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Olds Ambassador Valve Numbers



 
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TheFabulousFatman
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Joined: 04 Jul 2022
Posts: 11
Location: Hilton, NY

PostPosted: Sun Aug 14, 2022 4:25 pm    Post subject: Olds Ambassador Valve Numbers Reply with quote

Hi - I recently purchased an Olds LA Ambassador c. 1953 and when I removed the valves from their casings I noticed they weren't numbered other than the serial number for the horn. I assume this was typical and not an anomoly but it just seems kind of strange given this was supposedly a student horn and theoretically was being taken apart and put together by people unfamiliar with how it works. Aso, any idea when Olds went from a ring style lead pipe finger ring to the more traditional "C" shaped one?
Thanks in advance for your help.

The Fatman
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dr-pepp
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Joined: 17 May 2004
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Location: Austin TX

PostPosted: Sun Aug 14, 2022 6:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

On the Olds pistons that have the serial number, the number of the piston (1, 2, or 3) is typically stamped above the slot in the spring barrel on the side that faces the leadpipe, with the serial number stamped 90 degrees to the side of this on the spring barrel. I have a similar vintage Ambassador that has the numbers in this location.

The finger ring was replaced with the hook in the mid to late 50's. I have one with a 153xxx serial number that has the ring. I'm sure there are Ambassador owners that can chime in with more specific dates.
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dr-pepp
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PostPosted: Mon Aug 15, 2022 3:19 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

A quick search of ebay shows an Ambassador with SN 249483 (1958) that still has the ring instead of a hook. That is about when I think the change occurred.

Of course lots of modifications could have occurred over the years, but this one looks to be in original condition.
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A.N.A.Mendez
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Joined: 27 Jul 2005
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Location: ca.

PostPosted: Mon Aug 15, 2022 10:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Those numbers ( 1,2,3 ) can be hard to see under the spring. It would be the as Dr. Pepp stated, the "X" side of the valve guide (Unless someone moved the guide bar/pin )
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TheFabulousFatman
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Location: Hilton, NY

PostPosted: Mon Aug 15, 2022 1:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the info folks. When I get home tonight I will give those valves another look. I'm impressed by the heft of this horn - currently it is the only Olds I own. Are they all built like tanks? lol As a student level horn it would've had to have been to stand up to the abuse it could receive . I love the design of the water key levers - simple round rods that look great and get the job done. And it's fun to play, too!
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stuartissimo
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PostPosted: Mon Aug 15, 2022 10:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Perhaps a little less than the Ambassador model, but the Olds horns I own feel pretty solid too (though not really heavy, just not…delicate?).
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homebilly
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PostPosted: Mon Aug 15, 2022 10:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

my LAs fascinate me with their style.

simple yet complex braces and super hip water keys

i don't usually keep pinky rings on my horns but i do on my
LA Ambassados. the ring is just too hip to remove
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