Decoding Marin frame numbers.

[fguki]

I owned about 10 Team Marins and 5 Team issues so far. All 1992 and 1993. There were Team ISSUES with 2 as model numbers as well as Team Marins with 1 as model number. A general rule can not be applied. The current 1993 Team ISSUE I am building is a M2xxxxxx serial number. And yes, it has definitely been a Team Issue and not been changed over time.

 

[fguki]

I assume - since 1993 Team Marins and Team Issues are the very exact white Tange Ultimate labeled frames - they simply took what was produced to paint it and build it up as demanded or ordered by dealers.

 

[Tootyred]

Which is 1 and 2 seems to have more to do with the number of letters in the code. So if its 2 letters. 1 would be team.....if 3 letters team issue.

As i said above, the dates i give are purely to identify the differing systems....

When the frame numbers actually changed between systems i have no clear idea.

 

[fguki]

To clarify: I own a M23xxxx Team Issue and owned M13xxxx Teams.

 

[pw_pw_la]

So, would someone mind listing the factories Marin used, their locations, and whether there is any significance assigned to them? Is there anything more or less special about the factory that made the frame in question, for example?

My "alleged" 1992 Team Issue is stamped: FJ2LA0005

So that's 2 letters, then a number, then another 2 letters. Then 4 numbers.

So doesn't this break several rules for frames built in or for 1992?

Based on the theory above regarding the two letters at the start, does this mean mine is actually one of the very few early 1991 Team Issues? If so, what's with the 2? And the LA.

Does the 2 make it a Team rather than a Team Issue? In which case: jipped!

Or does it indicate that it's a 92 model (as advertised) in which case, what's the indicator of model in the code on mine? Just the fact it's a two letter job at the start?

And then there's that A!

It's definitely not a 14" frame.

And what's the L all about?!

Mega lols.

Sorry, I'm just now even more confused...

 

[Tootyred]

No idea about the factories, just got their names.

That number makes it a 92 team issue .....is that not what you believe it to be?

As i said above, the dates i gave are not cut off points, they are just a way to identify the 3 systems.

 

[pw_pw_la]

No, that's exactly what it's supposed to be mate. I think I'm just struggling to understand the system!

Maybe I just need to read this whole thread over again!

 

[captaincowelly]

I also found that original thread some time back and re-visited a few weeks back.Kudos for adding to it.I'm sure it can be a bit mind boggling.I've a feeling that there are going to be some patterns,but a lot of exceptions.A complete,definitive guide may be a mythical beast.Just checked the '94,'95 and '96 IFT frames I have;
'94 - FJ4 CA0063 2 zeros,not an 'o'.
'95 - FK5 BAD033
'96 - FK6 IAD127 That's an 'i' after the 6.
All 19" so unless they changed the letter designation for sizing in '95,A is the only letter that links them.Seems they added a letter anyway.
Same with model.Safe to assume they're all Fairly made bikes,correct years,the '95 and '96 show similarities,but no model numbers.
I don't unfortunately have the frame number from my original '94 FT,foolishly chucked out all the original receipt/manuals etc a few years before I joined here.But I bought it new in June '94,came with a '95 box-stay frame,everything else was '94 spec.Guess they sold a few more '94's than expected,to run out that early.
Can't remember the other thread I spotted recently,was regarding frame numbers for another manufacturer,Ti frames from memory.It seemed that at that factory,new sequences were just 'made up' for some runs,following no pattern whatsoever.Verified by one of the employees who was there.
I guess,from their point of view,as long as each has a unique number,and is recorded,that's all they need.
Wonder if the extra 'D' is associated with the box-stays?

 

[captaincowelly]

So, would someone mind listing the factories Marin used, their locations, and whether there is any significance assigned to them? Is there anything more or less special about the factory that made the frame in question, for example?

My "alleged" 1992 Team Issue is stamped: FJ2LA0005

So that's 2 letters, then a number, then another 2 letters. Then 4 numbers.

So doesn't this break several rules for frames built in or for 1992?

Based on the theory above regarding the two letters at the start, does this mean mine is actually one of the very few early 1991 Team Issues? If so, what's with the 2? And the LA.

Does the 2 make it a Team rather than a Team Issue? In which case: jipped!

Or does it indicate that it's a 92 model (as advertised) in which case, what's the indicator of model in the code on mine? Just the fact it's a two letter job at the start?

And then there's that A!

It's definitely not a 14" frame.

And what's the L all about?!

Mega lols.

Sorry, I'm just now even more confused...

If yours is a 19" then that would match mine,with the 'A'.Don't get excited over small numbers,it's thought they are numbers in each run,could be weekly,monthly etc.Bugger!

 

[Tootyred]

No, in the 2 letter system, as far as i can work out, there is no size. If you had 3 letters then the last of the 3 would be the size. So your frame with 2 letters has no size. The LA means nothing as far as i can work out.

As for Indian fire trail, i think the aluminium frames have their own system....but i did not look at this.

It is a little complicated, and my explanation may be poor, for which I apologise.

Ive edited the original post to hopefully explain these points. Thanks for the heads up that it my jot be clear to readers.