The Ford Barn

29ModelA · 06-09-2013, 10:14 PM

i was just shown at a show today that my car has a diamond block. Is there a webpage to decode the casting number? It appears to say L-261 as I would like to learn more about them now. I also have a number stamped on my pad, but I am guessing it is a rebuilder number as it starts with R if I recall.

I am guessing that it has low miles/hours as it runs very strong, and had no carbon ridge when the head was removed before we revived it.

Now I am reading that it may have a B cam etc... in it, which might make sense as someone had also put a B carb, generator, and maybe a B dizzy on it, however it seems info is all over the place - at least on the web.

Thanks,

Mike V. Florida · 06-09-2013, 11:09 PM

December 26th 1931
L= Dec
26= 26th
L=1931

Typo, the 1931 should be a 1 = 1931

29ModelA · 06-10-2013, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

December 26th 1931
L= Dec
26= 26th
L=1931

Cool, thank you. It is older than I suspected, kind of surprised it got a new block put in 3 years almost to the day after it was built. (assuming that is when the block was actually put in, and not a core from later)

MikeK · 06-10-2013, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 29ModelA

Cool, thank you. It is older than I suspected, kind of surprised it got a new block put in 3 years almost to the day after it was built. (assuming that is when the block was actually put in, and not a core from later)

Not surprising. Fill it with water, let it freeze, break the block.

29ModelA · 06-10-2013, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeK

Not surprising. Fill it with water, let it freeze, break the block.

The car was always in Southern California though, Lived it's whole life there, it moved to Michigan in 1968 and taken apart but never was filled with water/coolant driven or even titled/plated.

CarlG · 06-10-2013, 10:30 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

December 26th 1931
L= Dec
26= 26th
L=1931

I get the rationale for the month & day, but what is it for the year?

Rock Hornbuckle · 06-10-2013, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarlG

I get the rationale for the month & day, but what is it for the year?

It looks like a typo. L=31 should be 1=31.

Mike V. Florida · 06-10-2013, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rock Hornbuckle

It looks like a typo. L=31 should be 1=31.

Sorry, yes L and 1

CarlG · 06-10-2013, 04:59 PM

OK, I'll have to check and see what mine is.

Duffy1 · 06-10-2013, 08:17 PM

My diamond block is May 1938.

31 Woody · 06-10-2013, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 29ModelA

Cool, thank you. It is older than I suspected, kind of surprised it got a new block put in 3 years almost to the day after it was built. (assuming that is when the block was actually put in, and not a core from later)

Weekend trip to Big Bear in January 1932 ends badly? New engine installed to replace cracked block..

quickchange · 06-12-2013, 04:45 PM

Mine has J 6 7 B block is this 6th jan 1937 ? Does anyone have a list re day month year . Thanks, 50 days to go 60 till speed week. Derek from cold NZ 60*

CarlG · 06-12-2013, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quickchange

Mine has J 6 7 B block is this 6th jan 1937 ? Does anyone have a list re day month year . Thanks, 50 days to go 60 till speed week. Derek from cold NZ 60*

J=the tenth letter of the alphabet
10th month = October

Rowdy · 06-12-2013, 07:02 PM

Vince has a pretty good list on his site and more info. Rod

quickchange · 06-13-2013, 03:23 AM

I read Vinces site & yes now understand J is october no excuse . here we put the day- month- year , not month day year, but then some drive on the wrong side of the road too, all good fun thanks .

06-09-2013, 10:14 PM	#1
29ModelA Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Owosso, MI Posts: 673	Diamond block casting codes? i was just shown at a show today that my car has a diamond block. Is there a webpage to decode the casting number? It appears to say L-261 as I would like to learn more about them now. I also have a number stamped on my pad, but I am guessing it is a rebuilder number as it starts with R if I recall. I am guessing that it has low miles/hours as it runs very strong, and had no carbon ridge when the head was removed before we revived it. Now I am reading that it may have a B cam etc... in it, which might make sense as someone had also put a B carb, generator, and maybe a B dizzy on it, however it seems info is all over the place - at least on the web. Thanks, __________________ 1929 Model A Barn find. California car, just a few more parts to find. Interior, steering box (rebuild), and I am sure much more!

06-09-2013, 11:09 PM	#2
Mike V. Florida Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South Florida Posts: 14,054	Re: Diamond block casting codes? December 26th 1931 L= Dec 26= 26th L=1931 Typo, the 1931 should be a 1 = 1931 __________________ What's right about America is that although we have a mess of problems, we have great capacity - intellect and resources - to do some thing about them. - Henry Ford II Last edited by Mike V. Florida; 06-10-2013 at 04:30 PM.

06-10-2013, 04:59 PM	#9
CarlG Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 9,123	Re: Diamond block casting codes? OK, I'll have to check and see what mine is. __________________ Alaskan A's Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Model A Ford Club of America Model A Restorers Club Antique Automobile Club of America Mullins Owner's Club

06-10-2013, 08:17 PM	#10
Duffy1 Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Mo. City , Texas Posts: 725	Re: Diamond block casting codes? My diamond block is May 1938.

06-12-2013, 04:45 PM	#12
quickchange Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Nelson. New Zealand Posts: 2,010	Re: Diamond block casting codes? Mine has J 6 7 B block is this 6th jan 1937 ? Does anyone have a list re day month year . Thanks, 50 days to go 60 till speed week. Derek from cold NZ 60*

06-12-2013, 07:02 PM	#14
Rowdy BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Gothenburg Nebraska Just off I-80 Posts: 4,893	Re: Diamond block casting codes? Vince has a pretty good list on his site and more info. Rod __________________ Do the RIGHT thing - Support the H.A.M.B. Alliance!!!!

06-13-2013, 03:23 AM	#15
quickchange Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Nelson. New Zealand Posts: 2,010	Re: Diamond block casting codes? I read Vinces site & yes now understand J is october no excuse . here we put the day- month- year , not month day year, but then some drive on the wrong side of the road too, all good fun thanks .