1963 radiator/expansion tank decals

[Kent S.]

I've read the JG but would still appreciate some help on decal placement for my April 3rd '63. First - positioning of the "7" and "3" on the radiator and tank. I know one goes on the left side of the radiator - does it matter which one? And exactly where - in relation to the anti freeze decal on the left? Same question as to placement of the decal on the expansion tank. Finally, my DeWitt's C 63 radiator came with the foil Harrison decal - I've read where it should have the metal Harrison decal - true? Any advice, and especially pictures, would be appreciated. Thanks in advance - Kent

[Edward J.]

Re: 1963 radiator/expansion tank decals

Kent, the 3 is for the surge tank and mounts under the part number, 7 is drivers side of radiator next to the center mount, your car will also have a paper decal that attaches to the drivers , also it may cover the Date and possible the part no., the aluminum Harrison plate is on the pass side of radiator, the foil is for later models.

[Harry S.]

Re: 1963 radiator/expansion tank decals

Kent, with a 63C date stamp I'll assume your car is March or April. Saying that your car should not have the ink stamp. That came later in production. My April car does does not have the ink stamp and my july car does have the ink stamp.

[Donald A.]

Re: 1963 radiator/expansion tank decals

Great topic of these little understood details. Can we get more specific info on what the decals are for, where to buy, and pictures of originals and new placements.

Thanks.

Ps. With as much as a new DeWitts exact replacement costs you would think it would past the highest level of judging. I'm referring to the plate in question.

[Michael G.]

Re: 1963 radiator/expansion tank decals

Here's a 63.

Paper sticker is good on radiator for April, but is found on the tank instead on earlier cars. The green number (very faint in the pic) can be 1-9, not just a seven. Same goes for the one on the tank. Placement is about where its shown, but it was an inspection sticker, so its pretty random. I agree with Harry, no ink stamp.

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[Kent S.]

Re: 1963 radiator/expansion tank decals

Thanks everyone for the replies. According to the shipping report car was built April 3rd. I'm clear now on the the 7 and 3, and I understood previously the paper decal on the left. Just to be sure though, I should have the metal Harrison plate instead of the foil one on the passenger side and I shouldn't have the ink stamp (both of which are there now)?

[Harry S.]

Re: 1963 radiator/expansion tank decals

When Harrison made the radiators they used a special machine that left impressions in the top and the bottom during construction. The DeWitte, as good as it is, does not have these impressions. I have never seen a judge deduct for the lack of impressions. Why, most judges don't know what to look for. But according to our CDCIF it should be considered a 20% point deduction on originality as the physical configuration is different.

[Kent S.]

Re: 1963 radiator/expansion tank decals

Harry: Thanks to Tony Stein's suggestion, I specifically asked for the "strap marks" - unfortunately they weren't there when I got the radiator. My car was occupying a friend's lift while we worked on a few things (new correct motor, exhaust, gas tank, etc., etc.) so I decided to go ahead and install it. At least I'm determined to get the decals right!

[Gerald C.]

Re: 1963 radiator/expansion tank decals

Okay...what decal or decals would I need on the expansion tank for my 10/31/62 car?
Thanks

[Edward J.]

Re: 1963 radiator/expansion tank decals

Jerry, there is only one decal for the early cars on the surge tank, LIC sells the decals, take a look at the website they may spell it out for you. I hope your asking about the white decal ?

[Gerald C.]

Re: 1963 radiator/expansion tank decals

Ed,

I have the decal that states " CAUTION"
This engine is equipped with 180 ^ degree thermostat...etc.

I don't see in the JM where it goes on the tank.

There's my dilema....

[Edward J.]

Re: 1963 radiator/expansion tank decals

Jerry, page 132 in the JM has the info on the label, the tank labels are much smaller on earlier labels, than the Radiatorlabels.

[Gerald C.]

Re: 1963 radiator/expansion tank decals

Ed,

If you remember, I had the long white (180 degree) decal on my expansion tank and you said that one should be on a later car and goes on the radiator. I ordered the earlier one from LICC and I received the same one as before. Kim, from LICC says that's the one she's been selling for early cars and she sells no others. She also said the JM has a misprint as to the degree listed (180 vs 160). Is there another source for this decal?

Thanks,

Jerry

[Edward J.]

Re: 1963 radiator/expansion tank decals

Jerry, Corvette central shows the one for the expansion tank part no 262604 these are for cars built before Dec.

[James W.]