1969 Copper Radiator Caps

[Keith M.]

So the cap that was on my car is totally incorrect and 7lb instead of 15lb. I have seen some 15lb ones that appear correct except the wording is different...for one thing. Instead of "Turn Tight" and "Remove Slowly" they say "Never Open Hot" and "Inspect Spring and Fall". These latter ones are GM#861050 and parts catalog confirms they are applicable for 1969...not necessarily correct for my L46 car. What Corvettes models used the 861050. The JG for 69 says nothing about these. Thanks.

[Mark E.]

Re: 1969 Copper Radiator Caps

I'm not a cap expert, but a couple of thoughts-

- I believe the stainless RC-15 "Never Open Hot" caps are service replacements available from Chevy in the 20th century (Joe L. can probably give specific dates).
These are probably better than original RC-15 since they're stainless. I run one of these on the car and keep an original in the box.

- "Corvette Restorer" recently ran a thorough article with pictures about caps.

[Keith M.]

Re: 1969 Copper Radiator Caps

Thanks. using article index found the article in issue 32 pub 3.,,so i guess that is Fall issue..from 2006. Are back issues available online? If not any chance someone can get me copy of that article somehow??

[James G.]

Re: 1969 Copper Radiator Caps

69 used a RC 15 big ear with solid rivet.
Same as 70-72 LT1.
100_9352.jpg

[Keith M.]

Re: 1969 Copper Radiator Caps

So...what do we make of these guys touting as NOS???

https://www.ebay.com/itm/374954671009?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110013%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIMRXI%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D255331%26meid%3Dbeee9845aa0c4b1995761efe35721a68%26pid%3D101196%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D285055996279%26itm%3D374954671009%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D4429486%26algv%3DPromotedRVIPbooster%26brand%3DInline%2BTube&_trksid=p4429486.c101196.m2219&amdata=cksum%3A374954671009beee9845aa0c4b1995761efe35721a68%7Cenc%3AAQAIAAABAJsbtOKd5uIU0OgsJNCgXCNNG5Q96eZJY4mST5iU23SFD81QhlECudpz%252BzVEZ6F6CK8TVyb120JrAtgkq%252FqPlzs4fLF%252FZWN5ywTVNx2xdzWACoqIAyBvwVUbo223RC3Tug7r71RZSlHgN8jf3eo9%252BNOf48pa4X3G84489rdxtoOFn%252BpwA30vYMvAGqOdjshcnebqbO7AZQGpRdwkzO86NbM1U4my33Xot2OoZpIL%252FCxEF3nItZ3mpARttG7ustqG5c3yxOqEsLLebuEObbBBvzUeWIPDPW2UltWzGa%252BB6nQp4ouGRmZNErn1A%252BDIwQTkttM6qzqs9f7Aq16bqkNlhoE%253D%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A4429486

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1969 Copper Radiator Caps

So...what do we make of these guys touting as NOS???

Touting maybe, but not the truth.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 1969 Copper Radiator Caps

Here is the original cap from my October 68 A/C car.
Jeff

[Keith M.]

Re: 1969 Copper Radiator Caps

Which I suppose begs the question, who made the caps originally? Gm? Or??

[Mark E.]

Re: 1969 Copper Radiator Caps

Which I suppose begs the question, who made the caps originally? Gm? Or??

Based on the AC stamping, I'd say AC Spark Plug Division of GM,

[Owen L.]

Re: 1969 Copper Radiator Caps

So...what do we make of these guys touting as NOS???

Well, the description says:

Manufactured By: Inline Tube in the USA
Unlike the cheap overseas made kits Inline Tube manufacturers our kits here in the USA

Perhaps it's just a cut & paste error from some other listing as the caps aren't a kit, but then there's this:

Manufacturer Part Number INL11771

Which matches the part number from their website for the cap. The webpage has no reference to NOS or OEM.

https://www.inlinetube.com/products/inl11771

[Gary B.]

Re: 1969 Copper Radiator Caps

Putting NOS in the title of the eBay auction for what is actually a brand new, not at all NOS, cap is not being honest on the part of the eBay seller. Basically, false advertising. That might be why the seller does not have a 100% feedback rating.

Gary

[Keith M.]

Re: 1969 Copper Radiator Caps

Just for giggles I sent them an ebay inquiry to clarify. Ya really want some giggles check them out on Yelp. 32 reviews averaging 1.3 out of 5 rating. Be careful out there.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1969 Copper Radiator Caps

That might be why the seller does not have a 100% feedback rating.

Gary

FYI, Inline Tube and their other eBay ID sell a lot of parts, and I've purchased many from them.
Paragon used to use them for their fuel and brake lines too.
They generally make very good products, so don't believe everything the eBay rating says. It's rare for a large parts company to garner 100%.

[Owen L.]

Re: 1969 Copper Radiator Caps

I agree with Patrick: I've ordered 3 or 4 times (fuel and brake lines) directly from Inline tube and never had an issue with the orders or the parts. I'm surprised with their liberties on that eBay title listing, which the description text does not mirror.

[Keith M.]

Re: 1969 Copper Radiator Caps

And vendor response was.....

New message from: inlinetube (41,787)

I do not see that listed as NOS, Here is the listing. GM radiator cap original style RC-15. This is the correct original style radiator cap. It has the correct lettering on the cap .