Classic & Vintage - Derailleur dating

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engo

09-20-06, 07:27 AM

I wonder if anyone has an idea of the year Shimano put out the derailleurs that were on my Macleans?

I've taken them off with the intention of replacing with Campy, but I'm curious as to how 'vintage' they may be themselves.

They are identified on the back with the following numbers:

Front: FD AX55
Rear: RD Z501

Thanks!

lotek

09-20-06, 07:37 AM

I think the AX55 is a product code and not date code.
Typical shimano date code on a FD would be 2 characters only
and should be on the frame side of the inner plate.
The RD is stamped on the inner face of the outer cage plate.

Shimano used a simple XX where first letter is year (A=1976 thru Z=2001)
and second letter is month ( A=january thru L=dec).

hope that helps,
Marty

engo

09-20-06, 07:53 AM

Fantastic.

I'll scrape of the layers of grime and take a look.

Thanks