58' Oil Pan Judging

[Eric A.]

Need some guidance:

How detail is the judging on the 1958 oil pan. The aftermarket oil pans are around $50 but not stair stepped or three different levels. The GM replacement oil pan as the three different levels but also has three vertical line instead of just one on the main base level. The GM replacements also do not have the trap door, which i dont know the purpose for anyway. I

would like to know what the judges really look for in the oil pan and will they accept a GM replacement that has three vertical line on the main base or just the orginial one which was installed on the assembly line which is very hard to find and expense.

Thanks,
Eric

[Jerry W.]

Re: 58' Oil Pan Judging

Had 62 judged at Texas Regional with incorrect repro oil pan...lost 2 points of 10 possible for originality...zero points lost for condition...considering cost and scarcity of original pan...point loss well spent

[Edward L.]

Re: 58' Oil Pan Judging

Eric:

All 1958 pans had three steps with a center drain plug. The sides of the pan had two vertical lines (reinforcement ribs ), one that was 6 3/4" the other was approx 1 1/4". Both ribs were on the sump section of the pan.

Trap door pans were first used in 1960 in solid lifter engine applications.

Trap door pans, while expensive can still be found. It's the two rib pan that is very rare.

Ed

[Eric A.]

Re: 58' Oil Pan Judging

Ed,

Thanks for your help. Can you look at this oil pan on Ebay item: 261105763485 and tell me if you think it is correct for a low horse power 283 stock motor in a 58 which was built around March 1958. Really thank you for your advice and help. This is my first corvette restore and I have fallen in love with this process.

Eric

Eric

[Ian G.]

Re: 58' Oil Pan Judging

not quite right... three step, but should be a short and a long rib. inside doesn't have the vertical oil constrictor piece, which affects the config of the ribs.

[Eric A.]

Re: 58' Oil Pan Judging

Does anyone know where I could get a photo of the correct low horsepower oil pan to assure I find the right one dring my search? Thanks Eric

[Edward L.]

Re: 58' Oil Pan Judging

Eric:

Provide your email address and I will send one to you.

Ed

[Tom D.]

Re: 58' Oil Pan Judging

Here's an interior view of the 1960 "trap door" pan. The idea was to hold the oil in the area of the pump (in the sump area.) Baffles do the same thing, but don't allow "oil flow back" as fast. After hitting the brakes, for example.

The discussion is about 1958. This "trap door" pan was not avail. in '58. Lots of passenger car oil pans have been sold as "Corvette pans" on e-bay. Study before purchase.

[Eric A.]

Re: 58' Oil Pan Judging

Ed,

Thanks for your help ! - Email address is EAllenmba@gmail.com

Eric