Mopar broadcast sheet decoder book

[Ghoste]

There is a book by Jake Hare for decoding Mopar braodcast sheets from 1969 to 1974.  I have a copy but I have yet to sit down and go through it  , but I had two questions about it.  First of all, I see it was released with at least two different covers, is one an updated version and therefore more desirable or or are they both the same?  Secondly, how accurate is it?

[bakerhillpins]

I have always wanted to try to figure those out and then write an application that would OCR them and auto decode. Problem was I only have my sheet decoded and that doesn't have nearly enough information. Seems that the folks at the registries should have lots of info on them that we could cross reference against. Of course mine was decoded by Galien so it's only as correct as he was in 93. 

[69CoronetRT]

There is a book by Jake Hare for decoding Mopar braodcast sheets from 1969 to 1974.  I have a copy but I have yet to sit down and go through it  , but I had two questions about it.  First of all, I see it was released with at least two different covers, is one an updated version and therefore more desirable or or are they both the same?  Secondly, how accurate is it?

I guess I can't speak to the cover or updates but as far as accuracy....

The version I have, probably first printing, is good for "Intro to Broadcast Sheets". It gives a nice description of the different layouts, what the sheet was for and what is on a broadcast sheet but for accuracy.......no. There are a lot of mistakes and omissions. Some sections are just simply inexcusibly incomplete. The data is out there but omitted from the book.

It's nice for theory. The many mistakes and omissions mean you can't trust the remaining data enough for it to be a true reference book. It may get you started on a sheet but you need check other sources to ensure accuracy. Hare also doesn't cover a lot of the detail nuances between plants. To do so would make the book less readable for pleasure and bog down the reader in boring minutiae.

Maybe the second printing, if there was an update, is more accurate.

[Ghoste]

Is there a reliable source out there yet or is this a knowledge base that is still growing and mainly accessed still through means such as this.

[69CoronetRT]

Is there a reliable source out there yet or is this a knowledge base that is still growing and mainly accessed still through means such as this.

Ghoste,

I haven't come across a single site or reference. It takes several references such as a parts book, the white books, data books and other factory documents to find information.

The problem with trying to accomplish a single reference is the amout of research and detail required. Because codes and parts change during the model year, you need legible copies of BS from pretty much every make, model, body style, engine line up and transmission combination, interior combinations, decor group combinations, option package combinations, A/C or  not, etc, etc and from every plant and from different times of the year in order to make the reference valid. Parts were sometimes substituted or phased in and assemblies were redesigned during production meaning assembly codes or part numbers listed on a BS will change. What was correct in August when assembly began may not be the same in July/August when production ended.

THEN, you need to check every every model year for the same details.

When you think about the number of variables possible on a BS, you can go numb. Access to factory records documenting changes would be invaluable.

[Ghoste]

So a group forum similar to this is going to be the best way for quite some time most likely.  The only way really to get a variety of sources together it looks.

[Dodge Don]

The 70 Charger Registry has 3 broadcast sheet decoders (base, 500 and R/T) based on actual data.

http://1970chargerregistry.com/decoders.html

[69CoronetRT]

So a group forum similar to this is going to be the best way for quite some time most likely. 

IMHO yes. I think a commercialy viable and accurate product would be very difficult to pull together.

Like Don's link shows, the various registries are great sources and able to narrow their focus to one year or model.