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I need a radiator cap '61 F250, Unibody (Type 66), 223 ci. At first I thought I needed the RL-12, which I was happy to see is still available from Ford. But then this chart lost me. So what am I to make of this?
The first application shown looks like it could be mine: 57 & up F-truck, 6 cyl, 223, 7 lb. cap 0L-8100-A. This one also designates "WT series", which unless that is an undefined Work Truck, I have no idea.
The second also looks like it could be mine, if the first one is. This one is Autolite. I'm guessing the first one is a Ford or Motorcraft?
The third also looks like it could be mine; 57 & up Ford truck-units beyond warranty, What is this?
The fourth could be mine: 57 & up - except Econoline.
The fifth: Not mine
The sixth: 61 & up Ford truck & Econoline. This describes mine as well.
The seventh: Not mine.
5 of the 7 different caps seem to apply to mine. Some differentiate between 7 lb and 12-15 lb caps, but that doesn't help in the case of a missing or wrong cap. Is there another way to look this up? Can the choices be narrowed down at all?
Thanks but no thanks. I STRONGLY prefer factory parts over aftermarket when they're available, and 4 of these 5 are still available. I just can't figure out this chart!
NOS parts won't always be a match to what they used on the assembly line at the factory. For example, if you were to take a B2AZ-8100-F radiator cap. Many of them that are genuine Ford will be in a Motorcraft box and if you look close will often say Motorcraft somewhere on the cap. No 1961-1966 truck could have come from the factory with a Motorcraft cap since Ford didn't establish the brand until about 1972. So, while you might find numerous of a given part number available, they may be few and far between to find one that's truly factory correct. Here's an example of what I'm talking about.
NOS parts won't always be a match to what they used on the assembly line at the factory. For example, if you were to take a B2AZ-8100-F radiator cap. Many of them that are genuine Ford will be in a Motorcraft box and if you look close will often say Motorcraft somewhere on the cap. No 1961-1966 truck could have come from the factory with a Motorcraft cap since Ford didn't establish the brand until about 1972. So, while you might find numerous of a given part number available, they may be few and far between to find one that's truly factory correct. Here's an example of what I'm talking about.
Yep, I understand that. But my never-ending quest for OE parts begins with the original number.
The '61 catalog you told me about is already paying off (more in another thread). It quickly ended the radiator cap problem that started this thread. I need the 0L-8100-A. This is the same number that showed up in the 1957-63 catalog. Since that catalog was published in 1970, I wonder if the part number was good thru 1963 or 1970? Any idea if it changed before it was later discontinued?
I can tell you that part number is not in any of the OSI catalogs so there is no known disposition for that part once it was discontinued.
If I were in your shoes, I'd probably opt for one of these. It comes with one word of caution - the seller has a lot of feedback but some of it is pretty bad. Things can appear to be sitting at a Post Office in New Jersey and never move. I've had it happen to me before and you'll see that in some of the negative feedback. But I'm sure eBay will give a refund if you don't receive any purchase and file a claim before the time limit expires. Pain, but sometimes it's the best game in town.
OSI? I kinda figured (like you) on using one of the caps from the original chart I posted. I had seen those on eBay but don't care for the seller. Something squirrelly about the ad and I don't see chrome what he calls the -B cap. Looks like another zinc to me. And though he says his caps are NIB, he appears to use the same box for both caps. Maybe wrong, but I'll do a little more looking around.
The 1962 cap is mostly illegible. I don't know how we can tell if it's original or not. I need an original Ford advertising photo of 1961 F250, 223, preferably with a close-up of the radiator cap lol. I'll find one somewhere.
Some of these caps were marked 'S.M.Co'. Do you know this maker? Perhaps Standard Motor Co.?
A lot of folks don't understand my obsession with details on things like this. I just really enjoy the detective work and esp the reward of finding answers.
OSI = Obsolete, Supercede and Interchange catalogs. They made a ton of revisions but only these 4 dates are of much value.
One of the better closeups of an original engine compartment I've come across is of this 1962 4x4 292 V8 factory photo but you can see - no radiator cap. Why it wasn't installed in this photo is odd. The 6 and 8 cylinder engines should have all had the same radiator caps. Remember that Ford sourced most everything from outside vendors and not necessarily just one vendor for some things.
I can appreciate your interest in original parts. Enjoy the detective work.
This is my untouched 1962 F250 with factory industrial 262 and Clark5 speed with overdrive. Original radiator and cap
I hope this helps. The truck is 1 of 1 with that engine and transmission ( SEE the full post under "F250 with 262 6 cylinder", think that is the title, well its close enough to find it).
FYI, It will be the feature truck in this upcoming issue of VINTAGE TRUCK MAGAZINE Jan/Feb 2024. It's an amazing Survivor! I am AT LEAST , probably more, of an **** person when it comes to factory correct survivors. This engine is absolutely untouched except for the heater hoses and the Franz toilet paper secondary oil filter. The air horns were a dealer add on. Radiator hose are factory, coil, carb, fan belts, engine paint, never been touched. Battery cables.... stunning truck!
Here are some pictures of the truck Original owner, who i got it from, was a big wig commercial airline pilot. He bought the accessory gauges from a vintage aircraft surplus store. They all work. Original seat upholstery is near perfect except for the small crack on the drivers edge.
Original owner, who i got it from, was a big wig commercial airline pilot. He bought the accessory gauges from a vintage aircraft surplus store. They all work.
Original seat upholstery is near perfect except for the small crack on the drivers edge.
Interesting, 22truckie. I appreciate the photos, as they will make a good reference for a lot of items. Please remind us when the magazine with your truck comes out.
I appreciate the cap photos. It does look 60 years old. Is there anything stamped in the center area that didn't come out in the photo, like Autolite, S.M.Co., etc.?
What is the item mounted to the firewall behind the valve cover? It looks like an ignition module.
OSI = Obsolete, Supercede and Interchange catalogs. They made a ton of revisions but only these 4 dates are of much value.
One of the better closeups of an original engine compartment I've come across is of this 1962 4x4 292 V8 factory photo but you can see - no radiator cap. Why it wasn't installed in this photo is odd. The 6 and 8 cylinder engines should have all had the same radiator caps. Remember that Ford sourced most everything from outside vendors and not necessarily just one vendor for some things.
I can appreciate your interest in original parts. Enjoy the detective work.
Ah yes, OSI. I believe you told me about those before. I'm a little slow, but I'm trying!
I think I've mentioned before that I'm a retired GM guy. Ford is somewhat new to me but I tend to really get into new and interesting stuff. Many thanks to you and the others for the help.
TxKnuckleBuster, the issue the truck will be in is the next upcoming edition, Vintage Truck Jan/Feb 2024. I will check and see if there are any other markings when I get back later tonight. If there are any other questions or pictures you need, let me know, post them, as the truck, other than the couple of additions the owner made is literally untouched
Here is what I found, 7 lbs, on the other ear. There is a faint Autolite stamped, not embossed twice on the inner round area. I could not get a good photo showing. Raised Autolite is a later release of the same cap. You want embossed to be exact correct. Hope that helps
