Is this a correct 1967 L79 Fan Shroud? Were they different with A/C?

[Scott S.]

I'm trying to identify whether this fan shroud is correct for a 1967 small block (L79). The car did not have A/C from the factory, but it had a "factory" A/C (from a '67 Corvette donor car that was being parted out) installed in 1977 or 1978. I don't know if that would mean it should have a different fan shroud or not, but this one has been on the car since at least 1978 (and maybe since '67).

There was an extension of some kind on the bottom of the shroud that was fabricated from aluminum, but I don't have it anymore. I have seen "correct" matching black fiberglass extensions on the vendor websites, so if this fan shroud is the right one (and salvageable) then I'll need to get an extension for the lower section. What I'm trying to figure out is:


A) Is this the correct fan shroud for a '67 non-A/C small block?

B) Should the fan shroud be different for a car with A/C?

C) If it is correct, is this one salvageable? It looks like it is to me, but I don't know. I'm trying to restore/refurbish/re-use as many original parts as possible, except in cases where it doesn't make sense to do so (and even then, sometimes...)


I have checked the various books and forums for good pictures of the fan shroud, but the the best ones I have found were all pictures of the top portion only (engine bay pictures).

Thanks,

Scott

[Michael M.]

Re: Is this a correct 1967 L79 Fan Shroud? Were they different with A/C?

Scott it looks like a original shroud. Could use a couple more photos. The small block A/C shrouds have a bolt-on fiberglass exension ring bolted to the shroud. The A/C shroud also has several narrow slots cut out for the extension ring. Almost anything is repairable, if its original restore it.

[Jim S.]

Re: Is this a correct 1967 L79 Fan Shroud? Were they different with A/C?

Scott it looks like a original shroud. Could use a couple more photos. The small block A/C shrouds have a bolt-on fiberglass exension ring bolted to the shroud. The A/C shroud also has several narrow slots cut out for the extension ring. Almost anything is repairable, if its original restore it.

Scott,

Again I can't speak to 67s but it is the same look as my 66 with A/C, Almost . There is no doubt that my car is an original A/C car , and despite what the J. G. says there was no extension attached to it , nor were there any slots cut out of it ! So I am putting it back that way!

Wiser folks may chime in for 67s , but in 66 , even though GM may have called for an extension ring , nobody in the plant listened , at least not by May of 66 . Yours looks like An original to me , but I am concerned that yours seem to be missing a bottom section , and maybe this was the difference between A/C and non A/C before they installed the extension ring , Or maybe it is the difference from 66 to 67, but it is definately different on the bottom !

Here are some pics of my 66 shroud for comparrison. Pehaps others will know why there is a difference.



Jim

[Scott S.]

Re: Is this a correct 1967 L79 Fan Shroud? Were they different with A/C?

Scott it looks like a original shroud. Could use a couple more photos. The small block A/C shrouds have a bolt-on fiberglass exension ring bolted to the shroud. The A/C shroud also has several narrow slots cut out for the extension ring. Almost anything is repairable, if its original restore it.

Hi Michael,

There was a fabricated aluminum piece that was being used in place of a legitimate fiberglass extension. However, it seems that more than just the extension is missing (I'll post more pics in the next post, to try to match the orientation in Jim's photos). Glad to know it's repairable, now I just have to figure out how it's supposed to look, and how to do it...

[Scott S.]

Re: Is this a correct 1967 L79 Fan Shroud? Were they different with A/C?

Scott,

Again I can't speak to 67s but it is the same as my 66 with A/C. There is no doubt that my car is an original A/C car , and despite what the J. G. says there was no extension attached to it , nor were there any slots cut out of it ! So I am putting it back that way!

Wiser folks may chime in for 67s , but in 66 , even though GM may have called for an extension ring , nobody in the plant listened , at least not by May of 66 .! So unless someone who knows says that they all had them by 67, I would run with what I have .If not you can buy the extension and have it installed with little effort. Either way it looks like the original to me !

Here are some pics for comparrison.



Jim

Hey Jim, thanks for the photos. All your car parts are much cleaner than mine...

Here are three pictures of the fan shroud that I tried to take from the same orientation as your pictures. It looks like mine is missing a large section out of the bottom, compared to your pictures.

(sorry about the poor lighting, I should have used the flash, but the batteries are running low)

[Wayne W.]

Re: Is this a correct 1967 L79 Fan Shroud? Were they different with A/C?

With extension.

[Jim S.]

Re: Is this a correct 1967 L79 Fan Shroud? Were they different with A/C?

With extension.

Hi Wayne ,

Good shot of the extension and slots ! What year car is that Shroud off of ?

And Pardon my ignorance, but it doesn't look like it extends anywhere ! It looks more like a reinforcement !

Jim

[Jim S.]

Re: Is this a correct 1967 L79 Fan Shroud? Were they different with A/C?

Hey Jim, thanks for the photos. All your car parts are much cleaner than mine...

Here are three pictures of the fan shroud that I tried to take from the same orientation as your pictures. It looks like mine is missing a large section out of the bottom, compared to your pictures.

(sorry about the poor lighting, I should have used the flash, but the batteries are running low)

Scott,

I may have cleaner parts but you sure have a better camera. Mine was taken with the flash !

In re the parts , I have been restoring this car for 11 + years , and have finally reached the stage where everything is done , cleaned , rebuilt, etc. etc. (A. I am doing it all myself . B. I don't know what I'm doing, and C. I'm self employed and have no time. ) So you are doing fine !

If you need more pics just ask .

Jim

[Wayne W.]

Re: Is this a correct 1967 L79 Fan Shroud? Were they different with A/C?

Hi Wayne ,

Good shot of the extension and slots ! What year car is that Shroud off of ?

And Pardon my ignorance, but it doesn't look like it extends anywhere ! It looks more like a reinforcement !

Jim

The extension is needed at the bottom of the shroud. The fan is already inside the lip at the top. I took those pictures so long ago, I don't remember what car they are from. Either 66 or 67.