63-65 chrome oil cap question

**Harry S.** · December 15, 2014, 07:06 PM

Re: 63-65 chrome oil cap question

Originally posted by Edward Johnson (49497)

Is there suppose to be a dimple on top of the chrome oil cap on my 63? Was there some sort of a break date that is appeared or started and ended? I know the 63/64 Judging manual does not state this, other than either no dimple or with maybe installed.

Ed, I just took a look at two original flash chromed caps that I have. One is used and one is NOS. There is no way for me to tell if they are 63's or not. I do not see anything that looks like a dimple. Can you provide a drawing or a picture of what I might be looking for.

Cheers

**Edward J.** · December 15, 2014, 07:09 PM

Re: 63-65 chrome oil cap question

Harry the center of the dome of the cap would have a dimple, I myself have never seen one with a dimple, But I may have someone that has a cap and he questioned me dimple or no dimple. So he was asking me my VIN and was going to get back to me.

**Harry S.** · December 15, 2014, 07:10 PM

Re: 63-65 chrome oil cap question

OK, let's see if anyone else chimes in.

**Michael G.** · December 15, 2014, 09:33 PM

Re: 63-65 chrome oil cap question

Dimple? Maybe a little flat on top, no depression that I've seen. Left are original 63s, sans car, right, an original cap on a very original car:

Screen Shot 2014-12-15 at 9.29.25 PM.png Screen Shot 2014-12-15 at 9.22.05 PM.jpg

**Edward J.** · December 16, 2014, 07:10 AM

Re: 63-65 chrome oil cap question

Mike, Thanks for the pic. does anyone know if there was a special date known for these style caps. Or just maybe these caps were stacked on pallets and this is the result of the way they were stored.

**Stuart F.** · December 16, 2014, 07:49 AM

Re: 63-65 chrome oil cap question

I have my original and a couple repos and, of course, they are a little different. There is a slight flat spot on my original. I like to put my cap on so the 4 grip knobs are dialed in square to the engine, not 22-1/2 degrees off like your's Mike. It's way cooler.

Stu Fox

**Joe R.** · December 16, 2014, 08:24 AM

Re: 63-65 chrome oil cap question

I have seen a few with a dimple BUT never on an original 63 Corvette!
Several originals are in my collection but no originals with a dimple!

JR

**Harry S.** · December 16, 2014, 10:02 AM

Re: 63-65 chrome oil cap question

Ed, I just looked at both caps (NOS and original used) again and both have a flat spot on top. I think the used one came with my 63 but I can't recall. Anyway, that car was build April 20th of 63.

**Ed S.** · December 16, 2014, 10:08 AM

Re: 63-65 chrome oil cap question

Edward,
I can't answer your question regarding the dimple but I am going to jump into this oil filler cap issue with a related question / issue that I have with my 64 L76. I've asked this question before in a different thread but never got a straight answer. Question is: After installing the cap on the filler tube is the cap supposed to turn 360 degrees (or more) or is it supposed to have positive stops like a traditional radiator cap. When my cap is on the filler tube I turn it 90 degrees clockwise and it becomes snug but... I can continue to rotate it clockwise - if I go 90 degrees more it is loose and I can lift it off. Essentially I can rotate it clockwise indefinitely - every 90 degree turn it either snugs up or is free to lift off. So again - the question is, should it rotate 360 degrees or stop after a 90 degrees of rotation clockwise.

**Harry S.** · December 16, 2014, 10:12 AM

Re: 63-65 chrome oil cap question

Ed, as far as I know it should stop.

**Gene M.** · December 16, 2014, 10:17 AM

Re: 63-65 chrome oil cap question

Originally posted by Ed Szeliga (60294)

Edward,
I can't answer your question regarding the dimple but I am going to jump into this oil filler cap issue with a related question / issue that I have with my 64 L76. I've asked this question before in a different thread but never got a straight answer. Question is: After installing the cap on the filler tube is the cap supposed to turn 360 degrees (or more) or is it supposed to have positive stops like a traditional radiator cap. When my cap is on the filler tube I turn it 90 degrees clockwise and it becomes snug but... I can continue to rotate it clockwise - if I go 90 degrees more it is loose and I can lift it off. Essentially I can rotate it clockwise indefinitely - every 90 degree turn it either snugs up or is free to lift off. So again - the question is, should it rotate 360 degrees or stop after a 90 degrees of rotation clockwise.

Ed,
My 65 has the original fill tube and cap. It stops tight about 1/4 turn. I suggest the fill tube spiral at the top of your fill tube is worn or the cap legs are spread to loose.

**Philip A.** · December 16, 2014, 10:30 AM

Re: 63-65 chrome oil cap question

Originally posted by Ed Szeliga (60294)

Edward,
I can't answer your question regarding the dimple but I am going to jump into this oil filler cap issue with a related question / issue that I have with my 64 L76. I've asked this question before in a different thread but never got a straight answer. Question is: After installing the cap on the filler tube is the cap supposed to turn 360 degrees (or more) or is it supposed to have positive stops like a traditional radiator cap. When my cap is on the filler tube I turn it 90 degrees clockwise and it becomes snug but... I can continue to rotate it clockwise - if I go 90 degrees more it is loose and I can lift it off. Essentially I can rotate it clockwise indefinitely - every 90 degree turn it either snugs up or is free to lift off. So again - the question is, should it rotate 360 degrees or stop after a 90 degrees of rotation clockwise.

Ed
My '65 does the very same thing. The car was restored and I suspect the cap and fill tube are both re-pros. In playing with it I did find that this only occurs with the cap oriented to the tube in one position. If I turn the cap 180 degrees to the tube, before engaging it will then stop at 90 degree turn. May want to check this with yours.
Phil

**Stuart F.** · December 16, 2014, 11:55 AM

Re: 63-65 chrome oil cap question

With my 63, I've had to replace the fill tube twice due to the rolled in fresh air tube (to the air cleaner) coming loose (or falling off) through numerous air filter housing removals. This was some time ago so I believe my replacements were NOS. At any rate, all my caps could be turned 360 if I tried. So, I just turn the cap until it's snug. Sometimes the cork gasket inside gets squashed down enough such that the cap doesn't fit tight.

One thing I like about the 63 fill tube is they are easy to grip with a slide hammer tool to pull out. Be careful when you put in a new tube as a friend of mine pounded one in too far until he split the hole in the aluminum manifold. Not cool.

Stu Fox

**David L.** · December 17, 2014, 07:52 AM

Re: 63-65 chrome oil cap question

Pictured below is a NOS cap and a reproduction cab. I bought the reproduction cap just for comparison purposes and it just doesn't cut the mustard.

Dave

63-65 chrome oil cap question

63-65 chrome oil cap question

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