307 radiator cap

[Dan H.]

Hi gang, does anyone have a picture of a 'real' 1964 307 radiator cap? Is the center rivet brass or aluminum? Is the 'AC' and '307 13#' circled etc.? Thanksfor help!
Dan

[Edward S.]

Re: 307 radiator cap

I know I saw one on E-Bay just two days ago, seller had side by side pictures of original vs repro. Good Luck

[Jack H.]

Re: 307 radiator cap

Have you looked at the description in the latest edition of the '63-64 Judging Guide? It's pretty complete in these areas (rivet material and exact layout of stamped ID's) based on time of production...

[Dan H.]

Re: 307 radiator cap

Thanks Jack, I did look at the manual but last Regional at Bend was told rivet was 'brass' by a very experienced Judge, sooo, back to the research mode again. My 'repro' is close to the JG and funtions perfectly, guess I'll leave it alone! Difference seems to be in the lettering/font between orig and repro. Thanks!
Dan

[Wayne M.]

Re: 307 radiator cap

.... at Bend was told rivet was 'brass' by a very experienced Judge, sooo, back to the research mode again. My 'repro' is close to the JG and funtions perfectly, guess I'll leave it alone! Difference seems to be in the lettering/font between orig and repro. Thanks!
Dan

Dan -- let me throw these 2 pics into the discussion; cap given to me GRATIS by a fellow west coast B.C. chapter member. Have no idea which year this is from ('63-'65).

Is there a possibility we're talking about two different rivets on the same cap ? (top vs. btm). Bottom rivet stem seems to be brass. Could take extreme close-ups of both top and bottom rivets. '65 TIM&JG says both rivet and sealing ring are aluminum. Is the sealing ring that thing you can see under the fiber gasket ?

[Peter L.]

Re: 307 radiator cap

Dan - As far as I know, the piece that looks like a rivet on the top of the cover on original AC 307 radiator pressure caps is/was and always has been aluminum. An AC 307 with a brass "rivet" would be rare and certainly not "typical" factory production, so the comment given to you at Bend is very interesting and I would leave it there if you plan to take the car and your 307 cap anywhere else in the NCRS system for judging. Pete

[John D.]

Re: 307 radiator cap

Dan, This subject was just covered last week or so on the aluminum vs brass rivet. My original 63 307 cap has an aluminum. One that I just sent to a buddy has an aluminum. A junker I have has an aluminum. All real deal originals have aluminum.
See page 130 of the 5th edition Judging guide. Says aluminum rivet. John

[Dan H.]

Re: 307 radiator cap

Thanks All, that is what I was looking for, was told top rivet should be brass, obviously was an error. I only have a Paragon repro now, alum rivet, circled 'AC' and '307/13#' as per the JG. 63's were different, no circles until late. Cap was never removed so bottom rivet wasn't involved etc. Does Tom Dewitt have a better repro cap? Thanks,
Dan

[Peter L.]

Re: 307 radiator cap

Dan - As far as I know, there is not a repop 307 radiator pressure cap that looks like (looks anything like) the "original." If you are looking, see the picture Wayne posted that's what you want. Check the archives as John has suggested as this topic was discussed within the last month. Also, I made a comment about the "circle" around the 307/13# stamping and I along with others who have seen numerous original AC 307 radiator pressure caps believe the circle imprint that does in fact appear on some caps is the result of the outline of the stamp and not a specific design feature; but if that is what the judges are looking for good luck in finding one as they are not typical. Pete

[Patrick H.]

Re: 307 radiator cap

Thanks All, that is what I was looking for, was told top rivet should be brass, obviously was an error. I only have a Paragon repro now, alum rivet, circled 'AC' and '307/13#' as per the JG. 63's were different, no circles until late. Cap was never removed so bottom rivet wasn't involved etc. Does Tom Dewitt have a better repro cap? Thanks,
Dan

Paragon and DeWitt are more than likely selling the same cap. At least, their supplier has been the same for the last several years.

The one shown on the LICS website differs from the one shown on Paragon's. I know that LICS has caps made just for them so if one is going to be different, it's theirs.

Patrick

[Grant W.]

Re: 307 radiator cap

Dan -- let me throw these 2 pics into the discussion; cap given to me GRATIS by a fellow west coast B.C. chapter member. Have no idea which year this is from ('63-'65).

Is there a possibility we're talking about two different rivets on the same cap ? (top vs. btm). Bottom rivet stem seems to be brass. Could take extreme close-ups of both top and bottom rivets. '65 TIM&JG says both rivet and sealing ring are aluminum. Is the sealing ring that thing you can see under the fiber gasket ?

Hi Wayne
Holy crap that is a big picture. Glad you still have the cap. I bet I have another one some where but maybe on our next judging school I may find it for you. Hope all is well and hope you didn't get snow yet. Did you find any use for the grill. TTYL. Grant

[John D.]

Re: 307 radiator cap

Dan - As far as I know, there is not a repop 307 radiator pressure cap that looks like (looks anything like) the "original." If you are looking, see the picture Wayne posted that's what you want. Check the archives as John has suggested as this topic was discussed within the last month. Also, I made a comment about the "circle" around the 307/13# stamping and I along with others who have seen numerous original AC 307 radiator pressure caps believe the circle imprint that does in fact appear on some caps is the result of the outline of the stamp and not a specific design feature; but if that is what the judges are looking for good luck in finding one as they are not typical. Pete

Pete, I have been into the 307 caps forever. I don't believe I ever saw one with the circle. Course that doesn't mean anything. Have you ever seen one Pete? JD

[Dan H.]

Re: 307 radiator cap

Dan - As far as I know, there is not a repop 307 radiator pressure cap that looks like (looks anything like) the "original." If you are looking, see the picture Wayne posted that's what you want. Check the archives as John has suggested as this topic was discussed within the last month. Also, I made a comment about the "circle" around the 307/13# stamping and I along with others who have seen numerous original AC 307 radiator pressure caps believe the circle imprint that does in fact appear on some caps is the result of the outline of the stamp and not a specific design feature; but if that is what the judges are looking for good luck in finding one as they are not typical. Pete

Thanks Peter, that is what I suspected but was afraid to ask! I did receive an excellent photo from Alan Drake who has very original 64 FI built 3 days after mine was in Mar 64. He still has his original/old 307 cap, it is identicle to the one in Nolands book page 86, which differs only slightly from the nice 307 posted here. It has a slight 'circle' only partially around the '307/13#' looks like the edge of a stamp/die device. It appears the '63' style carried well into 64 usage and should be considered as such during judging, the hunt goes on!
Dan

[Peter L.]

Re: 307 radiator cap

Dan - I'm glad Alan's on the ball and got you a photo. I was going to "kick Alan's tire" because I thought he had posted or sent a picture of the 307 from his car and you could make out some of the "circle." Pete