60s suburbans

[puddlejumper 67]

I have gathered enough parts to build a all original early 400. But curiosity has me wondering about serial tag It came in a load with two tractors one of which did not have a hole for a key switch on the dash [early right] But I dont know which tractor it came from. serial number on tag is2428 with probably a 1 on the end which centers the number on the tag. The first four numbers are very legible and the one on the end may be my Imagination.

Does any body have a Idea the range of serial numbers for that year and would this number be early enough for the early hood,belt gaurd,and solid pan seat like on a 59rj. One last question for now did the 550 tag look Identical to this with out the [off] etched at the bottom since it had a ignition key.

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,534]

I do not have the numbers off this one right now as it is down in the back storage tent however I am told this is an early model 400 with the solid seat pan and non cross stamped belt guard. I will try to get the numbers off it tomorrow when it is light out.

[CasualObserver 3,411]

The first Suburban 400 was 21900

The first Suburban 550 was 24750

Your tag number was from the earlier run before the 550s were being built. (and yes, it is a 5 digit number)

The 1960 models all used the same style of plate you pictured.

[CasualObserver 3,411]

I blew up the picture... looks like a faint 2 to me

[puddlejumper 67]

Thanks guys,Any body had any luck having them rechromed or should I get a repro. and hang the original from the steering wheel for ornamental purposes.

[mattd860 162]

Are these just made from steel? Will dipping them in an electrolysis tank clean up the rust and reveal the engraving again?

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

The base metal is steel and I think they were nickel plated. (definitely not chrome plated)

Depending on the depth of the corrosion, it might be tough to see all of the digits. I don't know how one would do in an e-tank, but it would be worth a shot.

"chevelletown" Ken was producing some nice stainless repros. If he's still making them, that's the way to go. :thumbs:

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,534]

Matt,

I would not e tank any soft metals. I made the mistake of e tanking an engine plate off an HH55 and it just about ruined it. I am not sure what the plate is made of but it will strip any paint off it which will ruin the look imo.

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

The data tags on the Lausons & Tecumsehs are aluminum, so they would turn to crap in an e-tank.

I'm positive there won't be a problem e-tanking the tag from the tractor - unless you use a DC stick welder for the power supply. :thumbs:

[mattd860 162]

Yeah I'm not going to e-tank the ID tag from the engine. But I'm still deciding whether or not to e-tank the tag between the throttle and choke lever. If Terry says it's ok, then I guess it's ok :thumbs:

[CasualObserver 3,411]

Another member here has posted in the past that he did it with favorable results... I'll see if I can find the post.

Edit: http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/index.php?showtopic=8820

[B-8074 20]

Try a piece of soap stone or white chalk. Rub it on the ID tag and blow off the dust and it may help read the #'s. I have had good luck doing it when I can't make out the numbers. just a thought.

[mattd860 162]

Another member here has posted in the past that he did it with favorable results... I'll see if I can find the post.

Edit: http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/index.php?showtopic=8820

Thanks!! Maybe i'll try it out this weekend.

[wheelhorse656 20]

did it work? or have you tryed it yet? :thumbs:

[mattd860 162]

did it work? or have you tryed it yet?

I haven't tried it yet :)

[puddlejumper 67]

OK guys new question: I have 4 60s transaxles the casting marks are as follows

L2-9

M23-9

B25-0

E24-0

I thought I seen a thread on here that dated them as letter being month with next number being day of month and number after dash being yr. But that doesnt fit because the second one would be 13/23/59 and unless there used to be 13 months in a year (daylight savings time ) It just doesnt fit could somebody help me here.Looking for early run 400 trans.

Also looks as if one will be sacrificed to build 3 any warnings before tearing in to these and what bearings seals are going to be a headache to find and or exchange for newer numbers

[puddlejumper 67]

OK guys new question: I have 4 60s transaxles the casting marks are as follows

L2-9

M23-9

B25-0

E24-0

I thought I seen a thread on here that dated them as letter being month with next number being day of month and number after dash being yr. But that doesnt fit because the second one would be 13/23/59 and unless there used to be 13 months in a year (daylight savings time ) It just doesnt fit could somebody help me here.Looking for early run 400 trans.

Also looks as if one will be sacrificed to build 3 any warnings before tearing in to these and what bearings seals are going to be a headache to find and or exchange for newer numbers

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

A lot of companies omitted the letter "I" because it's easily confused with the number "1", so I'd say "M" probably denotes the 12th month.

There should be a few topics on refreshing the 3-piece three speeds floating around here on the forum.

[Duff 206]

There should be a few topics on refreshing the 3-piece three speeds floating around here on the forum.

Charlie, this is right up your alley, bud! Chime in!

~Duff :thumbs: