67 327 Fan Shroud

[Nick Vigorito]

I have just purchased a fan shroud for my 67 327 Vette and I am disappointed with the part I just received. It has an uneven finish (some areas smooth, some rough, some areas with pits and pock marks) and the black color is uneven all over(lighter and darker). It has some scratches which I know are not right. I called the company and they said that that is correct and the way it is supposed to look according to show judges. I don't have reference books on this. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Nick Vigorito

[Carl R.]

Re: 67 327 Fan Shroud

Hi Mr. Vigorito!

The NCRS judging manual calls for the 1967 version to be unpainted. Seems like most aren't & there is some debate regarding the 1966 (identical) shroud.

My shroud is composed of three pieces of GM fiberglass (two original "black glass" and one grey which is intesting because they are all stamped "GM". Oringinals are glued (not screwed/rivited) together. I painted mine black so things would match. The unpainted pieces have a slightly "rough" look but not pockmarks or loose strands. Look at your spare tire cover to get the idea.

Others on this board are far wiser than I. Good luck!

Carl

[Ed Jennings]

Re: 67 327 Fan Shroud

My 67 (w/C60 if that makes any difference) has black paint over grey fiberglass. I believe they are the original parts, though someone may have very well painted them. There is a "Harrison Aluminum Radiator " tag on the top, that appears as though it could be original, and it is on top of the black finish. At least it does not appear to have been masked around. Just to add to the confusion.

[Nick Vigorito]

Re: 67 327 Fan Shroud

Thanks for your input! I talked with my local Corvette parts dealer (not who I bought the shroud from, BTW) and he looked it up in the Vette Vues Fact Book and it also said it should be unpainted. I think it is supposed to be a black gelcoat that is moulded into the fiberglass. It is supposed to be 3 pieces glued. The shroud I bought fits that description but again it is very disappointing in appearance.

I am confused a bit by Ed saying his is grey fiberglass painted black and Carl yours has one section that was grey fiberglass and you painted it black. Hmm...

The shroud currently in my car has a much smoother finish and more even black color. I am not sure if it was painted but it sure looks like it could have been. All along the big seam at the bottom by the frame the black color is worn away. It also has a broken mount, some notches taken out and lots of scratches. Thus the reason I was replacing it. I don't know if it is original or not either.

Any other input would be greatly appreciated.

[Carl R.]

Re: 67 327 Fan Shroud

Hi Mr. Vigorito!

I think the original shrouds were a grey-ish black unpainted fiberglass (at least for my non-C60 car). The only reason I painted mine was so the three pieces would match. I've been off-and-on looking for an original for a few years now to little luck (most are fractured or on retored cars by now). If you are looking for a "true original" you might be better off repairing your old shroud then painting. Does this help?

Carl

[Nick Vigorito]

Re: 67 327 Fan Shroud

Carl,

Repairing and painting my old shroud is an option. I don't know if it is the original though. What I was really wanting was to have an original looking shroud (unpainted) that also looks nice. I don't think the one I bought qualifies. I don't know if this is typical or if I may have better luck trying another supplier. I guess I will just have to weigh my options.

What is C60?

Thanks so much for your help!

Nick

[Duke W.]

C60 is air conditioning (no message)

[Wayne W.]

Re: C60 is air conditioning (no message)

You may find some original shrouds that have a rivot or two on them. It is not generally the case but it definately happened. The rivot used is the large headed soft aluminum body rivot with a flat washer. Many over the counter shrouds had rivots also but they tended to have different kinds of rivots and most have two in each jount and are joined with light colored bonding materials. I am of the opinion that the shrouds were basically unpainted, but I will admit I havent looked at them all. I would say that a light gray panel on a 67 at least a later one would be unlikely and would be cause for suspicion as the fiberglass color was pretty consistant by then. You should check with the Corvette Image, their black color is the best and shows the light stranding which is common with these parts. As a note the AC shroud is the same one with slots ground into it to mount the extension. The extension is mounted with a j- nut and a 5/16 sunken headed WB Bolt.