Expansion Tank-Welded Tube
I'm trying to determine if my E64 tank is correct. My cars build date is Nov 14,63. The tank code is 63J (Oct 63) along with 63K radiator. So far so good; but the tank has a welded tube. Noland's book says the change over from pressed fit was mid year production. The AIM does not show a revision date for this part. Does anyone know when this change took affect? I have no reason to believe it's not original to the car which has never been restored, but who knows. I also noticed that Corvette Central says when ordering 63 dates(pressed fit) 64 dates (welded). Any other clues to determine originality? Thanks for replys.
-
-
Re: Expansion Tank-Welded Tube
This isn't an exact answer to your question, but I have a July 63 build that originally had, as you call, pressed in fittings. It failed back in about 1975. I replaced it with a dated 1975 tank, and then replaced that with one with a correct/dated repro from De Witts back in the 80's. It has the pressed in (rolled) fittings. At the recent winter meet, I inquired of the De Witt's representative as to how long their repro would last. He informed me that, although theirs' looks like the original on the outside, in reality, it is welded on the inside and should last as long as any other welded tank.
You might say; this is a case where the repro is better than the original.
Stu Fox -
Re: Expansion Tank-Welded Tube
Jim,
Have a Mar64 with pressed tube. Now it was ng so ordered another one from DeWitts who I believe said I required the press tube which was a correct guess on their part. So not sure why you are being lead towards a weld for all 64's which is just not so.
Now if you are sure that your original was welded that's what I would order.
Unable to help you with when the change was made, but if any left over press designs were on the factory floor bet they got used and if the welded ones were on the floor at same time than they would also get used.
My 64AIM lists the Tank as 3165416 with NO changes associated with it. The latest date on the sheet is 3-27-64 while the sheet was issued on 4-26-63Comment
-
Re: Expansion Tank-Welded Tube
Thanks guys, but let me explain my quandry a little further. My tank is performing fine and I dont need a new one, but was concerned of point deduction for a welded tank that early in production. And how could a date of 63J be on a welded tank? Unless way back someone replaced a failed pressed tube tank with a welded one for performance purposes and had it ordered with a correct date to preceed the build date. That would not make since and I don't think anyone would go to the trouble on a car not being shown. So we have a tank with a welded tube made in Oct 63. Could the factory have been experimenting the welded tube design before it was a running line change? We already know that the AIM doesn't indicate a revision, so just when did it occur???? Seems like this could be one of those field judging arguing points that never goes away unless there is substantial facts to back it up.Comment
-
Re: Expansion Tank-Welded Tube
Have you checked any other book sources, such as Noland Adam's restoration guide?
I understand your dilema. I'll check some other sources and get back to you if I find something.
Stu FoxComment
-
Re: Expansion Tank-Welded Tube
My Mid December 63 Coupe had a pressed Tube.
Regards
chrComment
-
Re: Expansion Tank-Welded Tube
Just to add more fuel to the fire,
My '64 (Feb. 23 build date, 64B on expansion tank) has welded tubes!Comment
-
Re: Expansion Tank-Welded Tube
Jim,
My January 18th built '64 has pressed in tubes and is dated 63M as is the original radiator. My serial number is 92xx.
Hope this helps,
James WestComment
-
Re: Expansion Tank-Welded Tube
Could it be possible the fitting leaked and someone welded it...
Comment
-
Re: Expansion Tank-Welded Tube
The reason in the first place the tanks were welded is because they leaked, however they were replaced by the dealer after delivery. This would tend to support welded tanks with the approximately correct date. And yes I'm sure some tanks were repaced with pressed fitting tanks that were on the shelf. Those may have had an approximately correct date.
This would lead us to believe that all 63's had pressed fittings and that early 64's could have had both. Later 64's had welded fittings.
If you going to have your car judged, go by the judging manual. That's what you will be judged by on the field.
If you are the original owner of the Corvette leave it like it was from the factory.
If 100 people plus have owned your buggy, better punt!
JR
PS. My 11xxx 64 had welded fittings and they were original!!!!!!!!Comment
-
Re: Expansion Tank-Welded Tube
I don't think that's the case since the balance port at the top is also welded. I'll post a pic later to see what you think. BTW, correction on the date: 63J is Sept because "I" was not used on this part per Noland Adams pg. 15 and M being Dec. One other tidbit; I noticed in Noland's book pg 85 that the Eng. drwg. shows 63H on the example date (Aug). However the drawing is undated. If the change was even partially implemented by Sept, that's really fast.Comment
-
Re: Expansion Tank-Welded Tube
Here are pic showing date and welds. Please disregard Bubba's heater hose bypass when core leaked.
Comment
-
Re: Expansion Tank-Welded Tube
Having pic trouble with my wife's Vista program. Will try again later.
Comment
Comment