72 Small Block Water Pump Bolts,pump Fitting

[Edward J.]

I was looking at my a Corvette Enthusiast magazine from Dec. 09 and there a few pic.s of a 290 mile ZR1 Corvette engine compartment( un touched) and exhaust tips.I noted that the water pump fitting was painted orange,There is zinc spacer on the air pump bracket not painted, The water pump bolt painted on that air pump bracket, as Ive read in prev. posts the fitting was not painted and bolts that have been removed for bracket instalation were replaced and left unpainted.

My question relates to painting the fitting on water pump? should the water pump bolts be painted? I know that a prev. post if the AIM calls out for a part no. for a bolt then it was removed and replaced. My72 C60 car has calls for 3 bolts w/part no.s (2 for a/c bracket 1 for alt. bracket) what do some of the experienced judges think?

[Terry M.]

Re: 72 Small Block Water Pump Bolts,pump Fitting

I was looking at my a Corvette Enthusiast magazine from Dec. 09 and there a few pic.s of a 290 mile ZR1 Corvette engine compartment( un touched) and exhaust tips.I noted that the water pump fitting was painted orange,There is zinc spacer on the air pump bracket not painted, The water pump bolt painted on that air pump bracket, as Ive read in prev. posts the fitting was not painted and bolts that have been removed for bracket instalation were replaced and left unpainted.

My question relates to painting the fitting on water pump? should the water pump bolts be painted? I know that a prev. post if the AIM calls out for a part no. for a bolt then it was removed and replaced. My72 C60 car has calls for 3 bolts w/part no.s (2 for a/c bracket 1 for alt. bracket) what do some of the experienced judges think?

Ed you didn't find the right thread. About the water pump fittings. In a thread three or four months ago we established that 1972 small block water pump fittings were installed at Flint, and the evidence from original cars is that they were painted orange with the rest of the engine.

The 1972 AIM shows NO part number for the heater hose nipple in the water pump. If you had the 1970 & 1971 AIM you would find a part number for the nipple. Thus the nipple was installed at St Louis for 11970 & 1971 small blocks, but NOT 1972.

Now you won't have to "search" for that thread.

I am not acquainted with a zinc spacer -- how about helping gthe new guy out.

[Roy V.]

Re: 72 Small Block Water Pump Bolts,pump Fitting



I think this is the spacer

[Joe L.]

Re: 72 Small Block Water Pump Bolts,pump Fitting

I think this is the spacer

Roy and Edward-----


This spacer is not zinc. It is a GM #3877600 and it's originally NATURAL STEEL. However, it was painted engine orange with the rest of the engine. Usually, the underside of it, as installed, is poorly or not painted, though.

I can assure you it did not originally appear as it does in this photo.

[Terry M.]

Re: 72 Small Block Water Pump Bolts,pump Fitting

Roy and Edward-----


This spacer is not zinc. It is a GM #3877600 and it's originally NATURAL STEEL. However, it was painted engine orange with the rest of the engine. Usually, the underside of it, as installed, is poorly or not painted, though.

I can assure you it did not originally appear as it does in this photo.

And my 1970 doesn't look like that photo either.

Everyone should realize it is a mistake to duplicate the features of any one car, unless that car is the one you are restoring. Every Corvette is unique and may have anomalies since humans made them and for the cars we are talking about they are approaching 40 years old. Remember: "There are no Corvette virgins!"

[Edward J.]

Re: 72 Small Block Water Pump Bolts,pump Fitting

Terry, Joe, Roy, thanks for your responses, Roys pic of the spacer is correct, Terry as you know Im just the rookie that needs a little more experience on the judging field, as you say one cars not reason to start changing things around on your car, but the interest in this car as you know doesn't come around on the judging field often. unless you tarvel to events around the U.S. I have looked a one 5 star bowtie car a judging school here in Mass.(Dave Stricklands 71 coupe).

[Roy V.]

Re: 72 Small Block Water Pump Bolts,pump Fitting

Joe, Terry and Edward, Thanks for the heads up