1963 Fuel Car

[Jerry C.]

Going to look at a 63 that is said to be a fuel injected car. Has the wrong block, what signs to look for to show it was an original fuel car? Thanks in advance

[Duke W.]

Re: 1963 Fuel Car

...6500 tach redline, close ratio four-speed. The best telltale is probably the radiator support - unique design to '63 and FI cars had the air inlet opening. These were only available from service parts for a short period of time before being replaced with the later design.

Also check out the FI unit and configuration. It should be a ...375. I might also have an abbreviated VIN stamp, but that may have started later.

...OE or repro air cleaner?

Without the original "RF" block there's no way to prove it was originally FI, so take that into account.

Duke

[John D.]

Re: 1963 Fuel Car

Jerry, With the hood closed just stand back about 10 ft or more. Stare at the FI emblems. They are not parallel to the body. Not parallel to the seam in the front fender. The rear of the emblem is kicked up a tad.
Now look under the hood. The rear stud holding the emblem on should be going thru the firewall band.
If the front end is missing or trashed guys that trick is a good one to know. Look for the hole on the firewall band.

Duke etal. The serial number stamping on the plenums did not start until late 64. I can't remember which serial number but think it's between 14K and 16K.

Jerry, Check out the LF inner fender for the holes for the air cleaner.

[Michael G.]

Re: 1963 Fuel Car

All of the obvious differences can be faked. Here are few things to look for:

1) L84's didn't have power steering, so look for evidence that the PS damper bracket has been removed from the frame.

2) In production, the tapping screws that attach the air cleaner to the rad support were driven on an angle due to limited access for the tool. Straight screws my be evidence of the later addition of FI to the car.

3) Original passenger side exhaust manifolds are very, very rare. A recent conversion to FI may not have an original manifold on that side.

4. In an earlier post I gave a formula to calculate the ideal FI unit number for a particular VIN. If an FI unit number on the tag is more than a hundred or so higher than the calculated number, its not likely the original one for that car.

This is all complicated by the fact that many, many FI units were removed from these cars early on. Good luck and if it seems to good to be true, it probably is....

[Michael H.]

Re: 1963 Fuel Car

2) In production, the tapping screws that attach the air cleaner to the rad support were driven on an angle due to limited access for the tool. Straight screws my be evidence of the later addition of FI to the car.

Michael,

The air cleaner S tube mounting screws for late 64 through 65 were definitely driven in at an angle. The tall 1/4" hex head made it possible to install the screws with a small socked and extension.

The screws for 63 and early 64 with the 5/16" hex thin head were typically driven in straight.

[Paul Y.]

Re: 1963 Fuel Car

Michael,The air cleaner S tube mounting screws for late 64 through 65 were definitely driven in at an angle. The tall 1/4" hex head made it possible to install the screws with a small socked and extension.The screws for 63 and early 64 with the 5/16" hex thin head were typically driven in straight.

I agree Michael and I remember you examining mine at Copper Mountain that summer many years ago.

[Michael H.]

Re: 1963 Fuel Car

I agree Michael and I remember you examining mine at Copper Mountain that summer many years ago.

Hi Paul

Yes, I do vaguely remember that. I think the screws in just about every 63 and early 64 were installed straight, just like the ones in your car.

Wasn't the Copper Mtn NCRS event just about 30 years ago? 1983 or 84?

[Paul Y.]

Re: 1963 Fuel Car

Yes, 83 or 84 is my guess without looking it up.

[John D.]

Re: 1963 Fuel Car

Hanson, I remember you told us that tip long ago. Good one. Thanks, JD