John

Ah boy. Yes if you have a U code car you might want to check the casting numbers. Do you know the build date of your car? If it has the original engine you can get the date off the cast iron block, heads and intake.

 

Thanks for the response...block is #'s matching...where would the date code be?

I have a CSM , so I'll check that for installation of the AC system.

Casting #'s for brackets is 391366 and 398682. Are they good?

 

 

Correction...398682

 

Shoot! I forgot to space down a few lines before adding the photo so I lost everything I typed to go with the photo! OK, this bracket is on a 1968 engine and if you look below the casting number you'll see what looks like two screw heads with the number 341 between them. That's the 341st day of the year, called a Julian date code. You can find similar date codes on the exhaust manifolds, heads, intake, but the block is a larger one to three digit number by the distributor. If you check all those number and make sure the new brackets have similar numbers on them they would look correct. You also have a date code on your trim tag, but its the month of the year, then a letter for what week of that month. Be sure the brackets date code is not later than the trim tag! Anything else you 'd like to see a photo of let me know and I'll see if I can come up with it.

 

My trim tag date is 06B...(2nd week of June).
The brackets I'm looking at are Julian date coded 261 and 276...9/18 and 10/3 respectively. So unless the brackets are from late 1971 and used on my 72 the brackets don't jive with my trim tag, correct?

 

Correct. I don't know how much earlier than your trim tag build date is reasonable. But if you check the other numbers on your engine I think you can get a ball park. Or create a new post asking what would be reasonable casting dates for your car's build date. There may be others here who do know how much earlier than the build date your parts should be. John

 

I might have the brackets you seek. PM me and we can see what can be worked out.