67' 427 differential rear end cover
It appears the original rear end cover on my 67' has fractured on the corner of the rear spring mounting pad and I am aware this was a chronic problem with the 63-67 vettes. Does anyone know if there is a company that makes a heavy duty rear end cover that will include the correct casting date and numbers. I don't believe the cover is judged so maybe it doesn't make a difference. What have others done when replacing the differential rear end cover? I believe corvette central sells them.
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Re: 67' 427 differential rear end cover
I have had two that the corners broke on. On both of them I welded them while on the car. Take the tire tub out and the rear spring to give more room. You can grind out till all edges are v ed to a thin remaining edge. clamp a flat bar in place of the spring to hold the two pieces in line and weld. The cover appears to be cast steel not cast iron so can be easily welded. I used a wire feed welder. You can grind the outside welds down and then they are hardly noticeable. Have not had any issues since and one has been over 30 years ago. -
Re: 67' 427 differential rear end cover
Welding in this case is not feasible. It has cracked all the way to the threaded hole for the leaf spring boltComment
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Re: 67' 427 differential rear end cover
Dave, I have a cover that broke like yours, all the way to the bolt hole. I had to replace it. A number of Corvette parts houses, CC, Paragon, etc. may have a used numbered cover you need. No one to my knowledge repros these covers with casting dates or numbers. As you probably know the Michigan company sells a heavy duty unit relatively cheap in price. As far as being judged, if it does not appear as those installed at the factory and a judge notices it I would expect a deduction. Because it may not be spelled out specifically in the JM does not mean it is not judged. SteveComment
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Re: 67' 427 differential rear end cover
Dave------
There is no heavy duty reproduction of the original cover. There are heavy duty REPLACEMENT covers but these are not configured as-original. In fact, their configuration difference is what, in part, makes them "heavy duty". Some of these "heavy duty" covers are configured in a way that interferes with the spare tire tub installation.
As a matter of fact, there is currently no "standard duty" reproduction of the original cover (i.e. a reproduction including all the features of the original covers).
No problem, though, as there are plenty of good, used original covers available. Ikerd's Corvette usually has good ones for sale for a reasonable price. You want one that does not suffer, at all, from corrosion-induced pitting.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: 67' 427 differential rear end cover
I just bought a '67 big block with the same problem. I found a non-dated cover on ebay for $140 and took the rear end out to replace it. The rear has to come out unless you want to cut the fiberglass in the rear of the car to access the top cover bolts. I think they started with a casting date on these covers in 1968 or 1969. The '67's had no date on the cover, only a part number. Make sure you torque the spring bolts with the car on the ground or the ear make be broken again.Comment
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