65 Big Block Radiator Shroud J Nuts Revisited

[Keith B.]

I wanted to post a thread about 65 big block radiator shroud J Nuts because I believe that there were actually two versions used on the 65. I was knocked hard at Bowtie check off judging because my 19,000 mile car had six hex shaped aged J nuts on my radiator shroud. This lead the judges to the conclusion that they must have been replaced because they weren't square. In turn then they questioned that the radiator, shroud, fan, and clutch were out of the car because they thought if the shroud was off everythiing else must have been also. I disclosed that the radiator had been flushed and they had replacement clamps on the hoses ( I chose to leave them alone per judging requirements) In addition, the fan then was questioned because it had a "w" on it. I have consulted with known original cars and have found that they too have hex shape J nuts and "w" on the fan. I am not sure who will be writing the 65 Mechanical section of the judging manual when it is due to be updated but I would like this to be considered to be included so others are not adversely effected. I would like to here from others with serial numbers after16000 about their big block J nuts and fans.

[Tony S.]

Re: 65 Big Block Radiator Shroud J Nuts Revisited

Keith. Here's the J nut used on my 396 fan shroud. I believe it is original to my car.

Tony

[Bill W.]

Re: 65 Big Block Radiator Shroud J Nuts Revisited

looks just like mine on 17346 . including the small dimple .

[Tony S.]

Re: 65 Big Block Radiator Shroud J Nuts Revisited

They are original to my barn find car (parked in 1972 until I bought it last year). My car is 23340--built July 29th, '65.

Tony

[Page C.]

Re: 65 Big Block Radiator Shroud J Nuts Revisited

Dick Bridges will have his 4 star bowtie 1965 396 car at the National Conv. next month to get the 5th star. It's in the 176xx range and it also has the same type hex J nuts.
Another neat thing about it is the door jams and rain gutters are not dull like the new paint guidlines would have you believe.
Regards,
Page Campbell

[Keith B.]

Re: 65 Big Block Radiator Shroud J Nuts Revisited

His car and mine were built most likely on the same day. They are less then 50 cars apart in serial number. I find it amazing that two cars built so close can still be in original condition so many years later. His car is green and mine is black. Both have saddle interiors. Brothers separated at birth!!

[Bill W.]

Re: 65 Big Block Radiator Shroud J Nuts Revisited

Original jambs or just unbuffed lacquer. Some are dull some are not. depends on the painter and the color . Why dont owners just say "its urathane it has clear I got it as close as I could" you cant fool everybody.

[Tony S.]

Re: 65 Big Block Radiator Shroud J Nuts Revisited

When I painted my car, I made my jams, etc. more like a semi-gloss. Even though the jams weren't polished originally, the body was still baked in the oven. That helped flow out the new paint. Of the original jams that I've seen, they look more like semi gloss--not flat.

[Tony S.]

Re: 65 Big Block Radiator Shroud J Nuts Revisited

I wanted to post a thread about 65 big block radiator shroud J Nuts because I believe that there were actually two versions used on the 65. I was knocked hard at Bowtie check off judging because my 19,000 mile car had six hex shaped aged J nuts on my radiator shroud. This lead the judges to the conclusion that they must have been replaced because they weren't square. In turn then they questioned that the radiator, shroud, fan, and clutch were out of the car because they thought if the shroud was off everythiing else must have been also. I disclosed that the radiator had been flushed and they had replacement clamps on the hoses ( I chose to leave them alone per judging requirements) In addition, the fan then was questioned because it had a "w" on it. I have consulted with known original cars and have found that they too have hex shape J nuts and "w" on the fan. I am not sure who will be writing the 65 Mechanical section of the judging manual when it is due to be updated but I would like this to be considered to be included so others are not adversely effected. I would like to here from others with serial numbers after16000 about their big block J nuts and fans.

9000 mile car.
Tony