Selecting the Correct Date Code
The date code that is stamped on the coil is easy to decode. The first two digits of the date code stamped on the coil indicate the week the coil was manufactured, and the last digit of the date code indicates the year the coil was manufactured. Using a date code of 078 as an example, the 07 would indicate the coil was made during the 7th week of the year and the 8 would indicate it was made in 1968.
If you are fortunate enough to have your original coil simply look to see if the date code is still visible and simply pick the matching date (or one that is as close as possible) from our list of available date codes.
If you do not have an original coil to match from the process is a little more complicated, but not difficult. In most cases, all you need to do is subtract 1 to 4 weeks from the build date of your vehicle to determine an approximate date code for the coil. Here’s an example:
Year of Vehicle: 1968
Build Date of Vehicle: Mar 1968
A vehicle built in March would have been built sometime between 9th. and 12th. weeks of the year, lets just assume it was built during the 10th week. The coil that was installed in the vehicle would have been manufactured anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks before that. Based on this example you would choose a date code of 078 from our catalog.
Keep in mind that there is absolutely no way for anyone to know exactly what date code was used in a given vehicle (unless you are fortunate enough to have the original coil). If you are not lucky enough to have your original, then all one can do is approximate by ordering a coil that is date coded 1 to 4 weeks prior to the build date of the vehicle (with some exceptions).
You may have noticed that we allude to the fact that there are some exceptions to determining proper date codes. Some special vehicles (i.e. limited production) and HEMI equipped vehicles may have been equipped with a date code that was dated more than 4 weeks prior to the production date of the vehicle. If you believe you have one of these special vehicles or a HEMI equipped vehicle (and the proper date code is imperative to your restoration) you will want to call and speak with Frank Badalson at Auto Restoration Parts (804) 275-2155. For a small fee Frank will get the details about the car and determine the proper date code that is necessary for the restoration to be correct.