Big Tank 63

[Gary H.]

I'm looking at a 63 FI, with big brakes and a big tank.
My question is how, lacking any paper trail, do you tell if it is a real big tank car? Are there any details, brackets, fuel lines, etc that set a big tank apart from a stock tank car?

[Joe L.]

Re: Big Tank 63

Gary-----

There's nothing that could not be "re-created" if someone were of a mind to. However, keep in mind that for 1963, J-56 HD brakes were only available as part of the Z-06 package. So, if the car has J-56 AND IT'S ORIGINAL, then it must be a Z-06. Many Z-06 cars have been previously documented by folks expert on these cars. One of those folks is Franz Estereicher. You might want to contact him about this car. You can contact him through the "profiles" section of this board. You can send him an e-mail thusly.

[Gary H.]

Re: Big Tank 63

Thanks Joe I'll do just that.

[Philip C.]

Re: Big Tank 63 try Bob

Hi Gary try Bob Jones he does the 63 Z06 survey. Ill e-mail you his number to you if you want it. Phil 8063

[Dick W.]

Re: Big Tank 63

Gary, another possible resource would be Jim Gessner. You can also contact him through the profiles section of this board.

[Gary H.]

Re: Big Tank 63 try Bob

thanks Phil that would be great

[Gary H.]

Re: Big Tank 63

Thank you Dick, I'll get in touch with him.....Gary

[Robert Y.]

Re: Big Tank 63

Hi Gary....in response to your wanting to know about whether a Corvette was originally equipped with the N03/Big Tank option, it is easily detected if you have access to the car with the tank cover off. Real cars are super clean on the floor pans with NO evidence of paint or glue in that covered, contained area (cover installed prior to paint operations) and with most cars it is all but impossible to clean the floor pan to remove all traces.

Also, GM bond is sort of all by itself in application and texture; the assemblies are generally typical in appearance from car to car also, so it would help if you had pictures of original cars to compare with (my Z06 photo album, showing it all, was never returned to me when borrowed so I do not have access now).

The rear bulkhead vertical channels (inside) are also filled crudely with bond, and in most instances, do not go all the way down to floor but rather filled in just the visible portion with cover on.

Look for original rivits (in the wheel well opening) and on top of the RH wheel well housing for the jack retaining bracket, as well as a sloppy installation in the wheel well area for the wheel caps. There are many unique things to look for, including the trimmed quarter panel lips at front...'64-5 cars also have a cobbled appearing drain on the LH roof vent.

You should also be familiar with the N03-specific tank brackets and fastening methods (could have been purchased, but difficult to install as the factory did). Fuel lines, sending unit wire harnesses, rear fuel line cross-over clips etc. are all unique to the installation also. Also, there should not be jack retaining clip bracket hole (2) in the jack well. The list goes on and on.

The remaining Z06 brake items are bolt-ons, and are not easily detected if done correctly with right parts.

I would suggest you become familiar with any AIM from a midyear Corvette, study the components, and compare with the manual as a start. Feel free to contact me with other questions.

Regards,

Bob Young #3342

[Wayne M.]

Step # 1 --- lift the gas lid

Hey Bob --- long time no hear. I thought I had a fairly extensive list of identifiers in my head, but you've just reminded me of a few others.

[Robert Y.]

Re: Step # 1 --- lift the gas lid

Hi Wayne....long time, no see! But I do recognize that pic, having last seen your tanker at the Cyprus Garden meet years ago; don't know why I did not mention your comment on "lifting the gas lid door", certainly the first and easiest to do. You can also see in the picture the texture of the filler neck cup, or "pie plate" as I have heard it mentioned - very distinct original, and not typical of the over-the-counter or repro part.

I had written a "paper" of sorts a few years ago, have since lost track of it, but did forward it to our old friend Drew Papson - sort of documented the entire N03 option and how to tell if those cars were real. He may still have it for those that would be interested. I had several references, pictures etc. that was, at least at that time, quite worthwhile reading.

Hope your comment helps Gary, and others, with their big tank confirmations!

Regards, Bob Young, #3342. P.S. - my "ex-N03 '65" is now locally owned!

[Gary H.]

Re: Step # 1 --- lift the gas lid

Bob,

Thank you very much for the information. Right on target just what I was looking for...........Gary