Chrome Engine Parts For 63.

[Michael H.]

I dug out this NPC for a previous thread but decided to start a new string instead because this info is off the original topic for that thread.
There has always been debate about chrome engine components on early production 63 cars.
The NPC below (Notice of Production Change) should clear up a lot of confusion.
All 63 340 HP and 360 HP engines were nearly void of chrome from start of production to 3 January 1963, according to information and dates on the sheet. (that doesn't include the air cleaner top for 340 HP)
Parts in the right column are the original numbers from SOP. Parts in the left column are the new chrome items added.

As noted at the top of the sheet, the new items are described as NICKEL/CHROME. This is a quick low cost two step chrome process that does not include the copper plate between nickel and chrome.

I know I've discussed this here in the past but it seems many people reject the idea of no chrome on their early cars.

[John D.]

Re: Chrome Engine Parts For 63.

Michael, I just restored a customers Oct 23rd (engine build date) FI unit.
No chrome at all except for the flag.

I printed the Notice of Production change sheet. Have to study it more but it appears that even the oil cap would not be chrome plated on an Oct 23rd.
The hand written note toward the bottoms says, "Use effective approx 1-3-63.
Does that mean use all chrome parts on 1-3-63 and before that none?
Thanks again, JD

[Michael H.]

Re: Chrome Engine Parts For 63.

I printed the Notice of Production change sheet. Have to study it more but it appears that even the oil cap would not be chrome plated on an Oct 23rd.

That's correct for FI engines, JD. Black oil filler cap for L84/360 HP engines until 3 January 63. However, I think the oil cap may have been chrome for 340 HP cars prior to the 3 January date.
It's a bit confusing but the "part canceled" for L76/340 HP was the same as the new part (chrome) shown for L84/360 HP.

[John D.]

Re: Chrome Engine Parts For 63.

Should be more response on this post. This post should not be taken lightly as I for one have seen numerous restored early 63 FI's at various shows that are incorrect as far as plating goes.

Michael, Thanks for good info on the oil cap. I thought it should be black or bare (grayish) but have seen chrome oil caps on early cars. But they most likely were added by the car owner.

What is your thoughts Michael on the gray phosphate caps. Now the ones I used to buy from Chevy in late 70's were purely service replacements and not configured the same as real deal. RJ and JD were talking about that recently.
But the 1st generation of gray caps is what i am referring to. That's if that cap even exists??? Thanx

[Tracy C.]

Re: Chrome Engine Parts For 63.

I know I filed away a copy of the NPC Mike Hanson originally posted with this thread. I searched my hard drive a couple of time now but can't find it. If anyone has a copy please email it to me at crisler@pixius.net

thank you,
tc

[Michael H.]

Re: Chrome Engine Parts For 63.

I know I filed away a copy of the NPC Mike Hanson originally posted with this thread. I searched my hard drive a couple of time now but can't find it. If anyone has a copy please email it to me at crisler@pixius.net

thank you,
tc

Hi Tracy.....

I have it here and will forward to you. The hand written date that the changes were effective in production is a little hard to read on the copy so I'll dig out the original and confirm the date.

[John D.]

Re: Chrome Engine Parts For 63.

Old JD has a fair amount of restorations out in the world with the incorrect oil cap. Forgot that they are black until 3 Jan 63. Thanks again Michael. JD

[Mike M.]

Re: Chrome Engine Parts For 63.

i agree with mike in that the early 63 FI's were lacking in chrome. i had a dec 62 built 63 fi coupe that had a black oil fill cap that i suppose was black phos or some such coating that gave the appearance of black phos. we who judge early (PRE JAN 1 63 ) 63 FI'S usually deduct for chrome gas line fittings/lines and chrome oil fill caps. i'm unsure about plating on fuel filter bracket on these early 63 FI's. mike

[Michael G.]

Re: Chrome Engine Parts For 63.

Mike, page 134 of Noland's book has a pic of a prototype 1963 L84 engine with what appears to be the early un-plated fuel lines and breather tubes, as well as a black oil filler, and a shiny black cap. The fuel filter bracket appears to be some sort of dull silver coating, it's difficult to discern it from the silver filter, so it certainly doesn't look chromed or even shiny zinc.

I've seen other pics of original November/December cars with the same black and non-chromed parts, but with chrome breather pipes. My experience at GM assembly plants tells me that it was very possible for for revised parts to beat the paperwork into the plant, especially if the change was only plating, so I think these chrome pipes may have arrived before January.

[John D.]

Re: Chrome Engine Parts For 63.

Doc, The early fuel filter brackets were zincad plated. The fuel lines were bare as you know.
Lately for some reason a lot of early FI cars are showing up. Everything is pretty much clear in my feeble mind on what to do with the treatment of various parts.
It's a tall order to do. You need a bare choke tube going to the exhaust manifold. Bare fuel lines going down to the fuel pump. Fittings are a mind teaser.
Late November and into early Jan QT: Oil filler tubes should be black or chrome???
Now if the oil cap should be black or maybe dark phosphate then the tube would be black also. Since I just asked a dumb question forget it. ONe would not have a chrome oil filler tube with a black cap.
Mike Garver. The southern boys call air cleaner breathers. What do you mean by Chrome breather pipes in an FI car??? Do you mean the chrome balance tubes going across the front of the FI unit? Those are called Balance tubes as they balance out the air. Is that you breather pipe??? John

[John D.]

Re: Chrome Engine Parts For 63.

Mikey, Please send it to my email address also. Much appreciated. John

[Edward B.]

Re: Chrome Engine Parts For 63.

Hi Tracy.....I have it here and will forward to you. The hand written date that the changes were effective in production is a little hard to read on the copy so I'll dig out the original and confirm the date.

Perhaps you could save yourself a lot of work and help several of us at the same time by reposting the NPC. Thanks, EJB

[Michael G.]

Re: Chrome Engine Parts For 63.

John, yeah, I was referring to the balance tubes, thanks.

[Michael H.]

Re: Chrome Engine Parts For 63.

Mike, page 134 of Noland's book has a pic of a prototype 1963 L84 engine with what appears to be the early un-plated fuel lines and breather tubes, as well as a black oil filler, and a shiny black cap. The fuel filter bracket appears to be some sort of dull silver coating, it's difficult to discern it from the silver filter, so it certainly doesn't look chromed or even shiny zinc.

I've seen other pics of original November/December cars with the same black and non-chromed parts, but with chrome breather pipes. My experience at GM assembly plants tells me that it was very possible for for revised parts to beat the paperwork into the plant, especially if the change was only plating, so I think these chrome pipes may have arrived before January.

Michael

You are correct. The first items on a 63 FI engine that were chrome plated were the balance tube and the tube that connected the air cleaner to the oil filler tube. The rest of the chrome items came later. (3 January) There's a reason for that though.

The chrome balance tube and oil breather tube, along with the clamp that secured them to the front of the plenum, were part of the FI unit as shipped from Rochester. Neither Flint or St Louis had anything to do with these items. They made the change over to chrome and began shipping the units to Flint engine a month or so before the other new chrome items were available.

That's why the tubes were not shown in the NPC list of items to be changed to chrome. The St Louis plant had nothing to do with those two items.

The other new chrome components were shipped directly to the St Louis assembly plant.

Rochester was able to make the change from zincad to chrome quickly while all of the other items that were to change to chrome required more time. Also, because there were a few different vendors for the other items, they didn't all arrive at St Louis at the same time. The new chrome parts were held at St Louis until everything on the list was available.

[Michael G.]

Re: Chrome Engine Parts For 63.

The finish on the upper fuel line fittings, as well as the elbow, is questionable. I've seen plain copper on the pre-January elbows. Is this correct?