6 cylinder engine compartment detail

[Troy P.]

One influential member found a small "C" shaped clip on his car under the front carb. The clip holds the vacuum line and fuel line together. Now judges are looking for that part on all 6 cyl cars. Has anyone found this clip on an unrestored car?

The reason I ask is I have inspected several super low mileage 54's as well as having restored 3 of them with higher mileage over the years and I've never seen this clip on them. I've also inspected maybe several dozen restored 53-55 6 cylinder Corvettes and the restorers did not install that clip. I would imagine they would have put it back on if it was there when they disassembled the car.

I suppose it may have fallen off all the cars I'm familiar with or maybe that part was only found on 53's and not 54/55 Blue Flame cars.

Any info you may have on the subject will be appreciated.

[Chris S.]

Re: 6 cylinder engine compartment detail

I have that clip on my car
I have not seen it on any other cars but who knows for sure.....
I think there is alot of differences in these cars
I am sure there are alot of inconsistencies from car to car
I think the majority of parts and finishes will be consistent but I think there are alot of small items that would be different from car to car

[Eric F.]

Re: 6 cylinder engine compartment detail

Chris, If you could post a photo of the clip I would sure like to see it. Eric

[Chris S.]

Re: 6 cylinder engine compartment detail

sure thing

[Jim L.]

Re: 6 cylinder engine compartment detail

Troy, have a look at the clip almost dead center of this picture of my unrestored '54. Is this the clip you were describing?

[Jerry P.]

Re: 6 cylinder engine compartment detail

JIM...only clip I see is a AL tie..... whats the rubber hose on the line above the carb? jerry

[Mike M.]

Re: 6 cylinder engine compartment detail

54 2184 had the clip when i restored it in 1980. the clip is still on the lines with over 40K miles since restored.mike

[Jim L.]

Re: 6 cylinder engine compartment detail

JIM...only clip I see is a AL tie..... whats the rubber hose on the line above the carb? jerry

Hi Jerry, unfortunately that's a result of someone's booger work. The line was cut for some reason lost to the ages.

I can't visualize the "C" clip being discussed. Is that metal tie on my car in the same position as the elusive "C" clip?

Jim

[Troy P.]

Re: 6 cylinder engine compartment detail

Thanks, Mike. Interesting news.

I have inspected an early 54 with 2331 miles on it and a late 54 with 3086 miles, both unrestored, and have had three or four 54's myself and have never seen it. Does it seem like a part that would fall off easily?

[Troy P.]

Re: 6 cylinder engine compartment detail

Chris, is this your unrestored car? If so what is the VIN?

How did back surgery go?

[Troy P.]

Re: 6 cylinder engine compartment detail

BTW Jim, there are typically two brass ties on those two lines but they are pretty much in front of the engine block. Yours may have been drug over a bit.

If you sent me an email I'll send you a whole bunch of notes on original consitions I wrote for NCRS in exchange for answering some questions about your car.
troy.pyles@comcast.net

[Chris S.]

Re: 6 cylinder engine compartment detail

restored car - vin is 3803

I am awaiting surgery - I am flat on my back waiting......

Troy I will send you a photo of my set up

[Troy P.]

Re: 6 cylinder engine compartment detail

Thanks Chris. I hope all goes well.

[Gary H.]

Re: 6 cylinder engine compartment detail

In Nolands book, first edition, on page (48), right side center photo, you can clearly see the clip on the fuel/vac line between the foward and center carbs. These clips are available from Chev's of the 40's.

[Troy P.]

Re: 6 cylinder engine compartment detail

Thanks for the info Gary.

You will note that engine is a '53 which had the fuel filter suspended by the fuel line in front of the carb. I believe the purpose of the clip was to bind the fuel and vacuum lines together to help stabilize the fuel filter by having the vacuum line take some of the load. This would also be applicable to the early 54's with the filter in that location. But it would not be necessary on mid/late 54's or 6 cyl 55's. But that's just my theory as an engineer.

In any case consider that Chevrolet changed the location for the fuee filter for a reason. My thinking is it was due to the fact it was poorly supported by the fuel line and that created stress and fatigue by vibration which could cause a leak or eventual failure of the steel line.

Following that train of thought, has anyone found the clip on a car with the filter hard mounted to the fuel pump?