The Ford Barn

31 Flyer · 07-23-2018, 11:12 AM

I am trying to accurately restore a generator for my 36 Club Cabriolet with a 36LB engine. The generator case is original Ford with the Ford script stamped into the case. Near the logo is another stamping R4. I have also looked at another generator that has the same case, same Ford Script but T4 stamped near it. Can anyone offer help in identifying what these stamped letters and numbers signify? I have the club 35-36 Book but it does not discuss these markings.

DavidG · 07-23-2018, 01:16 PM

I doubt that you'll get a documented answer for your question. One possibility is that the numbers stood for alternate suppliers and another is that they were added as an identifier for warranty purposes when the generators were rebuilt at some point in their existence.

Don Rogers can likely enlighten us as to whether or not the generators used in '36 model production originally had Ford script or were the script generators post-production service parts.

Kurt in NJ · 07-23-2018, 01:47 PM

They are date codes, the letter is the year--- but I don't have the chart handy, try searching generator date codes

L is 1931----remember now from my A ,so R would be 37, T 39

DavidG · 07-23-2018, 02:36 PM

Kurt,

I stand corrected; thanks.

31 Flyer · 07-23-2018, 03:02 PM

Thank you both for answering my question. I appreciate it very much.

Best regards,

Ray

Terry,OH · 07-24-2018, 07:25 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Generator codes.

1931=L 36=Q 41=V
32=M 37=R 42=W
33=N 38=S
34=O 39=T
35=P 40=U

1=Jan. to 12=Dec.

31 Flyer · 07-24-2018, 06:18 PM

Thank you all very much. Now comes the 64,000 dollar question. Is there a "Go-To" person or shop that might have a Q-3 or Q-4 Generator that is in restorable or restored condition?

Tinker · 07-24-2018, 08:35 PM

36 gens are not as long so they are popular with the later yrs guys adding a 2x2 intake. If you have one rebuild it. No suggestions on builders. I'm sure there is one someone can suggest.

barnstuf · 07-24-2018, 09:00 PM

It sounds like you wish to be correct for judging, and if so your generator cutout should also be correct.

July 1934 thru April 1936 used a Ford script cutout with a prominent capital letter A.

April 1936 thru 1938 used a Ford script cutout with a prominent capital letter B.

As you can see April 1936 could go either way.

Through Fordbarn ads my stock of these originals is nearly, but not quite gone, but they are out there for those who value authenticity.

31 Flyer · 07-25-2018, 06:06 PM

Thank you for your reply. I am looking for the correct Cut-Out as well but because the car is equipped with a radio, I am looking for the oval shaped cut-out/regulator that is described in the 35-36 Ford Book page 105. I have never seen one of these so I don't know exactly what I'm looking for. The car is a March 36 Club Cabriolet and I'm trying to get as many original parts on the car. Maybe national judging.

07-23-2018, 11:12 AM	#1
31 Flyer Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 8	1936 Generator I am trying to accurately restore a generator for my 36 Club Cabriolet with a 36LB engine. The generator case is original Ford with the Ford script stamped into the case. Near the logo is another stamping R4. I have also looked at another generator that has the same case, same Ford Script but T4 stamped near it. Can anyone offer help in identifying what these stamped letters and numbers signify? I have the club 35-36 Book but it does not discuss these markings. Last edited by 31 Flyer; 07-23-2018 at 11:14 AM. Reason: misspelling

07-23-2018, 01:16 PM	#2
DavidG Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: southeastern Michigan Posts: 10,101	Re: 1936 Generator I doubt that you'll get a documented answer for your question. One possibility is that the numbers stood for alternate suppliers and another is that they were added as an identifier for warranty purposes when the generators were rebuilt at some point in their existence. Don Rogers can likely enlighten us as to whether or not the generators used in '36 model production originally had Ford script or were the script generators post-production service parts.

07-23-2018, 01:47 PM	#3
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,159	Re: 1936 Generator They are date codes, the letter is the year--- but I don't have the chart handy, try searching generator date codes L is 1931----remember now from my A ,so R would be 37, T 39 Last edited by Kurt in NJ; 07-23-2018 at 01:54 PM.

07-23-2018, 02:36 PM	#4
DavidG Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: southeastern Michigan Posts: 10,101	Re: 1936 Generator Kurt, I stand corrected; thanks.

07-23-2018, 03:02 PM	#5
31 Flyer Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 8	Re: 1936 Generator Thank you both for answering my question. I appreciate it very much. Best regards, Ray

07-24-2018, 07:25 AM	#6
Terry,OH Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 4,751	Re: 1936 Generator Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Generator codes. 1931=L 36=Q 41=V 32=M 37=R 42=W 33=N 38=S 34=O 39=T 35=P 40=U 1=Jan. to 12=Dec.

07-24-2018, 06:18 PM	#7
31 Flyer Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 8	Re: 1936 Generator Thank you all very much. Now comes the 64,000 dollar question. Is there a "Go-To" person or shop that might have a Q-3 or Q-4 Generator that is in restorable or restored condition?

07-24-2018, 08:35 PM	#8
Tinker Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: MN Posts: 7,053	Re: 1936 Generator 36 gens are not as long so they are popular with the later yrs guys adding a 2x2 intake. If you have one rebuild it. No suggestions on builders. I'm sure there is one someone can suggest.

07-24-2018, 09:00 PM	#9
barnstuf Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cape Cod MA Posts: 2,840	Re: 1936 Generator It sounds like you wish to be correct for judging, and if so your generator cutout should also be correct. July 1934 thru April 1936 used a Ford script cutout with a prominent capital letter A. April 1936 thru 1938 used a Ford script cutout with a prominent capital letter B. As you can see April 1936 could go either way. Through Fordbarn ads my stock of these originals is nearly, but not quite gone, but they are out there for those who value authenticity.

07-25-2018, 06:06 PM	#10
31 Flyer Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 8	Re: 1936 Generator Thank you for your reply. I am looking for the correct Cut-Out as well but because the car is equipped with a radio, I am looking for the oval shaped cut-out/regulator that is described in the 35-36 Ford Book page 105. I have never seen one of these so I don't know exactly what I'm looking for. The car is a March 36 Club Cabriolet and I'm trying to get as many original parts on the car. Maybe national judging.