56 Thermostat Housing

[Mark P.]

I need a clarifcation on the thermostat housing for my 56 dual quad car. Is the housing an original style cast iron passenger car outlet, or the GM outlet that they sell at Paragon #913K (GM3711268) or curved design #850K? The ones I've seen look like the passenger car unit, only painted silver. The JG says that it was cast iron in 56, but changed to an aluminum outlet in 57. Mine is a September 7 car. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Mark

[Gary C.]

Re: 56 Thermostat Housing

Mark, JM revision on carb thermostat housings. Gary....



All 1956 and 1957 cast iron and aluminum thermostat housings have a smooth flat top with 2 triangular mold cavities on the bottom side located by each stud hole.

[John D.]

Re: 56 Thermostat Housing

Gary, The aluminum thermostat housing used on later '57's and all of '58 had a raised parting line on top. The parting line or seam runs parallel to the hose connection. Now I may have misunderstood what you meant when you say smooth flat top. Thanx, JD

[Roy B.]

Re: 56 Thermostat Housing

Looks like this

[Mark P.]

Re: 56 Thermostat Housing

Thanks for the great info. Do you know if anyone reproduces this particular unit or where I might get one?

Mark

[Edward M.]

Re: 56 Thermostat Housing

There was one on Ebay a little while ago that did not sell. Seller was asking $20. Check Completed Listings for Chevrolet Thermostat Housing.

Is this the same part that was used on passenger car two and four barrel engines?

[Gary C.]

Re: 56 Thermostat Housing

John, good catch - it should smooth top flange. Thanks, Gary....

[John D.]

Re: 56 Thermostat Housing

John, good catch - it should smooth top flange. Thanks, Gary....

Thanx. A customer bought his original 58 FI to me and was upset that I told him that his aluminum top water outlet should NOT have a smooth top. I pulled a pitted one out like in Roy's nice pic to show him what it should be.

Meanwhile I am very happy that NCRS finally recognized that the early 57's used a cast iron top water outlet. In the Pittsburgh chapter the old 57 guru's like Holmes & Fellers have been arguing that point for an eon. Thanks, JD

[Mike M.]

Re: 56 Thermostat Housing

Mark, JM revision on carb thermostat housings. Gary....



All 1956 and 1957 cast iron and aluminum thermostat housings have a smooth flat top with 2 triangular mold cavities on the bottom side located by each stud hole.

gary et al: i was under the impression the cast iron outlet was cad plated, not painted silver. ??????????? mike