SAAC Forum

The Cars => 1968 Shelby GT350/500/500KR => Topic started by: SAcobra427 on March 11, 2024, 06:47:30 PM

Title: correct info on axle and engine tags on on early KR
Post by: SAcobra427 on March 11, 2024, 06:47:30 PM
   Im looking to see what info you guys think would be correct on an ENGINE ID TAG for my 68 KR conv. # 2295,  it was built a day early on  May 1st and its an automatic.
All the casting dates on the engine parts are between 8C3 and 8C23 and the aluminum carb tag has a date of  8 D B.

Also looking to find what would be on an axle tag for the same car. Carrier casting date is a7M21 and its a 3.50 Traction Lok

Maybe someone within a few cars of 2295 has there orig tags in place yet ?
  Thanks in advance for any help or info !
Title: Re: correct info on axle and engine tags on on early KR
Post by: Coralsnake on March 11, 2024, 07:23:47 PM
That's a lot of questions there...

The axle tag will be "WFD-A"

What specifically is the casting date on the block? Some photos might be in order.  A picture of the engine tag, the block casting date

A block dated "8Cxx" is not out of the question. 
Title: Re: correct info on axle and engine tags on on early KR
Post by: SAcobra427 on March 11, 2024, 09:46:27 PM
  Well unfortunately the engine is currently at the machine shop so I cant post a pic but I do remember that the block casting date was 8C12
  Im guessing the date would almost have to be an 8D on the tag beings that the car was finished being build on May 1st.  What would the normal time frame be for a 428 from when a block is cast until its assembled and given the ID tag ?
 
Title: Re: correct info on axle and engine tags on on early KR
Post by: Coralsnake on March 12, 2024, 05:11:47 AM
I would expect something in the four-six week range for a GT500 KR . Anything longer that than is probably atypical. There will be a stamped assembly date on the front of the block by the dipstick attachment

If your heads are also at the machine shop (and clean) it would be a good time to inspect them for a derivative VIN. That would be stamped on the vertical face of the head that faces the firewall.

Pictures of the cleaned parts might be in order if you are serious about documenting this.

Personally, I would not entrust any vendor with an original tag from a Shelby.
Title: Re: correct info on axle and engine tags on on early KR
Post by: SAcobra427 on March 12, 2024, 08:33:10 AM
Yes the heads are there too and the one does have the partial VIN stamped in it. I am only looking to have the engine and axle tags reproduced by Marti. because they were missing.  All the other tags for the car are the original and still in place.
Title: Re: correct info on axle and engine tags on on early KR
Post by: KR500 on March 12, 2024, 11:02:19 AM
Quote from: SAcobra427 on March 11, 2024, 06:47:30 PM
   Im looking to see what info you guys think would be correct on an ENGINE ID TAG for my 68 KR conv. # 2295,  it was built a day early on  May 1st and its an automatic.
All the casting dates on the engine parts are between 8C3 and 8C23 and the aluminum carb tag has a date of  8 D B.

Also looking to find what would be on an axle tag for the same car. Carrier casting date is a7M21 and its a 3.50 Traction Lok

Maybe someone within a few cars of 2295 has there orig tags in place yet ?
  Thanks in advance for any help or info !
KR #02267 May 1 Ford asm. Engine tag.  428  68  5
                                                                      8 D  407  J
Diff tag.        WFD-A
                   3.L50  8DD  345
I have all the other tags info and engine parts dates if needed. The block is an odd ball 8A13 cast date with a 8D18F asm. date. 02267 is a F/B A/T car.
Rodney
Title: 68 Axle tag info
Post by: Bill Collins on March 12, 2024, 12:15:37 PM
This may not be completely helpful, but I recently sold a 7M21 dated differential assembly. It was out of the car, so I do not know what Shelby it may originally have been installed into. It is a 31 spline 3:89 ratio for a GT350 rather than a KR, but it may provide some relevant info. Photos are attached.
Title: Re: correct info on axle and engine tags on on early KR
Post by: SAcobra427 on March 12, 2024, 01:49:21 PM
 Hi Bill, Thanks for the pics !


  Rodney ,  Are you sure the number in the lower right corner of the axle tag is a  345 and not a  945 ??

Thanks,  Tom
Title: Re: correct info on axle and engine tags on on early KR
Post by: KR500 on March 12, 2024, 03:57:46 PM
Tom
I have 345 in my notes. It probably is/should be 945. Car is filed away for the winter so can't look at it for  awhile. I might have a photo of it at home but it would be a print. Pre digital era when the car was restored.
Title: Re: correct info on axle and engine tags on on early KR
Post by: SAcobra427 on March 12, 2024, 05:17:12 PM
OK Thanks for the info !