1957 fan blade hitting steering linkage

[Charles C.]

On my 57 Vette, the fan blade hits the steering linkage when the wheels are turned to the left for corning. The blade is the correct blade and the interference is minimal (1/8 inch). Should I (1) raise the engine slightly by adding a spacer at the mount or (2) cut the fan blades down slightly. If I raise the engine, where under the engine can I safely position a jack to raise it?

Is there another fix you can recommend.

Thanks
Charles

[Adam S.]

Re: 1957 fan blade hitting steering linkage

Charles, if all under the hood is original factory assembly, first is measure your motor mount rubber thickness under the engine front mount. C1's are all somewhat close fitting. It sounds like the third arm is incorrect or slightly bent, may need shimming inbetween third arm assy & front crossmember?

[Gary C.]

Re: 1957 fan blade hitting steering linkage

Charlies,

What are the cast part numbers on the 3rd arm and 3rd arm bracket?

Gary
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[Paul J.]

Re: 1957 fan blade hitting steering linkage

On my 57 Vette, the fan blade hits the steering linkage when the wheels are turned to the left for corning. The blade is the correct blade and the interference is minimal (1/8 inch). Should I (1) raise the engine slightly by adding a spacer at the mount or (2) cut the fan blades down slightly. If I raise the engine, where under the engine can I safely position a jack to raise it?

Is there another fix you can recommend.

Thanks
Charles

Don't cut the blades, Charles. With all due respect, that's the bubba way. Follow Adam's and Gary's lead.

Paul

[Charles C.]

Re: 1957 fan blade hitting steering linkage

Gary,
When I get home after the holidays, I will check the casting numbers. Thks.

[Charles C.]

Re: 1957 fan blade hitting steering linkage

It looks like I have the wrong parts. Please confirm what I should have for my '57 Vette.

I have:

Bracket steering idle 3rd arm - casting no. 3742688. Should it be 3727511 for the 56-57?

Steering idle 3rd arm - I can't see the full casting number. It appears to have the numbers "719" cast in the bottom.

What should the casting number of the 3rd arm be?

Thanks.

Charles

[Gary C.]

Re: 1957 fan blade hitting steering linkage

Charles,

"Bracket steering idle 3rd arm - casting no. 3742688. Should it be 3727511 for the 56-57?"
- depending on what your 57 VIN # is? Around VIN #3700 the 3rd arm bracket changed from 511 with 1/2" spacers to 688, which was thicker at the rear of the bracket, basically incorporated the 1/2" spacers into the design of the bracket.

"Steering idle 3rd arm - I can't see the full casting number. It appears to have the numbers "719" cast in the bottom."
- check cast # again, would expect the 3rd arm to be 3731801. Cast number is usually on the engine side top of the 3rd arm under the radiator shroud.

Previous thread on this subject https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?t=88757

Tom Parson is the most knowledgeable person on this subject matter - hopefully Tom will contribute to your thread.

Gary
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[Charles C.]

Re: 1957 fan blade hitting steering linkage

Yes, my '57 is Vin 3742 and the casting no. for the 3rd arm bracket is 3742688 and the casting no. (I found it) for the 3rd arm is 3731801. The casting no. is on the top forward facing arm.

This makes sense in that I have had this car for over 25 years and when I got it was very original and not restored. Looked like not much had been done to it before I bought it and I have not changed anything on it. So it seems to me that these would be original to the car.

Thanks for your help.
Charles

[Gary C.]

Re: 1957 fan blade hitting steering linkage

Charles,

3rd arm could be bent. Are the front cross member to frame aluminum shims installed correctly with the thick side in?

Gary
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[Tom P.]

Re: 1957 fan blade hitting steering linkage

Without personally laying my eyes on your car, I can't say what, or where, the problem is. BUT, The fan/steering should not even be that close!
Could be the wrong bracket for the center steering arm.
Could be the wrong center steering arm.
The center steering arm could be bent.
The shims between the frame rails/cross member could be in backward.
Or any combination of the above.
I just would not want to speculate without seeing the car and the steering.

Now, for a VERY QUICK and EASY temporary fix.
Loosen all for bolts for the center bracket. Remove the REAR two bolts (only one at a time). Place a spacer, such as a thick washer (maybe 2 washers), between the bracket and cross member. Tighten the bolts. This should drop the center steering arm for adequate clearance. Oh ya, this will possibly change your toe-in.