63 Chrome/Cad Fuel Lines etc.

[Michael H.]

Got some results on the previously posted questions about cad/chrome items on early 63 engines. It looks like the fuel lines and fuel filter bracket are cad, not chrome, to at least ser# 3900. This seems to apply to both 340 and 360 HP engines.

The black painted dip stick, oil filler tube and cap are now documented to at least ser# 3246.

I know owners of these early cars don't want to accept the fact that the chrome parts are incorrect but it's not an assumption. It's well documented.

Still need to hear from more original early production 63 owners on this and other items. If you have a ser# 5000 or earlier unrestored car, we need your info. Thanks,

Michael

[Robert C.]

Re:/Cad Fuel Lines etc.

Fuel Lines Cad plated? Not Natural steel?

[Michael H.]

Re:/Cad Fuel Lines etc.

I believe so Bob, but not 100% sure. The only pipe I know 100% for sure was not plated at all was the choke pipe. I'll try to dig out some pic's of these fuel lines on early cars and see if I can tell in the pic.

[Peter L.]

Re: 63 Chrome/Cad Fuel Lines etc.

Michael - Along with Bob's response, I'd like to suggest that the lines might be tin or zinc plated. It would be nice to find the original spec because only in special situations would I expect the plating to be cadmium. In the old days it was more than likely a case of cost, and zinc plating was less expensive that cadmium plating as opposed to the current day situation where EPA toxicity concerns enter into the equation and again if zinc will do the job cadmium plating would not be used. Pete

[Michael H.]

Re: 63 Chrome/Cad Fuel Lines etc.

Pete,

You are most likely correct. I probably shouldn't have used the word cad but it was just meant as a general direction for something dull silver instead of chrome. I still can't remember for sure if the 1st design fuel lines were even plated at all but I'm starting to lean toward unplated. I have some excellent closeup pic's of original lines that I'm trying to find but that may take some time.

The thing that I was most interested in was when the change to chrome occured in production but I think I'm just about the only one interested so I'll assume it was somewhere between 4000-6000 and move on. Thanks,

Michael

[Len Rayca]

Re: 63 Chrome/Cad Fuel Lines etc.

Michael: Are you asking about the fuel lines from the fuel pump to fuel filter and from from the fuel filter to the carb, or the fuel line from the gas tank to the fuel pump? I think there is some confusion as to which lines you are asking about. Len #39247

[Michael H.]

Re: 63 Chrome/Cad Fuel Lines etc.

Len,

The fuel lines from the fuel pump to filter and filter to carb/FI are the ones we need info on. Also, the fuel filter bracket. All were changed to chrome some time after 30 November but just not sure when. Thanks,

Michael

[Len Rayca]

Re: 63 Chrome/Cad Fuel Lines etc.

Michael: If it is any help the fuel lines on my 63 340 HP SWC Ser# 9895
(March 1 build date)has a chrome line from pump to filter, chrome filter bracket and chrome line to the AFB carb. Len #39247

[Michael H.]

Re: 63 Chrome/Cad Fuel Lines etc.

Thanks Len. I think it's pretty well documented at this point that the chrome started to appear well before the 9000 range. Best guess so far is some time around the 4000-5000 range and I'm guessing probably closer to the low side of the range. Looks like everything at least through the third week of November is definitely unplated. The problem is, there are so few cars left with original lines that we may never get this thing any closer.

Michael