1963 Rear Muffler Hangers... Current Thoughts

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1963 Rear Muffler Hangers... Current Thoughts

So, I guess that the consensus is to use the conveyor belt-like strap...covered with the copper sheet, and not use the additional braided straps shown in the AIM.

My 63 is a July car... with AM/FM radio...

Thanks to all for your input.

[Dave S.]

Re: 1963 Rear Muffler Hangers... Current Thoughts

Chuck,
Yes, I'm hearing the same thing. Interesting thread.

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1963 Rear Muffler Hangers... Current Thoughts

Would seem redundant to have both the flat copper sheet AND the braided ground strap.

Was the intention to remove the copper sheet...and use only the braided strap?

[Harry S.]

Re: 1963 Rear Muffler Hangers... Current Thoughts

This is the 64 - 67 rear hanger. The ground strap is needed as it's an all rubber connection.

[Michael J.]

Re: 1963 Rear Muffler Hangers... Current Thoughts

If it helps, my non-radio equipped May '63 has the copper sheets on the rear hangers.

[Richard G.]

Re: 1963 Rear Muffler Hangers... Current Thoughts

Although the answers to the application questions sometime defy logic it is always prudent to remember GM was in this to make money.
And Chevrolet was one of the best at not spending money on anything not required. The ignition switch debacle the leaking 2.8 rear mains only saved pennies per car yet they were implemented. My guess is the early C2's came with only the brass grounding in the mount and when it was discontinued it was replaced with the ground strap and the new mounts. I would surmise they never used both at the same time. Also note the replacement mount has fewer parts. It appears to be close to a 5 to 1 parts ratio. One can easily surmise the replacement mount was less expensive than the earlier 63 mount. This theme is carried through may of the changes made throughout the 63 model year and into the change over to 64's. Even the rear window change to a one piece glass can be justified using costs alone. Fewer parts and less install time not to mention the leaks that may have been avoided with a single window all costs less than the old design. I can in-vision where the argument to drop the split window was not lost in styling versa function but in the board room.
A very good discussion that most seem to agree on. Even though the documentation seems to be sparse the actual application on unmolested cars seems to be conclusive enough.
Rick

[Alan D.]

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1963 Rear Muffler Hangers... Current Thoughts

So, Noland and the AIM sorta "verify" the extra braided straps... but in practicality, nobody has seen them used...

Thanks to all for taking the time to scan documents, examine cars, take photos, and reply

[Harry S.]

Re: 1963 Rear Muffler Hangers... Current Thoughts

I'm restarting this with a quick color question.

On the 63 rear muffler hanger, was the upper bracket that mounted to the frame natural or black? While i'm asking was the entire hanger natural or black, except for the brass/copper sheet?

Thanks

[Loren L.]

Re: 1963 Rear Muffler Hangers... Current Thoughts

Please recall that the FM radio required additional grounding, ie, the clip on the back of the topshield to the tach cable.

[Richard G.]

Re: 1963 Rear Muffler Hangers... Current Thoughts

I didn't see where one of the original question was answered.
Were the brackets painted?
Difficult to tell, if they were painted or not, by looking at the pictures of the original cars that were included in this thread.
My guess they were not painted because of the grounding through the brass issues that would have arisen if they were.
Rick

[Dave S.]

Re: 1963 Rear Muffler Hangers... Current Thoughts

I'm restarting this with a quick color question.

On the 63 rear muffler hanger, was the upper bracket that mounted to the frame natural or black? While i'm asking was the entire hanger natural or black, except for the brass/copper sheet?

Thanks

My reproductions from the early 90's are natural steel above and below the brass strap. Doesn't mean anything except that how they reproduced them long ago.

[Richard G.]

Re: 1963 Rear Muffler Hangers... Current Thoughts

Thanks that is good to know.
I didn't see where this is addressed in the JM.
Mine may be an old copy though.

[Donald L.]

Re: 1963 Rear Muffler Hangers... Current Thoughts

My 63 serial number 20,7xx this car has never been a part and never hit has the muffler hangers with the copper plates in them no grounding straps also has an AM/FM radio.

[Richard G.]

Re: 1963 Rear Muffler Hangers... Current Thoughts

Don
Can you tell if the hangers were ever painted?
Rick