Part number accuracy?

[adam_knox]

Hey gang,

I know that from the parts books I have Mopar carried over the same part number for items that were used in previous years. Sometimes though when I go to the parts store, I find parts that are a match but aren't listed as parts indicated for the 49 Chry. So is it safe to say if a part from the 50's or 60's doesn't have a matching number in my parts book it won't fit my car or do/did they assign new numbers to parts that fit older vehicles?

I have a parts reference book for my car, and two cross-reference books from 1954. I'm just curious I guess for sanity sake. Obviously trim and certain model specific stuff you can tell right away, but things like bearings, bushings and other mechanical stuff I always wonder (or secretly hope!) they could fit my car... Sometimes I wish I had a more main run model rather than the half-year production. Things like brake drums I don't see a lot and I can't afford to pay some of the prices people are asking when they do come up!

[plymouthasc]

There are often several part numbers for the same replacement. I have usually heard these called "superseded" numbers. This means the new number took the place of the original number.

While parts with superseded numbers will work, they are not always exactly the same. When a change or improvement was made to the part, a new number was issued. For example, you might have an original part number for a tie rod end that has a leather grease boot. The superseded part number might have a rubber grease boot. Also, if the part was made by a different company as replacement stock, then the number won't even be a MoPar number, but the manufacturer's number.

You can use a Hollander's exchange book to check for original part numbers that are equivalent between two care lines (e.g. Dodge and Desoto), or you can check at the parts store or website for new replacement part numbers and what original part numbers (or model and year part) they replace.

[TodFitch]

There are often several part numbers for the same replacement. I have usually heard these called "superseded" numbers. This means the new number took the place of the original number.

While parts with superseded numbers will work, they are not always exactly the same. When a change or improvement was made to the part, a new number was issued. For example, you might have an original part number for a tie rod end that has a leather grease boot. The superseded part number might have a rubber grease boot. Also, if the part was made by a different company as replacement stock, then the number won't even be a MoPar number, but the manufacturer's number.

You can use a Hollander's exchange book to check for original part numbers that are equivalent between two care lines (e.g. Dodge and Desoto), or you can check at the parts store or website for new replacement part numbers and what original part numbers (or model and year part) they replace.

Chrysler also issued supercedence (sp?) lists. I've seen them come up from time to time on ePay and been tempted to acquire them.