What is the J suffix on my Super M serial tag ?????

mike1972chev · Nov 6, 2011

I dont know why I just now noticed this(I have owned it for over 11 years now)But I have a 53 Super M and on the line with the serial # it reads across: L 511364 J

I know the "L" is for Louisville assembly.The "L" and the serial number are all nice and even and stamped by a machine,but the "J" at the very end of that line looks like it was stamped by hand heavily,and slightly crooked.

Is this the clutch type???

Andrew Z · Nov 6, 2011

Rockford clutch

Andrew

mike1972chev · Nov 6, 2011

Thanks Andrew,Was thinkin so,but wasnt sure???

Are the Rockfords better,worse,doesnt matter ?????

Andrew Z · Nov 6, 2011

They were used more then any other clutch in the Super M's etc. The other clutch was the Auburn, some consider the that clucth a little weaker then the Rockford.

Andrew

mike1972chev · Nov 6, 2011

Wonder why they used 2 different clutches ???? 1 supplier not able to meet the demand ????

lblock · Nov 6, 2011

Mine looked stamp too.

mike1972chev · Nov 6, 2011

So,What is the "C" before your "J" ???

CNKS · Nov 6, 2011

Probably just an upgrade. All manufacturers change suppliers. May or may not have been on the latest M's, I don't know.

CNKS · Nov 6, 2011

C is LPG.

D Slater · Nov 6, 2011

Could be mistaken but think you would have a hard time finding a SM without a J. Rockford was the clutch specified for a SM when they came out, also the 12 inch in a M.

Wardner · Nov 6, 2011

Lots of Mfgs use two or more sources. It keeps the vendors honest when it comes to pricing. Another notable example is the sourcing of hydraulic pumps by IH. Thompson and Cessna had to share the pie.

Purchasing agents or buyers can be demanding in pursuing the lowest cost item that meets their specifications. Making vendors compete lowers costs.

It is far more prevalent today than in olden days when many mfgs were vertically integrated. Examples would be IH owning mines, ships to carry the ore, foundries to reduce and pour it. and machine shops to finish it. Now-a-days, everything but final assembly of major components is subcontracted.

Nearly all mfgs for any product pursue this practice. In some cases, a brand name only reflects the distributor who never lays hands on the product that bears his name.

CNKS · Nov 6, 2011

Correct -- I was wondering if they first appeared on the SH and SM, or on the latest H and M models?

CoopertownBob · Nov 7, 2011

(quoted from post at 23:08:54 11/06/11) Correct -- I was wondering if they first appeared on the SH and SM, or on the latest H and M models?

My 1940 H came with a Rockford in it, at least when I found it in the junk pile. IT had been back to the dealer sometime in the 1950's however for a major upgrade, converted all the way to gas and so forth. On the other hand, I just took an Auburn unit out of a 1948 H, so I guess what I am saying is I am not sure either.

Athol Carr · Nov 7, 2011

The O-12 and other 12 series tractors of the 1930 had Rockford clutches. The Rockford clutch was the most common option in the Farmall A but Auburn was possible. My 1941 W-4 has a Rockford clutch

What is the J suffix on my Super M serial tag ?????

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