966 Black Stripe

[ComancheStarFarms]

Were 9s available as a Black Stripe for the 1975 model year & if so is there a starting serial number? - Jonathan 

[mrfred54]

Yes.  Used to have one. Don't know what the starting serial number is.

[ComancheStarFarms]

Thanks for the good start MrFred54!

[Drysleeves]

Model year change always happened within a current series on 1 November for the next year. The first 1976 model 966 is alleged to be #31263 with the final 1975 calendar year production tractor listed as #31771. All that aside when you locate a late 1975 production tractor you're likely to find a mix of the forthcoming features on the castings as running changes. The serial plate was relocated to under the operator's station so late 75 production can have a blank spot for a tag. Rear axle and bell housings were changed to accommodate the 86 Series Control Center and clutch pivot points. Three point vertical links became the square casting setup. I saw a Hydro 100 Blackstripe on T-House a while back with two factory serial tags. #11971 on the bell housing and #12835 under the cab.

[Matt Kirsch]

766 - B.S. 16541 and up

966 - B.S. 31263 and up

1066 - B.S. 55425 and up

1466 - B.S. 28897 and up

1566 - B.S. 11929 and up

1568 - B.S. 7945 and up

Hydro 100 - B.S. 12235 and up

All of these serial numbers pre-date the first serial number of 1976 if I'm not mistaken. Means some were made in late '75. With serial tags in the traditional spot on the left side of the bell housing.

[Drysleeves]

Yes all those numbers are supposedly the start of 1976 production in the fall of 75 on or around 1 November. All major changes began on 11/1 including the switch from grey to red paint in 1936 for the coming year.

[ComancheStarFarms]

Thanks (once again Matt) & Drysleeves.  Good solid info - - I know you go over this often.  Regardless if 1975 or 1976 model year & features - just trying to fight the BS collector inflation.  And counterfeits.

[Matt Kirsch]

Thank @Long Farms for the serial number list. He posted a pretty good rant about all the misinformation about black stripes a while back, which I keep bookmarked for just such an occasion.

The end-all, be-all is the serial number.

[bitty]

18 hours ago, Drysleeves said:

..... . I saw a Hydro 100 Blackstripe on T-House a while back with two factory serial tags. #11971 on the bell housing and #12835 under the cab.

I would bet that hydro 100 correct serial number was the 12,835 and the bell housing extra serial number was from someone swapping out the center section at the time of a reman hydro installation. Similar things have happened with a reman TA housing for the gear drive counterparts 

[Drysleeves]

I considered that as a distinct possibility. Tractor showed no sign of a speed trans swap (unmatched paint, etc.) and was not restored, although anything is possible if someone is willing to go the extra mile. As an IH nerd it left me intrigued to say the least with the late 75 production tag on the bell housing and late 76 production on the range.