1963 radiator foil label on top. JG says early to mid has rigid plate.

[Jerry C.]

Should my Feb. 14th built car with a Dec. 62 radiator have the rigid plate as JG does not state when the foil tag was started. Thanks in advance.

[Edward J.]

Re: 1963 radiator foil label on top. JG says early to mid has rigid plate.

Jerry, I used a metal plate on My Mar car and went through nationals without a hitch, My car did not have the correct radiator when I bought. but seem to remember searching myself and ended up with the metal plate.

[Joe R.]

Re: 1963 radiator foil label on top. JG says early to mid has rigid plate.

The thicker metal plates (probably) were on very early 63's and ended before SN 1000 (approx). All this is just from observations and nothing in concrete.

JR

[Tom P.]

Re: 1963 radiator foil label on top. JG says early to mid has rigid plate.

Joe:

I think the thick metal plates maybe lasted longer.

#3914, made the last week of November 1962 had a thick plate.

It is one of the few bits I still have kicking around after the car is long gone!!!

[Edward J.]

Re: 1963 radiator foil label on top. JG says early to mid has rigid plate.

I thought I would add to the mix of as the new judging manual spells out, It says early to mid cars had the metal plate, and defined in back as the first 6 to 8 months.

[Joe R.]

Re: 1963 radiator foil label on top. JG says early to mid has rigid plate.

You guys can think what you want but a Bloomington judge that has judged more 63's than the entire number of NCRS judges,researched about more 63's and is writing a book on 63's says those thick aluminum plates were on very early 63's. I'm going to go with him every time.
Problem is that no early 63's exist with their original radiators so no person can really know where the cut off really was. I've owned a at least a half dozen 63's and one from the original owner with the original radiator (early 70's) and I could not swear it even had a sticker! So just suit yourself BUT the judging manual will dictate whether or not you receive credit for the correct metal plate!!!!!

JR

[Edward J.]

Re: 1963 radiator foil label on top. JG says early to mid has rigid plate.

Joe, I would never say anything is a sure thing with 63's,the latest JM only gives a ball park guess. . Lets face it even a Bloomington judge or a guys like you and Mike Mc. and others here that have seen/ owned/ judged many more than I may ever see. no Matter how you look at it, once the car gets restored its never a sure bet. and there just are not enough cars left untouched or unrestored 63 Corvettes in the NCRS. My say is, If you restore a car and have no clue on something, nor does the JM, go with your gut.

[Joe R.]

Re: 1963 radiator foil label on top. JG says early to mid has rigid plate.

Joe, I would never say anything is a sure thing with 63's,the latest JM only gives a ball park guess. . Lets face it even a Bloomington judge or a guys like you and Mike Mc. and others here that have seen/ owned/ judged many more than I may ever see. no Matter how you look at it, once the car gets restored its never a sure bet. and there just are not enough cars left untouched or unrestored 63 Corvettes in the NCRS. My say is, If you restore a car and have no clue on something, nor does the JM, go with your gut.

Edward,

I am in total agreement with your statement. Wish I had taken more pictures so we would all have knowledge what the 63's were really like when they were delivered from the showroom floor.
Example: 63 Red Roadster here in town owned by the original owner. Has the wrong radiator (brass copper) that was installed the first week he owned the car. Pressed in fitting on top leaked. The reason they started welding them!

JR

[Rich Y.]

Re: 1963 radiator foil label on top. JG says early to mid has rigid plate.

Hopefully I can offer some insight.
I own a VERY Original and Unrestored '63......VIN #8967 born on February 15, 1963.
The vast majority of parts are original including the radiator, dated 62 M.
Here is a photo of the label.

[John D.]

Re: 1963 radiator foil label on top. JG says early to mid has rigid plate.

My 63 LWC (little white car) was judged at two regionals and one chapter show. Nice judges (not Joe Ray) dinged it each time for not having a thick Harrision. hahahaha.
JD

[Joe R.]

Re: 1963 radiator foil label on top. JG says early to mid has rigid plate.

John,

Cannot believe that a knowledgeable judge of the NCRS would ding the Repomobile aka LWC!

Write a letter to the management and protest!

JR