Clausing 8525 questions

[Piggiron]

I had someone from HMJ contact me with questions pertaining to his 8525 mill.
With the new house still under construction, I don't have access to my computer files.
Thought if anyone here had answers I could pass them along or direct him to this thread. Maybe he'd become a member.
Here's what he sent:
A number of general & some specific questions.
1. I've been trying to date my machine - I guessed it was 1960-61 ish, but I was chatting with a guy whose machine was only 27 numbers older than mine. He told me the he had the original invoice and also Clausing told him late 1958. So maybe mine is 1959 era? Do you have any SN info on them? I asked Clausing and they came back that it was a mid 1950's mill but that doesn't sound right. SN is 001922 it is an 8525.

2. The other interesting piece / question is related to bearings. In the write up from "Dales Shop" (https://www.wentztech.com/metalworking/equipment/clausing-8520-mill/) in the section about bearings, he lists a bearing:
Upper Head bearing
Qty 1
Clausing Part Number
Use Fafnir 304KDD or, sub 6304ZZ/ND 3304/KBC 6304
Size 20x52x15mm

BUT! In all the exploded parts diagrams, I cannot find anything listed as this. Interestingly - he has no Clausing P/N for it either - Thoughts?

(he also lists the upper spindle bearing as well as the 2 lower spindle bearings.)

3. Did later machines use brass gears in the head for the quill / fine feed gear train? Mine are all steel.

4. Interesting note: in rebuilding mine - I removed the Clausing name plates from the sides of the column. After I stripped all the paint (it was OEM paint - never repainted) - it was obvious the the remnants of JOHHANSON were still there - either ground of the casting or filled in from the mold. So, I'm guessing that the mill was still using left over stock after the Johhanson merge/buyout.

A few other comments that I'd like to get your perspective/opinion on.

5. The spindle drive plate on mine is steel. I've read numerous rebuild accounts and all mentioned it was aluminum.
6. Reference the same part - mine only has one tension screw for the spindle, again all others I have read about referenced 2.

More bearing stuff....
8. All the exploded parts diagrams I have are dated 1966 or later.
Yet in specific areas, my machine does not conform to what is shown - an example: my spindle has the two lower bearings, with the beveled nut and the tabbed lock washer - there isn't any spacer. Was this added later?
9. On the pulley sleeve assembly - mine has a very narrow groove at the top but no retainer. Was this added later?
10. In between the 2 bearings for the Y axis screw, there is shown a washer... Mine didn't have that.
11. They also show a washer (same one as above: S7-198A) behind the double bearings on the left side of the X axis feed screw. ?
12. Last - just a note of interest, the tilt gauge on my turret is engraved into the turret - not a separate add on scale.

Curious on your thoughts on these various aspects. I sincerely appreciate your time.

Scott

[opsoff1]

These questions above are from me!  Curious if the Clausing 85XX type owners can weigh in on any of these points.

TIA

Scott