69 L36 cooling fan

[Joe T.]

It looks like my 69 390/427 air conditioned 4 speed car is supposed to have a 7 blade cooling fan. I have a 5 blade (that does not look original) but I can't seem to locate anyone that offers a 7 blade fan for my car.
1) Is the 7 blade the correct configuration?
2) Is it necessary for sufficient cooling?
3) Where might I find one one (correct numbers if possible but not mandatory)? I've been checking the DRIVELINE to no avail

Thanks again and highest regards...Joe

[Kent K.]

Have you tried Doc Rebuild & Paragon? *NM*

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 L36 cooling fan

Joe-----

Yes, a 7 blade fan was originally used for your application. It was of GM #3955182 and every one of these units that I've ever seen has the part number stamped on one of the blades. So, it's easy to identify (unlike many other GM fan blade assemblies).

This fan blade was used in PRODUCTION only for some 1969 and 1970 Corvettes. However, it replaced the 66-69 5 blade fan, GM #3888366, in May, 1971. It was sold for many years in SERVICE, being discontinued about 5 years ago.

Is it necessary for cooling? That's hard to say. I suppose it depends upon what other fan is being used as a replacement.

I don't think that this fan blade is currently reproduced, so you'll have to look for a used or NOS example.

[Joe T.]

Re: 69 L36 cooling fan

Thanks guys: I haven t seen ANY catalogs offer the 7 blade for my 69. A lot of other fans with both 5 and 7 blades but expressly NOT 1969. I was pointed to STOUDT Chevrolet (Readng PA) and they indeed say they have a reproduction/replication for this fan. Its close enough to me to drive out there and look at (as if I even know what I'm looking for). So with that option, I am still beating the bushes for an original Thanks again
PS: Why is this particular fan/year so hard to find a new repro for?
regards...joe

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 L36 cooling fan

Joe------

I think that the problem finding a reproduction of this fan is that it was not originally used for a wide range of applications. It was used only for Corvettes and only for SOME 1969-70 year models. It was not used in PRODUCTION after 1970. Since the number of folks needing it for an original application is relatively small, that does not bode well for the "economics of producing a reproduction". In fact, I'm quite surprised that Stoudt has a reproduction available. I hope it's not a fan for some other application that they figure is "close".

[Joe T.]

Re: 69 L36 cooling fan

Thanks for the insight, Joe. I have the same concern about the STOUDT replacement, but I can see it before I buy since they are within driving distance for me. Any hints on what I should look out for?

I also don't understand the catalog offerings I have seen for the seven blade fans that fit the '70 and up as well the small block 69, but not the big block? Was the bolt pattern or clutch different, preventing that inter-changeability? The blade diameter (17 1/4?) seems right...Thanks again for the response. If you have any good ideas for me or any additional potential pitfalls, let me know? Many regards..joe

PS: I am still beating the bushes and you (and Mr. Humphrey) are continuing to fuel my enthusiasm...Thanks again...jt

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 L36 cooling fan

Joe-----

For any given year, the small block and big block fans are functionally interchangeable. As a matter of fact, the 69-70 7 blade fan will fit ANY 1968-70 Corvette application, big block or small block. It will also fit any 63-67 Corvette, too. Obviously, it's not correct for any 63-68 applications and it's not even correct for all 1969-70 applications, but it will fit all applications.

Corvette fan mounting pattern changed for the 1971 model year. So, 1971+ fans cannot be interchanged with earlier and 1970 and earlier fans cannot be interchanged with 1971+.

[Joe T.]

Re: 69 L36 cooling fan

Thanks for the information, Joe. I think I will get a 7 blade from a catalog and use it to run the car while I search for the correct part number...You have mail... Thanks again...joe