radiator cap

[Sam D.]

I wanted to know what radiator cap is correct on a 1964 no Air Condition car. 365 hp. I have heard both the AC circled on one side with the #13 307 circled on the other. Or the AC 307 unlined by #13 all on one side. I know this unlined one is for 1963 cars, but since mine is a early 64 build date will both work for me.

Thanks,

Sam

[Peter L.]

Re: radiator cap

Sam - The descriptions sound like those of the current reproduction 307 radiator caps available from Paragon, Long Island Corvette Supply and others.

The original 307 13# radiator caps I am familiar with have the 307 underlined and while I haven't seen all the variations of 307 radiator caps, I have yet to see an original 307 with the AC and 13# 307 both in circles.

The variations on the original 307 13# radiator caps I have seen include smaller and larger size of the AC letters and in the width of the shaft portion of the arrows.

Pete

[John D.]

Re: radiator cap

Sam, I didn't realize my 63 radiator cap was on the money for sure. On one side it has AC then 13# underlined. Then 307. I learned not to try and restore those things by getting them cad plated. Ruined one for sure as the inner linging is aluminum. Got it back and almost cried. Sure guys are trying to restore them but not the same as original. I have heard some horror stories though on some of the SR caps sticking and next thing that happens is the top hose blows off and trashes the engine. Maybe it was the thermostat sticking that caused this problem too. John

[Peter L.]

Re: radiator cap

John - Could you please double check the order of the stamping. The ones I have reading from the one ear toward the center rivet are as follows: the AC, then below that 307 underlined, and below that 13#.

Also, the covers are zinc plated and you're right that the large aluminum washer under the cover generally doesn't survive the plating baths and in fact it's been my experience that it does hold up many years under normal operating conditions on the car.

Are we having fun yet?????? Pete

[John D.]

Re: radiator cap

Touchy touchy Peter, You got me old friend. Trouble is this. By the time I go look at the 63-then walk about 100 ft to old DELL I forget what the hell I was looking at. Yes I got the info backwards on the cap. My cap is the same as yours. AC then 307 underlined and then below that 13#. Think I told you in reverse. Sorry for Sr moment.
Now for some key info-up ur alley. A friend of mine did ops on my car (didn't do me any flavors though) Anyhow he said to me where is your round key for spare tire lock. I said to him what are you talking about??? Then I thought of you instantly. Remember the original round key I showed you at Marlborough with my key number on it??? You said it was amazing. But when I showed it to Carlton he was not amused. heeeeeeeee. Anyhow I didn't get a ding on your keys but would have killed to have brought the round key to the show.
Folks: 63's only have one rectangle key-actually two. No round key for sure. Corvairs had a round key though. John

[Denny J.]

Re: radiator cap

Guys
If you still have your old one it can be rebuilt.No matter what shape it is in.E mail if you want # He is NCRS.

[M W.]

Re: radiator cap

if this is what you are looking for it is for sale. Let me know.

Thanks,

Craig Willetts

[John D.]

Re: radiator cap

Craig, I have had some rebuilt. The big difference is getting the rivet to look correct. You can't dip those things without taking them apart as you eat the aluminum up. The one on my show car isa perfect original but I don't leave it on long. Have a nice NOS AC 13# cap out of the old blue box of unknown vintage that I run on the car except for judging. So I am set but I do appreciate the offer. Thanks very much, John

[John D.]

Re: radiator cap

Craig, I am not looking for a cap. Maybe Sam is. Sam I am sorry I hijacked your post. Got carried away as usual. Thanks John

[M W.]

Re: radiator cap

This was just a general posting in case someone needed a radiator cap. Thanks John.

Regards,

Craig

[Peter L.]

Re: radiator cap

John, John, John - My good friend another Sr moment. The head of the 63 key is an octagon. I might just have to talk to your Geometry teacher and have you make up that day you played hooky. Pete

PS - Glad to hear your radiator cap of OK.