1963 C2 license plate Bezel retaining pan head screws.

[Richard G.]

I have been working on the license plate light and the general area for my SWC.
I found a lot of good information in the archives on the license light.
Gasket, color and lens information.
However, I failed to find anything on the two pan head screws that retain the aluminum bezel to the fiberglass rear valance.

This is what I found retaining the bezel to the fiberglass;

The JM list this as a pan head Philips screw cad or zinc plated with integral washer. The JM list them as slotted screws not the Phillips I have installed.

I suspect they are replacements screws but this is a 1963 SO anything can happen and I don't change anything unless I know its been changed out.
Anyone think this screw is correct?
If not i could just get them at Lows?
That of course is a joke except when it isn't..
Thanks
Rick

[Joe L.]

Re: 1963 C2 license plate Bezel retaining pan head screws.

I have been working on the license plate light and the general area for my SWC.
I found a lot of good information in the archives on the license light.
Gasket, color and lens information.
However, I failed to find anything on the two pan head screws that retain the aluminum bezel to the fiberglass rear valance.

This is what I found retaining the bezel to the fiberglass;

The JM list this as a pan head Philips screw cad or zinc plated with integral washer. The JM list them as slotted screws not the Phillips I have installed.

I suspect they are replacements screws but this is a 1963 SO anything can happen and I don't change anything unless I know its been changed out.
Anyone think this screw is correct?
If not i could just get them at Lows?
That of course is a joke except when it isn't..
Thanks
Rick

Rick-----

The original screw was supposed to be GM #161901. This was a phillips drive, pan head, chrome finish, self tapping screw. Was this screw used in every instance for 1963? That I do not know.

I might also add that it would be extremely unusual for GM to use a slotted drive screw for an application like this.

[Richard G.]

Re: 1963 C2 license plate Bezel retaining pan head screws.

Joe;
I agree, the time it would take to install a slotted screw in the production environment would not be tolerated. It has to be some other type.

I am quoting the manual;
"anodized aluminum stamped bezel secured by two cadmium or zinc plated pan head slotted screws with integral washers."

I guess slotted could be interpreted in a couple ways but Phillips seems self explanatory.
It certainly is possible the chrome plating came off the pictured screws.
The "integral washers" doesn't make any sense either, why would you use lock washers on a thin aluminum piece.
Remember they screw into a white plastic piece that locks into the fiberglass nothing more.
My gut feeling it to clean them up and put them back "as is" and see what happens during judging?
As a second option, plate them in zinc and reinstall them. That would match the JM somewhat closer than what I have at the moment.
Look at the underside of the pictured screw head, it is undercut and unlike any other pan heads I have seen.
Thanks for your input, much appreciated.
Rick

[Joe L.]

Re: 1963 C2 license plate Bezel retaining pan head screws.

Joe;
I agree, the time it would take to install a slotted screw in the production environment would not be tolerated. It has to be some other type.

I am quoting the manual;
"anodized aluminum stamped bezel secured by two cadmium or zinc plated pan head slotted screws with integral washers."

I guess slotted could be interpreted in a couple ways but Phillips seems self explanatory.
It certainly is possible the chrome plating came off the pictured screws.
The "integral washers" doesn't make any sense either, why would you use lock washers on a thin aluminum piece.
Remember they screw into a white plastic piece that locks into the fiberglass nothing more.
My gut feeling it to clean them up and put them back "as is" and see what happens during judging?
As a second option, plate them in zinc and reinstall them. That would match the JM somewhat closer than what I have at the moment.
Look at the underside of the pictured screw head, it is undercut and unlike any other pan heads I have seen.
Thanks for your input, much appreciated.
Rick

Rick-----

Often times, the chrome plating used on GM fasteners so-finished was quite thin and could be mistaken for cadmium or zinc.

Regardless, I have no doubt that the screws you picture are original to the car. To have screws of this configuration "accidentally" end up on the car as part of some repair is way too much of a coincidence for me.

[Richard G.]

Re: 1963 C2 license plate Bezel retaining pan head screws.

Joe;
Thanks for you comments/input. Much appreciated!
I inspected the areas inside where the Philips driver would fit and in the area the screw would have been captive inside the plastic retainer with a magnifier. I failed to find any indications of any plating of any type. I agree it would be unlikely this screw has been replaced with another and both screws match perfectly. Would love to have more input from other 63 owners on what they have on their cars. They look like black phosphate, or just the black color that comes from heat treatment.
I realize this could be way off because they are outside exposed to the elements. Mine also had paint on them that protected them somewhat.
I am going with Joe's assessment that it is likely they are original to the car and clean them up and reinstall them. I can always have them plated later, if I need to.

Screw identifiers;
Pan head screw with 12tpi, 5/8 length. #10 (.190 diameter) Requires a #2 Philips driver. Type A point.



As best as I can tell the common pitch for a #10 screw is 13tpi.
My bet is any purchased replacements have the 13tpi thread pitch.
Rick

[Barry H.]

Re: 1963 C2 license plate Bezel retaining pan head screws.

Might be a mix up in the manual? The description sounds like the 2 slotted head screws with integral washers that fastens the License Plate on?
Barry

[Stewart L.]

Re: 1963 C2 license plate Bezel retaining pan head screws.

Richard,
The manual states that the Phillips head screws you show a photo of are the lower screws for the recess bezel, they are typical of what are used in that application. The sentence after that refers to the white plastic nuts receiving the slotted head screws. I would say that may be a mistake and should read “Phillips”.
The slotted pan head screws with intragal washers are factory supplied and hold the license frame and license plate in place.
Stewart

[Loren L.]

Re: 1963 C2 license plate Bezel retaining pan head screws.

Nov '71 Standard Parts Book, on pg 99 shows 161901 Pan Cr. Recess Point Style "A" No. 10-12 X 1/2" Cad or Zinc.

[Richard G.]

Re: 1963 C2 license plate Bezel retaining pan head screws.

Good find. It sure matches the pan head perfectly.
I may have to have them plated after all..
Thanks
Rick

[David B.]

Re: 1963 C2 license plate Bezel retaining pan head screws.

Nov '71 Standard Parts Book, on pg 99 shows 161901 Pan Cr. Recess Point Style "A" No. 10-12 X 1/2" Cad or Zinc.

You sure you did not misread a line. Have same '71 page that reads 5/8"

[Loren L.]

Re: 1963 C2 license plate Bezel retaining pan head screws.

Nope, checked again - 1/2". Yours must be that MI version - allows for shrinkage for 5 months of the year. And those 5 months are coming!
Seriously, it states 1/2" in my copy.

[David B.]

Re: 1963 C2 license plate Bezel retaining pan head screws.

Yes I do have the GM MI version and it still reads 5/8. If Richard's photo of screw is correct it looks like ruler is reading 5/8 also. Will forward via Email the MI version for your records. Will admit you are correct about our weather Loren, that is why the Lord has blessed us with sooo much water, trees, grass, etc. etc.. perhaps some day if your state is still around you might like to borrow some.

[John L.]

Re: 1963 C2 license plate Bezel retaining pan head screws.

David
I have the exact same (4) pan head screws on my very original 65 if that's any help for a 63? Working on valance/hardware right now.
Screws were rusty/black when I restored the car in 07.? Now making everything hardware

bright. 

[Alan D.]

Re: 1963 C2 license plate Bezel retaining pan head screws.

Here a some listings from GM catalogs, note first one is from 1962.

[Francis F.]

Re: 1963 C2 license plate Bezel retaining pan head screws.

Richard,thanks for posting this chart,
Franxis