1963 coupe transmission and A/C condenser questions

[Joe T.]

Thanks for any info. I just bought a 63 coupe with Air. I'm going thru the numbers. I've had a 66 before but never a 63. The car has 15979 production number and build date approximately May 25,1963. The trans cast number is 3851325 and tail 3846492. I'm thinking the tail is correct and the trans is from a 64 car. Is there anyway a late 63 would have this casting number on the trans. The date looks like P0126. Also does anyone know what the number on the top of the A/C condenser should be? The rear diff seams to be dated 5 14 63 but I can't read the prefix, looks like a 6l but might be C ? Thanks for anyone who is interested in helping, Joe

[William C.]

Re: 1963 coupe transmission and A/C condenser questions

No chance, is not compatible with the '63-only bellhousing, so your BH is likely a later replacement also. I believe you need a bellhousing with 421 as the last three numbers.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1963 coupe transmission and A/C condenser questions

No chance, is not compatible with the '63-only bellhousing, so your BH is likely a later replacement also. I believe you need a bellhousing with 421 as the last three numbers.

Bill-----


Yes, that's the one. He probably has a '383' or '403' now (assuming the car still has the 12-3/4" flywheel). However, if he goes with a correct bellhousing he's also going to need the correct transmission to go with it. That would have a 3831704 casting number.

[William C.]

Re: 1963 coupe transmission and A/C condenser questions

Or the T-10 D case Warner trans. As I recall, all the '63 Muncie parts can be swapped from a 325 case into the 704 case with the exception of the front bearing changeout.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1963 coupe transmission and A/C condenser questions

Or the T-10 D case Warner trans. As I recall, all the '63 Muncie parts can be swapped from a 325 case into the 704 case with the exception of the front bearing changeout.

Bill----


Since this car was built in late May, 1963 I would suspect that it was originally equipped with a Muncie. Of course, that's not a certainty.

[William C.]

Re: 1963 coupe transmission and A/C condenser questions

Yes, I agree, that's why I thought that at least the parts in his current trans might be useful. All he would need is a bare '704 case in usable condition and the 421 bellhousing to get into a correct '63 configuration in that area.

[Bob R.]

Re: 1963 coupe transmission and A/C condenser questions

I went through this process recently with my May 14 build date 63. The correct transmission is a Muncie and you need the following: a 421 bell housing, a 1704 main case, a 1731 tailhousing and 1707 side cover. The 421 bell housing requires a small front bearing and will only work combined with the 1704 main case. The internal parts from your existing transmission should work in the correct case. I actually swapped the internals from a 64 Muncie and installed them in the correct case.

[Joe T.]

Re: 1963 coupe transmission and A/C condenser questions

where did you get these parts? thanks for all the replies, Joe

[William C.]

Re: 1963 coupe transmission and A/C condenser questions

Swap meets, ebay Driveline (try a wanted ad) the '704 case is the toughest to find, I think the matching bearing retainer is available aftermarket. Tailhousing is same as '64 chev pass car and was also used on '64 and some later Pontiac muncies.

[Harry S.]

Re: 1963 coupe transmission and A/C condenser questions

Also does anyone know what the number on the top of the A/C condenser should be? Joe

Joe, the label/tag on the compressor is a metal tag that is attached to the upward side. Is your car an original AC car or has it been added, there are ways to check. Why not post a picture of your compressor tag/label.

As I recall the model on the tag is 6550133 (right side) and on the left side 12 NC 3456. Where the 12 3456 represent sequence numbers.

[Joe T.]

Re: 1963 coupe transmission and A/C condenser questions

condenser 751.jpgcondenser 752.jpgcondenser 753.jpgthe number on the tag is 6550133 the other numbers look like 68NC611, how can you tell if the car is original A/C car, the prior owner told me it was, the dash is an A/C dash. sorry about the bad pix

[Harry S.]

Re: 1963 coupe transmission and A/C condenser questions

Joe, you have a private message on the way.

[Joe T.]

Re: 1963 coupe transmission and A/C condenser questions

my e-mail is gijoetassoni@comcast.net, if you have a minute can you e-mail me. thank you for your time, JOe

[William C.]

Re: 1963 coupe transmission and A/C condenser questions

Picture of the compressor case is certainly a first series compressor.

[Harry S.]

Re: 1963 coupe transmission and A/C condenser questions

It may be impossible to equate the compressor to a Corvette by sequence number. As I understand the same compressor with the metal tag was used on all 63 full size Chevy passenger cars with AC as well as 63 Cadillacs.