67 427 Fan Source
Looking for a recommendation on the best source for an accurate reproduction cooling fan for a 67 427 without AC. Unfortunately, can't afford the big money the originals are selling for. Sent back the Paragon reproduction fan due to poor fitment on the clutch.
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Re: 67 427 Fan Source
how many blades does it have??Michael
70 Mulsanne Blue LT-1
03 Electron Blue Z06 -
In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: 67 427 Fan Source
I just had to break down and buy a reproduction myself, got mine from Long Island, probably the exact same fan you sent back. Didn't have any fitment issues, although I wasn't mounting it on an original clutch. There is nothing like an original piece however.Comment
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Re: 67 427 Fan Source
Its to bad that they go to the trouble of making these repro parts and they are not correct. DaleComment
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Re: 67 427 Fan Source
Maybe I just got a bad repro from Paragon. When I assembled the fan on the original clutch I noticed the bolt bosses on the clutch were not seating flush with the fan front surface. Upon examination it was clear that the twist of the blades extended through the bolt holes. This prevents the fan from mounting properly. I never had to tighten the nuts to observe this. I noticed on Ebay that original 17 1/2" 5 bladed 427 fans with all the "W" and "H" and "FRONT" and "66" are selling for anywhere from $250 to $600. Repros are around $150-$180. I'd rather have an original but "ouch". I agree that there is no clear rationale for not better replicating the originals. Sounds like an opportunity for someone is out there. I'll contact LI Corvette.
thanks,
DereckComment
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Re: 67 427 Fan Source
Dereck-----
I feel fairly confident that there is only 1 manufacturing source for these 3888366 fan blade assemblies. I just can't imagine that there would be enough market for these things, especially since this is a Corvette-only piece, to justify more than one manufacturing source. Of course, it's POSSIBLE that there's one US source and one "far east" source. However, suppliers like Paragon and Dr. Rebuild usually identify which parts are "imported" and I don't think that Paragon shows this as imported.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: 67 427 Fan Source
Dale-----
Yes, it is. However, I expect that for a piece like this the main problem is the same as usual with reproduction parts-----THE QUALITY OF THE TOOLING. The 3888366 fan blade assembly was discontinued from SERVICE in 1971, and I'll bet that manufacture of it ceased well prior to that time. So, my expectation would be that the tooling for this piece is long-gone. That means that if someone is to reproduce it, they have to create new tooling. The sort of tooling that is required to make a PRODUCTION-quality piece would be prohibitively expensive in the relatively tiny restoration market. So, they have to make do with tooling that is likely not up to PRODUCTION quality standards. That often results in an inferior quality piece. This "scenario" plays out all the time.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: 67 427 Fan Source
Makes you appreciate your original parts even more.Comment
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Re: 67 427 Fan Source
John-----
Where did you get that alternator on your car? I realize that 1969 alternators are hard to come by. However, it's pretty easy to get a "nearly correct" split ring (rear) case half. I've never seen a split ring case like the one you have on a 10-SI series alternator; it must be an aftermarket piece of some kind.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: 67 427 Fan Source
That's a $36.95 remanufactured Alternator. I'm saving up for the $700 December dated 1100900.
That will be the last piece I put on. (When there's absolutely nothing else it needs) But I also need to find some $300 horns and some $800 Hub Caps.
I did pretty good though considering the Radiator, Brackets, Pullies, Fan Blade, dated fan clutch etc. are all original so I can't complain too much. (Especially since I didn't check any of those numbers prior to purchase.)
Seeing how much these parts can cost makes you appreciate what you do have correct.
I never thought I'd be proud of a Fan Blade. I saw a 3888366 and a dated fan clutch on E-bay with a Buy it now of $1500.
He was even prouder apparently.
We're unfortunately approaching a point where it will be more profitable to part out a pristine, original, low mile car than sell it as a Survivor.Last edited by John M.; October 2, 2009, 11:49 PM.Comment
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Re: 67 427 Fan Source
John, You have a really great set of wheels there, keep up the good work. The vette is not too dusty either. Every man needs a good set of toys.
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Re: 67 427 Fan Source
That $900.00 part will be a $1,500.00 part if you wait too long. Cores are getting extremely hard to find.That's a $36.95 remanufactured Alternator. I'm saving up for the $700 December dated 1100900.
That will be the last piece I put on. (When there's absolutely nothing else it needs) But I also need to find some $300 horns and some $800 Hub Caps.
I did pretty good though considering the Radiator, Brackets, Pullies, Fan Blade, dated fan clutch etc. are all original so I can't complain too much. (Especially since I didn't check any of those numbers prior to purchase.)
Seeing how much these parts can cost makes you appreciate what you do have correct.
I never thought I'd be proud of a Fan Blade. I saw a 3888366 and a dated fan clutch on E-bay with a Buy it now of $1500.
He was even prouder apparently.
We're unfortunately approaching a point where it will be more profitable to part out a pristine, original, low mile car than sell it as a Survivor.Dick WhittingtonComment
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Re: 67 427 Fan Source
John,
Nice Indian. I'm design Manager for Indian Motorcycle in Kings Mountain, NC. We've Redesigned the entire bike. We have 20 dealers now with one opening in LA in December. Have a look at our website at www.indianmotorcycle.com. We just made the cover of Cycle World for this month. Stop by one of our dealers close to you and see the new bikes. We're here to stay this time.
Dereck
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