LOL You're photos are on the net. Google to the rescue. Yes, production changes happened without announcements. They still do.
what year are these commando valve covers?
- Thread starter cudajames
- Start date
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clifcuda65
Old Mopar Geezer
Here is suppose to be, a 66 Barracuda from a magazine... Looks like humped stove pipe to me.. but this scanned picture with reduced size for uploading, it may have lost something...
Here's a few photos from Ulf's build and one from a old magazine article. I don't see the big wire guard on these. I haven't found the build date on Ulf's car yet.
pishta
I know I'm right....
my April 1 SO build date 65 S had the 3 tabs and no guard. I remember those, but they are gone now. I believe it was 100% stock, or what a 10 year old granny car would have on it, tags were from 1976 when I bought it out of a warehouse. I didnt have a tip on mine, must have been replaced in 10 years.
google it!
https://www.google.com/search?q=196...CV5FqcQXKARSETgDOJkOG2E3&q=1965 Barracuda "S"
google it!
https://www.google.com/search?q=196...CV5FqcQXKARSETgDOJkOG2E3&q=1965 Barracuda "S"
clifcuda65
Old Mopar Geezer
I know, these cars are 50+ years old now... Things happen... I find it interesting one would PUT "marker lights" on like that??? But, I have put a 67 Cuda Pit Stop gas cap onto my 65... (it's removable) But, it's still a 65... I'm not trying to fool anyone... I just like it!
You are right... things happen... and it could have...
This was a fun night here... generally I'm bored... LoL...
Clif of Az. :coffee2:
Here's a close up of Ulf's passenger valve cover. No guard just tabs.
clifcuda65
Old Mopar Geezer
Nice !!! Ulf and I have exchanged email... but this is the first time I've seen these pics...
Thanks... Just think the plug wire grommets are too "WHITE"... they were yellowish even when new... (since we ARE talking Valve Covers)
And one more thought... Maybe multiple Vendors on these valve covers depending where the cars were assembled? Or, they ran with a batch till they needed more, with the new batch might having changes/updates? Not always is every thing new for just model year change?
Yep, the repop grommets are too white. I do believe the originals were more tan colored .I have seen repops available in a aged color but can't remember where.
grimreaper
Cross Member
And if you want to add some more questions try to figure out the differences between the all polished aluminum fins and those with the polished tops and unpolished background. And then there are the wire separator differences.......
I'll show you mine since you showed us yours...
I have the small tabs... (your swartz is bigger than mine...) wah.. wah.. :crybaby: :crybaby:
View attachment 66 Cmndo rt B.jpg
View attachment 66 Cmndo A01 B.jpg
View attachment 66 Cmndo A02 B.jpg
Here's my 67's:
View attachment 67 Cmndo A02 B.jpg
View attachment 67 Cmndo A06 B.jpg
I have the small tabs... (your swartz is bigger than mine...) wah.. wah.. :crybaby: :crybaby:
View attachment 66 Cmndo rt B.jpg
View attachment 66 Cmndo A01 B.jpg
View attachment 66 Cmndo A02 B.jpg
Here's my 67's:
View attachment 67 Cmndo A02 B.jpg
View attachment 67 Cmndo A06 B.jpg
2 Darts
A-body Addicted
The 66 Dart GT, 273 4v, I restored had the valve covers ToolmanMike has identified as such. The car was built ~ 8/25/65 and had the Clean Air Package. The PVC valve was in a chrome hat on the stack on the passenger side valve cover. There was no grommet or bump on either of the valve covers.
Didn't know that each year had a different valve cover. I thought that the shield was there due to the CAP (along with the 90º nipple on the air filter housing).
Didn't know that each year had a different valve cover. I thought that the shield was there due to the CAP (along with the 90º nipple on the air filter housing).
Here's a theory.
They added the bump for the "new" style pcv coming in 67.
Then pulled it ahead in 66.
Now keep in mind that this is not a drastic change and can be done on the fly without affecting anything. so they can pull this ahead without obsolescence which means that they are allowed to build both versions at the same time until they run out of the old style.
Also keep in mind that they will have some engines to recycle that may have been torn down and the old valve covers recycled after the new ones have begun. There will be a period of overlap and where they will go back and forth. This change is not worth spending the manpower to make a clean break point and then incur scrap cost for the old ones. Rerun the old ones until they are all gone so they don't have to be scrapped.
They added the bump for the "new" style pcv coming in 67.
Then pulled it ahead in 66.
Now keep in mind that this is not a drastic change and can be done on the fly without affecting anything. so they can pull this ahead without obsolescence which means that they are allowed to build both versions at the same time until they run out of the old style.
Also keep in mind that they will have some engines to recycle that may have been torn down and the old valve covers recycled after the new ones have begun. There will be a period of overlap and where they will go back and forth. This change is not worth spending the manpower to make a clean break point and then incur scrap cost for the old ones. Rerun the old ones until they are all gone so they don't have to be scrapped.
That shield definitely controls the wires and vacuum hose better.
clifcuda65
Old Mopar Geezer
Yeah, this could never end... but I'm plum wore out... Being 70+ does that... And, maybe my memory is not as good as I thought it was... ~Sigh~ You youngsters Win, even if my swartz is bigger then yours... :cheers: LOL
Oh, on my grommet picture... the most upper one in the picture is an original one... NOS, or I so believe... Again, refer to my age...
Good Night
Clif of Az :coffee2: (I need some Coffee NOW)
clifcuda65
Old Mopar Geezer
Now, I'll buy into this!!! Well done KrazyKuda !
I got a PM from Ulf. His car was built Jan. 27, 1965 and he has just the tabs and not the harness guard. I would consider a January car mid year. It would be fun to see a late production car (say May or June) and see if it has the 66 style covers.
Karl. I see 65 and 67 covers in your photos. I also agree the guard does a nice job of keeping the harness and vac advance hose out of the way of the carb and away from the heat riser area. tmm
Karl. I see 65 and 67 covers in your photos. I also agree the guard does a nice job of keeping the harness and vac advance hose out of the way of the carb and away from the heat riser area. tmm
great conversation about the production year differences between valve covers
I agree with the idea that changes were made to the valve cover production that was independent of the model year production.
Who knows, maybe chrysler sold more commando motors then excepted. I haven't scene a v8 break down.
I agree with the idea that changes were made to the valve cover production that was independent of the model year production.
Who knows, maybe chrysler sold more commando motors then excepted. I haven't scene a v8 break down.
I think azmopar has a late produced Dartcharger for sale. A dealers kit car. He might have some pics!
skep419
No show, all go!
Cool dart for sale. Valve covers made me think of this thread hahahaha
http://norfolk.craigslist.org/cto/5194587536.html
http://norfolk.craigslist.org/cto/5194587536.html
Johnny Dart
Well-Known Member
Having read all this, its clear to me that the 67 Covers are the bomb. 
The cool thing about the 65/66 covers is that they use the same pcv and cap and the same breather and plug wire holders as the 426 Hemi. The bad thing about those covers is that they use those Hemi Parts and they are expensive. lol
clifcuda65
Old Mopar Geezer
But... because the "Legendary 426 HEMI" had them, it makes them at least Available for us 273 Commando/Charger Peeps! And I call that a VERY, VERY, GOOD Thing!!! :cheers:
Clif of Az. :coffee2:
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