[19694004sp]

In my time trying to make my Firebirds correct with factory pieces, I have found that the topic of Rochester carburetors PN stamping(s) to be a large issue.
One side the issue is how to tell if what I have (or run across) is a Factory OEM proper stamp numbers VS re-stamp ones.
The scam of people whom grind PN off & re-stamp PN of a rare unit is the core concern.
One aspect is I "somebody replied in a forum" saying that the Pontiac RA type pieces were all stamped by Rochester ONLY, not carter MFG.
I have no way to verify this one important point.
Another concern is in this whole topic, Why have I seen plenty of RA PN stamped carbs with different style PN die impressions on them, Heavy or narrow print stamp?
And different direction numbers were stamped out also (top to bottom VS Bottom to top direction) .
The values of one unit for my car on several different sources is Between $895 and some over $1,000 for it
I actually seen some units priced high as $4,500.00 for certain car applications.
So, how can it be proven with certainty of an OEM unit VS a very well disguised and in reality is just a
re-stamp piece?.
A Rochester is a Rochester, you seen one you seen them all, in my opinion , they can be a great performer with tuning and knowledge how to.
I have one w PN 7028273 which would make it very valuable on the market place yet it appears to be a re-stamp.
Any wisdom and sources to add light to this topic tis appreciated.
Thx

Rob

 

[sea dog]

You have brought up a good point for discussion. I do not know how to tell a genuine article from a re stamp. I'm betting only a few people out there know this info.

But, I do know that for anything of value, there are plenty of dishonest people out there who would create a counterfeit. It's a shame that honest people have to deal with this. The only thing I can recommend is; whatever field you looking to buy rare items in, do lots of research to protect yourself from bogus items.

Our society, and every other is ruled by the catch phrase, CAVEAT EMPTOR. Which translated from Latin means "let the buyer beware".

 

[tjs]

All 3 parts of a 873 are unique.The base plate,the top is also and is diff from all non RA carbs.The RA carbs have a little rubber boot that goes over the acc pump shaft that attaches to a raised boss on the top.The centers are unique also.I had a 973 with the correct top and base plate but the center was a restamp and had ports that were not correct for it.Tom

8273-9273 are the same

 

[19694004sp]

The "acc boot" on the airhorn ID & info is a good piece to know, thx.
In my Limitation searchings on images of "Rochester's" RA type Carburetors,

Most Correct units display the boot type airhorn on RA applications.

Not all. yet TOO much, that thieves on internet of Pontic carburetors sales, Could be the classic internet pile of clutter misinformation!

So, sifting thru this arena of gray area and too much speculations, It seems the boot airhorn piece, stands OUT. On RA carbs specifically!!!

iF IT doesn't have the BOOT then ask them why.

And your answer will be BS ignorance of the entire industry history and what IS PROPER CORRECT on and MFG standards.

Then AVOID the liar!

 

[ponyakr]

Here's a pic of one of those carbs with a boot.

This one was in a '68 Bird which TJ raced in '75. Then I made some changes to it & she used it as her DD for the next couple of years. I think this particular carb came off my '69 RA3 GTO. It also had the slashed vent tube.

Well, so much for posting a pic. There is no option shown for adding a pic. What's up with that ???

Anyhow, here's some pics of a Ram Air Q-jet with the boot & slashed vent.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/7028270-XG-Rochester-Quadrajet-1968-1969-Pontiac-Ram-Air-II-III-Auto-NO-DATE-/223161093407?_trksid=p2047675.m43663.l44720&nordt=true&rt=nc&orig_cvip=true

Well, when I click on this link now, I don't get the right pics. The boot is shown on the listing that has ended. The one that shows up on the link I posted has the correct top, which shows where the boot attaches to the top, but there is no boot on it. I'll try to keep lookin 'til I find something that will post.

Try this.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-Pontiac-Quadrajet-carburetor-7028273-Ram-Air-GTO-Judge-No-Reserve-/173602823585?_trksid=p2047675.m43663.l44720&nordt=true&rt=nc&orig_cvip=true

OK, I see. You have to click on the listing that has ended, then scroll down to see the pics.

If you have a Ram Air top, you can buy a new boot for it.

https://www.ebay.com/i/323191124513?chn=ps

 

[ZumpTA]

Click "more reply options" under the text box. Attachment menu appears under textbox. Choose file, attach file, then select "add to post" to the right of the uploaded image. Done.

Side question, off topic. Is that carb really worth $5,000 or is the seller hoping for that sucker born a minute ago? I could see $500 to maybe $750 for the core. $1,000 to maybe $1250 if properly rebuilt and jetted. But $5,000? Wow! If your not doing a concourse restoration, what's the point? ...and thats $5,000 for something needing rebuilt and set up. New ones are under $500. So am I nuts thinking $5,000 is crazy?

 

[tjs]

Auto carbs are worth less than stick shift carbs.I would say 8273 and 9273 are one of the most valuable.Many REALLY correct good condition carbs go for $4000 or more.270s usually half.Tom

 

[ponyakr]

Click "more reply options" under the text box. Attachment menu appears under textbox. Choose file, attach file, then select "add to post" to the right of the uploaded image. Done.

Side question, off topic. Is that carb really worth $5,000 or is the seller hoping for that sucker born a minute ago? I could see $500 to maybe $750 for the core. $1,000 to maybe $1250 if properly rebuilt and jetted. But $5,000? Wow! If your not doing a concourse restoration, what's the point? ...and thats $5,000 for something needing rebuilt and set up. New ones are under $500. So am I nuts thinking $5,000 is crazy?

(1) Yeah, I clicked the "more reply options". But, no attachment menu appeared, as it normally has. Tried it at least 3 times. No option to add an attachment. Same thing now. The only options below the box are: Add Reply, Preview Post, or Cancel.

(2) Anybody doing a numbers matching resto, requiring a rare carb, doesn't have any choice. They either pay the price or use a carb that doesn't match.

 

[19694004sp]

Here's a pic of one of those carbs with a boot.

This one was in a '68 Bird which TJ raced in '75. Then I made some changes to it & she used it as her DD for the next couple of years. I think this particular carb came off my '69 RA3 GTO. It also had the slashed vent tube.

Well, so much for posting a pic. There is no option shown for adding a pic. What's up with that ???

Anyhow, here's some pics of a Ram Air Q-jet with the boot & slashed vent.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/7028270-XG-Rochester-Quadrajet-1968-1969-Pontiac-Ram-Air-II-III-Auto-NO-DATE-/223161093407?_trksid=p2047675.m43663.l44720&nordt=true&rt=nc&orig_cvip=true

Well, when I click on this link now, I don't get the right pics. The boot is shown on the listing that has ended. The one that shows up on the link I posted has the correct top, which shows where the boot attaches to the top, but there is no boot on it. I'll try to keep lookin 'til I find something that will post.

Try this.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-Pontiac-Quadrajet-carburetor-7028273-Ram-Air-GTO-Judge-No-Reserve-/173602823585?_trksid=p2047675.m43663.l44720&nordt=true&rt=nc&orig_cvip=true

OK, I see. You have to click on the listing that has ended, then scroll down to see the pics.

If you have a Ram Air top, you can buy a new boot for it.

https://www.ebay.com/i/323191124513?chn=ps

The EBAY for to acquire the boot was good thx, I actually do have this booted style top piece.
Yes it's ridiculous past $1,000 for one of these units.

The ppl on EBAY are NOT selling their over priced carbs I've noticed, they are "Shop worn" stale.
How does a buyer know for sure the carb was not one of those unstamped units they acquired, then got a die set and made up their own stamped using Rare numbers?
The texture in that area would "Appear" to be untouched and not a "re-stamp" but a proper original one.
Then the last piece to examine would be the base plate, what does a proper one on a RA unit look like and and stamping numbers etc..

This data numbering locations and images I have not seen anywhere online though i'm sure it exists .