[Boatanchors] Hallicrafters Serial Numbers

[whitebear1122 at comcast.net]

Hi,  I've been discussing Hallicrafters SR-150, SR-160, SR-500 serial
numbers with Don N9OO.  We have a little bit of hodge podge knowledge to
draw from.  Looking at the paper serial number label, we're analyzing the
first 6 digits on the left side.  The first number, "4", we don't know what
that means, but the next three numbers appear to be the model number, such
as 150, 160, then the next two digits indicate the production run, with "0"
possibly being the first run but not sure.   My SR-160 numbers are 416001.
Don's SR-150 says something like 4150xx.  Now where it's getting confusing
for me, my SR-500 Tornado has a serial number 4160001, suggesting it is/was
an SR-160 at one time.

 

I understand the SR-500 is identical to the SR-160 with just different PA
tubes and supporting circuitry, and a metal Tornado label over the Sr-160
silkscreen.  

 

And finally, I've heard where some people had converted their SR-160 to
SR-500's by changing out the PA tubes and circuity.  I've looked over the PA
section and the wiring appears to be factory, so that's where it gets more
confusing.  It has the Tornado label and what appears to be factory wiring.
Why would a factory wired SR-500 have an SR-160 label?  

 

I'm trying to find someone who owns an SR-500 to see what their serial
number label says.

Thanks!  73, Scott WA9WFA