Rc-26 Radiator Cap

[Jack M.]

I looking for a picture of a correct RC-26 radiator cap for a 1966 300hp 327. any help in finding what is correct for this car. thanks jack

[Lynn H.]

Re: Rc-26 Radiator Cap

I believe this is the correct original style you are looking for. Could use to be re plated, but I think you can see the details.
Lynn

[Larry M.]

Re: Rc-26 Radiator Cap

Good originals are difficult to come by. Pete Lindahl may be able to help.

The best reproduction of this cap is probably offered by Long Island Corvette Supply (LICS). Plus a whole lot less $$. Check NCRS Advertisers at top of page for link.

Larry

[Rick S.]

Re: Rc-26 Radiator Cap

I was informed by others on this board that LICS had the best reproduction R-26 so I bought one and here is a photo.
Rick

[Lynn H.]

Re: Rc-26 Radiator Cap

I was informed by others on this board that LICS had the best reproduction R-26 so I bought one and here is a photo.
Rick

Rick,
I think your photo is missing!!
Lynn

[Rick S.]

Re: Rc-26 Radiator Cap

Lynn,
After I posted, I went back to my PhotoBucket account and updated several photos of the cap. It appears to be back now though.

Happy New Year,
Rick

[Rick S.]

Re: Rc-26 Radiator Cap

Well, checking again, it is not there, so here it is again.

Rick

[Paul O.]

Re: Rc-26 Radiator Cap

The photos that are shown are I think are for a 67 and later RC-26. A 66 RC-26 the script is more like a RC-307 and the AC logo is not in a circle if I remember correctly which as time goes by is not as sharp. Right now that is probably the hardest cap to locate a 66 RC-26. Sorry I dint have a photo not a home right now but that is what I remember. Paul 18046

[Jim C.]

Re: Rc-26 Radiator Cap

Jack,

I have a VERY LATE 1966 327/300. The radiator cap and overflow tank on my car are original to the car. I took a close look at the cap, and it looks like the cap in the photo posted by Rick Smith. My cap is not as clean (it has a little patina) however, the stampings and letters look the same.

Jim C.

[Peter L.]

Re: RC-26 Radiator Cap Cover Stampings

Paul - It's the 65 and earlier RC-26 used on 63-65 C60 Corvettes that you are thinking of. The change to the stampings on the cover to those as are in the photos posted came with 1966 production.

If I recall correctly, there was a DB thread several months ago on RC-26s and I think there was a photo posted on an original 63-65 RC-26 from a 65 C60 Corvette.

Pete

[Lynn H.]

Re: Rc-26 Radiator Cap

The photo I posted was removed this year from a very original (50K mile) 65 365HP coupe. I have no doubts as to the originality of this part to that car. It was in the VIN 20000+ (just over).
Lynn

[Wayne M.]

Re: RC-26 Radiator Cap Cover Stampings

Paul - It's the 65 and earlier RC-26 used on 63-65 C60 Corvettes that you are thinking of. The change to the stampings on the cover to those as are in the photos posted came with 1966 production.

If I recall correctly, there was a DB thread several months ago on RC-26s and I think there was a photo posted on an original 63-65 RC-26 from a 65 C60 Corvette.

Pete

Pete -- I don't think this is the photo you are referring to, but this one was on my early '65 C60 when I bought the car in 1980 [you've seen this shot before]. One of these days I should clean it up .

[Peter L.]

Re: Rc-26 Radiator Cap

Wayne - Yes, that's the one. Pete

[Peter L.]

Re: RC-26 Radiator Cap Cover Stampings

Lynn - Interesting. Since the car had a RC-26 radiator pressure cap, I'm expecting it is/was a C60 air conditioned Corvette because other information indicates that the non-C60 1965 Corvettes used the 307 cap. That being the case, the change in stampings on the cover from the earlier RC-26 Wayne posted a picture of might well have occurred prior to the beginning of 1966 production when the RC-26 came on all the sb Corvettes. Just shows there is new and interesting information out there and still plenty to be learned. Pete

[Lynn H.]

Re: RC-26 Radiator Cap Cover Stampings

Lynn - Interesting. Since the car had a RC-26 radiator pressure cap, I'm expecting it is/was a C60 air conditioned Corvette because other information indicates that the non-C60 1965 Corvettes used the 307 cap. That being the case, the change in stampings on the cover from the earlier RC-26 Wayne posted a picture of might well have occurred prior to the beginning of 1966 production when the RC-26 came on all the sb Corvettes. Just shows there is new and interesting information out there and still plenty to be learned. Pete

I could not agree more, as I did notice a few things about this late (#20070) 65 that were of interest (365 HP/blue/blue leather/teak wheel/am-fm/manual steering and brakes/ 4:11 gear). Another being that it had the valve covers WITHOUT the casting flaw. I thought I read somewhere that the flawed valve covers should have been on this car and they were not (I still have them also).
Lynn

This was a one owner car, and I received the original 67 title with it. Still had original plugs, wires, etc. Car came from the estate of the original owner after he had passed away showing 53K on the odometer. It had been stored for some time (plates were 79), and very poorly at that.