Topic: How to identify some parts as original

[Gbailey1018]

I have a 1968 302 FB built in San Jose (if it matters, the build date was right around 4/1/68).

How would I go about determining whether each of the following parts is original vs repro?

Is there a product code or any unique marks stamped or printed on them somewhere? If so, where?

Valve covers
Ignition coil
Fuel pump

[CharlesTurner]

Would be easier to post some pics here of the parts or even search the forum for keywords.


In general terms:


-68 valve covers are not reproduced as far as I know?  Assuming you have the original steel tall ones.


-Coil has to be yellow top. The color of the top is usually how to tell if original.  Originals are more of a mustard color.  There are other details to look for


-Fuel pump for a '68 would be the button top Carter style.  On the bottom flanges will be the Carter model number stamped into the metal on the other side a date code.

[J_Speegle]

One place would be the search feature as a starting point for some of these.

You can also use the pictures posted in the Unrestored Picture threads for at least the basic look and details for the valve covers

For fuel pump there are physical characteristics as Charles mentioned as well as a identifier also. A list of these identifying codes can be viewed in a thread in the Library titled - Fuel Pump Identification and Cross Reference
Also there will be a date stamp. Examples and decoding information is viewable in the Date Coding article in the Library.
Just pick a year section and it will be in the drop down list. May also be some pictures of originals in the 68 Unrestored Picture thread in that section of the site.

For the coil one thread that popped up using the words "original coil" was the one below that at least provides some pictures that might help
https://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=17479.msg110163#msg110163


If you think you're going to need allot of help with checking allot of your parts, maybe starting your own main thread in the Member Restorations/Builds section might  be best so that you don't have to figure out where to start of post a thread and it can go in any direction (as long as its car and concours based  it goes. Just a thought