I have a friend who worked at the Sterling axle plant . He contacted me through MM many years ago and asked how I figured out the markings on the rear axle assembly. I replied, I duplicate what I find during disassembly and document with pictures. He also explained the function of orange strap on the parking brake cable. There was a code book the Sterling assemblers used for quality control and identification. Different colors on marker pens for various shifts etc. There were red, green and white paper axle tags on tape roll (1st,2nd, 3rd shift)? No he has not found any lunch pail 981B tape rolls yet. I have figured out what many markings mean from the info supplied. I have not been granted permission to share and feel he should publish the article himself,which I believe is coming.
Randy G, I love your comment.That's the first time I have been praised for my handwriting. I know the customer quite well and he did not prefer I drag the axle assembly around the shop on the floor a few laps for a little Dearborn patina. Thanks again for the Blue Streaks.
Unfortunately I believe too much emphasis is put on paint codes and stickers etc. on many restorations. These final details do not make the restoration as some seem to believe. Believe me it took a lot more time to prep the parts and assemble the axle assembly than it did to scribble a few numbers. Paint codes and stickers do not make up for incorrect parts and average restoration workmanship. Does a car with no orange peel really deserve a paint OK stamp? Lets not loose perspective.
Bob Perkins SAAC Concours Head Judge