Topic: Autolite Spark Plug markings

[rockhouse66]

I have two sets of Autolite BF-32 spark plugs.  One has the "Autolite" in large letters and the other has this in small letters.  Which is the older version or, more specifically, which is more correct for a 1969 car?

[SCJSTU]

Jim,
could the diff in font be diff suppliers?

[rockhouse66]

Jim,
could the diff in font be diff suppliers?

Stuart - maybe.  Both are in the same style Motorcraft/Autolite box with the same part numbers on the end.

[C5ZZKGT]

I wonder if there is any sort of date/code on the boxes?? Charles will surely  recognise these plugs and set us straight.

[CharlesTurner]

I'm not aware of any dates on the boxes.

Sorry, but I was not sure on this topic, which is why I didn't respond.  My intuition tells me the lower one is more period correct.  But, again, I don't know for sure.

[rockhouse66]

Since we already don't know the answer, I'll make it more complicated!

The "large Autolite" plugs came in a box of 10.  Two of the plugs in the box also have a lot of knurling on the body (more than just the hash mark knurling).  There must be some rhyme or reason to this?  BTW, I chose the larger lettered plugs to use.

[J_Speegle]

Haven't studied the later plugs either but the lower one looks more correct IMHO but just a look

Often we find the boxes on Ford parts dated but it has to do more when the box was printed rather than when the part was made. Seen some that were different by two years (part verses box date) So not IMHO much of a guide

[s2ms]

Just saw this thread.....

The lower plugs with the large letters are correct for your 69 assuming they also say "Powertip". The small lettering plugs were made during the transition from Autolite to Motorcraft plugs when Autolites began a different numbering system. I have 4 different versions of Autolite BF-32 plugs. I'm guessing a lot on the dates but listed in chronological (?) order they are:

1. Star logo, 1967 and earlier

2. Large Autolite lettering but NOT Powertip and NO star logo. Only ever seen a couple of these, guessing there was a very narrow production window in 1967?

3. Large Autolite lettering, Powertip. 1967 - ?

4. Small Autolite lettering, Powertip. No idea when these were produced but they originally came in a box that said both Autolite AND Motorcraft.

Would love to hear if anyone has more info on this subject...

Dave

[J_Speegle]

Dave - where did you come up with 67 as being the change year?   Just asking

[s2ms]

Jeff,

No direct documentation, just anecdotal. As I said, I'm "guessing a lot on the dates". There are threads on the HiPo forum and VMF the star logos changed to Power Tips in 67-68. Just figured the non-star, non-powertips were in between. A few posts said star logos were pre-68. I've read and heard elsewhere that 67 was when the change was made. Can't remember but maybe Bob Mannel's book says something about this as well?

Please let me know if you have more direct evidence.

Dave

[J_Speegle]

Dave I ask only because friends had it pegged as being in 68

[s2ms]

Thanks Jeff, I certainly have no argument with that. Checked Mannel's book and couldn't find anything more specific there but it wouldn't surprise me if Bob had some info on this.

Dave