AFB Rehab

[Stuart F.]

I have decided to rehab my original AFB Carter for my 63 340Hp Vette. I replaced it back in the 90's due to a number of problems, one being the choke which is the same problem I am having now anyway with the replacement carb.

The choke base (housing) on the side of the carb has 2 of 3 bosses for holding the phenolic cover in place, as adjusted, warped or tipped inward. This is no doubt due to being over tightened by me over the years and the heat from the air drawn through the exhaust heated tube into it. I tried to buy a new one from Corvette Central as they were the only supplier still listing it. They advised it is now discontinued. So, is there any way I can force those two bosses back in line; cold pressing in a vice?, heating them then pressing them? or am I going to have to grind them enough to allow the phenolic cover to fit? If I do the latter, I will still have a screw alignment problem. I suspect that metal is quite brittle and any attempt to straighten it will cause the bosses to break off.

Any suggestions?

Stu Fox

[Jeff C.]

Re: AFB Rehab

Stu,
I think that the housing from a edelbrock performer carb will fit and work on your AFB. The finish is shiny and will not match. The performer is a copy of the later AFB.
Jeff

[Jeff C.]

Re: AFB Rehab

Stu,
I think that the housings are pot metal and it will be difficult to bend the tabs with out breaking them. Also you need all 3 to get a good seal.
Jeff

[Joel T.]

Re: AFB Rehab

Stu;

I picked up two correctly dated AFB's for my 63 340 from Custom Rebuilt Carbs here in over-taxed New Jersey.

https://www.customrebuiltcarbs.com

Phil Cancilla is the owner. I would call him and let him know what you need and I would bet he will be able to help you. Phil is one of those guys who travels to all the swap meets, early in the AM, and picks up rebuildable original cores...

Good Luck,

Joel

[Stuart F.]

Re: AFB Rehab

Thanks for the info and suggestions fellows. My replacement carb is doing fine actually. Think I have most of the issues ironed out except the choke which, here in Florida, is not all that big of a concern.

The one boss on the old choke base housing isn't warped as it is close to the cylinder portion which supports it. It's just the two bosses that sort of float out there w/o support that have warped.

I decided to rehab the old carb as a backup, then looked closer at it and noticed that is a better quality unit than the replacement, i.e. brass vent tubes instead of rolled aluminum, no extra holes and pieces on the throttle linkage for other applications, and of course it is the correct numbered carb for the car. I have a lot to learn about how to refinish it to look more like new.

Thanks again;

Stu