1956 3 bolt heat riser valve

[Edward M.]

I was looking through my old parts today, and came across an old part that I had gotten from another enthusiast.

It was a 1956 3 bolt heat control valve from a 42K original mile car. Unfortunately, the heat control valve had cracked and broken. Actually that is sort of fortunate for me, since he gave me the heat control valve.

I looked at the 56-57 judging manual and noted that "The 1956 heat control valve does not utilize a "doughnut" type gasket and will have "TOP" cast (my emphasis) on body.

Take a look at the attached pictures. The word "TOP" is stamped into the heat control valve, along with the letter "M".

I am assuming that it is stamped, and not cast. But perhaps the word "cast" actually covers the marking in this case.

In addition, I have an NOS 1956 2 bolt heat control valve. My NOS 2 bolt valve looks just like the one pictured in the 56-57 judging manual. It has a circular mark on it, but does not have the word "TOP" (or any other words) on it.

Any other thoughts / pictures of 1956 2 bolt or 3 bolt heat control valves.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1956 3 bolt heat riser valve

I was looking through my old parts today, and came across an old part that I had gotten from another enthusiast.

It was a 1956 3 bolt heat control valve from a 42K original mile car. Unfortunately, the heat control valve had cracked and broken. Actually that is sort of fortunate for me, since he gave me the heat control valve.

I looked at the 56-57 judging manual and noted that "The 1956 heat control valve does not utilize a "doughnut" type gasket and will have "TOP" cast (my emphasis) on body.

Take a look at the attached pictures. The word "TOP" is stamped into the heat control valve, along with the letter "M".

I am assuming that it is stamped, and not cast. But perhaps the word "cast" actually covers the marking in this case.

In addition, I have an NOS 1956 2 bolt heat control valve. My NOS 2 bolt valve looks just like the one pictured in the 56-57 judging manual. It has a circular mark on it, but does not have the word "TOP" (or any other words) on it.

Any other thoughts / pictures of 1956 2 bolt or 3 bolt heat control valves.

Ed-------


In the case of the example you pictured, the word "TOP" appears to me to be a feature of the casting and not a stamping performed subsequently. While the characters may be impressed rather than raised, I still believe it's a feature of the casting.

[Edward M.]

Re: 1956 3 bolt heat riser valve

Joe;

I agree with your statement that "cast" applies in this case as well. I am just wondering if we are not being "clear enough" in the judging manual. I would also like to see a picture of a 56 3 bolt heat control valve in the manual.

And to be clear, these suggestions are in no way, shape, or form negatives comments on the 56-57 judging manual. It is an excellent reference, and obviously the result of a lot of research and hard work by those involved.