1963 Alternator swivel bolt (Lower) with special lock nut

[Richard G.]

Hello all:
Typically I just re-plate the bolts and install replacement nuts with the correct finish.
I keep a stash of natural, black phosphate and zinc plated nuts on hand just for this purpose.
I was just about to do what I always do, junk the nut on the lower alternator bolt when I notice the nut wouldn't go on all the way even after the bolt was cleaned. After I took a closer look I could see the nut had two punch marks 180 degrees from each other.
Of course this was a lock nut and in this application it made perfect since. I have not run across many lock nuts during the rebuild process. The Valve adjusters, the emergency brake nut at the swivel point under the car and now the alternator swivel bolt. I wonder if this is on the judges watch list!

I have pictured the nut and bolt below:



As found on a December 1962 build 1963 340HP Corvette.
Rick

[Edward J.]

Re: 1963 Alternator swivel bolt (Lower) with special lock nut

Rich, the bolt and lock nut are the originals for 63/64. this is what I have on my 63.

[Richard G.]

Re: 1963 Alternator swivel bolt (Lower) with special lock nut

Ed
Do you know what the correct finish is for this hardware?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1963 Alternator swivel bolt (Lower) with special lock nut

Ed
Do you know what the correct finish is for this hardware?

Richard------


All of these fasteners appear to be black phosphate finished. So, I would expect that's the correct finish.

The type of nut is called a center lock distorted thread locknut. They are still available. However, in today's world you'll have an extremely difficult time finding them in black phosphate finish.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1963 Alternator swivel bolt (Lower) with special lock nut

Richard,

What is the length of that bolt. I would also like to add that the arrangement uses a flat washer on each side of the alternator brace so the sliding pin (for lack of a better word) does not dig into the aluminum alternator on one end and the locking nut on the other.

[Edward J.]

Re: 1963 Alternator swivel bolt (Lower) with special lock nut

Rich, a side note on bolts that secure the alternator, the upper bolt is more likely judged that the lower, And the proper length is important also. the threaded end should extend beyond the ear of alternator, its generally flush, and I see the WB head mark, but could be others of that era. and a natural thick flat washer and blk. phos. lock washer (not star washer).

[Richard G.]

Re: 1963 Alternator swivel bolt (Lower) with special lock nut

The alternator bolt is 3/8" diameter and 4" long.
Requires a single flat washer on the same end as the nut.

[Alan D.]

Re: 1963 Alternator swivel bolt (Lower) with special lock nut

Here is one from a Mar64, note finish is bright with exception of spacer.
Just had the picture so posted.

[David L.]

Re: 1963 Alternator swivel bolt (Lower) with special lock nut

It appears to me that there were two types of lock nuts with distorted threads that were used on the 1963 alternator swivel bolt, Type EA and Type N.
GM # 9411655 as listed in the 1963 AIM (Sect. 6, Sheet A4.00) is Type EA.

In the photos below the 3/8"-16 X 4" bolt with the "O" on the bolt head has the Type N lock nut. This bolt was used with the 3825460 bracket (Sect. 6, Sheet A4.00).

The 3/8"-16 X 3 3/4" bolt with the "A" on the bolt head has the Type EA lock nut, GM # 9411655. This bolt was used with the 3825451 bracket with model with A.C. (C60, 5.00). I also have several other 3/8'-16 X 3 3/4" bolts with the "A" and the Type EA lock nut from 1963 Chevrolets & trucks. The bolts from the 1963 trucks have an encircled letter "F"on the bolt head.

Dave

[Joe L.]

Re: 1963 Alternator swivel bolt (Lower) with special lock nut

Dave------


The type "EA" locknut is called a top lock distorted thread locknut. These are sometimes called "Stover" nuts. The dots surrounding the crown denote the material grade. Usually, the distorted threads are accomplished by 2 or 3 triangular strikes around the crown. This style nut was used for the upper a-arm shaft retention for 1967-82 Corvettes. It was also used as the rocker arm nut for some small blocks and big blocks.

[Perry M.]

Re: 1963 Alternator swivel bolt (Lower) with special lock nut

I can't seem to follow this thread. My 63 has 1 washer and it currently is sandwiched between the nut and the bracket. This is most likely incorrect. Where exactly does the washer go and is there suppose to be 2 washers for a June built car?

[Richard G.]

Re: 1963 Alternator swivel bolt (Lower) with special lock nut

Likely it is easiest to reference the picture.
I will attempt to explain it:
Two flat washers are used in this assembly.
The assembly manual indicates one washer at the nut end of the bolt.
The other washer is at the back of the alternator between the aluminum alternator housing and the spacer.
No washer behind the bolt head.
Page 129 in the assembly manual.

[Perry M.]

Re: 1963 Alternator swivel bolt (Lower) with special lock nut

Thank you for your reply Richard. I confirmed your attachment with my 63 AIM but found it on page 140 in section 6. However, after looking at my situation, there is no room inside the bracket for the washer. Your posts #'s 1 and 7 have me confused.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1963 Alternator swivel bolt (Lower) with special lock nut

Thank you for your reply Richard. I confirmed your attachment with my 63 AIM but found it on page 140 in section 6. However, after looking at my situation, there is no room inside the bracket for the washer. Your posts #'s 1 and 7 have me confused.

Perry,

Remove the lower bolt and use something to tap the spacer out of the bracket approx 1/8" then reassemble with a flat washer on each side of the spacer. The purpose is so when the long bolt is tightened that small round spacer does not embed into the side of the alternator.

[Richard G.]

Re: 1963 Alternator swivel bolt (Lower) with special lock nut

Good advice from Tim.
The spacer moves in the lateral direction and is made to.
The issue between the contradicting posts are because they are about two years apart.
My assumptions from the first pose were corrected in later posts by others more knowledgeable.
I suspect someone changed out the alternator on my car and didn't realize the spacer moved and junked one of the two factory washers.
Evidence supports this as my car didn't include the factory alternator when I purchased it.
I did get an alternator from a friend with a 63 with a birth date only a few days from mine.
Rick.