'64 differential cover

[Doug L.]

I'm not certain if I can do this on the TD board but I need a solution to a restoration problem, so here goes. Upon disassembly of my differential I found that one of the 4 bolts that attaches the rear spring to the diff cover was installed with a very thin washer. The result was the bolt piercing the cover. I'm reluctant have the break welded since this is a high stress area. Does anyone know of someone that may have a good used '64 differential cover for sale? Any leads will be much appreciated.

Thanks-Doug

[Joe L.]

Re: '64 differential cover

I'm not certain if I can do this on the TD board but I need a solution to a restoration problem, so here goes. Upon disassembly of my differential I found that one of the 4 bolts that attaches the rear spring to the diff cover was installed with a very thin washer. The result was the bolt piercing the cover. I'm reluctant have the break welded since this is a high stress area. Does anyone know of someone that may have a good used '64 differential cover for sale? Any leads will be much appreciated.

Thanks-Doug

Doug----- Contact Ikerd's Corvette. I'm pretty sure he'll have what you seek. Probably about $75 to $100, fully cleaned up and ready to bolt on. www.ikerds.com

[Larry M.]

Re: '64 differential cover

I'm not certain if I can do this on the TD board but I need a solution to a restoration problem, so here goes. Upon disassembly of my differential I found that one of the 4 bolts that attaches the rear spring to the diff cover was installed with a very thin washer. The result was the bolt piercing the cover. I'm reluctant have the break welded since this is a high stress area. Does anyone know of someone that may have a good used '64 differential cover for sale? Any leads will be much appreciated.

Thanks-Doug

Doug:

Measure the attaching bolts and the threaded depth in the cover carefully during re-assembly. Often these bolts are non-original and are too long, the spring leafs a different thickness than original, and/or the spring liners thinner than original. What you report has happened to many.

Also these bolts must not be torqued to specs unless the weight of the car is on the spring/rear suspension. Even then, you may want to use less torque. I installed mine at 25-30 lb-ft and then re-torqued a few days later after driving the car.

What I did, was initially install these two front bolts without lock washers and snug them with a 1/4 drive ratchet to just bottom the bolts in the cover (assuming they are longer than needed). Then measure the gap that exists. Remove and cut the bolt end to eliminate this gap, plus an additional 3/32 inch. Re-thread the bolt end and then install them with the factory, thick lock washers. This provides the needed clearance when torquing the bolts.

I think that I removed a total of about 1/4 inch from each of my front two bolts.

Larry

[Joel T.]

Re: '64 differential cover

I'm not certain if I can do this on the TD board but I need a solution to a restoration problem, so here goes. Upon disassembly of my differential I found that one of the 4 bolts that attaches the rear spring to the diff cover was installed with a very thin washer. The result was the bolt piercing the cover. I'm reluctant have the break welded since this is a high stress area. Does anyone know of someone that may have a good used '64 differential cover for sale? Any leads will be much appreciated.

Thanks-Doug

Doug;

PM sent. BTW, probably not a washer problem... you need to watch the bolt lengths... not all the same...

Joel

[Wayne M.]

Re: '64 differential cover

...4 bolts that attaches the rear spring to the diff cover was installed with a very thin washer. The result was the bolt piercing the cover. I'm reluctant have the break welded since this is a high stress area.....

Doug -- Depending on whether it's just a small hole punched (ie not a long crack) I would try a dab of JB Weld from the inside. I would not consider this a stress area, as the bolt is under hardly any tensile other than the initial torque setting with the weight on the tires. So all you're doing is trying to stop the leak.

Then, if not using an original bolt and thick washer (shown) follow good rules mentioned by others avoid excessive thread penetration. Saves trying to find an original "303" cast rear cover.

[Dan H.]

Re: '64 differential cover

Doug, and when done don't forget to paint it BLACK!
Dan

[Joe L.]

Re: '64 differential cover

Doug -- Depending on whether it's just a small hole punched (ie not a long crack) I would try a dab of JB Weld from the inside. I would not consider this a stress area, as the bolt is under hardly any tensile other than the initial torque setting with the weight on the tires. So all you're doing is trying to stop the leak.

Then, if not using an original bolt and thick washer (shown) follow good rules mentioned by others avoid excessive thread penetration. Saves trying to find an original "303" cast rear cover.

Wayne------


I think the JB Weld will work, too. Even if there is a crack associated with the hole that's no problem, either. Just drill small holes at either end of the crack and grind a shallow "V" notch along the crack line. Then, fill the small holes and the "V" notch with JB Weld as well as plugging the bolt "punch-through" area.

[Tracy C.]

Re: '64 differential cover

If you still have the piece that was punched out, I would be inclined to braze the piece back in with brass rod and an acedelyene torch. I've used this method to fixed broken ears on exhaust manifolds with good success.
tc