RPO 121 - Fan and Clutch 1960

[Mark P.]

Does anyone know if this 5 blade fan and clutch is correct for a 1960. I bought it off EBAY and the posting said it would work for a 1960-1962 but it came off a 1962.

The clutch looks identical to the picture in the 58-60 JM.

[Jack H.]

Re: RPO 121 - Fan and Clutch 1960

Looks right to me... The '62 cars generally used an 'improved' version of the clutch which was unique to that year. They had fluid reservoir 'bulges' in the face plate that the earlier ('60-62E) fan clutches didn't have.

[Mark P.]

Re: RPO 121 - Fan and Clutch 1960

Thanks Jack. You just cured my temporary buyers remorse. Are the fan/clutch combos very difficult to find ? I haven't seen them come up on EBAY for months.

[Jack H.]

Re: RPO 121 - Fan and Clutch 1960

Yes, Corvette fans were slightly different from the equivalent passenger car fan (diameter) and the fan clutch was an option in '60, then standard in '61 and changed shape/geometry in '62. Soooo, you've got a one year + window of Corvette/Chevy cars using that fan clutch as the source 'pool' for used originals...

[Joe L.]

Re: RPO 121 - Fan and Clutch 1960

Thanks Jack. You just cured my temporary buyers remorse. Are the fan/clutch combos very difficult to find ? I haven't seen them come up on EBAY for months.

Mark-----


This style clutch is very difficult to find. They were only used for a few model years and for very few applications. Their last use and availability in this configuration was almost 50 years ago. That all adds up to "hard to find".

The fan is not so hard to find. In fact, it was available from GM until a few years ago, although there were minor differences from originals of the early 60's era.

[Jack H.]

Re: RPO 121 - Fan and Clutch 1960

Amen! Want to really search for the Holy Grail of fan clutches? Go out and find one for a '58 Impala with A/C!!!

[Larry C.]

Re: RPO 121 - Fan and Clutch 1960

Jack,

I have an original '62, #13078 built approx June 22, 1962, that has a clutch identical to the photo posted by Mark Pellowski. It has no fluid reservior buldges.

[Jack H.]

Re: RPO 121 - Fan and Clutch 1960

Yes...and you are the original owner who bought the car new?

Bottom line, what you're saying differs from accepted norms that are published in the '61-62 Judging Guide. So, you've got a potential judging issue with your car...

Photographs of the two different versions of the fan clutch known to be used in '62 are depicted in the JG. What isn't defined in the JG is what constitutes 'early' and what constitues 'late'.

So, maybe you'll find a running change documented in the AIM that gives a date for the transition from the early fan clutch, 3764830, to the later version. Might be, your car could have either version depending on build date and the on-hand inventory position at the factory...

[Larry C.]

Re: RPO 121 - Fan and Clutch 1960

Hey, Jack,

I know this doesn't qualify as "original owner" but I purchased the '62 in April 1965 with 28K original miles and have owned it ever since. I can generally tell an unmolested, original vette when I see one, especially '62s. Don't plan to have it judged, so not worried about that. Just thought members might like some information even if it has been authenticated by the experts.