1966 Starter Solenoid

[Karguy]

 The original starter solenoid is long gone from 6S281. I found this FOMOCO solenoid in some items I purchased from a local shop that went out of business. It looks like someone may have lightly wire brushed it and clear-coated it, I think I can correct all that. The material of the body has sort of a brown cast to It.  6S281 was built at San Jose in mid October 65.  I Suspect the 2701966 refers to a 1966 date Which would make it too late for my car.  Thoughts, advice?
Thanks in advance, Karl

[Chad]

If you decided to sell it i would be interested.
Thanks
Chad

[J_Speegle]

Yes that is an early style with the brown bakeolite body.

Typically at San Jose used on cars prior to the building of the production Shelbys

Unfortunately they are not dated ( to help us place their usage) like the later other metal bottom solenoids but the brown ones also predate the introduction of the Mustang

The identification number on the top bracket did not include a date since it does not change between all the examples I've seen and have pictures of. Just a number to subcontractor used to id the part in house from what I can tell

Part number was B6A-11450-A which indicates it was originally designed for usage on a 1956 vehicle but all of the early versions were sold under the same part number so not specific to just the brown ones.

[Karguy]

Jeff,  thanks for the information, I get that the brown colored unit was definitely before the introduction of the mustang so definitely not Correct for 6S281. I am wondering what's different about the stampings/markings (if any) on this solenoid compared to the one that would've come originally on my car?
Thanks, Karl

[GT350Lad]

Thanks for sharing Karl. As a side point I have my original but it ain't working, does anyone repair these?

Cheers

[Karguy]

Trent,  would you be able to send pictures of your solenoid, specifically the stampings on the top mounting bracket?

[J_Speegle]

............. I am wondering what's different about the stampings/markings (if any) on this solenoid compared to the one that would've come originally on my car?
Thanks, Karl

There were at least three different suppliers that I've found so far and depending on assembly plant, as well as a transition from the oval FoMoCo to the FoMoCo in a rectangle all in the black (with and without visible fibers) main body.

Going through the pictures and notes to see if I can narrow down to the San Jose Oct 65 period

[Karguy]

Thanks Jeff, Greatly appreciate your time. I'll look forward to seeing what you come up with.

[J_Speegle]

Jeff,  thanks for the information, I get that the brown colored unit was definitely before the introduction of the mustang so definitely not Correct for 6S281. I am wondering what's different about the markings (if any) on this solenoid compared to the one that would've come originally on my car?
Thanks, Karl

Early Mustangs at San Jose and Dearborn would have used them also.

Given your likely Ford VIN and production period at San Jose below is what I found on cars around that time period.

Of course these are used and not in perfect condition though they do provide features and details we're looking for

Top bracket markings and take notice of the flat top end of the large rivet that holds the top part of the assembly together. Another contractor (marked differently) used a countersunk rivet at this end. But those were not typically provided to San Jose

Stamped - 2701966 (Identification),  RBM (Contractor/Supplying company ID) and FoMoCo in the rectangle outline - in the lower left of the bracket as shown. Sealing with a reddish/red oxide color sealant of the top rivet and washer has been an ongoing discussion on these early (black 2701966) solenoids. Study still continues  




Lighting was a bit odd so it has a yellow tint.  Ignore what may look like the edge of a cork gasket between the metal bottom and the main body. Looks like I had not cleaned out the corn husk fully before I put it in storage




A couple of side shots. Notice star washers at each connection/post with fairly heavy light gray sealant. A detail missing on reproductions






Was working on an article on the subject guess it will get done one of these days - Hope this helps

[Karguy]

 Jeff, as usual you are a wealth of information and I greatly appreciate you being willing to share.
The solenoid in the picture definitely looks more black than mine which is definitely more brown. Does the example you sent pictures of have a modeled color to it, with a pure black or somewhat a splotched color? I thought I remember them being pretty much pure black.
Thanks, Karl

[J_Speegle]

Often you can see visible fibers in the black bake-o-lite material. Some more than others and Have not found a pattern between the more visible and a specific production period or tied with any of the other visible features.

Often on the ones with visible fibers the surface is not as smooth because of it.

Here is a decent picture of one (happens to be a rare C6 version so other details are different) that shows a fairly heavy amount of visible fibers. Polished this one to get it to this condition but it didn't IMHO change the look or the amount of surface texture or amount of visible fibers





Glad to help and tanks to all of the owners who have provided information, data and pictures of their original cars and their disassembly. All go to help others

[Karguy]

Jeff, thanks again. Curious, do you have a correct solenoid that you would part with?
Thanks, Karl

[Bob Gaines]

I have taken apart a lot of these solenoids and there is typically a paper type gasket between the bottom cover and the body . More a labor of love given it takes a considerable amount of time effort and material to refurbish one.

[GT350Lad]

I have taken apart a lot of these solenoids and there is typically a paper type gasket between the bottom cover and the body . More a labor of love given it takes a considerable amount of time effort and material to refurbish one.

Thanks Bob, I thought they where near impossible to rebuild. I'll keep my eye out for one

Cheers

[Karguy]

Bob, Upon a close inspection, it looks like recreating the rivets that hold the bottom plate on may be the most difficult part of rebuilding one of these. What did you find when you got into them?
Thanks, Karl