Opinions on BE rear stamp

[R68GTO]

What does the community think about this stamp?  Legit or not?

[william]

Looks ok to me, known date. What is casting date?

[R68GTO]

Casting date is D28 9.  Any issues with a 2 month spread between cast and assembly?

[william]

It is well off the 1-3 week span that is more normal. July 8th was one of the last days of production at the Gear & Axle plant prior to a 6 week shutdown. It is also right at the transition between the 341 and 860 center section castings. Normal to purge all raw material inventories prior to a shutdown so not out of the question. I know of an October BE with a larger cast-to-build span.

[R68GTO]

Thanks for your input William, I appreciate it.  I had no idea they did a 6 week shutdown that might explain why there were two assembly dates in September.  Are there any assembly dates in August that you know of or was the whole month skipped due to that shutdown?

[william]

I have a July 9 date, next one is August 25. There could be other dates. There are mid-August dates for other axle codes so the plant was back in production. Norwood was shut down July 12-Aug 10.

The COPO body of knowledge is based on around 450 cars, many of which are missing drivetrain components. Lots left to learn.