Information Concerning 1963 Air Conditioned Cars

[Susan D.]

I am looking for information about original wire-harness for 1963 and early 1964 air cars. I'm trying to find out, whether the color of the wire that runs from the secondary harness to the right side of the compressor is green or some other color. I am also trying to find out, whether 1963's and maybe early 1964's had 13lb radiator caps, on air conditioned cars. Thanks, Jerry Duffey 12294

[Rick A.]

Re: Information Concerning 1963 Air Conditioned Cars

Jerry - would expect Harry Sadlock to respond, as he has collected alot of information on 1963 A/C cars. Also, check with Tony Avedisian at Tony's Corvette Shop 301-987-0565 as he has restored many A/C cars and has history on many others.

[Ken A.]

Re: Information Concerning 1963 Air Conditioned Cars

The wire to the compressor clutch was dark green

[Harry S.]

Re: Information Concerning 1963 Air Conditioned Cars

I know my harness was replace before I got the car. My wire is black or dark green with a mustard color stripe on it.

Other 63 A/C considerations.

In the AIM the cap is to be a 15lb cap, but I've never seen one on an A/C car. What the AIM says and what is reality is different.

In the AIM the special air deflector (snout) is mentioned in the A/C section but not in the normal heater box section. I believe this to be an error in the AIM as all 63 cars came with that special air deflector. My April non-A/C 63 came with the deflector.

In the AIM it calls out a 7 blade fan. I've never seen one installed. As far as I can tell all 63's with A/C had a five blade fan.

In the AIM there are special front shocks for an A/C car, I've never seen them installed or has any restorer I've talked to. What I do see is late 63 A/C cars with the 64 front A/C springs.

We may never know!

[Susan D.]

Re: Information Concerning 1963 Air Conditioned Cars

Thanks guys, there were several 63 and 64 air cars at the national and some of these questions came up. The 63 cars had black wires with a green strip. They also had 13lb radiator caps. The 64s were straight from the judging manual. Some other 63 owners have said that they have or had a green wire and a 13lb cap. Thanks Jerry

[David L.]

Re: Information Concerning 1963 Air Conditioned Cars

In the AIM it calls out a 7 blade fan. I've never seen one installed. As far as I can tell all 63's with A/C had a five blade fan.

Harry,

My 1963 AIM shows a 5-blade fan (Sect. C60, sheet 5.00) GM # 3789562. I have had many 3789562 18" 5-blade fans (4 domed rivets/blade, stamped "H" and "FRONT") over the years as 63-64 Chev. Passenger cars with AC also used them. The similar 3749576 18" 5-blade fan (5 domed rivets/blade) was used on 58-62 Chev. Passenger cars w/AC.

Dave

[Harry S.]

Re: Information Concerning 1963 Air Conditioned Cars

There is always a question you feel silly asking. What are the measurement point on the fan? If I measure from the center of the hole to the outside of the blade I get 9"

If I go across the entire fan I get 17.5.

Is it 18 or 17.5?

Thanks, I just need to learn something new today.

[Larry M.]

Re: Information Concerning 1963 Air Conditioned Cars

Harry:

I should be across the entire fan diameter............ie 17.5 inches.

Larry

[David L.]

Re: Information Concerning 1963 Air Conditioned Cars

There is always a question you feel silly asking. What are the measurement point on the fan? If I measure from the center of the hole to the outside of the blade I get 9"

If I go across the entire fan I get 17.5.

Harry,

Is it 18 or 17.5?

Thanks, I just need to learn something new today.

The radius of a fan is measured from the center of the hole to the tip of one of the blades. The diameter is obviously 2 times the radius. An 18" blade measures 9" from the center of the hole to the tip of one of the blades. You can NOT directly measure the diameter of a 5 blade fan.
You have an 18" fan.

You can directly measure the diameter of a 6 blade Buick fan.

Dave

[Larry M.]

Re: Information Concerning 1963 Air Conditioned Cars

The radius of a fan is measured from the center of the hole to the tip of one of the blades. The diameter is obviously 2 times the radius. An 18" blade measures 9" from the center of the hole to the tip of one of the blades. You can NOT directly measure the diameter of a 5 blade fan.
You have an 18" fan.

You can directly measure the diameter of a 6 blade Buick fan.

Dave

Dave:

You are absolutely correct. This is the only good way to do it.

I was thinking Harry laid the fan on a large piece of white/brown paper and traced the circumference and then directly measured the diameter. But essentially no one does this. Radius x2 is better, easier.........and in this case more accurate.

Larry

[Harry S.]

Re: Information Concerning 1963 Air Conditioned Cars

Thanks all. A few pictures as you can never tell if the fan started life in this box.

This spring it's going in my A/C car.

[John F.]

Re: Information Concerning 1963 Air Conditioned Cars

As far as I know this is original on my #2138 64 vette w/ac. Looks like green wire and 15 lb cap.