Starter Motor, How do I tell an original one?

[DennyD]

The ink stamp is long gone, if there ever was one, and I don't know if it's the original starter for the car or a replacement. So.........is there a FOMOCO stamping, or some identifying marks somewhere on the starter that I can look for, to determine if its an original one or not? Thanks, Denny

[Bob Gaines]

The ink stamp is long gone, if there ever was one, and I don't know if it's the original starter for the car or a replacement. So.........is there a FOMOCO stamping, or some identifying marks somewhere on the starter that I can look for, to determine if its an original one or not? Thanks, Denny

A recent thread http://www.saacforum.com/index.php?topic=965.0 shows pictures of typical auto vs 4 speed vintage starters .  The ones in the pictures are not detailed as they would be when installed at Ford. They are just pictured to show the basic difference as explained.  The nose cone after 1970 had reinforcement ribs added for strength. The assemblyline does not have the extra ribs and are smooth like in the pictures from the other thread. They will both have C5 engineering numbers in the nose cone casting seen from the bendix side. The 65-67 case would have a ink stamp for identification. The case didn't start having metal stamped identification letters and numbers until later in 1967 production. 

[gt350hr]

+1 Perfect information.

[Tinface]

Very nicely presented.

[DennyD]

Bob, Once again thanks for sharing your knowledge regarding these 50+ year old machines. You can clearly see the difference in the automatic and four speed versions with your photos. I'll look for the C5 engineering number next. Denny

[gt350hr]

  Rubber stamp , silver paint.

[J_Speegle]

  Rubber stamp , silver paint.

+1 Most of the time - long gone or at least partially gone.

Don't use the stickers   or stamps that are not complete if your restoring the car.