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Old 08-22-2016, 10:18 AM   #1
Stoker32
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Default Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

We're building a 28 Roadster with an original Miller / Cragar OHV conversion. It's a B Block, and when we got it it had the original Cragar Valve cover on it.

Is there any way to tell what year it was made? I see there's some casting #'s on the outside and some markings under the cover. There's also a 1947 stamped under the cover. Is that the manufacturer date or a re-build date?

Any help is appreciated. Here's a pic.

Thanks in advance
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Old 08-22-2016, 10:45 AM   #2
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

I can't help you, but all I can say is, "WOW"! That thing is awesome!
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Old 08-22-2016, 10:59 AM   #3
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

Wow is right!!
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Old 08-22-2016, 11:51 AM   #4
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

Information from The Miller Dynasty, by Mark Dees 1993-

Harry Miller had Leo Goossen design heads for the Model A in 1929, a hi-comp flathead, the eight valve overhead and a DOHC head. Miller's business ventures at the time were associated with the Schofield Corporation (maybe due to Harry's muddled financial situation? My comment, not Dees) but things never went well and eventually Harry regained some equipment, tooling and patterns and some cash. The tooling and patterns for the Model A heads had been sold in the Schofield bankruptcy proceedings for $40,000 to Harlan Fengler, president of the Cragar Corporation. Craney Gartz, heir to the Crane Plumbing Corporation was the principal behind Cragar. When Cragar began to produce heads in 1931 they changed the left side of the head. Goossen's design had the left side cast vertical and Cragar produced heads are slightly slanted inward. Original Miller-Schofields are rare, produced for less than one year.
George Wight of Bell Auto Parts revamped the design and placed the intake ports on the left side at the same time enlarging them. Most agree that the larger ports were more a detriment than a benefit. Wight also reduced combustion chamber volume but he shrouded the valves in doing that. No mention was made by Dees as to when Wight introduced his "Improved Cragar".

The above is not verbatim, I just hit the high points of the story. My post was the long way around to providing a possible date of manufacture. I would imagine there might have been reproductions produced too, anybody know by who and when?
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Old 08-22-2016, 12:46 PM   #5
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

It's for sure an early, original Head. the engine/head came to us untouched since it was rebuilt by a local guy in the early 1950's. It was never fired since. we went over it and fixed a few issues and now its almost to fire.

Like I said, there is a stamped date of 1947 under the valve cover. I would just like to know if that's a manufacturer stamp or did some one do that upon a rebuild. Can you get any info from the casting # on the outside?

In the end the date doesn't matter. the car is being built as a pre-war lakes car, to compete for AMBR in January, and it will for sure pass for that when done. This is more for my own info.
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Old 08-22-2016, 01:15 PM   #6
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

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Actually, from what I just found, the 1947 cant be a manufacturer date. looks like they went to a cross-flow style (intake on drivers side) after 1935. Anybody know if thats correct?
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Old 08-22-2016, 01:59 PM   #7
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

that is a good looking power plant
WOW x 10
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Old 08-22-2016, 02:02 PM   #8
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

Yes, sounds correct. Bell Auto heads had the intake ports switched to the driver's side as I mentioned in my above post. Only info Dees didn't mention was when that happened; that 1935 date could be right, I have no info either way.
If the driver's side is not perpendicular to the deck then it's a Cragar produced between 1931 and 1935 according to your mention of the '35 date, otherwise it could be an original Miller-Schofield with a Cragar valve cover on it.
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Last edited by Fordors; 08-22-2016 at 02:20 PM. Reason: additional info.
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Old 08-22-2016, 02:46 PM   #9
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

'the above is not verbatim', nor is it accurate .

The 'slope head' was first attempt and head made. It was called this for the obvious slope inward from bottom to top on the plug side. Miller name was on this first slopehead rocker box. Scholfield was next in the mix with Miller and Miller/Schofield names were on that rocker box. After Schofield, Craney Gartz (Cragar) name was on rocker box. When Miller/Schofield parted ways, Miller was not paid (royalties ?) for use of his name, thus he would no longer authorize use of his name on rocker box.
Schofield produced the first change from slopeside head, a smart move by designer Goosen....to improve water jacket design on plug side. First of this kind is a Schofield OHV Head.
This all happen in a VERY SHORT TIME. Then tooling went to George Wright. However, as I understand the tooling issue, by this time, there were SEVERAL patterns/tooling spread around.

Somewhere in all this there is a lesson to be learned, maybe several, as this head venture went belly up quickly for all of these guys , financially / legally ?

A guy in Denver acquired one such set of patterns/tooling attempted to manfacture similar OHV Denver Head. He also went belly up financially and died a pauper as the story goes. Because of the date stamping, I'm guessing that this is likely a Denver head, right era ?

NONE of the original such heads that I've ever owned and/or seen have had any dating. I have not seen Denver head, so thinking that you may have one of those, as I understand that this head was latest ...40s/50s ?


These early heads (Miller/Schofield/Cragar) can definitely be identified...but NOT by the rocker box cover alone. Why, because there were MANY different ones made. Some while the maker made with his name, and many without any name , because they were inbetweeners, that is inbetween ownership when rocker boxes were necessary but disputes over or transferring of rights, etc.. As said the first box with only MILLER in huge box letters.

The actual Schofield then Cragar heads (without rocker box) can to identified positively, by marking on casting. I have an original Schofield. I also have several plain unmarked rocker boxes. If anyone has a rocker box with name Schofield name..ALONE (preferred) or with Miller name and Schofield name, I'd like to hear from you (PM). Rocker box markings ( or no markings)show who made it and within what time period.
Just going from an ever fading memory......

Last edited by hardtimes; 08-22-2016 at 04:41 PM. Reason: ..........
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Old 08-22-2016, 03:01 PM   #10
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

Could you post a picture of the drivers side as well please.
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Old 08-22-2016, 03:08 PM   #11
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

OK, so Miller had the slop toward the block? Cragar was Flat?

Here's some pics.

The info is great. Thanks
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Old 08-22-2016, 03:17 PM   #12
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

My quick read of the info caused me to transpose the events as they in fact happened. Hardtimes is correct, as is the Dees book. The original M-S head was slanted inward, Cragar did change the casting in 1931.
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Old 08-22-2016, 03:22 PM   #13
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ray Young View Post
Could you post a picture of the drivers side as well please.
That IS the driver's side.
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Old 08-22-2016, 03:26 PM   #14
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stoker32 View Post
OK, so Miller had the slop toward the block? Cragar was Flat?

Here's some pics.

The info is great. Thanks
Hey Stoker,
SLOPE sided, hot slop , just saying !

Give me Two pictures to look at:
Looking down on top of head....both sides complete front to back , with rocker box left on or off if you happen to have it off is ok.
The # that you show, was part/parcel of ALL such heads (Scholfield/Cragar).

However, Cragar (apparently/legally ?) had to ADD a marking to differentiate his head from Schofield....that's what I'm looking for.
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Old 08-22-2016, 03:39 PM   #15
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

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Hey Stoker,
SLOPE sided, hot slop , just saying !

Give me Two pictures to look at:
Looking down on top of head....both sides complete front to back , with rocker box left on or off if you happen to have it off is ok.
The # that you show, was part/parcel of ALL such heads (Scholfield/Cragar).

However, Cragar (apparently/legally ?) had to ADD a marking to differentiate his head from Schofield....that's what I'm looking for.
These work? Also, you mentioned another mark. I took a pic under the cover and with the 1947 stamp there is a hash type stamp. Mean anything?
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Old 08-22-2016, 03:47 PM   #16
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

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That IS the driver's side.
Maybe from your angle down there.
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Old 08-22-2016, 04:03 PM   #17
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

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These work? Also, you mentioned another mark. I took a pic under the cover and with the 1947 stamp there is a hash type stamp. Mean anything?
Hey Stoker,
Ha, you got my interest now ! What the heck do you have there
Nice clear pics, so no mistaking what's there and/or not there to be seen , eh ?

I DO NOT see any NI CR (NICHOL/CHROMIUM) on this head ...at all ? Am I missing seeing that...I have bad eyes
If those letters are MISSING from head , please confirm that ?

The hash (#) mark and the date is a first for me. This 'date' being stamped in, as opposed to being part of casting process, indicates to me that this is an 'aftermarket' model. If the NI CR is also missing, who knows from what source this may have originated

And, the marking that I'm looking for is not there ! Nor is the NICR.

I have to say, that from several sources who say that there were MANY after market makers of this head , that is, mimicking Scholfield/Cragar original OHV Heads. I do not know the fact/truth of this and doubt that there were...'MANY'. However, stuff happens.

Last edited by hardtimes; 08-22-2016 at 04:14 PM. Reason: correct chromium atomic chart is CR !
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Old 08-22-2016, 04:25 PM   #18
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

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Actually, from what I just found, the 1947 cant be a manufacturer date. looks like they went to a cross-flow style (intake on drivers side) after 1935. Anybody know if thats correct?
Hey Stoker,
If these pics come thru, this is a rebuilt original 1930 Scholfield.
Notice details of markings just outside of rocker box. Notice the same # and the NI CR

This rock box is but one of the many that were made/exist. It calls for high test fuel and high compression plugs...ha, I guess that 6.5:1 was high cr then, eh ?
This rocker box is evidence that miller / scholfield had made their split...as NO miller name..an inbetweener !
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File Type: jpg 004.jpg (77.2 KB, 116 views)
File Type: jpg 005.jpg (61.0 KB, 112 views)
File Type: jpg 006.jpg (79.2 KB, 128 views)
File Type: jpg 007.jpg (63.8 KB, 101 views)
File Type: jpg 008.jpg (73.0 KB, 108 views)
File Type: jpg 002.jpg (71.7 KB, 121 views)

Last edited by hardtimes; 08-22-2016 at 04:37 PM. Reason: ..........
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Old 08-22-2016, 04:32 PM   #19
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

I have a miller head with the NICR marking. It has a miller carburetor and intake manifold. The rocker box has Miller Hi Speed head Los Angeles This head designed for Anti Knock Fuel and High Compression Plugs. The updraft intake is aluminum and the Miller Carburetor has a 4 or 5 jet system and a rotating venturi. Does anyone else have such a carb, or information on adjusting it? I also picked up a plain rocker box cover on EBay some years ago.
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Old 08-22-2016, 04:43 PM   #20
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

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Hey Stoker,
Ha, you got my interest now ! What the heck do you have there
Nice clear pics, so no mistaking what's there and/or not there to be seen , eh ?

I DO NOT see any NI CR (NICHOL/CHROMIUM) on this head ...at all ? Am I missing seeing that...I have bad eyes
If those letters are MISSING from head , please confirm that ?

The hash (#) mark and the date is a first for me. This 'date' being stamped in, as opposed to being part of casting process, indicates to me that this is an 'aftermarket' model. If the NI CR is also missing, who knows from what source this may have originated

And, the marking that I'm looking for is not there ! Nor is the NICR.

I have to say, that from several sources who say that there were MANY after market makers of this head , that is, mimicking Scholfield/Cragar original OHV Heads. I do not know the fact/truth of this and doubt that there were...'MANY'. However, stuff happens.
There were no NI CR casted in that location.
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Old 08-22-2016, 04:45 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by forever4 View Post
Bell Auto Parts! That got my attention!
I've got the NOS Victor head gaskets for that head.

Hey Vince,
Nice !
I've got the nos HEAD for that gasket set !

You are amazing , in coming up with this stuff constantly.
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Old 08-22-2016, 05:00 PM   #22
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I have a miller head with the NICR marking. It has a miller carburetor and intake manifold. The rocker box has Miller Hi Speed head Los Angeles This head designed for Anti Knock Fuel and High Compression Plugs. The updraft intake is aluminum and the Miller Carburetor has a 4 or 5 jet system and a rotating venturi. Does anyone else have such a carb, or information on adjusting it? I also picked up a plain rocker box cover on EBay some years ago.
Not to step on Stokers thread, as I think that he has his answer, i.e.- not a miller/scholfield/cragar. My best guess is Denver OHV Head..

Does your Miller have any other markings on top of head ..outside ..of rocker box ?
Yeah, if you compare your rocker box to my pictures box, you can see where the name Miller should have/would have been prior to parting of ways.
Can you show us any pictures of your setup ?
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Old 08-22-2016, 05:03 PM   #23
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

Quote:
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There were no NI CR casted in that location.
Hey Stoker,
Nonetheless, very NICE setup ! Hope that it runs well for you.. Do you have inserts or original babbitted rods/mains. Stock oil setup or full flow/filtered.
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Old 08-22-2016, 05:47 PM   #24
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Hey Stoker,
Nonetheless, very NICE setup ! Hope that it runs well for you.. Do you have inserts or original babbitted rods/mains. Stock oil setup or full flow/filtered.
It's got inserts in it. The story on the engine is it was last re-built in 1954 in Pomona by a guy named Ralph McVay. The engine was never fired after that.

Here's a pic of how we got it.
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Old 08-22-2016, 06:42 PM   #25
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

Hardtimes,
I will try to post pictures. It does have some other markings...a part number? ending in -E. Miller is before the High Speed on your box.
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Old 08-22-2016, 06:45 PM   #26
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One more picture.
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Old 08-22-2016, 07:35 PM   #27
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

I bought an original CRAGAR from Steve at Bert's in Denver. He has a lot of info. Mine is 1935
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Old 08-23-2016, 01:16 AM   #28
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Quote:
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It's got inserts in it. The story on the engine is it was last re-built in 1954 in Pomona by a guy named Ralph McVay. The engine was never fired after that.

Here's a pic of how we got it.
Hey Stoker,
You have done a very nice job with this equipment, evidenced by before/after pics ! Do you have a Cragar intake to go with the engine or is that a Zepher 2x2 ?
Interesting that you've got an engine 're-built' many decades ago and not run. Have you taken it down for inspection or just let her rip !
Lately , I've seen some real high asking prices on several such (not run) engines said to be re built in the past. Guess I'm just a chicken when it comes to the expenses , in todays money, to do a good job....just to take a guys word. Tear it down for inspection, I say..ha !
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Old 08-23-2016, 01:38 AM   #29
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Hardtimes,
I will try to post pictures. It does have some other markings...a part number? ending in -E. Miller is before the High Speed on your box.
Hey midgetracer,
Great pics, thanks for sharing !
Looks like you've got it near running, eh ?
I notice that you've got BOLTS , is that what you use to fasten head down ? I've talked to several guys who have used bolts also. Something to do with how close these heads , when assembled, come too close to firewall for stud use ?
Yes, your rocker box with Miller name juxtaposed to my same rocker box without miller name, are examples of what I was saying about time table of events of ownership shifts.
It's an interesting subject (rocker box development with these heads/ownership). A story by itself. I've seen where guys have actually carved off name(s) off of these covers. Probably as many reasons for doing so, back in the day, as there were guys. Also heard that miller name was ground off prior to sale, to use up existing stock...evidenced by faint tool marking where miller was on box. As these developed, at one time, BOTH miller and schofield names appeared same rocker box.
There must be a dozen or more varieties. Don't know what Denver head used, plain or what ? The neatest one that I've seen, is the huge MILLER word/name on a first slope head...rare. The best looking, IMO, is the Cragar /Hollywood version. They ALL fit each head, just interesting history of speed.
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Old 08-23-2016, 01:42 AM   #30
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One more picture.
'some other markings'...
Is there an (large) A on corner, outside of rocker box ?
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Old 08-23-2016, 04:03 AM   #31
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Maybe from your angle down there.
All I can see is the sump!!
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Old 08-23-2016, 07:36 AM   #32
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Hey Stoker,
You have done a very nice job with this equipment, evidenced by before/after pics ! Do you have a Cragar intake to go with the engine or is that a Zepher 2x2 ?
Interesting that you've got an engine 're-built' many decades ago and not run. Have you taken it down for inspection or just let her rip !
Lately , I've seen some real high asking prices on several such (not run) engines said to be re built in the past. Guess I'm just a chicken when it comes to the expenses , in todays money, to do a good job....just to take a guys word. Tear it down for inspection, I say..ha !
It's got the zepher intake. We did tear it down and go over it. Had a couple minor things we had to fix, but it's all taken care of now.
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Old 08-23-2016, 07:59 AM   #33
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By the way, did you try HAMB ? Wayne
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Old 08-23-2016, 10:47 AM   #34
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Your head does have the original type rocker arms and wing nuts to hold the cover on. Both are from early Buick, 6-cyl. engines, 1928 or so. Denver Millers had Denver, CO cast on their covers. Don't think there were 'many other copies' of heads although every body and his brother did make covers. Also, most Cook (Cyclone) OHV heads had Cragar covers because Ledington could buy them from Bell Auto Parts cheaper than he could make them. Interesting discussion!
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Old 08-23-2016, 11:44 AM   #35
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

In addition to the casting marks in your picture below, my original Cragar has an large embossed 'A' to the left of the section with the 50079-E outside of the rocker cover. It also has a Cragar rocker cover with vintage Buick rocker arms.

This 'B' engine was one of Wes Cooper's and has been in our '31 cabriolet for over 40 years. I am also interested if there is any way to date the head.
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Old 08-23-2016, 12:23 PM   #36
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In addition to the casting marks in your picture below, my original Cragar has an large embossed 'A' to the left of the section with the 50079-E outside of the rocker cover. It also has a Cragar rocker cover with vintage Buick rocker arms.

This 'B' engine was one of Wes Cooper's and has been in our '31 cabriolet for over 40 years. I am also interested if there is any way to date the head.
Hey mngreen,
Thanks for sharing your engine pic !
That LARGE ...A...is the indicator that yours is a 1930(or so) CRAGAR !
As said, Craney must have either wanted to or had to (legally) add the A to his casting, to show differentiation from Scholfield original 'square shoulder' head...both heads duplicates, except for the Cragar A.
I say '1930 or so'....because contrary to rumors...I was NOT there !
But, if you study the history of EACH of these businessmen , especially head making longevity of involvement of Miller, Scholfield and Craney Gartz, it was astounding ,IMO, how short a time these three were directly associated with making this cast iron head.
It appears that MONEY , foundry and legal problems plagued these guys involvement.

It's interesting to me, to note the rocker arm strategy /use also. As Jim B says, they (probably the 'brain' Goosen) figured out that the head could be built using already available rocker arm assemblies from the Buick. Some say that they scavenged junked Buicks for rocker assemblies. Frugal, I say, as one Buick assembly would make 11/2 heads !
BTW...don't know about Denver head, but All others mentioned here used the same casting # as on your head, i.e.- 50079-E

Could you tell me , if you are using studs or bolts to fasten your head ?
And, did you purchase engine from Wes Cooper...good story.

Last edited by hardtimes; 08-23-2016 at 12:28 PM. Reason: ........
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Old 08-23-2016, 12:37 PM   #37
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

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Your head does have the original type rocker arms and wing nuts to hold the cover on. Both are from early Buick, 6-cyl. engines, 1928 or so. Denver Millers had Denver, CO cast on their covers. Don't think there were 'many other copies' of heads although every body and his brother did make covers. Also, most Cook (Cyclone) OHV heads had Cragar covers because Ledington could buy them from Bell Auto Parts cheaper than he could make them. Interesting discussion!
Hey Jim,
Wonder if anyone has and can show a Denver, Co cover ?
I understand that this head maker had terrible results with getting any good Foundry castings and that not many made it to use even with welding up defects, etc.
I hear that HE died as a pauper and that no one even knew of his death. And , that by sheer happenstance, a guy who owns/operated Model A parts business, came upon yard sale and 'rescued' head stuff (tooling/parts ?).
Sad story , indeed, if true.
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Old 08-23-2016, 12:41 PM   #38
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

Hey Stoker,
You do nice work !
I have couple single alum Cragar downdraft intakes. They both have/need one ear repair. Just saying, if you are looking. These Cragar parts are still out there and appear from time/time...and are worn, eh .
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Old 08-23-2016, 12:46 PM   #39
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

It has bolts attaching the Cragar head.

The 'B' engine was acquired as-is from Wes Cooper at his rod shop in Burbank/Glendale area by the second owner in the early 1970's (we are the third). I am told it was one of his old racing engines that he retired. It also has pressure oiling to the mains, inserts, counter-balanced crank, possibly an iskendarian cam (?), lightened flywheel, V-8 clutch, Stromberg 97 carb, Burns intake and ceramic headers. Everything else (other than the engine) is completely stock Model A.
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Old 08-23-2016, 02:53 PM   #40
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

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It has bolts attaching the Cragar head.

The 'B' engine was acquired as-is from Wes Cooper at his rod shop in Burbank/Glendale area by the second owner in the early 1970's (we are the third). I am told it was one of his old racing engines that he retired. It also has pressure oiling to the mains, inserts, counter-balanced crank, possibly an iskendarian cam (?), lightened flywheel, V-8 clutch, Stromberg 97 carb, Burns intake and ceramic headers. Everything else (other than the engine) is completely stock Model A.
Sounds like WE owe guys like Cooper/Brierley/Winfield, et. al,. a debt of gratitude for their pioneering and passing on banger improvements for our touring engines, as well as race engine, eh !
I just fired off and runin a B that is a combo of all those guys contributions. It runs like a cat does from a greyhound

Be careful that it doesn't twist something stock... off ! Do you know bore/stroke #s ?
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Old 08-23-2016, 03:26 PM   #41
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

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Sounds like WE owe guys like Cooper/Brierley/Winfield, et. al,. a debt of gratitude for their pioneering and passing on banger improvements for our touring engines, as well as race engine, eh !
I just fired off and runin a B that is a combo of all those guys contributions. It runs like a cat does from a greyhound

Be careful that it doesn't twist something stock... off ! Do you know bore/stroke #s ?
Sorry, don't know the numbers, but I would assume that most bore/stroke numbers for Cragars on 'B' blocks are the same, more or less. I would venture to guess I get somewhere between 6 to 7 CR based merely on 105~110 psi cylinder compression testing.

Yes, I agree with you about the passing down of banger information. While I never met Mr. Cooper, I have had an occasion to borrow one of Jim Brierley's prized stromberg jet wrenches which he so graciously loaned me some time ago!

I always tell interested people at car shows that my setup is like this:

The race engine wants to go-Go-GOO, but the rest of the Model A drive train says No-No-No!

Needless to say, I am very accomplished at double-clutching the crash box! I usually cruise comfortably at 50mph. One time I got it going just under 80 with the thing screaming bloody murder! Wouldn't try that again....
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Old 08-23-2016, 07:43 PM   #42
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

Hey Hardtimes,
There is no markings on the head other than the casting number and the Ni-Cr. I used the head bolts which came with the head. The head came with the intake, carb and distributor stand (which I used) and an exhaust manifold extension whic I did not use. I got a cam ground by Jim Brierley and built a B engine . I put the engine in a 30 A Coupe with a B transmission. My sons and I hauled it to Gold Beach OR where one son lived. We cruised that area and loaded it up and hauled it to Oceanside CA where we spent a couple days crusing Highway 1. Next step was a trip to Wendover Utah (not speed week) and blew a lot of salt all over the coupe. It was a fun adventure that I won't soon forget. If you would like to see a video my youngest son put together, go to ShaneReetz.com/Reetz-tales/
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Old 08-23-2016, 08:48 PM   #43
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

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Hey Hardtimes,
There is no markings on the head other than the casting number and the Ni-Cr. I used the head bolts which came with the head. The head came with the intake, carb and distributor stand (which I used) and an exhaust manifold extension whic I did not use. I got a cam ground by Jim Brierley and built a B engine . I put the engine in a 30 A Coupe with a B transmission. My sons and I hauled it to Gold Beach OR where one son lived. We cruised that area and loaded it up and hauled it to Oceanside CA where we spent a couple days crusing Highway 1. Next step was a trip to Wendover Utah (not speed week) and blew a lot of salt all over the coupe. It was a fun adventure that I won't soon forget. If you would like to see a video my youngest son put together, go to ShaneReetz.com/Reetz-tales/
Your picture that shows the casting #50079-E and Ni Cr is really good and clear. You certainly do not have the large cast in A , which Cargar added to the original Scholfield tooling. Your head is without doubt an original Scholfield casting , circa 1930 !
Thanks for sharing your use of your Scholfield powered B Coupe in Calif !
Should have all the power that you would ever need to make that coupe zip along. Any pictures for us ? WE all love pictures !
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Old 08-23-2016, 09:07 PM   #44
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

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Hey Hardtimes,
There is no markings on the head other than the casting number and the Ni-Cr. I used the head bolts which came with the head. The head came with the intake, carb and distributor stand (which I used) and an exhaust manifold extension whic I did not use. I got a cam ground by Jim Brierley and built a B engine . I put the engine in a 30 A Coupe with a B transmission. My sons and I hauled it to Gold Beach OR where one son lived. We cruised that area and loaded it up and hauled it to Oceanside CA where we spent a couple days crusing Highway 1. Next step was a trip to Wendover Utah (not speed week) and blew a lot of salt all over the coupe. It was a fun adventure that I won't soon forget. If you would like to see a video my youngest son put together, go to ShaneReetz.com/Reetz-tales/
That's a great video of a wonderful trip of a lifetime. Unfortunately, the fire in Big Sur, which is still uncontained, has changed the coastline.

Wish you had shown the motor in greater detail.

David Serrano
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Old 08-23-2016, 10:15 PM   #45
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

More Pictures as requested
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Old 08-23-2016, 10:42 PM   #46
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The coupe with the Miller
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Old 08-23-2016, 11:07 PM   #47
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

Threads like this just make me so...so jealous!! Maybe one day I will get my hands one.
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Old 08-24-2016, 08:32 AM   #48
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

Just found the photo of the original CRAGAR valve cover on the right and the Roy Creel reproduction.
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Old 08-24-2016, 10:01 AM   #49
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

I don't know anything about the Denver guy. F.A.S.T. bought one of the last ones he ever built. It had unusably weak valve springs and the push rod holes were not drilled all the way through. It was eventually run, with no problems. I've heard he did have some casting flaws but he sold quite a few of them. Steve Serr bought his patterns but ended up making entirely new ones.
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Old 08-24-2016, 10:10 AM   #50
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

Cragars, not the early slope side, were known for cracking in the top-center of the head, made worse by guys milling too much off them. All require a LOT of SPARK ADVANCE to run really well. The newer Serr-Miller has a better combustion chamber and does not have this problem, at least as far as I know?
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Old 08-24-2016, 05:24 PM   #51
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

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Cragars, not the early slope side, were known for cracking in the top-center of the head, made worse by guys milling too much off them. All require a LOT of SPARK ADVANCE to run really well. The newer Serr-Miller has a better combustion chamber and does not have this problem, at least as far as I know?
Hey Jim,
Just curious.
When you say, FAST got one of last Denver Co OHV heads...are you meaning Moser or who ? Would like to see/examine/pictures of that head.

Also, curious about WHY slope side (first original edition Miller/Scholfield OHV Head) didn't crack from HEAT , as it had less/diminished cooling on plug side ?

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Old 08-25-2016, 10:42 AM   #52
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This was before Mosher took the reins. We bought it and raffled it off as a money raiser. Winner was owner of a Model A store in Orange County, since passed away. I have no idea where it is now. The slope-sides had more iron in them, Cragars had a couple of thin spots.
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Old 08-25-2016, 11:54 AM   #53
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

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This was before Mosher took the reins. We bought it and raffled it off as a money raiser. Winner was owner of a Model A store in Orange County, since passed away. I have no idea where it is now. The slope-sides had more iron in them, Cragars had a couple of thin spots.
Hey Jim,
Thanks, you're a living 'history' book on this stuff !
Are you aware of anyone else who has a slope side. I'm thinking that not many were manufactured.

Curious IF the slopeside has the casting # 50079-e and NI Cr cast in, like the Scholfield and Cragar ? Can you say ?
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Old 08-26-2016, 11:43 AM   #54
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Default Re: Miller / Cragar Date Code? Help

Roy Creel has one, I've heard about 80 were built???
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