Carter carburetor for 59

[Barry A.]

I am a new member, want to put my 59 back on the road after many years of storage. I (2nd owner, '69) have almost all original parts but somehow in moving several times since the 70s managed to lose !! the (single) Carter 4bbl carburetor. Anyway, I need one as I want to make this a good driver, as correct as I can for now. My question is, when looking to acquire a carburetor that is "appropriate" for my year, what should i be aware of? Any advice is very much appreciated, thanks!

[Terry D.]

Re: Carter carburetor for 59

Barry
Why waste money on buying a carb that looks right but isn't? Then you have to have it rebuilt. Rather than finding an old carb similar to the one you need, just buy a new Carter from Summit or Jegs and just bolt it on and drive the car. You can then keep an eye out for the right one.
Terry

[Barry A.]

Re: Carter carburetor for 59

Thanks, Terry. I assume that "finding the right one" means networking and luck. How do I verify that one is right when I get a lead (other than being told that it is by the seller)? I assume there is a database (haven't looked for it yet) that links the numbers for specific components for engines by year or date of manufacture, the carburetors are part of that numbering system, yes?

[William C.]

Re: Carter carburetor for 59

The judging guide gives a good description of the carburetor you need, along with the proper casting numbers for the major parts. A real good place to start from.

[Barry A.]

Re: Carter carburetor for 59

Thanks, Bill. I am new at this (although an owner for 42 years) and want to proceed cautiously. Getting your input is critically important to me, again, thanks!

[Christopher R.]

Re: Carter carburetor for 59

Barry, Get the Judging Guide, AIM, and Noland's book for your car. In the NCRS bookstore. Those books have a wealth of information on identifying the right parts. These parts are expensive enough. You don't want to buy them twice.

[Barry A.]

Re: Carter carburetor for 59

Thanks, Chris, I actually have ordered the judging guide (as suggested in an earlier response), will go back and look at the other books you recommend.

[Steven B.]

Re: Carter carburetor for 59

Barry, there are a couple of carb rebuilders who also sell carbs and are NCRS members in The Driveline who may have what you need. You can access The Driveline online at the top of this page in the big blue bar, last option on the far right

Goood Luck!

Steve

[Joe M.]

Re: Carter carburetor for 59

You need a Carter WCFB 2818s. If you are lucky enough to find a restored 2818s, it will cost around $600. If you are serious about getting a 2818s, you have to check e-bay and several NCRS members that specialize in carb restoration, on a regular basis. They do pop up from time to time.

[Philip P.]

Re: Carter carburetor for 59

If you have an original (single 4 barrel) manifold a new carb like a AFB or Edelbrock does not just bolt on you need adapters or a different manifold as the throttle body has smaller holes in the secondary. The air cleaner base will require modification or replacement.
At least that is the way it is for a 1960 single 4 barrel car.
Phil

[David L.]

Re: Carter carburetor for 59

I am a new member, want to put my 59 back on the road after many years of storage. I (2nd owner, '69) have almost all original parts but somehow in moving several times since the 70s managed to lose !! the (single) Carter 4bbl carburetor. Anyway, I need one as I want to make this a good driver, as correct as I can for now. My question is, when looking to acquire a carburetor that is "appropriate" for my year, what should i be aware of? Any advice is very much appreciated, thanks!

Barry,

I may or may not still have a 3059S WCFB carb. The air horn (top section) has a "6-1396" casting (59-61 WCFB's), a "0-1343" center section (1960-1961 WCFB's), and a base stamped "1689". According to my notes several years ago I was trying to sell it for $40 and there was not much interest.

Dave

[Joe M.]

Re: Carter carburetor for 59

The air horn casting number is correct for 2818s or 3059s WCFB. The main body casting number is correct for the 3059s. The throttle body (base) should have a 1-1582 casting number for either a 2818s or a 3059s. I am not sure what carb that throttle body casting number is associated with; nothing from 1958 to 1960. However, if it is configured correctly for the original intake manifold, should not be a problem. The throttle body casting number should be hidden once the carb is mounted.

[Joe M.]

Re: Carter carburetor for 59

Based on my carb research on e-bay, I believe your carb, will bring more than $40; especially if it is in good condition. What numbers are stamped on the butterfly valves, primary valves? and secondary valves?

[David L.]

Re: Carter carburetor for 59

Joe,

I will make an attempt to find the carb in the next few days. The "1689" number on the base of my WCFB is STAMPED on the bottom surface of the base that touches the gasket. I have never noticed a casting number but I will look for one.
Many years ago I had another one of these WCFB carbs (6-1396, 0-1343) but the STAMPED number on the bottom surface of the base was "689". This WCFB had a "170-583" choke housing casting number with a "170-AB610S" choke cover.

Dave

[Joe M.]

Re: Carter Carburetor for 59

According to information provided to me by another NCRS member recently, the choke model you refer to is specific to the 2818s. He provided a data sheet that matched Carter chokes with the associated WCFB carb. The same day he provided the choke model number, I found a NOS Carter choke for a 2818s on e-bay. The choke was still in the Carter box!

The throttle body dasting number does not look like the casting numbers on the air horn and main carb body. The throttle body number looks more like it was stamped into the steel base; on the bottom that faces the gasket. Neither the carb I am retiring (WCFB 3061s) or my recently purchased WCFB 2818s have an identification number anywhere on the throttle body; not the sides or the bottom.