Topic: Period correct casting date for CJ block

[keeper]

Hoping to get some info on time frame for a NJ built SCJ Mach 1. My build date is 12-10-68. My block casting  is 8J14 casting date. Is a 3 month window realistic ? I have been told it is but maybe over the years there is affirmation supporting this. Thanks for any help.

[Coralsnake]

I would say its possible. Is there and engine assembly date or VIN stamped into the block?

It certainly would be on the higher end of the window in my opinion.

[Bob Gaines]

I would say its possible. Is there and engine assembly date or VIN stamped into the block?

It certainly would be on the higher end of the window in my opinion.

+1 . A engine assembly date (when block,crank pistons etc.were assembled) metal stamp is more relevant and may narrow the window somewhat.

[J_Speegle]

Some examples I can offer for comparison  build around the same engine &  production period

Actual Build Date                      Casting Date
28A                                          9A8
21B                                          9B4

[keeper]

For better clarification, the block and the car were never mated. Not yet any way. I do believe there is a vin stamped but not sure about the assembly date stamp on the block. I will get that info later this week as the block is not presently in my possession. I will get back you on this.

Jeff, is that Jan 28, 1969 and Feb 21, 1969 on the build dates I assume ?

Bob, you lost me on the +1 . A assembly date ? 

Thank you guys.

[J_Speegle]

Yes Keeper since the section is for 69 discussions and your provided that your car as a Dec 68 car.  Wanted to get as close as possible and same plant from what I have

[keeper]

Jeff,
I  thought it was a given that we were discussing 69 Mach 1's on this thread considering there was no such thing as a 68 Mach1. Sorry about my wording. Any way, what would the largest gap between casting date and assembly date come up as in your data for any 69 Mach 1 ?

Thanks, Keith

[Coralsnake]

You originally seemed to imply that you thought the motor may have been original.

Apparently, you know its not original?

Whats the question again?

[Bob Gaines]

For better clarification, the block and the car were never mated. Not yet any way. I do believe there is a vin stamped but not sure about the assembly date stamp on the block. I will get that info later this week as the block is not presently in my possession. I will get back you on this.

Jeff, is that Jan 28, 1969 and Feb 21, 1969 on the build dates I assume ?

Bob, you lost me on the +1 . A assembly date ? 

Thank you guys.

+1 to the quote means I agree or concur. In this case the quote was of reply #2. I also offered a short description of assembly date of engine and how it differs from casting date in case you were unaware.

[keeper]

Coralsnake,
The  8J14 CJ block and the actual build date 12-10-68 "69 SCJ Mach1" are presently engaged wanting to be married. I am asking if this marriage would be considered proper in terms of period or "date correct" as it relates to date correct restorations. Both parties were previously married and divorced from their first marriages. Please do not think I am being sarcastic here. Simply put, this is the best analogy I know of to make my dilemma understood.
Thank you, Keith

[Coralsnake]

Ha, Im usually the sarcastic one, so no harm there.

In my opinion, its too early. During that three month period its likely thousands of CJ cars were built, its unlikely a block would sit around that long.

[keeper]

At a minimum, the 8J14 "C" scratch +.020 bore block is going to be close enough for my purposes. I will see about getting the assembly date stamp and the vin stamp later this week.  It is a really nice block and 1UA crank shaft with new bearings and original bearing caps. I believe it will be a lovely wedding and a terrific marriage going forward.

[J_Speegle]

Also, for everyone watching, the assembly date is something else to consider

[keeper]

Looking at another 69 matching numbers SCJ I see casting date of 9B1 and actual build date of 20C. So 48 days between the two in this particular case. Others I have talked to that have been around CJ blocls for years have said it is possible to see up to 3 months between CD and ABD. One expert stated "You would really of had to been hands on at the plants and or a foreman in position to truly know what took place in the day". It is really subjective to opinion IMHO.

[midlife]

Coralsnake,
The  8J14 CJ block and the assembly date 12-10-68 "69 SCJ Mach1" are presently engaged wanting to be married. I am asking if this marriage would be considered proper in terms of period or "date correct" as it relates to date correct restorations. Both parties were previously married and divorced from their first marriages. Please do not think I am being sarcastic here. Simply put, this is the best analogy I know of to make my dilemma understood.
Thank you, Keith

This post deserves a "Post of the Year" Award for both originality and clarity.  Kudos!!