63 FI Idler pulley

[Todd L.]

I have the original idler pulley from my 63 Fuelie that needs restored. Does anyone know if these can be taken apart and restored, and if so, who does this? I would prefer to restore this one if it makes financial sense, but I know I can buy a repro from the big box retailers if not.

Thanks,
Todd

[Bob W.]

Re: 63 FI Idler pulley

Tom, In Zip Corvettes new C1 catalog they have a replacement bearing # m-4273 for $84.99.The bearing will work for 62 and up.

Bob

[Joe L.]

Re: 63 FI Idler pulley

I have the original idler pulley from my 63 Fuelie that needs restored. Does anyone know if these can be taken apart and restored, and if so, who does this? I would prefer to restore this one if it makes financial sense, but I know I can buy a repro from the big box retailers if not.

Thanks,
Todd

Todd------


Very easy to rebuild. You need two things: a hydraulic press to remove the bearing from the bracket and pulley AND a bearing assembly last available from GM under GM #908076. It's GM-discontinued but should be otherwise available.

By the way, the pulley assembly was installed at St. Louis so I do not understand why the bracket on this one is painted engine orange. As I recall, the bracket should be semi-gloss black and the pulley natural steel or zinc plated.

[Todd L.]

Re: 63 FI Idler pulley

Thanks Joe,

I believe this was painted by the previous owner, not the factory.

[Todd L.]

Re: 63 FI Idler pulley

Thanks for the part # Bob

[Joe L.]

Re: 63 FI Idler pulley

Thanks Joe,

I believe this was painted by the previous owner, not the factory.

Todd------


If you do rebuild it make sure that you measure the relevant dimensions PRIOR to disassembling so that you can install the bearing assembly and pulley correctly.

[Todd L.]

Re: 63 FI Idler pulley

Great suggestion, thanks.

[Bob W.]

Re: 63 FI Idler pulley

Todd, Let me know how you make out.

Bob

[Todd L.]

Re: 63 FI Idler pulley

Well, I got the bearing out of the bracket, but can't figure out how to get under the bearing to hold it so I can press the shaft out. Any suggestions?

[Bob W.]

Re: 63 FI Idler pulley

Todd, I think you should have removed the pulley first then the bearing. So turn the pulley upside down support with something like a deep well socket and press the bearing out. By the way sorry about calling you Tom I don't know where that came from !!!

[Paul Y.]

Re: 63 FI Idler pulley

I had a water pump rebuilder in Denver that got a bearing for me and installed it on my idler pulley and it has worked flawlessly for many years. I agree with Joe L about the pulley being natural and the assembly being semi-gloss black. Paul

[John D.]

Re: 63 FI Idler pulley

Todd, Look in the 7th judging manual for info on the finish of this part. Page 150.
As I well know from restoring our original fuel injection your car is a border line case between early and the next level. Caught in the middle.
Lot of finish details in the idle assembly section of the manual.
In the photo your pulley is cadmium or maybe zinc. That's correct for your car. Later '63 has a black phosphate finish. Listen to what Joe Lucia said. Very important or your fan belt will be having alignment issues. John D.

[Bob W.]

Re: 63 FI Idler pulley

Todd, Have you made any progress on your idler pulley rebuild?

[Todd L.]

Re: 63 FI Idler pulley

Hello Bob,

I was able to get everything apart, but not without destroying the bearing completely. The pulley and bracket are good, and I ordered a replacement bearing assembly from ZIP. Once that comes in, I will get everything back together and send an updated picture.

Todd

[Bob W.]

Re: 63 FI Idler pulley

Todd, Thanks for the reply. When you get the bearing check to see if there is any part numbers stamped on it.

Bob