What is the trick to converting the old cat part numbers to ones they will now recongize? Had to do with adding a zero or something. Thanks

I think what your talking about is if say an older part # was 6B25 now they post it as 6B0025 I may be wrong but maybe it could be for computers to work correctly when the number is traced or posted in it for memory.I never heard why but I,m as I said just thinking this might be why. Also if you have an older number and it,s a factory changed part number the dealer when I was working had a book called an NPR that changed the older numbers to the present part number. I,m sure today it,s all done in their computers when the old # is typed in.

Same thing for serial numbers on the old eqipment. Add a zero in front of the whole thing '0' 9U '0' 4855 or just get one of the old guys on the phone. Don't know what we are going to do when they all retire.

Just use the numbers straight out of the book, they are all still good and will be changed up through the NPR when checking availability in the parts system. Same thing goes for serial numbers, dealer personnel should be able to add the correct number of zeros when required, the only time the full 8 digits are needed is when the dealer consults the 'TMIweb site and that doesn't include machinery more than about 15-20 years old anyway.
Trouble is, most dealers have now thrown out their micro-fiche equipment for the older machines which are not included in the new SIS system, so keep your old parts books.