Fan blade question...is this original?

[7E-Bodies]

My build sheet (JS23U0B) calls for the 18" fan (coded 24 on build sheet) 2863224 w/7 blades 18" diameter and fan spacer (coded 10 on build sheet) 2120510 length 1.60". The spacer is clearly identifiable but the blade has only a 46237 stamped on it with a pentastar although it indeed measures 18".  Just looking to see if it is original before I toss it to my powder coat guy. And apparently, the stock 440 auto didn't have the clutch fan option? Always learning.

[7E-Bodies]

I just saw an opinion on another thread that said sometimes the fan part number was painted on instead of stamped? Any advice appreciated.

[SgtSuperbird]

I did some searching and found that five digit number and pentstar stamped on many, many fan assemblies. According to other threads, it's a vendor code. In fact, a new re-pop fan that I purchased (and am not using) has the same code stamped in it. (The fan is for big blocks.)

Also, most of the original fans I've found on the net DO have parts numbers ink stamped on them. Although you can find many, here's one example:

[7E-Bodies]

Thank you @SgtSuperbird
That's the input I was looking for. I'll wipe down the blades and look for clues but the stamping may be long gone or painted over. I'll post a pic if I find anything.

[Fastmark]

That fan number is correct according to your buildsheet as is the spacer. As far as why? I'm not sure. I don't know what cooking packages got the fan clutch vs solid unit. I know all air cars got the clutch. It could be a year  thing too. I know my Superbird has the same fan and spacer. They needed all the air they could get all the time at any speed or rpm. I've seen that same fan on a 70 RR 383 4 speed no air and 22" rad. Now this is from my memory and junk yard searching but I think the ink stamped was used before 69/70 and sometime in the later part of 70, they changed to the stamped blade. It could have varied with plants and inventory as well as to when they changed.

[7E-Bodies]

Excellent info! Thanks @Fastmark

[7E-Bodies]

@Fastmark and @SgtSuperbird some hot water and a soft scrub brush has made a reveal. A "28632**" appears stamped in white on the radiator side 3 blades counterclockwise of the larger blade gap. Characters appear to be ~13/32" or just under 7/16" (if any future readers are seeking to re stamp theirs). I also located a "32" indented stamp on the first blade clockwise from the larger blade gap on the radiator side with 5/32" characters. Again, just documenting this for any future seekers. I'm now confident this is the correct if not original fan. Car has 64,000 miles that can be fairly well confirmed. Thanks again to both of you.

[SgtSuperbird]

Great find! Now it makes me want to go carefully check my T/A.

Additionally, your first picture likely is inked ENGINE SIDE.

[6bblgt]

correct, the 7-blade fixed fan (2863224) is STANDARD on 440HP 4bbl automatics without A/C or an axle package (also, 383HP any transmission without A/C or an axle package) *** the 22" radiator cars (B & E-body)

as stated, the Superbirds changed to this fan during production for the additional air draw