Rebuilt fan clutch for 1963 Corvette

[Richard G.]

I just had my fan clutch rebuilt at Kirkconnell Corvettes.
The service was excellent with emails both when it arrived, during the process and when it was shipped back, complete with tracking number. Before rebuilding if it was rotated by hand, the fan clutch would act like normal for a couple of turns and then go loose. My car was also running warm on slow cruise during the summer. I believe the rebuild clutch should fix this issue.
I am including before and after photos of the clutch.



As sent out.


The font size and spacing, of the ink stamping, didn't exactly match the original.
Their is another stamping, the CJ, that wasn't there or wasn't visible on the original.
And I am unsure about the bolt and hub finish, where they black phosphate?

I realize I am getting quite particular.
It feels much better and doesn't go loose after a couple turns like it did.
It was also leaking. I consider 57 years acceptable service for an original!

I am happy with the results. The communication, during the process, was second to none! Looking forward to slow cruising from here out.
Rick

[Ed S.]

Re: Rebuilt fan clutch for 1963 Corvette

I had a very similar (favorable) experience with Kirkconnell. I had an incorrect and malfunctioning fan clutch - it was leaking. Purchased a correct, restorable unit from Dave Sokolowski - at a decent price. Dave shipped it directly to Kirkconnell Corvettes for me where it was restored and correctly date stamped. This was all coordinated via e mail and phone in advance. Results were fantastic. After installing the fan my temp gauge pegs at 180, even on a 90+ degree day - it is like it is painted on 180.

[Russ S.]

Re: Rebuilt fan clutch for 1963 Corvette

There is no reason why the stamp couldn't be much more accurate.

[David L.]

Re: Rebuilt fan clutch for 1963 Corvette

Rick,
Years ago I did a lot of research on Chevrolet & Corvette factory installed & service fan clutches. The "CJ" fan clutch is GM # 3916139 and first appears in my 1967 Chevrolet Parts Catalog (Apr. 1967) in Gr. 1.050. GM # 3916139 replaced the 3814137 fan clutch in Jan. 1968 for service fan clutches. It is my belief that the "CJ" fan clutches first appeared on 1967 models. The part # 3916139 fan clutch is not listed in the 1967 Corvette AIM but the "CJ" fan clutch was apparently original equipment on some 1967 Corvettes. I don't think that your original fan clutch that was stamped "L7C" (date code Nov. or Dec. 7, 1963) ever had a 2-letter code.
Dave

[Richard G.]

Re: Rebuilt fan clutch for 1963 Corvette

Dave;
I agree, I will remove the two letter code. Should be one wipe with some thinner.
BTW my car's birthday is Dec 21st. Not a lot of lead time on this clutch was their?

Did your research indicate what the shaft finish might have been?
Thanks for the feedback.
Rick

[David L.]

Re: Rebuilt fan clutch for 1963 Corvette

Rick,
You might want to view the thread listed below about the 1967 CJ fan clutches. I once owned a 5-blade Schwitzer fan (GM # 3814137 as shown in the 66 and 67 assembly manuals) that was used on 66-67 Corvettes w/AC. The fan was stamped "912239", "SC", and dated "L6" (Nov. 1966) and the fan clutch was ink stamped "EATON", "CJ", and "L27G" (Nov. 27, 1966). I would say that your clutch is dated November 7, 1962 (NOT December 7, 1963......I should have checked my notes on the date codes).

A = Jan
B = Feb.
etc. (the letter "I" was not used)
L = Nov.
M = Dec.

C = 1962
D = 1963
E = 1964
F = 1965
G = 1966
F = 1967


Dave

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...ht=L12G+clutch

[Don H.]

Re: Rebuilt fan clutch for 1963 Corvette

I would leave the CJ on there, since it's there now. The judges look for it. If you had the original clutch, and it wasn't there, I wouldn't add it. But, if you are having the car judged, why not leave it?

[David L.]

Re: Rebuilt fan clutch for 1963 Corvette

Attached is a photo of what appears to be an original 1963 fan clutch dated "L18C" (Nov. 18, 1962) that I found on the web.
I have never seen the "CJ" stamping on any original 1963-1966 Corvette or Chevrolet fan clutches. I still believe that the "CJ" fan clutch first appeared in the 1967 model year. I have had a couple of original "CJ" fan clutches and both had dates for 1967 models. I wonder what others think about this.
Dave