63 Rear Spindle Slip vs Press Fit

[Tom Groves]

I understand that press fit spindles were incorporated mid year 63. I have a Jan 22 build (7318) that has virgin bearings and needs service. Before I begin work I would like to know if I have slip or press fit spindle. Is there a way to tell before disassembly? Does anyone know build date incorporation of the press fit?
Thanks

[Tom P.]

Re: 63 Rear Spindle Slip vs Press Fit

You definitely have press fit bearings.

According to Chevrolet Bulletin DR #599, dated June 10, 1963, all bearings after December 3, 1962 were press fit.

There were a number of interim parts and tolerance changes through November 1962 but the interference fit for both innner and outer bearings was in place as of December.

Hope this helps.

[Duke W.]

Re: 63 Rear Spindle Slip vs Press Fit

Agree with Tom. Even if you had a pre-December built car, I doubt if the slip fit design would have survived this long. Most failed in service and were replaced with the new design press fit under warranty.

Duke

[Duke W.]

Re: 63 Rear Spindle Slip vs Press Fit PS

The good news is that with the change to the press fit design, the 30K mile rear bearing repack requirement was ELIMINATED from the maintenance schedule, but subsequent printings of the 1963 Corvette Shop Manual were not changed.

Given typical vintage Corvette driving conditions and mileage accumulation, today, a properly setup rear spindle pack with a high temperature, disk brake synthetic wheel bearing grease should last essentially "forever" as far as most of us are concerned.

Duke

[Frank C.]

Re: 63 Rear Spindle Slip vs Press Fit PS

Hi again Duke...Should I assume I have slip fits on my '63s Sept & Nov and if so how can I tell the difference? Thx Frank

[Duke W.]

Re: 63 Rear Spindle Slip vs Press Fit PS

They were probably built that way, but I would find it hard to believe that they survived this long. The only way to know for sure is to disasseble them.

Duke

[Frank C.]

Re: 63 Rear Spindle Slip vs Press Fit PS

Duke...as always, thx for your input. the Sept car has not been driven since I bought it in 1976. I'm not too far away from getting to the chassis, so I was curious what to be looking for when (and IF) I ever get to that stage. Thx Frank