63 early flange cutover date

[Harry S.]

This is an early 63 flange. Any thoughts as to when it was discontinued for the thicker/beefier flange.

Thanks

[Timothy B.]

Harry,

I can't find anything about it in the 1963 AIM as you probably already know because it's part of the driveshaft assembly, there may be a change in the part number in the 64 AIM showing a date.

I bet the cast flange was used for most of the 63 model year.

[Harry S.]

Thanks Tim. Time to start looking under more 63’s

[Alan D.]

This TSB may help a little. The 64AIM is of no help, it a63 Flange Service Bulletin _20251014_150318.jpg 63 Flange Service Bulletin _20251014_150318.jpg ppears these came in as an assembly. This site is ALL screwed up now, sorry for double pictures and split lines.

[Joseph S.]

This is an early 63 flange. Any thoughts as to when it was discontinued for the thicker/beefier flange.

Thanks

Harry,

The new flange was not thicker/beefier. It was machined different with more relief. Then the 2nd design went into effect and was even thinner since it became a forged piece with reliefs for more U joint travel.

Joe

[Douglas C.]

Not sure if this is useful, but my June'63 SWC has one early style and one of the later "forged" style. I can't attest to the originality of this configuration. Given the rarity of the early style, I would expect that one to be original from the factory. BTW. Those early style flanges are tough to install on U- joints without a strong backing tool to keep them from bending.

[Harry S.]

Thanks all. I just the comparison based on pictures. After zoom, the earlier does look beefier as Joe said. I’m in the UK enjoying a pint, I’ll look under the 63’s next week.

[Wayne G.]

My late build, 07/12/63 has the early style flanges. It’s a very original low milage car.

Wayne