1964 FI Aircleaner Screws

[Ken J.]

Greetings Guys;
I need some help in finding out what the screws that hold a 1964 F.I. Aircleaner to the core support. Can someone tell me what these are
supposed to look like? I understand that they changed these to facilitate
ease of assembly in the 63-65 period. My current project is an early 64.
Please help.
Thanks in advance for any and all help
Ken Joseph

[Bill C.]

Re: 1964 FI Aircleaner Screws

Ken; for1963 and '64 up to vin # 8900, the S tube was attached to the core support with four 5/16" #8-32X38" recessed head black oxide tapping screws, with an "L" logo. These screws were installed straight and tight against the the base of the S tube.
Hope this helps
Bill

[Michael H.]

Re: 1964 FI Aircleaner Screws

Greetings Guys;
I need some help in finding out what the screws that hold a 1964 F.I. Aircleaner to the core support. Can someone tell me what these are
supposed to look like? I understand that they changed these to facilitate
ease of assembly in the 63-65 period. My current project is an early 64.
Please help.
Thanks in advance for any and all help
Ken Joseph

Ken,

The "L" head 5/16" hex screws were used through the 63 model and into 64. We know for sure that at least the first several months of 64 continued using these screws, probably to somewhere in early calendar year 64, or half of the production run. Pic of NOS below.

Note that the plating is dark grey. Not zincad. (silver)

[Dan H.]

Re: 1964 FI Aircleaner Screws

I think the 'L' screws could be used WAY past 8900 vin cars. My 13708 FI Coupe still had one original in the core support. Another 64 Vert 3 days after mine also had the 'L' screws. Think some of the line workers randomly used the top hat type when they could get some. Mix and match types.
Dan

[Alan D.]

Re: 1964 FI Aircleaner Screws

And a 64, sn 13901, used all "L" screws. As for "screws were installed straight" at least one of mine was at an angle. It's a real PITA to get these correct, but we have the time to make them correct. Rumor has it that was the reason the hi-hats were seen on some cars.

[Michael G.]

Re: 1964 FI Aircleaner Screws

As I've mentioned here before, line operators often "borrow" screws that work better and use them on difficult jobs. Additionally, every quality engineer I ever met knew where to get similar replacements for most fasteners (when they ran low or were having a problem installing them).

My guess is that the hi-hex-washer-head tapping screws (some call them hi-hat) often found in this use were also used somewhere else in the St Louis plant and substituted for the released parts - because this installation is a pain and the higher hex made it easier to keep them in the tool.

[Paul Y.]

Re: 1964 FI Aircleaner Screws

Yes, I think that they were expected to be installed straight, but if anyone has ever installed them is any kind of a hurry you will probably not get a couple of them straight.

[Joe R.]

Re: 1964 FI Aircleaner Screws

Well my 11,XXX 64 Roadster had the high hat screws and they were installed anything but straight. As a matter of fact a couple of them were not even close to the holes made in the radiator support for them. Looks like some assembly line worker had a drill in his or her pocket and since the high hat screws were self tapping (had a slot cut in the side) they hit them hard and run them into the support.

JR

[Michael G.]

Re: 1964 FI Aircleaner Screws

Having taken those screws in and out a few times, I'll tell you, they suck (er, I mean, they are most unpleasant to install)

Once such screws have cut a helix in the rad support, that helix will resist the screw going in at any angle except for the initial installation angle. If you try to straighten them, you'll most likely strip them. Good luck....

[Doug F.]

Re: 1964 FI Aircleaner Screws

64 # 179xx a nice original car, with it's original 1/4" head integral washer 'high hat' screws the top two were in at an angle with two different sets of holes, the lowers were installed straight in with only one set of holes, yes, a bitch to put in and out.

[Rick G.]

Re: 1964 FI Aircleaner Screws

Ken,

I have heard of people finding these exact screws on corvairs of the same vintage. Best of luck in your search.

Rick Gower

[Joe R.]

Re: 1964 FI Aircleaner Screws

Ken,

I have heard of people finding these exact screws on corvairs of the same vintage. Best of luck in your search.

Rick Gower

Rick,

There is one on the Corvette also. The power vent cable on 64's is held by one of these top hat screws.

JR

[Matt L.]

Re: 1964 FI Aircleaner Screws

Rick,

There is one on the Corvette also. The power vent cable on 64's is held by one of these top hat screws.

JR

i also have a top hat screw on my harness ground directly above the radiator support opening for the aircleaner s tube. it looks to be never disturbed.

[Doug L.]

Re: 1964 FI Aircleaner Screws

My December '63-built s/n 7060 had 2 recessed head "L' screws in the top two holes and 2 High-Hats in the bottom 2 holes. It is the bottom 2 that are hard to get to and the high hats would stay in a socket much better than the recessed head screw.

[Ken J.]

Re: 1964 FI Aircleaner Screws

Guys;
Thanks for all the info. My car had 3ea. of the hex L screws and one hi-hat. That put me in doubt.
Thanks again
Ken Joseph