814 Alternator

[68 RS Z/28]

Well, I finally made the plunge and bought one of those expensive 1100814 alternators for my 6A Norwood built 68 Z/28.  It was the only significant piece on the car that was not a correct original and had really started to bug me so I thought it was an appropriate use of my tax refund this year.  I bought this unit (dated 8C22) from Heartbeat City which is a company located in Shelby Township Michigan (just north of Detroit).  They stock a lot of rare and NOS parts as well as the usual repop stuff (http://www.heartbeatcity.com/store).

They indicated to me that this alternator had been rebuilt by John Pirkle but no paperwork was provided to that effect.  It is certainly a nice looking unit and the stamp looks right to me.  I have included a pic of the stamping and would appreciate any comments on the authenticity.  The only thing that bothers me is the back half of this unit.  There is an extra threaded hole that I believe was introduced in 1969 to support the change over of the alternator location to the right side.  After paying big bucks for this restored unit, I am not thrilled with the possibility that my 22 Mar 68 unit has a 1969 back half!  Am I correct in this interpretation?  I have two other 1968 alternators and a 69 at home to compare and neither of my believed original 68s has this extra threaded boss while the 69 does.  The pictures attached show the differences.  In the end, changing the rear half isn’t a big deal (I have a spare without the threaded boss) but I would appreciate confirmation as to what is correct before I make the change. 

Finally, is the CS code marked on this correct?  I thought the 814 alternator had a CK code in 68?

Thanks all for your comments.

Gord

[68 RS Z/28]

The other two photos...

[68Zproject]

My 814 doesn't have the third boss with a thread.

[1968RSZ28]

My 814 doesn't have the third boss with a thread.

Same with my 814 alternator, there is no extra threaded boss on the rear housing.

Paul

[1968RSZ28]

Finally, is the CS code marked on this correct?  I thought the 814 alternator had a CK code in 68?

CK is the correct code for a '68 814 alternator.

Paul

[68Zproject]

I had a problem with HBC with some parts and I've talked until blue about their 68 Z radiator tag being wrong.  They obviously could care less.  As long as it's out the door, it's good.

[Marty]

The extra threaded boss is for 69 and up. There is a bracket that bolts to it that isn't part of the 68 and earlier alternator brackets.

Martin

[427-KING]

John Pirkle only restores originals. Im sure if you contact him he can verify that for you on your specific piece hes easy to deal with. Surprised he would put a wrong back on one of his restos if that is the case[literally!],escpecially since the back housings  are real easy to come by.

[68 RS Z/28]

Thanks for all the comments concerning the back half of this alternator (and the stamped code).  That confirms what I originally thought.  I'll be contacting HBC today to see what they have to say.  The real cost in this of course was the front half with the original stam;ping.  Any comments on the stamping? 

[68Zproject]

I'll be contacting HBC today to see what they have to say.

Good luck.  You have to be real firm.

[68 RS Z/28]

Just a quick update for those or you who may be thinking of doing business with Heartbeat City.  I contacted the shop about my alternator concerns and got a prompt e-mail back indicating that I should send it back to them and they will send it out to John Pirkle to have a correct back-half installed along with a few other details like the ink stamp taken care of.  I dropped it off today so we'll see what I eventually get back, but so far I can't complain.  Still annoying that they sold me this piece with incorrect parts, but if they acknowledge their mistake and take care of the problem, then all is good.  I'll let you know how it all ends up.

[69pace]

Good to hear they did right by you.

[IZRSSS]

John Pirkle was recommended to me by someone who is highly respected in the First Gen community. I am certain he will make things right.

[68Zproject]

I'm glad to see you had good luck with them.  I didn't.

[IZRSSS]

Let me back up just a little...I hope you have good luck w/him. I have a couple of parts that I spent a lot of time researching (Alternator & starter). I spoke to John Sr. several times based on recommendations. His knowledge of these parts put my mind at ease. And trust me, I drilled him pretty hard. I should be receiving these two items within the next month or so.

So, no I have no real past experience with John and was simply going off of what was stated by a good friend, & my conversation's with John. Please keep us posted. I am very interested to see how this plays out.