I just received a 1985 Trek 400 frameset today, with the cool investment cast lugs. The serial # is 18346x, with a serialization date of 2/25/1985, from the list at vintage trek. Anyways, I pulled the cable guide from the BB shell, for cleaning purposes, and found an upper case letter "R" stamped into the shell. Is it safe to say that would be a maker's mark? And if so, any idea who that was? Obviously, it's not really important, but curiosity demanded that I ask. Thanks for your time & knowledge.

Would you consider posting a picture? Not that it will help answer the question, but because we're visual junkies and need a fix for the day.

Possibly later, or probably tomorrow. I just shoveled the worst of the snow that was left, and still have a few errands. I don't drive, so errands can take awhile sometimes.

Oh, alright then, but if I'm not home before dark, I'm blaming you.

Yes, that's the mark of the person who brazed the frame (mine was "Z"). I can't remember off hand who R was, but I'll post here if it comes to me.

Cool info. Should I make a mark every time I open one up?

Only on the inside of the BB so you don't goof up the paint.

My 760 is either a Z or 2. Pretty hard to tell. Cool info!

Aha, something just felt cool about that R, like it wasn't just an accident. Not that I'm smart, just lucky in some weird ways, where good luck falls & hits me in the head.

Zorro was a framebuilder, too?!!

So what was it like working for Trek? Was Burke a slave driver or decent? Why did you leave?

Probably "Z" as I don't recall anyone using numerals.

That's exactly why I chose "Z!"

Well that rocks. You brazed my frame. Braze date 12/84.

Did you have to stamp them between the stays? Means I have to pull the fender of my ~1983 420. It's be fun if it were a Z. (I like the idea of owning and riding a Z. And much more practical than owning and driving a Z!)

Ben

You may have to enlarge the photo to see the stamp...

Is "A is for Appel"? (even though I think he was long gone from Trek at that point [1985])

(I was hoping to have a Z)

Yeah, I almost want to go out buying Treks, looking for a Z. I guess that could get a little spendy.

My 400 has a G

Zombie thread, I know, but I only got this 1983 520 last week, so that's my excuse. Also mine doesn't look like a letter.

Either there was at least one number-stamper working there, or someone had a hangover or something. 🤔

It’s not THAT old of a zombie thread, my nephew still rides that Trek 400. 😎😉

Because I'm currently perusing the show your trek pages, there's an entry there that might be a clue who "R" is...