That's the real deal. The stamp inside is typical.

These didn't really change at all through those years so the actual year isn't all that critical but that serial would put it around 1972 or 73 (the Ludwig serial # table on their site is not especially accurate).

As far as I know there are no "counterfeit" versions of the regular Supra out there nor would it make sense to do so with this particular model as there are thousands upon thousands of real ones out there (and you can still buy a brand new one) so there would be little reason to go to the trouble of faking one.

Looks like you got a very nice shell on yours. no big hunks of chrome flaking off.

+1 to K.O.

Nevin

Uh well ... thank you for the quick response guys !! Cool1

the inside stamp RELIABLE Anti Galvanic. Reliable is the name of the company that applied the anti galvanic process to the shell.

^

good to know !! i naively thought the anti galvanic process was "reliable" ... :rolleyes:

I've seen the "reliable" stamp before, but sometimes the stamp is not present or has been wiped off.

This makes me wonder .... how many different companies did Ludwig use for chrome plating? If they used multiple companies, I wonder if this has anything to do with the pitting of Supras?

-Tim

I believe you are correct Tim.

Nevin

Thornbeck - good question. In talking to different folks with different strokes while working on removing chrome from a Supra, a motorcycle restoration shop owner showed me multiple examples of Harley's with the chrome pitting on the cast aluminum crank cases. When I told him about nitric acid removing it without damaging the aluminum, he was thrilled. So it's not just Ludwig. I had it explained to me that the aluminum oxide reacts with the chromium and creates tiny pockets of expanding gas when oxidization occurs, which explains why some examples of shells that were repeatedly waxed and thus sealed could result in a higher probability of non-pitted shells. I'm no chemist (and I don't even play one on TV), so if it isn't true, it sure sounded good to me.

Very true. A small breach in the chrome/nickle plating not sealed will only get worse. Damp air with salt content much worse than sitting in the desert. That is why a tear down clean and wax once a year is a good idea.

Creighton