Distributor Caps

[Michael M.]

From my research, 1968 - early 1969 used a cap that the top said " Delco-Remy Patent Pending 2769047. Is this correct and if so did the #2769047 have a " R " after the number?

[Dave S.]

Re: Distributor Caps

From my research, 1968 - early 1969 used a cap that the top said " Delco-Remy Patent Pending 2769047. Is this correct and if so did the #2769047 have a " R " after the number?

Michael,
To my knowledge 047 caps ( with or without an R ) were never used on a Corvette before 1972 or possibly later. I know them as a later service distributor cap.

[Michael M.]

Re: Distributor Caps

Dave, so a early build ( Oct. 1968 ) would require a D-308R which reads Delco-Remy Patent Pending "R". Is this a correct statement?

[Dave S.]

Re: Distributor Caps

Dave, so a early build ( Oct. 1968 ) would require a D-308R which reads Delco-Remy Patent Pending "R". Is this a correct statement?

I don't have the 69/69 TIM&JG with me but as I recall early 68's may have no "R" with PATENT PENDING. Sometime in 68 the R appeared as I recall.

[Dick W.]

Re: Distributor Caps

Michael,
To my knowledge 047 caps ( with or without an R ) were never used on a Corvette before 1972 or possibly later. I know them as a later service distributor cap.

Bill Clupper told me years ago that caps were manufactured well into the '70's without the patent number.

[Michael M.]

Re: Distributor Caps

Thank you Dave and Dick. Does anyone have a 1969 judging manual to verify that all 1969 distributor caps say Delco-Remy Patent Pending R ?

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Distributor Caps

Thank you Dave and Dick. Does anyone have a 1969 judging manual to verify that all 1969 distributor caps say Delco-Remy Patent Pending R ?

The 5th edition guide says: "Delco-Remy and Patent Pending R are embossed on top of cap. Very early 1968 caps may have non-R caps."
Jeff

[Dick W.]

Re: Distributor Caps

Interest tidbit of useless knowledge.

Look at the patent number history

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[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Distributor Caps

Interest tidbit of useless knowledge.

Look at the patent number history

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Also, the application was for the entire distributor not just the cap. I'm guessing that the cap was just a good place to post the "Patent Pending", etc. (?).
Jeff

[Dick W.]

Re: Distributor Caps

Also, the application was for the entire distributor not just the cap. I'm guessing that the cap was just a good place to post the "Patent Pending", etc. (?).
Jeff

If the patent was for the whole distributor, I wonder why they waited as late as 1953 for file for the patent. They were making that same basic style in the '30's.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Distributor Caps

If the patent was for the whole distributor, I wonder why they waited as late as 1953 for file for the patent. They were making that same basic style in the '30's.

Dick,
I have a copy of the patent application dated Dec. 23, 1953 and it is for a "DISTRIBUTOR STRUCTURE". The text starts off with: "This invention relates to a distributor and is particularly concerned with an improved distributor wherein the operating elements thereof are inverted in order to accomplish improved operation within the distributor." The text further speaks to other improvements including access to the points adjustment through a window, cap attachment, improved vacuum control apparatus., etc.
Jeff

[Dick W.]

Re: Distributor Caps

Dick,
I have a copy of the patent application dated Dec. 23, 1953 and it is for a "DISTRIBUTOR STRUCTURE". The text starts off with: "This invention relates to a distributor and is particularly concerned with an improved distributor wherein the operating elements thereof are inverted in order to accomplish improved operation within the distributor." The text further speaks to other improvements including access to the points adjustment through a window, cap attachment, improved vacuum control apparatus., etc.
Jeff

AHA, the window in the cap and the screw attachment are probably the main changes.

[Michael M.]

Re: Distributor Caps

So, if my car was built in October of 1968 and has a distributor with part #1111493 what should the top of the cap say. "Delco-Remy Patent Pending" or "Delco-Remy Patent Pending R" ?

[Gary B.]

Re: Distributor Caps

We see very few original unrestored very early 68's to use for reference. An October of 1968 built car, to me, is a very early 68. Others may say it's an early car, especially if it's the end of October build. That's 2-1/2 months of production.

68-69 6th Edition TIM&JG says "Very early 1968's may have a cap without the R." We don't know how late they were used. Left over 1967 parts. You will find the 68-69 Judges very knowledgeable and will probably not make a deduction for a cap without a R.

You would be safe to use either for judging. If you want to play it really safe, just use a R caps. Either way, it's your decision.

Gary Bosselman

[Patrick H.]

Re: Distributor Caps

I'll be the one to say it....

Isn't an October 1968 car from the 1969 model year?

I am suspecting that Michael's car was built in October of 1967, which as Gary infers would make it an early 1968.

PH