Technical Help from the Solid Axle Corvette Club

 

 

 

 

 

To submit a technical question regarding a 1953 to 1962 Corvette, simply email
sacctech@solidaxle.org

*Note: If you are using an Apple iPhone, you will have to hold down on the blue letters. Then a box comes up and you 
will need to select "New Mail Message".  You should be fine then, your email question will go to it's intended mailbox.

*In the subject box you need to put "sacctech/ (your SACC
membership number)".  Example: sacctech/1234
If you are not a member, your question will not be excluded, however, it won't get priority.

Disclaimer:
Our officers enjoy answering questions about your Corvette. Please keep in mind before asking questions that we are not qualified or certified to diagnose problems you may be experiencing with your Corvette. It is recommended that an A.S.E. (Automotive Service Excellence) certified automotive technician diagnose the vehicle for you. This way you get an accurate diagnoses on the problem and an understanding of the parts necessary to remedy the problem.  The experts render opinions.  Remember, the Solid Axle Corvette Club does not endorse any supplier, manufacturer, or place of repair.

Keep in mind that members enjoy a wealth of information via the SACC quarterly magazine, On Solid Ground.  Here are some of the topics contained in the Spring, 2008 issue:

-Insulate Your Solid Axle

-1956 Goodyear Corvette

-Harmonic Balancer Re-Install

-Six Cylinder Corner

-Will We Need NOS Engine Oil for out Old Cars?

-The Willet Run Garage

-The Marketplace - Member Classified

 

 

**********

 

 

12/11/2024

 

 


Hello
I have a 1957 corvette fuelie all original color and all matching numbers.
I would like to put aside the original wheels and tires
I want to go with 5.5” wheels as a 276 option
will reproduction 63 rims from Zip work and what size tires would be best
My car was judged at 98.3 and it is now my daily driver using av fuel from airport!
EL stamping in cascade green and I have dealer invoice and all owners info
not a trailer queen
Thank you
Tom ,Member 66335

Sent From My iPad Mini
Thomas 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Tom, as you probably know, "original" 5.5K wheels used on C1 Corvettes are extremely rare and expensive.  If you can find them, expect to pay at least $1500 each for them.  The standard steel wheel on the C2 Corvette is 5.5 inches in width, and they will work on your 57 if you modify them to fit over the front wheel hubs, which are larger than the C2 front wheel hubs.  Use a hand drill and cylindrical grinder to enlarge the hole.  It doesn't take much effort to do this.  Do all four wheels.  As for tires, I recommend using 205.75 R15 tire size radials with the 5.5 inch wheels.  Neither the original 5.5K wheels nor the 5.5 inch C2 wheels have the nubs that allow the use of the C1 wheel covers.  You will have to use "dog dish" hub caps. 

Larry Pearson 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter Advisor: 

I chose to go with 15X7 wheels with 215 70 15 radial tires. Picked tires for wet and dry handling. Vastly improved ride and handling over the original 15X5 wheels and bias ply tires.
Now running small hubcaps. I can run the full cover hubcaps, add the nubs to wheels with a MIG welder.

My car is a driver, not a show car, mostly original unrestored 57.  See picture below

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

12/09/2024

 

 

Can your members suggest a reputable garage to work on my 1958 Corvette to replace the trunk springs and hood release cables and routine servicing? Close to downtown Phoenix is ideal.
thanks
dennis

 

 

 

From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter Advisor: 

My first idea it for you to go to local car shows and cruises and ask people there. Also locate local Corvette groups and go to a meeting. 

A general suggestion is to look for a car repair shop that is old and has older workers. Young mechanics are trained to plug in a computer and do what it tells them to.

Trunk springs and hood release are truly a paint in the back, just replaced my 57 hood release. It is uncomfortable (take seats out) and takes some time. Suggestion, apply some lubrication to the hood release cables and work them in and out before installing. That makes them work a lot better/easier.

Been too long since I had the trunk springs out, don't remember how I did it.... vice grip and large screw driver?

Good luck,

Verle

 

 

**********

 

 

I’m having the same problems I’ve read about concerning Al Knock’s tops.  I can’t close the storage lid without jumping on it when the top is down.  Judging is not my thing and the only time I’ll drive my ’59 in the rain is if I misjudge the weather.  So, can anyone recommend a soft top manufacturer whose product will allow me to close the stowage lid comfortably?

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Dave, Al Knock's tops use a material that is at least twice as thick as the original material that Chevrolet used.  I have a 62 that came with an original top.  It literally fell into the top compartment.  When it finally needed to be replaced, I bought a service replacement top from JC Whitney (now long out of business).  The grain in the vinyl was wrong and the rear window was wrong, but it easily folds into the top compartment, because the material was thin, like the original material.  I bought a top from Al Knock for my 1960 and experienced the same problem that you did when I went to fold it down.

My advice to you is that you contact Al Knoch and see if you can get him to custom fabricate a top for your 59 out of thin material, because you don't care about originality.  A big part of Al's business today is custom interiors, so he should be able to do this for you.  If he won't or can't do this for you, contact a local upholstery shop and see if they can purchase an after market top made of thinner material.

Larry Pearson










**********

 

 

12/04/2024

 

 

What Lube do I use in the Steering gear box. in my 58 corvette?  Thanks Russ

 

 

 

 

From: Michael Cappozio, Ohio Restorer:  You may get multiple answers but I’ve had the best luck with Lubriplate 630-AA Multi Purpose Lithium Grease. It’s available in a 10 ounce tube which makes it extremely easy to add to the steering box. Sold through many internet suppliers. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Bill Huffman, Miichigan Chapter President: 

Russ,
After struggling for years with C-I steering gearboxes that leaked the high viscosity trans & differential lube all over the garage floor, I started using this product---
 
https://www.ebay.com/itm/235792854906?_skw=lubriplate+lube+630-AA&epid=1800410846&itmmeta=01JE537FQT8HE7Y6GAQ343CJ5K&hash=item36e6596f7a:g:M5IAAOSw8Ppfg 
Prices vary. I bought mine at the local Advanced Auto Parts store.
 
Fill the gearbox to the plughole with this product and check periodically as it will settle some with worm/gear operation to stop the leaking & get you smoother steering operation. Fill only the gearbox. Do not fill the steering column tube under pressure with a lube gun.
 
I have used this for the last 5-6 years with no problems or unintended consequences.
Good luck,
Bill Huffman
 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

10-27-2024

 

 

I have a 1959 corvette with matching numbers duel four barrel carbs and I have a bad miss. I would like to do a vacuum test but don't know where to get the vacuum from. There is a 5/16 inch bolt in the alum manifold next to the distributer but I cannot find a adaptor to hook this up to a hose to attach to the vacuum meter. Distriberator  is a mechanical advance so no access there. I can't find any access on the carburators. Don't know what to do and hope someone has a way to get vacuum to the meter for a test. I'm greatful for any help you may offer. Thank you very much.     Mike

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Michael, I can't figure out how a vacuum test will help to solve your engine's miss.  Did this miss suddenly appear?  Did something change that might have caused the miss?  You need to determine which cylinder is causing the miss.  Disconnect each spark plug wire separately from the distributor while the engine is running, and this should help you determine which cylinder is causing the miss.  Then remove the cylinder's spark plug and inspect it for damage and for a visual sign that the plug has been firing.  The electrode should appear white if the plug is firing.  If the plug has not been firing, the electrode will have a dark color.  If the plug electrode is wet with coolant, you likely have a blown head gasket, which will allow engine coolant to enter the cylinder, shorting out the plug electrode.  If the plug electrode is dark, but dry, check the spark plug wire for continuity.  The carbon string type ignition wires normally have a resistance of about 10,000 ohms or less.  The rubber insulation might be cracked causing the spark to ground out.  To check for this problem, remove all ignition shielding, and observe the ignition wires in the dark with the engine running.  If you see any flashing, replace all of the spark plug wires. If the wire tests good, remove the distributor cap and inspect the electrode for the offending cylinder for signs of damage.  Look for signs of a carbon track between cylinders that could be causing cross firing between adjacent cylinders.  Is the distributor cap cracked?

If everything looks good up to this point, you need to do a compression test of the offending cylinder.  Possible problems this test will determine is a burned exhaust valve or improperly adjusted valve lash for that cylinder.  Possibly a cam lobe for one of the two valves in that cylinder has gone flat, resulting no valve action.  Possibly a broken rocker arm or broken valve spring.  The valve springs in this engine are coaxial.  The thick outer spring normally is the one that breaks. leaving the flat wire inner spring.to keep the valve from falling into the cylinder (which will destroy the engine).  The flat wire inner spring prevents resonances and is much weaker than the outer spring.

That is all that I can think of.


Larry Pearson .  

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

09/29/2024

 

 

I recently purchased  a 1954 Corvette from an estate sale that has the original six cyl. but the tranamission was changed out some time in the 70's.
The car has not been on the road for at least 25 years.  My problem is the starter that is in the car (after having it rebuilt) does not engage or mesh up to the 
168 tooth flywheel that is in the car. I took all the spark plugs out and turned the engine over with a flywheel tool.  I also counted the teeth on the flywheel.
The starter has 9 teeth on it.  The car is still a six volt system............My question is how many teeth should the flywheel have, and how many on the starter ?????
The place that rebuilt the starter said that in was either for a 57 or 58 .  I have found a starter for a 53/54 Corvette, but was not sure if it would do me any good if
I have the wrong flywheel in the car..............
 
I was advised by Larry Spillman to reach out to you for your help.
 
Thank you in advance, for your response.     

Tim

 

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  The number of teeth is not the important issue.  The diameter of the flywheel is.  I see no reason you would have a problem - if you can turn the engine with a flywheel tool - the starter should engage.  NOTE !   the starter for a 57 or 58 is a 12 V starter it will not work in a 6V system.  Does the starter bendix engage ?  When you hit the starter with voltage the starter gear should jump to the end of the starter shaft.  You can observe this with the starter out of the car, on the bench.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter President: 

Chicago Corvette has a used original 53-55 flywheel for sale.
 
53-55 Corvette FLYWHEEL - Powerglide transmission, used original · Chicago Corvette
 
Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

08/17/2024

 

 

Hello Jack,
Recently I got a fully restored 1956 with a three speed standard transmission.  The odometer does not have any miles recorded on it.  The speedometer isn't working and I have found that the gear on the lower end of the speedometer cable is not meshing with the gear on the tailshaft.  First I changed the gear and installed a new one.  It still didn't mesh.  Then I put the gear into a spare transmission and it is still the same. If I manually pull the fitting and gear out a little, some fiction is felt, but you can still turn the gear freely with a piece of speedometer cable.  The mating gears on both transmission tailshafts look real good.  It seems like a larger gear is needed.  The cable gears that I have been using measures about 3/4 of an inch wide.  Are wider gears available and am I using the wrong gear?  Thank you.

 

 

 

I have a 1959 corvette with matching numbers duel four barrel carbs and I have a bad miss. I would like to do a vacuum test but don't know where to get the vacuum from. There is a 5/16 inch bolt in the alum manifold next to the distributer but I cannot find a adaptor to hook this up to a hose to attach to the vacuum meter. Distriberator  is a mechanical advance so no access there. I can't find any access on the carburators. Don't know what to do and hope someone has a way to get vacuum to the meter for a test. I'm greatful for any help you may offer. Thank you very much.    

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor:  Michael, I just measured the outside diameter of the speedometer gear in a spare transmission for my 1956 Chevy Bel Air.  It is 0.875, or 7/8 inches.  If your gear measures 3/4 inch, then it is 1/8 inch too small, and that is why it doesn't mesh with the transmission gear.  You don't say what your rear end ratio is.  The standard ratio for a 1956 with a 3 speed transmission is 3:70.  If so, the gear that you need is light green with 22 teeth.  Corvette Central lists this gear as part number 531119.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

08/17/2024

 

 

Car Stalling out after about ½ hour of driving.

 

After about ½ hour of driving, I get a big shake, then the car just dies.

If I let it sit for about 10 minutes, it starts up just fine but only runs for about 5 to 10 minutes.

 

We have the following as new:

Distributor

Wires

Plugs

Coil

Battery

 

We have emptied the gas tank (No floating particles in it).

 

We have changed the fuel filter.

NOTE:  It’s a 350 V8, my fuel injection is long gone.
1957 car.

 

I don’t know what to do.  Any ideas?

 

Joseph

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP:  


My first guess is a heat related ignition problem. Check coil (new coils can be defective). When it stops open hood and see if coil is hot.

The condenser in the distributor may be defective.

Check wire from coil to distributor.


Hopefully others will speak up with other ideas.

Verle





From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Joe, are you using a distributor with points or a distributor modified to use electronic ignition?  I you are using points, check the ballast resistor.  It is the white ceramic thing mounted below the windshield wiper motor.  The resistance should be 1/2 ohm (Corvette), or 1.5 ohms (sedans).  Either one will work fine in your car.  This resistor gets quite hot when the engine is running, and maybe it opens circuit when it gets hot.  The symptom is when the engine dies and you try to restart it, it starts when the starter is cranking and then immediately dies when you release the key.  This is because the ballast resistor is bypassed (shorted out by the starter solenoid) when the starter is cranking.  This increases the voltage to the coil while the starter is cranking and causes the coil to give a hotter spark.  The large current flow to the starter causes the battery voltage to drop below 12 volts while the starter is cranking.  The running voltage in the car is 14.2 volts when everything is up to normal temperature.  This voltage is necessary to keep the battery fully charged.

If you are using electronic ignition, that may be failing when the electronics gets hot.  Pull the wire from the coil to the distributor and see if there is a spark when the engine dies.  If not, the ignition is the problem.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

08/08/2024

 

 

Strange looking gas tank drain plug. It has a 7/16th bolt in the center of other cover insert.   Is their a trick to removal or just take out the 7/16th bolt.  I did not want to snap off the small bolt.  1957 Corvette

 

 

From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP: 

I saw your picture.

Have you tried to remove the bolt? 
Is it so tight you are afraid of breaking the bolt?

I suggest you clean the area as much as possible, apply a good penetrating oil and try to remove the bolt. Use a six point socket and work the bolt back and forth. You may need multiple application of penetrating oil over a period of time.

If there is gas in the tank siphon as much as possible out and there will still be some in there.
 Have a container under the bolt with funnel to guide gas into the container.

Good luck,

Verle 

I also have a 57

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

07/19/2024

 

 

  Hi Jack,

 

                Hope you are doing well. I have a 61 Corvette 270 HP what is the correct generator pulley size?

                Some tell me 3 5/8” other tell me 4” would the wrong size pulley make my tachometer not work right.

                Would either pulley size use the same fan belt?

 

                Regards,

                Glenn

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Glenn, the correct generator pulley diameter for your 270 hp 1961 Corvette is 4".  The original part number for this pulley is 3711685.  All 1958-1962 Corvettes with solid lifter camshafts used this pulley.  The belt grove was extra deep on these pulleys to minimize the chance of the belt coming off at high rpm's, which these engines were capable of.  With this in mind, the effective diameter of the 4" pulley actually is 3 5/8".  So the 3 5/8" pulley will work fine for your application if that is all you can get.  Corvette Central sells a reproduction of the 4" pulley.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

07/03/2024

 

 

 

Was any part of the 60 power glide painted ? The one in my car appears to have been painted a light to baby blue or parts of if it have been

Thanks

Frank

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearsonk SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Frank, all cast iron Corvette transmissions, 3 sp, 4 sp, and Powerglide, were originally painted with gloss black chassis paint. 
This was done just before the body drop onto the chassis.  At this time, gloss black chassis paint was sprayed on the transmission, with overspray on the bell housing, the drive shaft, the exhaust system, the front suspension, the brake master cylinder (which was sticking up in the air attached to the brake line), the brake lines, front brake drums and backing plates and lines, the front and rear sway bars, and anything else that was not already painted.  This is illustrated on page 50 of the book "Birthplace of Legends".  This book covers the manufacture of all Corvettes built at the St Louis assembly plant, and contains many assembly line photos.

Chassis paint was a low cost solvent based black tar-like coating.  It is easily removed by all petroleum based solvents, from Mineral Spirits to Lacquer thinner.  Its gloss finish quickly deteriorates to flat.  The four speed transmission in my 1960 Corvette has never been out of the car and is still painted with chassis paint, along with the shifter linkage and overspray on the bell housing and clutch cover.  A good friend of mine's 1961 cast iron Powerglide car's transmission was painted chassis black (that was before he had it rebuilt, now it is unpainted).

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

06/25/2024

 

 

 

You helped me last year with a speedometer gear issue and I’m wondering whether you or someone you know can help me with another issue.  
I own a 61 Corvette as shown in the attached photos.  I’m trying to determine if I have it valued properly for insurance purposes. 

Some facts about it.  I am the original owner, having purchased it off the showroom floor in November, 1960.   
It has 89,000 original miles and has been garage kept for all but about  5 years.  It has never been in an accident of any kind.  
The paint is original and is in excellent condition.  Except for the front bumpers (minor scratches), and one door post (pitted), 
the chrome is just about perfect.  Except for the clock, everything else works.  The dash pad, seats and carpet have been 
replaced to original condition.  The convertible top looks new.   It has a 4 speed with positraction. 
The only negative I know of is that it does not have the original ehgine.  The current engine is 350 ci with about 10,000 miles 
on it and a 4 barrel carburetor. 

I have no intention of selling it. My son will inherit it someday.  I just think it’s underinsured and I’d like to get a 
reasonable idea of its value. 

 

 

 

From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP: 

Hagerty has a "value tool" on it's web site that can help.


Search the internet for 61s for sale. Don't believe the prices for the ones for sale by a dealer.

DO NOT UNDER INSURE!

A friend recently had an accident, a pickup turned into him and did major damage to a very nice original Corvette. The Pickup owner had minimal insurance and my friend was vastly under insured (agreed value). His insurance company would only pay that amount. The car was totaled.

Verle

 

 

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  One owner 61 vets are few and far between.  Don't think of the value of the car as if you were going to sell it - think of it as if you had to replace it.  You can scan the WEB of comparable cars (you won't find any one owners).  Bring a trailer.com will give you some feeling of its replacement cost.  Barett Jackson and Mechum auction houses will also give you a feeling for what 61s are selling for.  Their WEB sites give you links to recent auction results.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

06/16/2024

 

 

 

 

Finally getting around to rebuild of 4663 fuel pump for our 1958 Vette.
Hit a stumbling block – the bottom dish-shaped plate (with AC logo) does not want to come apart from the body (have removed the 2 screws, of course!)

I tried some gentle hammering and prying, it just does not want to budge.
Am I missing something?
Don't want to damage it …

… Alfred

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Alfred, the pump looks brand new.  Why are you rebuilding it?  The bottom cover with the AC logo and the zig-zag pattern in the gasket are completely correct. Test the output pressure and if it is at least 5 psi, the pump is good.  Most mechanical vacuum gauges also measure fuel pump pressure.  These pumps normally last for many years before they have to be rebuilt.

If you must rebuild it, the bottom cover appears to be glued in place with some sort of gasket cement.  Take a razor blade and cut away the edge of the gasket and then force the razor blade into the gasket around the edge.  If you do this, the cover has to come off.  Do not hammer on the metal cover in an attempt to dislodge it.  It will mar the finish and may warp it.  This cover has to be sealed against leakage.  If it leaks, the gas in the tank will siphon onto the garage floor, and you don't want that.

Larry Pearson .

 

Additional information: 

Alfred, your problem is not your fuel pump.  You should never have removed it from the engine and taken it apart.  It is brand new.  Nothing is wrong with it.  Now you have to figure out how to put it back together with a new bottom gasket.  And then you must figure out how to install it back on the engine.  All this is very tricky. 
 
Your pump is not getting any fuel from the gas tank.  There is no fuel for it to pump.  The gas line to the tank is obviously plugged up somewhere.  Since the gas tank is higher than the fuel pump, a siphon will set up and gas will start flowing by itself out of the line that connects to the input to the fuel pump.  This is not happening.  Remove the gas cap and attempt to blow into the line at the fuel pump end.  If you cannot blow into the line, something is plugged up on the way to the the fuel line pickup in the gas tank.  If so, you must remove the gas tank cover and disconnect the fuel line from the fuel tank sender and blow through it.  If you can blow through it, then the problem is with the fuel tank fuel pickup assembly in the tank.  Remove it and determine where the blockage is.  There is a strainer (filter) on the end of the fuel pickup line.  Maybe that is plugged up.  Is your gas gauge working?  Is the float good (not full of gas)?  Take an ohm meter and move the float arm up and down.  The float moves a pickup on a 30 ohm variable resistor, and moving the float arm should vary the variable resistance from zero to 30 ohms. If this not happening, your gas gauge will never work.

Did the gas in the tank go bad?  If so, the tank has to be removed and taken to a radiator shop to have it cleaned.  If you store the car for long periods, put Stabyl in the tank,  Auto parts stores sell it.  It prevents the fuel in the tank from going bad.

As to your questions about the fuel pump.  There are two cavities in the bottom of the pump.  One is the fuel input cavity that connects to the fuel tank line, and the second one is the output fuel cavity to the carburetor.   Fuel enters the input cavity that has a one way valve on top (the round thing), that allows fuel to be sucked up into the cavity under the main diaphragm.  When the actuator arm is pushed down, the main diaphragm moves up and sucks gas through the inlet valve into the cavity under the main diaphragm.  When the actuator arm is released, the diaphragm pushes the fuel through the one way output valve and into the output cavity that connects to the fuel line to the carburetor. No fuel ever gets into the bottom cover under the bottom gasket.  The white powder in the bottom cover never gets mixed with gasoline.  It is not the problem.

When you get the problem fixed, you must plug the line at the fuel pump to prevent a siphon from occurring and causing the gas to empty onto your garage floor.  Connecting the line to the fuel pump does this.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

05/24/2024

 

 

Corvette Info:

1961 Corvette,   VIN: 10867S104243

283 cu.in. / 4BBL, base engine 230 HP, orange painted valve covers.

Engine Block Number: V152438 (stamped passenger front of block), Head ID: 3774692

Powerglide

Tuxedo Black with Red Int.

Original Condition.  Shows 50,000 miles, but odometer not working.

Sold new by Frontier Chevrolet, Fresno, Calif. To James and June Louttit

Second Owner: Dennis William Rowe, Fresno, Calif.  (1984-2020) Rowe took car to Hawaii for most of his ownership.

Third Owner:  Steve Ricci, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada – Steve obtained it in a trade with Rowe’s widow.

Present Owner:  Doug and Angela Oakley who purchased Corvette in May 2023.

 

Question:

I believe Engine is original and car shows that the 50,000 miles may be close.

Could Engine have been replaced while under Warranty?

My research indicated all 1961 Corvette Blocks were stamped 3756519

 

Thanks for the help.

Doug 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Doug, This is not the original engine for your car.  The pad on the right front of the engine block should have two stampings.  The upper stamping should be:  FXXXXDG.  The F means that the engine was made at the Flint engine plant.  All C1 V8 engines were made at the Flint, Michigan engine plant.  The XXXX is the production date for your car.  Example:  0627 is June 27th.  The DG code is for the base engine with powerglide, which you say that you have.  The lower stamping should be 104243, the VIN number for your car.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:

The #3756519 is not a stamped number on the engine.  It is the block casting number.  The engine serial number and power train codes go on the stamp pad.  Your car's serial number & transmission code "DG" should be there.  Only 10,939  61s were built. The highest serial number is thus 110,939.  The number 152438 is outside that range. It looks like the original engine has been replaced. The number you need to look for is the "casting number"  "3756519" \1.  It is located on the driver's side - top back of the engine behind the heads - where the bell housing bolts to the engine.  It is a number cast into the block.  This tells you whether or not it is a correct block (61 283 Corvette).  The casting number on your heads is correct for a 61.

  Late production 61s used a 3789935 cast engine.



**********

 

 

04/16/2024

 

 

This corvette that I may purchase has power steering and power brakes.     .Is that good although non-original?

-Bev

 

 

From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP: 

What are you planing to do with the car.
If it is a driver, there is nothing wrong with those changes assuming the work was done correctly.

If you are buying for an investment maybe not. Historically nice original cars increase in value more than altered cars do. That may not be the case in the future.

Just my opinion.

Verle

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

04/11/2024

 

 

Guys,
I have a new front clip on  my '56 Vette and need help locating how to place the badge. Does anyone have the specific measurements as to how to place the badge?

Thanks,

Ken

 

 

From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP: 

On my 57 with original, undamaged fiberglass,
centered between headlights, bottom edge of emblem is three inches from top edge of original grill surround trim.

Verle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  Center of badge is 1) center of nose panel L-R  2) 6 3/4 in down from hood opening.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

03/19/2024

 

 

 In August I sent an email describing the valve train problem that occurred in my 230 hp 283.  With your help, before I took it apart, it seemed like I might have a broken valve spring and possibly bent an exhaust valve.  The one thing that i knew for sure was that I had badly bent a pushrod.  Before taking the engine apart I took compression tests of all of the cylinders and a leak down test of all of the cylinders except number three, the faulty one.  The leak down test showed that any of the cylinders that didn't show leakage from valves only had leakage from 13 to 15 percent.  so I believe the rings are in pretty good shape.
Before taking the heads off I found that several of the rocker arms were most likely worn because there was much side to side movement and they had been wearing onto the sides of the valve stems.  Once the heads were off I found no evidence that a valve had been hit by the piston.  Good news.  The bad news is that the lifters have extreme wear and it has been suggested to put in a new camshaft and lifters along with doing the heads.  I am trying to do all I can to not pull the engine out even though I know that would make working on it easier.  I don't know alot about the history of this engine.  When I bought the engine, I was told it had had a recent rebuild.  I believe now that might be correct. It is very clean inside and has just a slight ridge at the top of the cylinders. I can barely feel it.  I have run it 8000 miles

So my question is, since I have to replace the camshaft, I was thinking about putting in a Duntov cam and solid lifters.  Is there any reason that you would not  recommend that?  Also my plan, as long as the oil pan will be off, is to put in a new oil pump.

Michael





Michael, installing a Duntov solid lifter camshaft will get you practically nothing unless you install dual quads or Fuel Injection.  Your single Carter WCFB carburetor has too small a CFM to adequately supply a high lift camshaft.  Also, the solid lifter engines had high compression pistons, boosting the compression ratio from 9.5 to 10.5.

I cannot see how  rocker arms can wear into the sides of the valve stems.  But they can mushroom the tips of the valve stems.  And they could wear into the sides of the rocker arm mounting studs. Damaged studs can be replaced when you do the valve job.  I don't understand how the push rod got bent.  Did the rocker arm adjusting nut work its way loose?  Is the #3 cam lobe worn flat?

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP: 

From your description I suspect the cause of your problems is cam and lifter wear. A worn cam will result in loose rocker arms. The worn rocker arms may be because they are old. When the rebuilt the engine did they replace the rocker arms?

I strongly suggest you pull the engine. With the worn cam and rocker arms you will have metal particles all through the engine. The crank and rod bearings are probably worn. You need to have the block and everything vatted so they are clean. Pay special attention to the oil passages in the block, make sure they are clean.

A lot of people have had cam/lifter failures on brand new engine rebuilds. Do your research before picking a cam.

I believe all 58 Corvettes had 9 to 1 compression. Higher compression definitely helps performance but  requires higher octane fuel.
I agree you would need more carburetion to realize performance of the Duntov cam. A different intake manifold and larger carburetor.

Verle







From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor: 
I don't know why you would use solid lifters unless you modify all the other components necessary to achieve the performance of a solid lifter 283.  That includes pistons, intake and carburation.  Solid lifters alone means you have created a maintenance (adjustment) routine for no other reason than to say you have solid lifters in your engine.  As far as the other issues - if you are changing the cam I would definitely freshen up the other associated components (lifters, pushrods and rockers).  RE: oil pump - go to a high volume pump.










 

 

**********

 

 

02/11/2024

 

 

I have a 1959 Corvette that had a non-posi rear ... I'm installing a posi  355  ratio rear ... I have seen a vent tube assembly that is for the older Corvette's with a posi rear ... My axle tube has a small vertical vent tube that is probably 2" long with a loose fitting cap for the vent ... Is it necessary for me to install the vent listed for the older Corvette's which is a threaded 90 degree angle fitting with a pipe probably several feet long ... If I need to install this threaded assembly I will need to tap some threads into the axle tube since my vent was just a push in vent ... Any help would be greatly appreciated ... Thank You very much ...
 Jerry

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Jerry, in my opinion, a vent is a vent, and that is all you really need for your rear axle housing, regardless of Positraction.  If you are having your car judged by NCRS, then you need to to install the vent tube assembly and remove and plug the hole for your vertical vent.  The vent tube is illustrated in the 1959 Corvette Assembly Manual under section RPO 675.  No dimensions are given for where the 90 degree fitting is to be located.  It might be in the same location as your vertical vent, which actually may be threaded into place.  The end of the vent tube is cut off at an angle, with the open end facing down.

With the 1959 Corvette, the available Positration ratios were 3:70, 4:11, and 4:56.  The standard ratio with a manual transmission, Positraction or not, was 3:70.  Powerglide came standard with 3:55 open only.  The 3:55 ratio was not available with Positraction in 1959 in Corvette.

I mentioned the 1959 Corvette Assembly Manual.  If you don't have one of these, you can buy one from any of the major Corvette parts suppliers.  It illustrates all the details on how Chevrolet manufactured your Corvette, and is a "must have" if you work on your car.  Also, buy the Corvette Servicing Guide, Publication ST 12.  This is the only official shop manual that Chevrolet produced for the C1 Corvettes.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

From: Michael Cappozio, Ohio Restorer:   Jerry, it would be best for you to install the proper vent if installing at posi traction differential. Also keep in mind, you may experience some possible leakage of gear oil from the axle shaft seals. A posi traction housing has small plates welded inbound of the axles to keep the gear oil from pushing towards the ends of the housing tube. An open differential housing does not have these plates in place.
Michael Capozzio
Classic Corvette Restorations
Chardon, Ohio

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

01-14-2024

 

 

My question is on the date code...

The last # 8 on code L178 does the #8 specify the model year of car that the axle was made for ?
OR ...

The actual date that the axle was molded / manufactured ?
GM # 3725899  / L178

L=November  / 17 = 17th Day / 8=58
One more question the metal ID tab on the bolt at the two o'clock position is that from under car facing the rear of car or looking in from back of car towards the front ?
I was under there and actually didn't see it in either position but I see they sell the tabs to put back in place when restoring car / axle.
Thank you

Barry








 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  The number you are referring to (L178), is the casting date of the carrier.  L=Dec. 17th - 1958.  The Ratio tag you question is located at the two o"clock position when viewed from the FRONT.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Follow up question to date code on rear axle
L178 ( November 17, 1958 )

Then this axle L178 was made for an early model 1959 Corvette ?  

According to internet the last 58 model to roll off the assembly line was in August of1958. ( According to internet ).

Do the 1959 cars have 1958 dated axles ?

I was guessing that maybe they put month ( L) day (17)  then the actual model year of car to be fitted on the stamp (58). But that is a guess and would only make sense to me making mine a original 1958 model year rear axle. 

L November 17 day and made in 1957 but for a" 58 " model - L178

My 1958 has a couple signs of being an early model car besides the " born on date" look up tool and my low VIN # 
I have the short tab hood latch location hole ( but not short tab ) and the door chrome trim end pieces having no screw hole from the top. The chrome door end pieces have a clip and a screw from underneath creating a smooth finish from the top with no visible screw hole.

Attached is a picture of a date stamp on boot cover hinge area and my original and replacement hood latches which isn't the short tab but has the short tab location hole (two holes). The original shown has the long tab with two holes and my release cable ran up from underneath to the inner short tab location hole.

I am guessing that this was the solution during the transition from short to long tab hood latches.

I couldn't find short tab replacement latches and the "new" replacement latches only have the outer hole as shown in photo.

In order to use long tab replacement latch I drilled the second inner hole to accommodate the original cable hold down bracket guide location and now they look like my original two hole long tab latches.

If I changed the cable guide bracket to accommodate outer hole I would have had to drill to many new holes in firewall to install which I chose not to do.

The date stamped under the hinge on my boot cover is dated January 30, 1958 contradicting the birthday website results by a bit ( 6 weeks ). 

It may have taken the extra 6 week trip  down the assembly line while they were trying to figure out the hood latch assembly. Lol

It took me about that same amount of time.   : )

Sorry I went a little off topic on rear axle but it is all production date related.

Thank you for all your help.

Barry

 

 

From: Bill Huffman, Michgan Chapter President: 

Barry,
The differential in your 1958 Corvette was cast on Nov 17, 1958, which is at least 3 months after your car could have been built.
So, it can't be original to the car, if you care.
Original date coded parts should be 3 months to 2 weeks prior to vehicle assembly.
 
The number below that is the casting number 3725899, so it is a GM, non-posi differential.
On the same surface but on the opposite side of the pinion emboss you should find two capital letters that identify the original ratio & GM vehicle model as well as a stamped date of differential assembly.
 
A 1959 Corvette without positraction, should show the letters AE for 3.55, AH for 3.70 or FJ for 3.70, manual trans & metallic brakes.
 
To determine the axle ratio of what some previous owner has installed, turn the rear wheel exactly one revolution and count the number of driveshaft revolutions.
Depending on what its original application was, it could be anywhere from 3.08, 3.36, 3.55, 3.70, 4.11 to 4.56.
Base for your car was 3.70:1 w/ manual trans or 3.55:1 for a power glide automatic.
 
A lot of stuff gets replaced in 65 years of somebody else owning your car.
Good luck with your project,
Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC

 

 

 

**********

 

 

01/08/2023

 

 

Was wondering if anyone had a scale drawing of the heater defroster diverter box cardboard  components. I'm considering making one, my 59 is a driver not being judged. Thanks Dennis 

 

 

From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter President: 

Dennis,
I made a heater defroster box for my 1960 many years ago before reproduction parts were available. I made it from furnace duct galvanized steel, using the old broken cardboard heater box as a pattern. If you don't have your old one, you can usually find one at any Corvette swap meet or on e-bay.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/314900792726?hash=item Corvette heater defroster box 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962
Paint it matte black and nobody will even notice. It is still in my car & works fine.
Good luck,
Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Dennis, Corvette Central sells a complete defroster box with hoses for about $200. Their part number is 455120.  I assume that you have the metal part of the heater and just need to replace the pressboard defroster assembly.  I very much recommend that you buy the Corvette Central reproduction, because its shape and complexity would take an enormous effort on your part to reproduce.  The price of the reproduction from Corvette Central is very reasonable, in my opinion.

Larry Pearson














**********

 

 

01/03/2024

 

 


I have a new/old Ecklers one piece front clip from the front of the windshield forward for a a 1956 or 1957 Corvette.  It came with my 1956 project that I purchased in 1991, but was never bonded onro a car.  I bought a one piece clip that includes the upper dash to use instead.  I have someone interested in buying my original clip. but there is a question on how the grille oval would attach since the area around the opening is just flat fiberglas with no reinforcement.  Is there anyone on the panel that is familiar with one of these one piece units that can shed some light on how the grille oval would attach?

Thank you,
Michael

 

 

From: Bill Preston, Red River Chapter Advisor: 

The chromed grill oval has 5 vertical metal braces that strengthen the grill oval and the oval
just bolts to the fiberglass with a metal flat washers behind the brackets. I am assuming that the opening for the 
grill has been cut out according to specifications. (Picture attached of shape of the factory opening)

I installed one from Eckler's in about 1975 and didn't have to do anything to reinforce it.
Just be sure you have the proper brackets (picture attached), washers and nuts that are 
meant for the installation. The grill ring installs using the black vertical brackets before any
part of the actual grill is installed into it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor: I don't believe there is any reinforcement around the 56-57 grill opening. The mounting points are slots in the glass - the grill oval is mounted directly to the glass with studs in the oval and supported with a retainer plate, washer and nut (see illustration).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

12/10/2023

 

 

Hi
I have a 58 and I am installing a new gas tank, filler neck grommet and hose etc.

It is so tight in the filler neck area.  So far I put in the grommet then slid the filler neck in. Then I managed to put the hose and inner hose clamp on.

Now I was thinking about carefully letting tank drop in and attaching the gas tank side of hose on it's tank drops in.

 

I am guessing the grommet will come loose at some point.

Is there a procedure you can suggest for me ?

Does the grommet go on last ?

 If so how ? 

 Persistence, some grease and a side   patience ?

I am working alone so it's a tuff, tight fit.

Any suggestions will be appreciated

Barry

 

 

Oh any suggests on removing three layers of paint ?

Brand of stripper ?

Sand paper ?

Razor blade ?

All three ?

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Barry, I think that you got it right.  Install the grommet, then push the filler tube into it from inside the tank area, then install the tank and finally, install the rubber coupling hose and clamp it down securely at both ends.  Use Sil Glide silicone lubricant if you need it.  Do not use petroleum based lubricants on rubber.

Inside the gas filler area there is a drain hole.  In the gas tank area there should be a rubber hose connecting a fiberglass nipple on the other side of this drain hole to a hole at the bottom of the gas tank area going under the car.  This drains gas spilled in the filler area directly under the car.  This helps eliminate gas fumes from getting into the car.  With the gas tank out of the car, installing a new drain hose is very easy if it is missing.  Make sure that you have installed a rubber hose from the gas tank vent to the gas filler area, where is is clamped in place.

When installing the gas tank cover, be sure to completely seal it to prevent gas fumes from getting into the car.  Use 3M Strip Caulk to do the sealing.  That is what GM originally used to seal the tank cover.  Originally it was light gray, but only black is available today.  It has a clay like consistency and is easy to work into place.

Do not use chemical strippers on fiberglass.  It will damage the fiberglass gel coat.  Wet sand using 3M wet or dry sandpaper, 400 grit. Do not sand through the gel coat.  If your car has damaged fiberglass, have a professional repair it.  You should have a professional prepare and paint your car.  Today's automotive paints are extremely toxic, and have to be used with a pressurized suit in an approved spray booth. Today, new cars are painted by robots.  Automotive lacquer, which your car was originally painted with, is no longer available.

Larry Pearson 

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chaoter Advisor: 

Barry - John Spencer here - I have stripped and painted a dozen or more Corvettes.  Most advisors caution you against using any kind of chemical strippers - but - used properly they will make the job removing original + paint easier and give you a better end product. Here is my experience - First only use a quality stripping agent. Purchase it from an automotive paint supplier, not your local hardware store.  Second use with a lot of water (running hose).  Other items needed 1-rubber gloves 2-plastic bondo spreader 3-empty coffee can or other suitable container 4-disposable paint brush 5-steel wool.  Process:  Paint a coat on 2x2 square area - let the stripper do its job - remove the stripped paint with the plastic spreader - repeat this process until you get down to the original primer. You can work two areas at once - coat area 1 , pause for a period of time, when it’s ready to strip - coat the second area.  By the time you’ve stripped area 1 and added a second coat of stripper - area 2 will be ready to address. The first container is for stripper tho second container is for the stripped paint.  The rubber gloves are to protect you (heavy rubber not latex shop gloves).  When you get down to the primer coat - apply your stripper and scrub it with your steel wool while applying running water to the area until the surface is clean. This will remove stripper residue and not damage the glass or  gelcoat.  When you’ve done this properly - you end up with a clean smooth surface. A light wet sanding and you’re ready for priming. If you need additional info I can send you a photo guide of this process
Caution: Stripper is very caustic - it will burn you if contacted and should be used only in a well ventilated area

 

 

 

**********

 

 

12/08/2023

 

 

Does anyone know if I can put 15" x 7" American Racing Torque Thrust D wheels on Wilwoods 11" Disc Brakes? This is a 58 Corvette. I have tried both manufactures and nobody can help.  Thanks Russ

 

 

 

From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter President: 

Russ,
Not enough info in your request for me to give a definite answer.
 
Which came first, the 11" brakes or the 15 x 7 wheels?
Have you already bought the parts & can't make them fit or is this a new combination you want to try out?
 
!5 x 7 wheels are too wide for a 1958 Corvette because they will rub on the front inner fenders when attempting to turn.
In addition, steering effort in a '58 with 15 x 5.5 O/S stock wheels is difficult enough with a 17" steering wheel without the added resistance of the larger footprint. 
 
Corvette Central sells a complete disc brake set kit that will fit inside the stock 15 X 5 Corvette wheels.  With this kit, you can mount any wheel you choose as long as it doesn't rub on the inside.
 
Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC

 

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter advisor: 

Russ, I used to slalom race my 62.  I tried wide (I don't remember how wide, but wider than 5 1/2 inches, which I was running) Torque Thrust Wheels with low profile tires (to avoid fender contact).  I could barely steer the car.  

It is important that the wheels used on the front not be offset from stock.  That is, the center line of the wheel must be exactly over the large inner wheel bearing, which is made large to carry the vehicle load.  The small outer bearing just assists with cornering loads.  If the wheels are offset, part of the vehicle load is transferred to the small outer wheel bearing, and can result in early failure.  Offset wheels are not a problem in the rear.

The wheels that you are considering are undoubtedly designed to be used with disc brakes, and, therefore should work fine.  The maker of the disc calipers shouldn't matter.

Larry Pearson



 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

12/2/2023

 

 

Greetings, I am thinking of buying an early corvette 57 to 60....Is it possible to find an original driver for about 75,000.?....I am retired from the medical profession and live in MA......Your website is spectacular....Thank you..

 

Bev.

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  Yes.  You should be able to find a decent driver in good condition (probably restored or up graded).  First place to look is your local corvette clubs or NCRS Chapters. You are most likely to get a true evaluation of a Classic from a personal owner. You will pay a premium through a dealer.  A good auction site is "Bring A Trailer". 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, Southern California Chapter Advisor: 

It certainly is possible to buy a nice 57 to 60 for $75,000.  Keep in mind that condition is important.  A show car is expensive to build and will cost a lot more because of this.  If you just want a driver and do not plan to have the car judged, a car with a non original engine will cost a lot less than a "numbers matching" car.  Generally speaking, the 57 and 58 models are more desirable, and thus more expensive, the the 59 and 60 models.  The high horsepower cars with four speed transmissions are the most sought after and, usually, the most expensive.  Powerglide equipped cars are a joy to drive in today's traffic, but are less desirable to the Corvette collector, and, therefore, are less expensive.

If you don't know these cars very well, you should get advice from someone who does before purchasing.  All C1 Corvettes went through a phase when they were only worth a few hundred dollars, and many of the owners at that time abused them terribly.  Accident damage has always been very expensive for Corvettes, and many repair shops cut corners, or were incompetent, and did not make lasting repairs.  Unlike metal cars, damaged fenders don't unbolt, and have to be repaired in place by highly skilled technicians.

The above advise generally applies to any vintage car, not just Corvettes.  I wish you the best of luck with your search.

Larry Pearson





From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter Advsor: 

There are other years available in the same price range, most require work.
When I bought my 57 I planned to drive it so I did a complete mechanical rebuild, brakes, engine, transmission, differential to insure reliability. 

When you find a car you are interested in, ask here for anyone who lives close to help inspect it. A lot of people with knowledge are willing to help.

Verle








**********

 

 

10/27/2023

 

 

we’ve pretty much finished the restoration of my 54 vette.  But I need a  top. The current one, on car from when I bought is black, but the frame is tan. Shouldn’t the top be tan for a 54? Also, who makes best replacement tops? AK is out of all tops except black ones. Other suppliers have vinyl and canvas versions available - what is recommended?

Thanks,

Mike

 

 

From: John Spencer, REd River Chapter advisor:  Correct top for a 54 is Beige / Canvas

 

 

Below is an example:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

10/23/2023


Hi,

 

 

I think I have found a used top for my 62 BUT it will need to be restored and painted.  Do you know anyone who does that for a reasonable fee?

 

Thanks.

 

Ivar

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Ivar, I assume that you are talking about a hard top.  You don't say where you live.  I live in the Los Angeles area and know of someone who could probably repair your top for a fair fee, but shipping something like this is a big problem if you live far away.  Corvette Central sells restored C1 hard tops outright for $7664.15 plus $250 shipping in their most recent catalog.  Frankly, to me, that sounds reasonable for what you get.  What does this top you found need?  If it is just paint, that is fairly simple.  If it needs everything, it gets very expensive. 

These tops are a masterpiece of construction, but it takes an expert to properly repair and restore one.  Back in the day, the second top option was a mere $250.  What A deal.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Michael Cappozio, Ohio Restorer: 

Ivar, while this job can be completed by several shops, or even yourself, it is very difficult and labor intensive. All the parts are available through Glassworks, The Hardtop Shop in Imperial, PA. They do however offer full and complete restoration of your hardtop. It is unfortunately quite expensive and they work on a very long lead time. But the quality of work is next to none and the top looks better then new when finished. They have done several tops for my shop and I have always been beyond satisfied. 
Michael Capozzio. 






**********

 

 

09/15/2023

 

 

I am a 48 year member of AACA that is considering the purchase of a 1956 Corvette. As part of my research of the car I am trying to determine if the car has its original engine. The VIN NUMBER of the car is E56S003345 which is the latter half of the production run. The engine serial number is 0499185F56GR. The 56GR matches the dual 4 barrel manifold but I have not been able to determine if the prefix 0499185 is within the range appropriate for my VIN NUMBER. Can you provide any guidance on this issue? Thank you in advance for your help.
Regards,
Wayne

 

 

From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter Advisor: 

Wayne,

That I know of, there is no known correlation between the 56 engine sequence number and the VIN of the car. The higher sequence numbers tend to be on later cars. I hope someone can provide a better answer to that question.

The casting numbers on the back of the block will help. On the bell housing flange there will be a casting number on one side and a casting date on the other side.

Also remove valve covers and get the casting number and casting date for each head.   

Your head casting numbers should be 3731762

Your exhaust manifolds should be 3731557 Left and 3731558 Right
If you can provide the above casting numbers and casting dates it will help identify the engine.

Good luck,

Verle

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor: 

Wayne - Vin numbers were not stamped on engines in 56 - correct.  Here is some info to help you determine the authenticity of your engine.  First - check the engine casting.  This is located on the bell housing flange of the engine.  56 casting is 3720991.  On the opposite side of the engine is the date code the engine is cast.  Documented Serial Number E56S003344 was produced August 8th, 1956.  Your date code should be June-July 56
  The closest S/N to engine # to yours I find is:  
S/N E56S002931 = Engine 0620340F56FG
  The closest engine # I find to yours is:
Engine # 0402424F56FG = S/N E56S001939
It appears your engine is from an earlier 56 than yours.  The date code should confirm or refute this.
Even if the block you have is not be the original that came with your car - if the casting number is correct - it is correct for your year.



 

**********

 

 

09/12/2023



Hi my name is Dean, a relatively  new member.  I have a 62 vette with a 340 hp with the original carb.  After the engine and engine compartment
gets warm the engine doesn’t want to idle.  I have had the carb worked on but still have the problem.  I feel like it is a heat issue.  Have you heard of this
from other owners?  I have owned the car since 1964.    Any help would be appreciated. 



From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP: 
My first thought is a vacuum leak.
Verle






















From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 
Dean:  You need to consult the Corvette Servicing Guide, Chevrolet publication ST-12 to help you with this problem.  ST-12 is the only official Chevrolet shop manual for the C-1 Corvettes.  It is available as a reprint from all the major Corvette parts suppliers and is a "must have" for all C-1 Corvette owners.

There are  two separate idle speed adjusting screws on the AFB carburetor.  When the engine is cold and the Carburetor choke valve is closed or partially open, the Fast Idle Screw sets the idle speed.  This screw operates in conjunction with the fast idle cam, and is shown in Figure 94 on page 6M-37 in ST-12.  Once the engine is fully warmed up and the choke valve is completely open, the fast idle cam no longer controls the engine idle speed.  At this point, the engine idle speed is set with the Idle Speed Adjusting Screw, which is shown in Figure 92 on page 6M-36 of ST-12.   Adjusting this screw should solve your hot idle speed problem.

Once you get your hot idle speed properly adjusted, you need to adjust the two Idle Mixture Adjusting Screws, shown in Figure 92 on page 6M-36.  This is easily done on a hot engine by turning each screw clockwise, one at a time, until the engine starts to die.  Then turn the screw 3/4 of a turn counter clockwise.  If these screws are open too far, the engine idle mixture is too rich and may cause black smoke to issue from the exhaust pipes at idle, and a rough idle.  After making this adjustment, you may have to re-adjust the engine hot idle speed.

Larry Pearson







**********

 

 

09/06/2023

 

 

Just found your website and thought a great place to ask my question.

I'm in the process of installing a soft top on my 1958 Corvette and wondering the bow measurements for putting in the 2 pads.

If someone could provide measurements it would be much appreciated.

From the Front Bow tack strip to #1 bow

From #1 Bow to # 2 Bow

From # 2 Bow to # 3 Bow

From # 3 Bow to #4 Bow with the tack strip.

Thank you so much for your help

Tom 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Tom:  These measurements are from a top that has the original pads in place, so they should be correct.  The measurements were made along the center line of the top.

Rear edge of the header to the center line of bow #1: 15 1/2 inches

Center line of bow #1 to the center line of bow #2:  8 1/2 inches

Center line of Bow #2 to the center line of bow #3:  5 1/4 inches

Center line of Bow #3 to the center line of bow #4:  4 3/4 inches

Overall from the rear edge of the header to the center line of bow #4:  34 1/4 inches, which is only 1/4 inch more than adding up the separate measurements, so my separate measurements are quite accurate.

Before installing the pads, lubricate all of the bow pivot points.  Use 30 weight engine oil if you are not disassembling the bows from the side frames.  Use light grease if you have disassembled the bows.  It is very important that you lubricate the large slotted screw pivot point in the center of the side frame.  If you want to remove it, there is a small Allen head set screw that holds this screw in place that must be loosened before it can be removed.  The top frame is painted semi-gloss black.  Make sure that the tacking strips are in good order.

Before installing the pads, install all six weather strips and retainers to the side frames and adjust the top frame to fit the side windows when all the way up.  If you have a hard top, install it and make sure that the side window stops are adjusted so that the side windows properly fit the top weather strips when rolled all the way up.  It is critical that the side frame pivot point is adjusted to lift the center pivot to fit the side window frame.  This is done with the link that connects to the center pivot and has the sole purpose to pull it up.

If you purchased your pads from Al Knoch, in my experience, they are at least one inch too short.  He cuts them to length with no extra material.  To make them work, in my experience, you get wrinkles in the pads. One of our Chapter Members, Jeff Reade, installs tops and encountered the same problem that I did.  To get the proper length pads, tell the Al Knoch people that you want the "Jeff Reade" top pads.

If you need parts, the entire top frame has been reproduced by Sully's Tops in Fresno, California.  Call 559.291.8677.   Or go to www.sullystops.com  

Larry Pearson

 

 

**********

 

 

09/02/2023

 

 

I have an all original 1956 corvette that I purchased from the original owner 50 years ago. Yesterday after driving for about 10 miles I parked it for a couple of hours. When I got in to leave, no reverse in the power glide. Today upon further investigation it seems the transition is in drive all the time, even in park, neutral and in .reverse it seems to be in both. I never had a problem with the transmission before, this just came out of the blue. Checked shifter , linkage all seems well .shaft  that goes into transmission rotates. Rear Tran mount new 3 years ago and in good shape. I’m hoping I over looked something that can be easily fix. Any help would be appreciated as this is my favorite time of year to use it. Thank you in advance Tom …. 56 vet,265 duel quarts, 2 speed powerglide.

 

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  If your shifter linkage is intact and operating good - the problem has to be in the transmission itself.  Sounds like you need to have a GOOD x-mission man inspect and probably rebuild the tranny.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

08/07/2023

 

Hello SACC,

While heading to a show this morning in our 1958 Corvette and twenty-five miles from home we developed a ticking noise and it especially got worse when under more power going up hills.  I had just gotten a tank of gas.  So I was thinking that it could be bad gas.  We decided to turn around and go back home.  At that point we noticed a little backfiring through the exhaust when decelerating.  I began to assume it was probably valve related and when I stopped to listen it sounded like the left bank.  We decided to limp back home slowly, but within ten miles it developed a knock.  Still the noise seemed like the top end, but we shut it off once we found a safe spot to stop, and called a flatbed.  I was thinking a bent or broken pushrod.  After getting it flat bedded safely back to our garage  I found that indeed it had an exhaust pushrod that had gotten by the rocker arm and was bent and almost broken off from hitting the under side of the rocker arm cover.

My question to the experts is what to do next.  Should I put in a new pushrod and adjust all of the valves?  Should I put all new pushrods in?  Should I look at the lifters, (i've heard of collapsed lifters), or if I have to change one should all 16 get changed?  I do not know the history of the engine, but it runs well and seems to be very clean in the tops of the heads and valve train.  We have run it only 8000 miles since 1997, without any issues.

Thank you for your help.

Michael

 

 

From:  Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Michael:  From your symptoms, it sounds like your exhaust valve has stuck partially open.  The valve springs on your car are coaxial,  There is the outer spring made from heavy round wire and an inner spring made from flat wire.  Possibly the outer spring broke and the valve is being operated only by the inner spring, which is not designed to operate the valve, and maybe the valve is stuck partially open. If this happened the piston may have hit the partially open exhaust valve and that was the source of the knock.  If this happened, the valve may be bent and the piston top may be damaged.  I had this happen with my 62 while I was returning from a Corvette meet out of state.  I removed the rocker arm cover and backed off the rocker arm nut and removed the push rod.  When I got home, I replaced all of the valve springs to prevent this from happening again.  And It hasn't. The springs can be replaced without removing the cylinder heads.   Another possibility is a broken rocker arm.  If so, replace all of them.  I don't think that it is a totally collapsed tappet.  A partially stuck hydraulic tappet could account for the ticking sound, but not the knock.  If your car has solid tappets, they can't collapse.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  This is not an uncommon problem.  Lifter, pushrod, rockerarm failures can be simple or totally devastating.  A surefix is to pull the heads and have them gone through. This is costly however.  If you think the problem is just in the pushrod, first replace the lifters, pushrods and rocker arms.  After you have replaced these, you can check compression to assess the condition of the pistons and valves.  Assuming you are not pushing the 58 hard - the engine should give you miles of reliable service

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

08/04/2023

 

 

 hi . i have a 1958 corvette ,it has been updated to a 350 zz1 with alternator system . my problem is it seems all or most of my original  gauges are out of sync .i am thinking it has to do with the possibility of the gauges being made to run off the generator ,possibly being of a certain calibration . could this be possible and or is there any fix so i can retain my original gauges giving me proper readings. any thoughts on this would be much appreciated . thanks  perry.


 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Perry:  Your car has five gauges:  Speedometer, Tachometer, Fuel gauge, Temperature gauge, Ammeter, and engine temperature gauge.

The Speedometer is mechanical and runs off a cable from the transmission tail shaft.  If you are using a modern transmission, there might not be a place to connect the speedometer cable to.

The tachometer is mechanical and runs off a speedometer type cable off an adapter on the back of the generator, which you don't have.  The 1962 and later models are also mechanical and run off of the distributor.  This arrangement might work for you if you can run a 1962 and later distributor with your ZZ1 350 .

The fuel gauge is electrical and runs off a variable resistor and float in the gas tank.  This should not be affected with the alternator.

The Ammeter is set up for the original generator and voltage regulator.  The early alternators used an external voltage regulator, like the generators used.  The later alternators have a built in voltage regulator.  The alternator conversion is very common, but I have never done this conversion,so I cannot advise you how to do it.  Modern cars use a volt meter instead of the ammeter.  This greatly simplifies the wiring.  It just measures the alternator's voltage output.  The system normally runs at 14.2 Volts, even though it is called a 12 volt system.  If the system is operating at 14.2 volts, you can assume that the car's battery is being properly charged.

The oil pressure gauge is mechanical and has a metal tube that runs to a fitting that connects to the engine block oil gallery.  I don't know if your engine has a place to connect this gauge tubing to. 

Corvette Central has a big catalog section showing modern electronic gauge systems that they sell. 

Larry Pearson




From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  The only gage that should affected by an alternator conversion is the ammeter (Battery). You might refer to later model wiring diagrams using alternators (ie: midyears). They do wire differently











 

 

 

**********

 

 

08/01/2023

 

 

I JUST joined your club and THANK YOU for the previous answer concerning the window problem. Next week I will be tackling this problem with my mentor Steve Clifford here in Orange County CA..

 

I have 4 new questions.  I would like to upgrade the radio and went to a stereo shop. They have NO experience with a 62 vet. They asked me to see if I could get some technical information for the install.  Question how does one go about replacing the radio with a direct NEW Bluetooth NO modification radio? What parts need to be removed to do this, do you have a diagram? I want to add kick panel speakers. How much room is there behind the kick panels? Depth, room to install as many speakers may be too deep. How many inches of space on the driver’s side and passengers’ side? OR is it better to buy the speakers that are part of the NEW kick panel that they make?

 

What needs to be removed to correctly remove the kick panels on both sides?  Is it preferred to use the old kick panels and drill threw them or use the new ones with the speakers already installed into the new kick panels?

 

Next question my gas gauge only reads 5/8 to ¾ full with the tank topped off. Is there a way to fix that? The gauge has been grounded I have been told. Do I have a bad gauge or is something defective?

 

I am thinking of adding a sniper 2 EFI system with a new fuel tank. The Sniper version 2 just came out, Do you have any other recommendations of brands etc. The engine is a 350 ZZ4 has anyone already done this and if so maybe you could point me in their direction to speak to etc. I am getting some pathetic gas milage around 9 miles per gallon for city use without any hot rodding so I think this would help significantly and the engine should start more easily, less exhaust smell, etc.

 

Thank YOU.

 

Ivar

 

Do I need to contact the local SAAC group or do you do that automatically with my membership.

 

Thanks.

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor: 

Several manufacturers offer replacement (direct fit) radios for Vettes.  See Corvette Central.  These are direct fit and give you modern reception while keeping the look of the original radio.  I would seriously consider this option before I started trying to modify my original radio.

As for speakers - replacement kickpanels are available with speakers already mounted.  If you choose to go the route of installing speakers in your kickpanels, there is adequate room but for one brace.  Remove your kickpanel first to determine proper size and placement of your speakers.  This is not hard - remove your door sills and the surface screws holding the panels in pace.

RE: FI - I have not used the system you propose, but properly done I believe any good FI will give you improved performance.  I would defer to the manufacturer for help.

RE: Gas gage - I would suspect your sending unit (possibly the ground to that unit).  This is easily accessed.  Remove the cover panel under the convertible top storage area.  The tank sending unit is on top of the tank.  Note - before you extract the sending unit "check the ground to that unit".  A poor ground will give you a faulty reading.  You can bend the float arm to adjust gage readings but you trade off Full vs EMPTY accuracy.  Again, you can find replacement sending units in the Corvette Central store.





From:  Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter President: 
Ivar,
Before you start swapping radios in your 1962, Corvette Central has an AM-FM Bluetooth radio that looks like your original Wonder Bar radio that you might want to look at.
61-62 AM FM Wonderbar Bluetooth Stereo Radio (ND) (corvettecentral.com).
 
When you get done, it will still look like the original Wonder Bar radio.
Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC


 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

07/26/2023

 

 

I hope you can help me learn the correct speedometer gear for my 61 Corvette.  At 70 mph on GPS, the speedometer on the dash is reading 60 mph.  I bought the car new off the showroom floor in November, 1960 and I am very familiar with everything that has been done to the car maintenancewise.  It has the original 4 speed transmission and the original factory rear end with positraction.  I believe the ratio is 3.70.  The tires are 205-75.

A few years ago, the gear at the back of the transmission broke.  The shop that was doing all my work had a gear that was laying around and that fit.  Not knowing any better, we paid no attention to the color of the broken gear or the number of teeth.  It was only many months later that I realized that the reading on the dashboard was incorrect.  I now want to replace the current gear with the correct one but I don't know which gear to buy.  The current gear is brown with 18 teeth.  In asking around I have been told three different things.  One said I need to add one tooth (Natural).  The next one said two teeth (Blue).  The third one said 6 teeth (Yellow).  

Can you tell me which color along with the correct number of teeth that I need to get?

Art

 

 

From: John Spencer, Ree River Chapter Advisor:  rt - One owner ...WOW !! ...  We don't see that very often.  I am assuming by the count of the gear you are trying to replace - you are talking about the DRIVEN gear.  Think of it this way - If you are wanting to increase the speed of your speedo - you want to increase the revolutions of the cable at a set speed of the transmission.  The DRIVE gear has a given number of teeth. So each revolution of the transmission engages that number of teeth on the DRIVEN gear.  To make the DRIVEN gear spin faster you have to decrease the number of teeth on it.  From that it is simply a ratio issue.  If you currently read 60mph and want to read 70mph, the speedo cable (GEAR) has to spin faster - thus the number of teeth needs to be less than what you have.  How much ?  Divide the gear teeth you have by the desired speed (70) and multiply that by the speed you currently read (60). (18 / 70) x 60 = 15.4.  If this takes you out of the range of gears available, you will have to change the drive gear also.

 

 

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 
Art:  I am referring to my 1972 Corvette Parts & Accessories catalog (P&A 30B, effective September, 1971).  Here is what it says for 1956-1960 Corvettes, with the catalog part numbers:
With 3.70 axle:  3708699, 22 teeth, solid green nylon
With 4:11 axle:  3708143, 24 teeth, solid yellow nylon

The following are from a speedometer gear chart in this parts book, with no applications given.  I don't know if these will work in your car.
                          3860341, 18 teeth, Brown
                          3860342, 19 teeth, Natural
                          3987920, 20 teeth, Blue
                          3860344, 21 teeth, Red
                          3987921, 21 teeth, Red
                          3860345, 22 teeth, Green
                          3987922, 22 teeth, Silver
                          3860346, 23 teeth, Black
                          3960347, 24 teeth, Yellow

The two speedometer gears given for the 56-60 Corvettes assumes a 6.70x15 tire, which has an aspect ratio of about 80.  You are using tires with an aspect ratio of 75, so the 3.70 axle ratio gear would cause the speedometer to read slightly fast.  You would probably want a 23 tooth gear for the best accuracy for 75 aspect ratio tires.

My current Corvette Central catalog does not list speedometer gears.  You might give them a call now that you have an idea of how many teeth you need.

Larry Pearson

 

 

**********

 

 

07/22/2023

 

 

Hello,

I have a 62 300 HP.  I took the instrument cluster out of the car to fix the tach.  When I put the cluster back in and started to reattach the wires, I decided to use the wiring diagram, even though I took pictures and labelled the wires when I disconnected everything.  I noticed that the wiring diagram in ST-12, for the battery gauge, depicts all 4 red wires attached to the right terminal and the black wire attached to the left terminal.  However, when I disconnected everything, one red wire (14 ga it looks like) was on the left terminal with the black wire and the remaining 3 red wires were on the right terminal.  I decided to go with the wiring diagram.  When I reconnected the battery and checked everything out, I noticed that the battery shows that it’s being charged when the headlights are on and the engine not running.  I know that someone asked a similar question and the advice you gave was to put all 4 red wires on the left terminal and the black on the right.  In my case, the three 12ga wires won’t reach from the ignition switch to the left terminal.   I’m going to go back to the original wiring configuration since the battery gauge seemed to work OK that way, but I thought that it was strange that these wiring diagrams have mistakes in them.

Thanks,
Chuck

 

From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter President:  Chuck,
Yes, the ammeter wiring on the ST-12 and the GM 1960 Corvette Assembly Manual has been incorrect for 63 years. I found out the same way you did.
That is exactly why we take before pictures.
I don't think GM will correct it after all this time.
I believe the NCRC Judging Manual does note this standards error.
Aren't C-1s a fun hobby?
Regards,
Bill Huffman Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor: 

The ammeter is showing current drain or charging of the battery during operation of the car.  The ammeter should NEVER show the battery being charged when the motor is off (generator not generating) unless the ammeter is connected backwards.  If you connect any wire leading to a load (lights - ignition sw - gages - ACCs - etc) to the power side of the ammeter (side the battery is connected) the ammeter will not register a drain on your battery when that load is activated. 

Your observation, however, presents an interesting question.  Looking at the ST-12 wiring diagram you are led to believe the power terminal of the ammeter is the inside terminal of the cluster.  I inspected my 58 and the input (12V) terminal is the outside terminal.  Either way the ammeter will register - it just depends on how you read the gage.  Is a positive reading indicative of current TO or FROM the battery?  Since the gage is labeled "BATTERY" I always considered it showing current to the battery.  Positive reading = current to the battery (charging) / Negative reading = current from the battery (discharging).  This may be wrong - but it agrees with how my instruments are connected and operate.  Connected like ST-12 indicates yields - Positive reading = discharge / Negative reading = charging.  I would like to hear feedback from the other advisers. 

 

 

To avoid confusion, refer to the ammeter readings as positive vs negative, and connections as driver's side vs passenger side. 

With the motor OFF - and the headlights ON:
If you get a POSITIVE reading this means your meter is reading current FROM the battery - this shows you are DISCHARGING the battery, not supplying current TO the (charging) battery. 
If you see a NEGATIVE reading this means your meter is reading current TO the battery - negative current TO the battery is the same as positive current from the battery - you are DISCHARGING the battery.
PS:  The wires on my 58 are bundled - 2 & 2 (4 wires total).  There is no way to separate a single wire (1) and connect it to the feed side of the meter.  See my above post.

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Chuck.  When removing the Speedometer or Tachometer from a 58-62 Corvette for service it is not necessary to remove any wiring from the instruments or the oil pressure line from the oil pressure gauge. The instrument lights easily pop out of the instruments, as necessary.   Just keep track of the wire colors and where they went.  The left and right instrument clusters can be removed from the instrument housing by removing two nuts on each side, and this is what you should do.  This allows the instrument housing to be moved far enough aside and gives sufficient clearance so that the speedometer and tachometer can be disconnected and removed from the instrument housing.  Use heavy towels to prevent the instrument housing from scratching the steering column, the steering wheel turn signal housing, and the steering wheel bell.

Another problem with the ST-12 and AIM schematics for the 61 and 62 models is that they didn't upgrade the rear wiring to show two tail lights on each side, rather than one.  And one license light, rather than two.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

07/17/2023

 

 

I bought a 62 recently and will be joining your club soon.

 

My roll up windows are extremely hard to roll up and down. What is needed to fix that? I have been told that this is normal but I would like an experts advice. Would enjoy windows that are EASY to roll up or down if that is possible.

 

Thanks.

 

 

 

 

From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter Advisor: 

Yes, the windows can be hard to roll up and down but I doubt Chevrolet planned it that way.

I suspect the problem is dried up grease and or rusty rails.

Remove the interior door handle, window cranks and arm rests. Remove the door panel. There may be sheet metal covers over large access holes in the door structure. With those off you can see the window mechanism, some requiring mirrors.  You can put the window crank on and watch ever thing work.

If the problem is dry grease you can probably resolve the problem without dismantling it. 

If it is rusty you may get by with just adding grease, I use wheel bearing grease because that is what I have and it works fine. Put lots of grease in the rails and on the rollers. lubricate the crank mechanism also.

Since you have it apart that far I would also lubricate the door latch.

Keep us informed and don't hesitate to ask questions.

Verle Randolph
57 Corvette

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Ivar:  Your problem most likely comes from the door glass rear window run being too tight.  This is a black painted steel U-shaped channel that mounts to the inside end of the door with two large Phillips head screws with captured external star washers that appear on the end of the door.  Originally it was lined with black velvet cloth that was glued in place with contact cement.  After a number of years of use the cloth wears out and becomes dislodged from the steel channel and falls inside the door.  It usually is too worn to be re-glued back in place.  Corvette Central sells a replacement cloth liner, but in my experience it is too thick and causes the window frame to bind in the channel.  They also sell a new complete run with the cloth installed.  If this is what is causing your window to bind up, the easiest solution is to remove the channel and spread it open so that the window frame easily slides up and down in it.  This is done by taking two large screwdrivers and prying the channel open enough to allow the window frame to easily slide up and down in it. To remove the rear window run, the door panel and the rear access panel have to be removed, as explained by Bill Huffman.  While you are at it, lubricate all the sliders and joints, as Bill explains.

Another problem with my C1's, in my experience, is that the passenger window binds up at about 3/4 of the way up.  To free it up, I have to pull the window frame back and then finish winding it up.  I don't know how to fix this.  But fortunately I seldom use this window. 

One more thing.  When replacing the door panel screws, gently snug them up.  If you get too aggressive with the tightening, you will strip the threads in the door fiberglass.  The problem is that the factory used #8 Phillips trim screws that were designed to be threaded into metal, not fiberglass.  The correct screw would have a thread cutting notch cut into tip so it would cut threads into the door fiberglass, rather than forcing threads into the fiberglass and fracturing it.  Examine the tips of the screws that attach the access panels to the inside of the door, and you will see what i mean (if they are the original screws).  When I encounter a stripped door panel screw, I fill the hole with JB Weld and then drill it out to the size of the root of the door panel screw.  I then grind a notch in the tip of the door panel screw with a Dremel cut-off tool so that it cuts threads in the door fiberglass rather than forcing the threads into it.  Once the threads are properly cut, you can use any trim screw in that position.

Larry Pearson

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor: 

There are numerous reasons the window is hard to raise and lower, but the most probable is the lubrication of the rollers (4) that ride in the various guide channels. These are nylon rollers that in time loose their lubrication and no longer roll.  I have included a diagram of the window regulator assembly for your review.  Two rollers engage the guide along the bottom of the window assemble while two additional rollers ride in the front and rear guide channels (these are not the felt lined channels the window itself ride in). In time the lubricant in these rollers set and become like varnish (the rollers no longer roll).  This requires the window regulator assembly be removed, cleaned and re-lubricated (not an easy job).  Old lube can be removed by soaking the assemblies in kerosene - use Lubripate to relubricate the rollers and regulator bearing surfaces.  Note the window itself can be disconnected from the lower guide rail by 4 small screws that join the two parts.

If the rollers have been bound up for some time - they may be worn flat.  If so they can be replaced (see ZIP Corvette supply).

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

07/1/2023

 

 

You’re probably sick of answering tach questions but I’ll ask you another one anyway because I didn’t see a previous answer for this exact problem.  I have a 62, 300hp.  The tach started to stick really bad in different places and never went back to zero.  I took the tach out of the car, cleaned some black gunk out of it with brake cleaner and oiled the bearings with 3 in 1 oil.  I tested it on my work bench and it seemed to work just fine.  After I put it back in the car, there were problems right away.  The tach is dead at zero for about the first 10 minutes that I drive, then it comes to life and works fine.  It also makes a ticking noise.

Thanks,
Chuck

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCAl Chapter Advisor: 

Chuck:  The C 1 Corvette tachometer works exactly like a speedometer.  The difference is that the tachometer is calibrated to read twice shaft speed (the distributor that drives it turns at half engine speed) and a speedometer is calibrated to read 60 mph at 1000 rpm shaft speed.

The tachometer consists of two main parts.  The first part is a die cast housing contains a shaft that connects the drive cable to a bar magnet.  The shaft has two bronze bushings that are permanently lubricated with grease.  With lots of use these bushings wear out when the lubricant dries up.  Years ago, you simply purchased a new die cast assembly, but that serviceable part was discontinued many years ago.  Speedometer shops are usually able to take the shaft out and repair the worn out bushings.  Worn out bushings may be the source of the ticking noise.  Worn out bushings may allow the bar magnet to contact the speed cup (discussed in the next paragraph).  Bushing wear can be determined by grasping the end of the shaft where the cable connects to it and see if it moves up and down, indicating excess bushing wear.  There should be no movement.

The second part is an aluminum cup, called the Speed Cup, that mounts on a separate shaft over the bar magnet.  The spinning bar magnet induces a torque into the speed cup, which is connected to a shaft that goes to the pointer.  This shaft has a coil spring attached to it in the middle that controls the movement of the pointer and returns the pointer to zero when the engine is turned off.  There are lubrication points on each end of the speed cup shaft and they may need lubrication.  The 3-in-one oil could be used to lubricate these areas.  The fact that your pointer sticks at zero when starting out indicates the possible need for lubrication at the front end of this shaft.  The tachometer is calibrated by increasing or decreasing the strength of the magnetism in the bar magnet.  This can only be done by a speedometer repair shop.

If the main shaft needs lubrication,but is not worn out, here is what I do.  I drill a small hole in the top of the die casing just where the threads end.  This puts you in the middle between the two bushings.  I then use a hypodermic needle on a syringe and inject a small amount of heavy gear oil into this opening.  Rock the unit end to end to get the oil in contact with the bushings.  This normally fixes a problem with dry bushings, in my experience.  The presence of dry bushings is indicated by the cable breaking when the bushings seize up.  Or a howling noise, indicating dry bushings.  If this happens, disconnect the cable immediately or severe damage to the pointer (with speedometers) or damage to the speed cup and shaft can result.

Last, if nothing works, it is time for a professional to rebuild your tachometer.  Corvette Central offers a rebuilding service.

Answering tech questions is what we do, and we love it.  Keep the questions coming!  We want you to enjoy your C 1 Corvette to the maximum.  That is what SACC is here for.

Larry Pearson

 

 

**********

 

 

06/19/2023

 

 


On a 1959 power glide Corvette when put in the park position it keeps popping out.

Is there a fix for this, the linkage looks to be ok.

 

Thank you

Steve

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Steve:  Possibly the rubber shift lever boot is incorrect or incorrectly installed or is too stiff.  Take it loose from the console plate and see if that fixes the problem.  Some of the new service replacement shifter boots are very soft and installing one of those could solve your problem.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

06/18/2023

 

 

 

I recently had a new soft top installed on my ’59.  The frames are original and were sandblasted and powder coated.  The top fabric, etc. was sourced from Al Knoch and the weatherstripping came from Corvette Central.  When folded down, the top is too thick for the lid to close. What can be done to alleviate this problem?  

Dave

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor: This is a common problem. If you try to force the deck lid to close - you can break the lid “don’t force it”.  My only suggestion is to employ two restraining straps to pull the top down. These came standard on earlier models

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Dave:  The problem is that the fabric that Al Knoch uses to make today's replacement Corvette convertible tops is MUCH thicker (I estimate twice as thick) as was originally used by Chevrolet.  The original material was, literally,  paper thin.  As far as the appearance goes, the top fabric is completely correct.  The "fine grain" pattern in the vinyl and the bindings are completely correct.

One of my 62's came with the original top fabric.  When I folded it into the top compartment, it literally fell into place.  Because this car is a "driver", when I replaced it I used a service replacement top kit I purchased for $50 at a local car swap meet.  The fabric pattern is the incorrect "diamond point" pattern and it is thicker than the original material but it works and it fairly easily folds into the top compartment, but not as easily as the original top material did.

Then I purchased a 60 Corvette that already had a service replacement top that needed replacement.  So I went to Al Knoch and paid the price for a white top with the proper date code embossed into the rear window (for $50 extra).  I installed it myself with great difficulty (the pads he made at the time are over one inch too short).  When I folded it into the top compartment, like you are experiencing, it wouldn't fit.  So I pushed it down as far as I could and slammed the cover down on it.  That is all you can do if you want to put the top down.  The next problem happens when you raise the top. It has deep seated wrinkles that don't easily go away.  It takes several days of very hot weather to take most of the wrinkles out.   The date stamp in the rear window is the next problem.  Al Knoch cold stamps the date into the rear window  plastic.  After a couple of years, the window plastic has a "memory" and the $50 date code disappears.  The original date code was hot stamped into the window plastic and it is permanent.  I complained to Al about this, and he said to send the top back to him and he would re-do it.  Yeah, right!

For Al to fix the thickness problem, he would have to manufacture a thinner material.  Then the competition would point out that their material is thicker and better.   Very few people are alive today who can recall how the original material performed.  NCRS doesn't have a clue.  They should deduct for the wrong material.  Al would then have to fix the problem.  This would be good for his business, because everyone would have to purchase a new top.

My advice to you is to lodge a complaint with Al Knoch.  Send him a copy of my letter and scream at him.  He knows the truth.  Maybe if enough people complain and NCRS gets its act together, he will fix it.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

**********

 

06/16/2023

 

I have a 1960 doing a restomod. The rear end is housing is stock, stock axles, stock leaf springs. How wide of a rim can I install on the rear end without rubbing the inside? I have cragars for the fronts 15x4. I want cragars for the rears? Thanks. J

 

 

From: Michael Cappozio, Ohio Restorer:  J, with stock rear differential you can use a 7” wide rim with 4” backspacing before any real worries. An 8” rim is pushing it. 225 tires are going to be about the maximum width. A 235 can be used but with a good dip in the road, I.E. a bump, pothole, etc., you risk hitting the wheel lip and cracking the quarter panel at the bonding strip. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

J:  The stock steel wheel for the C1 Corvettes is 15x5, not 15x4. I never heard of a 15x4 wheel.  Who would want it?  The optional wheel was 15x5.5.  In my experience, the problem is not so much the wheel width as the tire width.  The problem is on the front.  The wheel and tire may fit the front fender just fine going straight, but turning into a driveway too fast and too hard can result in the front tire contacting the fender lip and breaking it.  A short wide tire (aspect ratio of 60 or less) probably will not pose a problem with fender breakage.  I would not go with a wheel wider than 6 inches.  Choose a tire that is proper for the wheel width you choose.  Wide tires on narrow wheels gets you nothing in performance.  Make sure that the wheel you choose doesn't have an offset different than stock.  An offset wheel will place undue stress on the small outboard front wheel bearing and will result in premature bearing failure.  If you don't have power steering, wide tires make the car very difficult to steer.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Don Eckhart, Red River Chapter Advisor: 

I believe ‘58 thru ‘60 are the same  and I am running 17x7” with a 4” backspace. 
Don E. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP: 

I have run 15X7 wheels on my 57 for years with no problem. They need to have the right backspace and I don't remember what that backspace is right now. I do know that 1970 Camero 15X7 Rally wheels work with 215X15 tires and did not rub. I ran with stock full cover hubcaps and no one could tell they were Rally wheels.  Very nice ride and much better handling.

Verle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

06/14/2023

 

Hi, my name is Mark I have a 57 Corvette and would like to know what are the measurements of the front emblem between the hood and grill, and the cross flag emblems in the cove? The front end is aftermarket, so I do not have existing holes to check for repairs or evidence of holes on the inside.
Thank you for your expertise.

Mark

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor: 

The nose emblem (center) on my 54 (like a 57) is 3 3/4 in above the edge of the fiberglass/grill interface.  
The Cross Flags (center) is 10 in back from the wheel opening along a line 6 in above and parallel to the bottom cove trim.

Note:  Is your car a F.I. ?   The Cross flags were only on the F.I. cars I believe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP: 

My unrestored 57:
Front emblem bottom edge is 3 inches above the chrome trim surround of the grill opening.
The crossed flag center is 6 inches back from wheel well edge and 6 inches above the lower cove trim.
Verle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


**********

 

05/25/2023

 

Hello,

 

I am trying to locate a PROPER horn contact ring for my 57.

 

The repro ones the vendors have, do not work as they will not mate

with an OEM horn button (760805)).

 

The black spring steel retaining tabs are too short to accept the recessed

cavities cast into the horn ring.  I believe the segmented mounting ring on

the back of the horn button could be machined down enough to allow

the dimples to engage.   I don’t want to do this to my pristine OEM button.

 

Any information or education or part supplier would be greatly appreciated.

 

I have attached a pic of a proper ring above, (forgive the quality) the difference vis a vis the

new reproductions is obvious.   

 

Thank You!

Keith

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Keith:  Where did you get this improper reproduction horn contact?  In my experience, Corvette Central sells the right stuff.  And if it is not right, they will make it right.  Their part number is 561122, and is is called Horn Contact, 1956-1962.  The cost in their latest catalog is $26.95.  I am quoting out of their latest hard copy catalog.  You can go to their web site catalog and should be able to get a close up picture of what they are selling.  Their web site is:  www.corvettecentral.com.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

05/22/2023

 

RE: 1957 Corvette

I am looking for hole location & diameter for the antenna on my 1957 Corvette.  The car has a hole that was in the wrong spot.  Car is now 100% done.  Need to drill a hole in the left rear febder. But don't know the location.  Perhaps I can get a measurement forn the chome of the taillight to the edge of the hole, and of course the diameter.

Thanks so much.

Bill 

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  The antenna hole is approximately 4" in front of the tail light .  The hole dia is 11/16in.  See attached illustration. NOTE: The antenna mounts (bottom) on the inner wheel well - check to see if those mounting holes are still there.  Align the fender hole accordingly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 **********

 

 

05/11/2023

 

Hello,

 

Is there schematics, drawings, or videos that are available to aid in disassembly and reassemble a 1959 corvette hard top? Someone has done it that would be willing to talk to me and answer a couple of questions?

 

Larry

 

 

From: Bill Huffman,  Michigan Chapter President: 

Larry,
As a longtime owner of several C-1s with hardtops, my best advice is to talk to the experts before damaging some very expensive parts to replace. 
Start with Chicago Corvette Chicago Corvette · 1953-82 Classic Corvette Parts and Accessories to find a local repair shop.
 
Check with Corvette Central Corvette Parts & Accessory Supplier | Corvette Central or Paragon Reproductions Paragon Corvette Reproductions: Corvette Parts and Accessories who both have repair facilities.
 
A couple of firms that only restore Corvette hardtops are Glassworks, The Hardtop Shop - Corvette Hardtops & Auto-Entec Home (autoentec.com)
Both of these firms do tech demonstrations at major shows such as Funfest at Effingham, IL, or Bloomington 500 coming up later this month in Bloomington, IL.
 
Experts love to talk at shows for free, their professional services cost money.
Good Luck with your hardtop,
Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC

 


 

**********

05/08/2023

 

Hello,

I have just installed a newly rebuilt differential in my 1958 Corvette and I can't find what the torque specifications are for the ten differential nuts and the axle flange bolts.  I am hoping the experts can help me out with these specifications.

Thank you,
Michael 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  I did not find torque specs on the Differential cover bolts - but the spec on the axle companion flange is 150 - 190 Ft Lbs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Michael:  The answers to your question are found in the Chevrolet passenger car shop manuals.  The nuts attaching the Differential Carrier to the 10 axle housing studs are to be torqued to 35-45 ft. lbs.  Use a slide hammer, as necessary,  to install the axles into the axle housing until the outer race of the bearing is seated against the shoulder in the axle housing.  The four nuts and split lock washers that attach the bearing retainer studs to the axle housing should be "tightened securely".   No torque number is given.  The five wheel lug nuts should be tightened in a cross sequence to 45-65 ft. lbs.  Most tire shops are now using a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts instead of an impact wrench which, in my opinion, over-tightened them.  They do use an impact wrench to remove the lug nuts.  It speeds things up.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter Advisor: 

The differential cover bolts are not under stress  so they don't require a great deal of torque. I use a socket and ratchet to tighten them, usually a quarter inch drive with a short ratchet handle, until they are firmly set against the cover.

Verle














**********

04/26/2023


I have a 1960 Corvette with solid lifters.  My research indicates the solid lifter cars came with a different pressure plate than those with hydraulic lifters.  Is the originally correct pressure plate available, and or is it still necessary ?

Also if I do use a diaphragm style pressure plate does the gorilla spring work the same?

 

Thanks,

Bob

 

 

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Bob:  I own a 230 hp all original 1960 Corvette and it came with a Borg and Beck (B&B) style (3 arm) pressure plate, not a Diaphragm pressure plate.  It even still has the original clutch disk in it.  At the time, it was believed that the B&B type pressure plate could handle more horsepower, so all C1's came with a B&B style pressure plate, no matter what the horsepower. Later Mid Year Corvettes came with a diaphragm style pressure plate.  Maybe they re-designed it to handle high horsepower, I don't know.

If you use a diaphragm style Pressure Plate, the large assist spring cannot be used.  If you try to use it, the clutch pedal will go to the floorboard and stay there.  Diaphragm pressure plates offer a much lighter clutch pedal effort and the large assist spring is not needed.  Instead they used a much lighter spring to prevent rattles, I am told.

I have not bought a pressure plate in many years, so I don't know what is available.  Try to avoid rebuilt units, but maybe that is all you can get.  The last new pressure plate that I bought was made by Borg Warner in Brazil.  It was a piece of junk. It disintegrated in the car while driving on surface streets.  I ended up reinstalling the old made in USA  unit.  This was over 15 years ago.

Larry Pearson











From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP:

Borg & Beck pressure plates are available but I don't know if they are any good.
Back in the 1950s and 60s Borg and Beck style pressure plates were the go to for high performance.
Now days diaphragm pressure plates will work ok for our old cars.
I have had a diaphragm in my 57 for the last 20 some years and 40 some thousand miles with no problem but I don't race it.

Verle 








 

 

**********

 

04/10/2023

 

Hello,

I am trying to remove the axles in my 1958 Corvette to change my differential.  I have removed the rear brake hubs and brakes and the four nuts holding the retainer on the inside of the brake baking plate.  Using my slide hammer which has two fingers or jaws I am unable to pull the axle, even after I repeatedly sprayed the retainer and studs with a nut buster.  I'm looking for other suggestions on how to get them free after sixty-five years.

Thank you,
Michael

 

 

From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP: 

Some ideas:
Use a chain to FIRMLY secure the axle to the frame. There is give in the springs that will reduce the slide hammer efforts
Try slide hammer
Try heavier slide hammer. Add weight to you slide hammer
Might whack the center of the axle with a heavy brass hammer . I know, the wrong direction.
As a last resort heat the axle housing some, NOT red hot, then slide hammer.

I made a bigger/heavier slide hammer with a piece of all thread, and a pipe. Longer throw (36" all thread), welded "things" to the pipe for weight.

Perseverance is necessary. The first time I removed axles from my 57 it took a long time, lots of effort, trying multiple ideas.

Verle

 

 

 

**********

 

 

04/7/2023

 


Hi, do you have or do you know where I can get a template for the location of the 1960 Corvette cove crossed flags?Just acquired a 60, and it doesnt have the flags! I must have them ! LOL 
thanks a bunch! Jerry

 

 

From: Michael Cappozio, Ohio Designate:  Not sure if there’s a template, I may be wrong, but measurement is 5 3/8” up from the lower stainless trim and 5” back from wheel lip to the first hole. Measure your emblem to get distance for second hole as you emblems tend to be inconsistent in that measurement and you end up having to file hole bigger to fit. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Bill Huffman Michigan Chapter President: 

Jerry,
Remove the Dr & Pass side splash shields located rearward of the front wheels.
Check the backside of the cove panels where you should find the body filler they used to fill the original mounting holes. Carefully push the body filler outward with a small nail or drill bit to reopen the holes.
Good luck,
Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Bill's excellent answer assumes that the emblems were removed and the holes were filled.  It is possible that the front clip or that body panel has been replaced with an aftermarket part on your car and the holes were never there.  If so, you need to find an original 1958-60 car and and make a paper template from it.  There are no templates on the market that I am aware of, and the Corvette Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM) for your car does not give dimensions.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  Center of flags is on a line 3/8 in below the center spear, 6 1/4 in from the edge of the cove.  See photo attached.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

03/14/2023

 

Hello,

I have a 62 hardtop question.  I would like to replace the hardtop header bar weatherstripping.  The rubber is cracked, hard and brittle.  I have removed some of the rubber.  It seems that GM glued the rubber on, in addition to using the P-Clips and rivets.  Is there an easy way to get this rubber off?   Do I need to remove the header bar from the roof to do this job or can I replace the weather stripping with the header bar on the roof?

Thanks,
Chuck

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  I have simply refurbished C1 tops by refreshing their weatherstripping and I have totally disassembled them.  You do not need to remove the header bar to replace the header weatherstripping.  You have to simply drill out the rivets, then scrape the weatherstrip off (or use a glue release agent).  When replacing the weatherstripping - if you do not have push rivets - you can tap the holes and use shallow head machine screws.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

03/04/2023

 

Does anyone have a diagram showing the correct location for the Under Dash Support Rods. Needed for my 1961 C1.

I am completing a 7 year frame off and have no recollection of their placement.

Thank you,

Archie

 

 

From: Larry Pearon, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Archie:  I am not familiar with the term "under Dash Support Rods".  However the answer to your question should be given in the 1961 Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM).  The AIM for your 1961 Corvette is a collection of engineering drawings that instructed the assembly line on how to build your car.  The AIM for your car is available in the form of a reprint from all of the major Corvette restoration parts suppliers.  I recommend Corvette Central, http://www.corvettecentral.com.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor: 

SEE ATTACHED EXPLOSION OF DASH - FROM CORVETTE ASSEMBLY MANUAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

02/28/2023

 

1960 corvette automatic trans lockout relay 904
Does any rebuild this relay.

I have power going in activating the point but not 12 volts going out to the starter.

 

Thanks

Steve 

 

 

 

From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter President: 

Steve,
If you are looking for the 1960 Neutral Safety Switch, the switch is sold new, made off GM tooling by Paragon Reproductions.
It is their P/N 13287, and all the linkage and brackets are also available.

Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

01/13/2023

 

Looking for help,

Just purchased a 1959 Corvette that had a restoration started in 1999, then the owner lost interest after 1 year. It sat for 19 years covered in his barn before I purchased it, know I'm in process of finishing the restoration and am trying to find the correct amount of pads and there placement on the frame. Is this something you can supply me info / pictures of? I've attached a pic of the car how I received it.

Ron 

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:Get a copy of Chevrolet's service manual "ST-12" it is a must for anyone restoring an early Corvette.  Your body shims (8) are shown in Fig-103, Pg.1-49

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Ron:  To see the location of the shims (not pads) that were attached to the top of your frame when your Corvette was assembled at the factory, you need to acquire a copy of the 1959 Corvette Assembly Manual (AIM), which can be purchased from all the major Corvette parts and accessories dealers.   The AIM contains a complete set of engineering drawings that illustrate how the 1959 Corvette was assembled at the factory.  Section 1, Sheet 1.00 shows the locations of the shims, which consist of a black rectangular fiber shim, about 1/4 inch thick, and a rectangular steel shim, about 1/16 inch thick.  The number of the steel shims that were placed on top of the fiber shim was determined at the factory, and no procedure is given on how the factory determined how many steel shims were needed.  The correct number of shims was attached to the top of the frame at each location using 1/2 inch masking tape.  This was done prior to the body being set on the frame and bolted in place.

The picture that you show of your car has the body on the frame, and I assume that the body is bolted to the frame with the original shims in place.  If so, you do not need to determine how many shims are needed.  They are already there.  The black fiber shims do not deteriorate.  They are not made of rubber, like was used on the 1963 and later Corvettes, and which can rot.  If you need shims, contact Corvette Central.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

From: Verle Randolph, REd River Chapter VP: 

Frame shims are often changed to adjust door gaps, front and rear. 
Don't be surprised if your door gaps are not good and you have to add shims.

Verle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

01/29/2023

 

I purchased a pair of roller-bearings a few years back for my 62. I have been trying for 3 years to make these work with no luck. The bearing seals jam against the inner races causing the seals to rotate. and fall out. The company says to only install the seals halfway which does not work. The seals fall out backing out of the garage. The guys at the company say they use them frequently and are no help. I have used 5 different brands of seals, none of which clear the lip sticking out of the inner races. I have received numerous suggestions all of which involve modifying the hubs to make a Chinese bearing work that is obviously made for some other application , not automotive. My car has Moog replacement hubs, last available in the 60's and much heavier than the GM hubs. I purchased a pair of OEM hubs (another suggestion) but the same problems exist. The bearings simply do not fit.
Has anyone made these roller bearings or any other for that matter, work on non-trailer queen cars? These have been far more trouble than the ball bearings were in the past 47 years I have owned the car. 

Thanks,
Gary


From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Gary:  Thank you for sharing your experiences with front roller wheel bearings on your C1 with sacctech.

I currently have 13 cars and have owned 5 C1's over the years and currently own a 60, two 62 Corvettes, a 56 Chevy, a 51 and a 53 Oldsmobile and a 55 Cadillac.  All of these cars have ball bearing wheel bearings.  I have never had a ball bearing wheel bearing failure on any car that I have maintained.  Over the years, I purchased a 51 Oldsmobile, the 56 Chevy, and a 62 Corvette that had bad wheel ball bearings, usually one or two for the four, when I acquired them.  It is my opinion that ball bearing wheel bearings will last the life of the car if properly maintained.  Over a ten year period, I used to slalom race (SCCA SOLO 2) one of my 62's and never had a wheel bearing failure.  In my experience, roller bearings are much more tolerant of maintenance neglect, and maybe that is what you are looking for. The early cars require very frequent chassis lubrication, every 1000-2000 miles.  Today's cars are virtually maintenance free, and owners are used to doing nothing other than changing the oil.  You can't do that with a C1.

In my experience, ball wheel bearings are much easier to clean and properly pack with grease than roller bearings, because the inner race can be removed, giving full access to the balls in the cage.  The inner race is permanently attached to the rollers in roller bearings, and it is very difficult for me to properly clean and re-pack them.  But I have never experienced a roller wheel bearing failure.

My advice to you is to go back to ball bearing wheel bearings.  Use an original hub.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

**********

 

01/10/2023

 

 

 

I am  a new owner of a 1960 Corvette.  A very nice mostly numbers matching car.  The previous owner put masking tape on the wheel nubs to help keep the original hub caps on.  What is the correct way to make them go on tight?

 

Thanks Bob

 

 

 

From: Don Brittin, Central Regional Representative: 

1st) check if the wheels are correct. 
Must have the 3 small retainer bumps in the inside of the outer part of the wheel.
The tape may not hurt, but is only useful to tighten the fit a bit, but should not be necessary.

Donald J Brittin







From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 
Reproduction 56-62 wheel covers have a reputation for being loose.  I have never experienced a factory original wheel cover from these years for being in the slightest bit loose.  If masking tape on the nubs works for you, use it.  However, there is another problem with loose wheel covers, and that is the wheel cover will move in such a way as to put pressure on the rubber valve stem, possibly damaging it or breaking it off.  If this happens, the only solution is to install metal valve stems.

You should keep your eye out for a set of original wheel covers.  You should be able to purchase a decent set for around $400.  Many C-1 Corvette owners are installing after market wheels that don't use wheel covers.  When you encounter one of these cars, you should ask the owner if he has the original wheel covers.  He will probably never use them and likely will be happy to sell them to you.  The 1959-62 wheel covers have the slots around the perimeter and are all the same.  The 56-58 Corvette wheel covers did not have slots around the perimeter.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

01/06/2023

 

 

I want to verify and take pics of my vin number, on the frame. I plan on cutting a hole in the floor. Are there measurements I could use? I've tried the mirror and light under the car, but to no avail. Jim  

 

From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter President: 

Jim,
Before you cut a hole in your car floor on the outboard of the driver seat, about even with your hip joint, directly above the frame rail, I have three questions.

1) Have you tried taking a picture with your i-phone, with & w/o flash?
     The I-phone should fit even if you have to remove the cover

2) Have you tried transferring the frame number to a piece of paper by rubbing a # 2      pencil lead lightly across it in that area? 

3) Is there some compelling reason why you need to verify that the frame number     matches the VIN tag, or are you just curious?
Why not try a camera on a cable to your i-phone as a solution.
USB Snake Inspection Camera, FANTRONICS USB C Borescope, Scope Camera with 8 LED Lights for (16.4ft) OTG Android Phone, Windows PC, MacBook: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Beats cutting fiberglass if you don't need to.
Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC






From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Jim:  I have three C 1's and have never needed to do this.  Do not cut a hole in the floor.  I have seen one frame with the body removed.  The characters are quite large, over 1/4 inch high, and were stamped into the frame top with such force that the frame metal deformed, creating a depression that will allow water and debris to collect, promoting rust where the stamping is.  If your frame has a lot of rust, the stamping may not be readable, no matter what.

The stamping is located under the driver's seat.  The fiberglass floor pan is somewhat flexible in this area.  I suggest that you make up two wedges out of wood and force them between the frame and the floor pan to give you more room to clean off the frame top and view the area with a mirror.  You may have to use a rust removing chemical based on phosphoric acid, like Navel Jelly, to clean the rust off for better viewing.  If you are successful with this, apply grease to the cleaned area to prevent future rusting.

Larry Pearson

















From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  What year is your car? What is the condition of the car (Body-interior intact or disassembled / engine intact or removed - steering column in place or removed).  The location of the VIN stamp is not exact, and there are braces running under the floorboard where the stamp is located.  I don't recommend cutting the floor.  You don't have to totally remove the body - you can remove all mounting bolts and lift the body on one side (driver's).












 

**********

 

01/06/2023

 

I have a 1960 Corvette that my Dad has given to me for restoration. Unfortunately the car was disassembled 20+ years ago and I was not involved in the disassembly. I have purchased several restoration books but haven’t seen the detail I’m looking for yet. What is the best reference books hopefully with pictures that show details of how parts are assembled. Thansk

 

Thanks,

Kris 

 

From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter President: 

Kris,
I have disassembled and reassembled several C-1s completely over the years.
I have found the best illustrations for my 1960s in the 1960 GM Assembly Manual.
It has GM P/Ns for components and fasteners plus torque & lube information.

According to a chapter member who was a production line engineer in St Louis starting in 1959, if an installation takes you more than 9 minutes, your assembly process is incorrect. That was production station to station line speed.

The assembly manual and the1953-1962 Corvette Servicing Guide ST-12, both available on-line, should answer 99 % of your questions.

The Corvette Servicing Guide ST-12 can be found at:
 chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/5362csg/

Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC




From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 
Kris:  You need to acquire a copy of the 1960 Corvette Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM).  This manual is a collection of official engineering drawings prepared by Chevrolet Motor Division that details the complete assembly of the 1960 Corvette as was done at the Flint, Michigan Corvette plant.  It shows every part used to make the 1960 Corvette, including screws, bolts, nuts, washers, rivets, sealants, and adhesives.  These Assembly Manuals are available as reprints from all the major Corvette parts suppliers.  Also, you should obtain a copy of Corvette Servicing Guide,Chevrolet publication ST-12.  This is the only official Chevrolet shop manual for the 1953-62 Corvettes.  This will help you service your car once you get it assembled.

Larry Pearson




















From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  Kris - I agree with Larry a 1960 assembly manual will be invaluable for your project as well as the service manual ST-12.  In addition, log into Paragon Corvette and request a copy of their parts catalog.  In addition to parts you may need their catalog contains numerous illustrations / assembly breakdowns that will help you assemble your Corvette Kit properly.  Good Luck

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

01/02/23

 

Hi guys - my 1954 has been fully restored except for top. My quandary is what color because the existing top is black but the frame is tan. As I understand, 1954 tops were tan, but I also understand that supply issues resulted in some issues. How can I find out which color top I need? Attached is build plate. I’ve owned my Corvette since 1967, with frame off restoration ending in 2019 (just before pandemic). 

Thanks, mike
 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  My 54 top is tan. There are a lot of variations undocumented - but - all the tech references I have spec the 54 top to be tan. Also - all reference docs report the tops to match the frames. Since your frame is tan I suspect your original top was tan. All this being said - unless you are going for NCRS judging - it’s your car - put the color top on you want.

 

 

 

 

 


 

**********

 

12/20/2022

 

My 1956 radiator core support had a large hole cut in the bottom of it in line with the radiator drain.  Thinking that it looked ugly, I had a welder remove the drain hole section from a later solid axle core support and weld it into my 1956 core support.  I'm thinking that when I did this several years ago, I should have done more research.  I am now thinking from what I see in the assembly manual that the 1956 core support may not have had a drain hole in the bottom.  Is that correct?  
Thank you for all of your help,

Michael

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chaprter Advisor:  Attached is a photo of a core support - supposedly for 53 thru 57 - you can see a drain port where the radiator pitcock is located.  My 54 has the same feature - but i can't swear that a 56 does.  I will contact some 56 owners and get a more definitive answer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter Advisor: 

Michael,
I think that this e-bay item will answer your question regarding what your core support should look like. It has pictures of an NOS core assembly.

://www.ebay.com/itm/165766070843?

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

12/19/2022

 

Hello- My name is Kyle and I have a 61 fuelie corvette.  We just finished putting it back together and after it warms up and the choke comes off it idles too low and putters and sometimes stalls out.  Do you guys know of any ways to get the idle up after it warms up?  

Thanks!
Kyle

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Kyle:  I assume that you have a 7017320 unit on your car.  This unit and all previous units did not have a choke.  The 7017355 and 360 units introduced on the 1962 Corvette had a true electrically heated choke.  The 320 unit had a Cold Enrichment Assembly, which looks like a choke but is not a choke.  However, it does control the fast idle cam on the top of the Air Meter.  It has an internal electric heating element that, through a link to the fast idle cam, moves the fast idle cam.  When fully warmed up, the fast idle cam no longer controls the idle speed.  At that point, it is controlled by the Idle Speed Screw.  That is the large spring loaded screw on the side of the Air Meter.  You need to procure a copy of the Corvette Servicing Guide, Chevrolet publication ST-12 and go to page 6M-7 and review the IDLE SPEED AND FUEL section on that page before adjusting this screw.  ST-12 is available as a reprint from all Corvette supply sources.

If your unit idled just fine and suddenly lost its hot idle, the problem could be with the Air Meter itself, and adjusting the Idle Speed Screw is not the proper solution.  In that case, remove the air meter from the plenum and inspect the area in front of the brass throttle valve.  There are some small openings in the aluminum casting that can get plugged up with the brown sludge that coats the inside of the plenum after a lot of use.  These small slots provide a small vacuum signal to the Fuel Meter to cause it to provide fuel at idle.    The Idle Speed Screw adjusts the amount of this vacuum signal that goes to the Fuel Meter.  If this us the problem, use lacquer thinner and a Q-tip to carefully remove the sludge blocking the openings.  Be careful to not damage the shape of the openings.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

**********

 

12/11/2022

 

I am refreshing the motor in my 1956 corvette vin #E56S002002. I saw where early 56 engines were painted red. My biuld date is April 17 so what color is my engine supposed to be? thank you, Samuel

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Samuel:  The 1956 engines were all painted red, including the sedans.  I own an all-original 1956 Bel Air sedan and the engine is painted red.  This engine has the stamped steel rocker arm covers and the word Chevrolet is highlighted in silver paint.  They sell red paint for the 56 engines and the color is correct.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

12/10/2022

 

In March 1954 a 1953 Corvette was parked in a parking lot across the street from the hotel that the owner lived in.  His name was A. J. Noll and he was the owner of the local General Motors dealership here in little old Macon, Missouri, population 4,000.  Me being a nosey senior in highschool I went over to check it out.  Well would't you know the keys were in it.  So what do yoy think I did, yep, I got in , got it started and put it in gear, then I heard this loud crash, that darn Corvette jumped right into that solid brick wall in front of it.  I shut the key off and jumped out and went home.  Someone saw me and ratted me out.  I have the repair service sheet from the shop and also a copy of the payed bill.  In March of 1954 no one in Macon knew anything about fiberglass, the shop foreman made some phone calls and was told to use wood putty to repair the damage, so that means someone out there who thinks he has a pristine Corvette could be in for a surprize.  I wold like to know if you have the knowledge to track down that car, that is if's it's still around.  I have always wondered how a small dealer like A. J. Noll living in Macon, Missouri with a population 4,000, could you be of any help or could you direct me to someone who could help.  Thanks
George 


From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter President: 
George,
Without the VIN number you have little or no hope in finding this automobile.
A 1953 Corvette VIN number would be E53F001 _ _ _.
The last three digits will be 001 thru 300.
The repair service sheet & the copy of the paid bill should both contain the VIN number of the vehicle you wrecked,
SACC Member John Hutchins maintained a 53-55 Corvette registry until about 2010 when it was taken over by Brett White.
53-55 info | Corvette Forum : DigitalCorvettes.com Corvette Forums

NCRS maintains a Corvette C-1 Registry.  The Corvette C1 Registry

Hemmings Magazine also has a 53-55 Corvette registry.
Club Detail - 53-54-55 Corvette Registry - Hemmings Motor News

Good luck finding your needle in that haystack.
Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC





From: Bruce Fuhrman, Past Club Secretary:  I suggest that you start with  A.J. Noll and see what he delivered (Macon, MO) to in June 1953. Of he is dead, try a deferent dealer. If all fails, try '53-'55 registry. See what was delivered in"53 to Macon, MO. There was only 300 delivered!
You said that I have the "repair service" agreement. Is the S/N on it? They used the block #.
Cheers.
Bruce Fuhrman















**********

12/08/2022

 

Hi, can someone help for support, I’m looking for.

56-62 corvette Center Floor Support - LEFT – Fiberglass 

56-62 corvette inner Fiberglass rocker panel - Press Molded – LEFT  

Thanks Fred

 

 

 

 

From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter President: 

Check out this Corvette Central link
1953-1962 C1 Corvette Body & Frame Parts | Corvette Central.

If you don't find what you are looking for, go to paragon-C1-corvette-parts-catalog.pdf (paragoncorvette.com) pages 62-67.
If you don't find it there, contact Paragon Corvette Vintage at (800) 882-4688.
They sell original used fiberglass panels from their in-house salvage stock.
Send them a picture of your broken parts needing replacement or the panels around the part you need but don't have.

Good luck in your search.
Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC


 

 

 

**********

 

 

1956 Soft top.   The weatherstrip is held / clamped into position with the retainers and screws which attach to the “t nuts” in the header bar. Perhaps there is another method of retaining this weatherstrip onto the header that I am not aware of? The terminologies on the pics certainly imply some type of fastening is used to retain the weatherstrip into position.

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Kim:  I have installed several tops on 1959-62 Corvettes, but not on a 1956.  I was not aware that these T-nuts were a serviceable part.  They always were in the header and could be re-used.  You need one of these T-nuts for every slot in the weatherstrip retainer.  The retainer became a single long part on the later Corvettes.  The retainer also holds the top fabric in place.  As I recall, there is a tacking strip on each end of the header to retain the ends of the top fabric.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

Hi, wondering when top flight inspections are done to a 1962 corvette are frame vin #s checked to see if they match tag?

Dale

 

From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP: 

No NCRS judging sessions look for frame stamped VIN numbers.

All NCRS flight judging are done with the car setting on the ground.

Verle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

11/3/2022

 

I put a disc brake conversion on my 59 some 20 years ago.  Just recently I noticed that my right front caliper was dragging.  Since the flex lines were part of the kit, I replaced them with stainless steel flex lines.  This did not resolve the dragging issue, so now my question.
Current brakes conversions still use the same single piston caliper but none of the supply houses sell individual calipers nor do they indicate what type of GM caliper is used.  They appear to resemble the caliper of a 68 Camaro but I can’t find any literature that will definitely confirm this.  I am sure that since these brake conversions have been on the market so long someone must have had to replace parts for them.  So does any tech adviser know what brake caliper is used on the conversion kits?

Tnx
Paul

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Paul:  All disc brake pads "drag" on the rotors, because disc brake systems have no mechanism to lift the pads off the rotors when the brake pedal is released like drum brake systems have with their brake shoes.  Are you saying that your right front caliper does not release its pressure on the pads when the brake pedal is released, resulting in the car pulling to the right all the time?  Some times the flexible rubber hose to a brake cylinder or caliper develops a problem where it blocks the line pressure from releasing when the brake pedal is released.  But you say that you replaced the flexible lines to your calipers, and the problem persists.  The only thing left is the caliper itself.  I have never heard of a disc brake caliper behaving like this. However, if a caliper leaks brake fluid on its pad, the coefficient of friction on the pad changes and the pad will grab when the brakes are applied.  Is this the problem you are having?  If so, you need to rebuild or replace the leaking caliper so it does not leak and replace the pads on both sides so they are the same.

I always advise people replacing drum brakes on their cars with a disk brake system to find out who made the calipers and what pads are needed when they have to be replaced.  I have heard that some disk brake conversions use Ford Pinto calipers and pads on the front.  Where did you buy your disc brake system 20 years ago?  Did you install it yourself?

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

From: Don Brittin, Central Regional Representative: 

Paul, Corvette Central uses the Camaro front disc assembly. CC sent me two left front calipers. I just went to the local Chevy dealer got the exact replacement for the right side. The set up uses dual master cylinders instead of the single circuit that was stock. You MUST have a really good proportioning valve to balance the brake pressure to the calipers.

Likely this is an adjustment issue.

Don

 

**********

 

10/31/2022

 


My car was assembled on on April 18, 1960. Car 06443.
What should the stencil date be on the frame. Judging manual really does not mention it. 
Thank you 
Rick

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Rick:  Your frame was manufactured by AO Smith, dip painted with gloss black asphalt based paint and stenciled in red with the AO Smith house part number 707190-XX and the date of manufacture in another line under this part number.  The "XX" is the production batch number.  The first 1953 batch number started out with nothing or -1.  A friend of mine's 55 is -5.  My late 62 is -52.  I own an all original un-restored 1960, #7575, but the car came from New Jersey and the stencil is completely gone, replaced with surface rust.  The stencil appears upside down on the frame under the driver's seat.  They used a paint brush to slop the red paint onto the stencil.  There can be runs in the red paint.

I am surprised that NCRS does not have the information on this for you. They obsess about everything else.   Contact the NCRS Team Leader for 1960 and see if he can help you.  Corvette Central sells some stencils for the 63-67 Corvettes, but nothing for C1's.  I had to make the stencil for my 1962 using a stencil kit from a stationary store.  I did this when I restored my 1962 back in 1974. before anyone knew, or cared, anything about this stencil.  Fortunately, the original stencil marking was still readable.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

10/30/2022

 

Tech, I have a 1959 vette (member #2448) and am looking for someone who might have a dvd I could rent or borrow to look at the installation of the new top that I need. Thanks for any help. Craig



From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Craig:  Contact Al Knoch Interiors at http://www.alknochinteriors.com or 1.800.880.8080.  They manufacture a convertible top and pads for your Corvette.  They also sell a video that will show you how to install the top and pads.  Installing a convertible top on your top frame is not a simple matter, however, and I suggest that you have a professional do the installation.  You will likely encounter problems with your top frame that you will not be able to fix without help.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

0916/2022

 

 


I did a Frame Off Restoration on my 62 Corvette.  Everything was fine. Then one evening I turned on my Headlights & noticed I Nad NO Dash Lights. I checked Fuses. Replaced Headlight Switch.  
Nothing.  I can't figure it out. If someone can help me. That would be great.  Thanks

 

 

 

From:  Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter Advisor: 

The headlight switch knob & shaft has three positions when pulled: 
In) All lights OFF, 
Mid) parking & taillights ON,
Out) headlights & taillights ON.               

The headlight switch knob & shaft also has three positions when rotated:
Full CCW- courtesy light ON regardless of pull position,
First detent CW- Courtesy light OFF but dash & clock lights ON if in Mid or Out position,
Turning the knob further CW, it is a dimmer switch for the dash & clock lights that range from bright to Off as it rotates CW to the last detent or stop position.
                                                                                                                                      If this doesn't fix your issue, look for a broken or disconnected wire in the dash & clock light circuit.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Regards,
Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC                             

 

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  Dash lights are powered from the headlight switch. Simply turning on the headlights will not power the dash lights unless the light switch knob is turned. The light switch has a rheostat to brighten / dim the dash lights as you turn (twist) the light switch knob. Twist the knob ( clockwise and counterclockwise) one direction will exhibit a click at the end of its travel - this is the full bright position. If you still have no dash lights - test the feed off the light switch for 12V. If no voltage pull your light switch and test contacts in the various switch positions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

09/15/2022

 

 

I opened up the fuel filter bowl to clean out the bowl and when I reinstalled it and started the engine the bowl fill completely to the top.  See picture.  This is not typical of how it was before.  In the past the fuel alway seemed to be below the bronze filter.

 

 

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 
Eugene:  The GF 124 filter element you show is not made of bronze.  It is a brown molded paper assembly.  The more recent GF 124 is made of corrugated paper, much like an air filter element.  This design has more surface area to trap dirt, but does not look like the molded brown design.  If your car is being judged by NCRS, the brown element has the correct look.
The element you have is installed by pushing it on a tubular extension on the bottom of the top cover.  That way it will not fall into the glass bowl like you show in your picture.  Use the proper gasket size to seal the glass bowl to the top cover.

When operating, the fuel normally does not fill the bowl to the top.

Larry Pearson














 

**********

09/14/2022

 

Gents,
I have a 1959 C1, purchased  in Fla. and in the process of titling in NC….
“Oh what fun”
Can you tell me the welding Method used in fabricating a frame in 59?
I assume manual MIG or Stick?
Larry
(Member)

 

 

From:  Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter Advisor: 

In those days I would guess it was stick welding.

Why do you ask?

If it has cracks I would weld it with MIG.

Verle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

09/09/2022

 

Hello
I had no headlights the other night. Dash lights are working  
Any suggestions. I am not a mechanic but have had he car 42 years
Thank you
Myles

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Myles:  The headlights are not fused.  The headlight switch has an automatically resetting circuit breaker built into it.  If the headlights flash on and off, the circuit breaker is sensing an overload and breaks and re-sets.  But you don't say this is happening.  The headlight switch also had a dimmer rheostat built in that controls the dash lights brightness, which you say works.  There is a large multi-pin connector that plugs into the top of the headlight switch, and maybe that has become dislodged.

You can remove the headlight switch assembly and pry it open to check out the headlight circuit breaker contacts.  To remove the switch, disconnect the battery first.  There is a spring loaded button on the bottom of the switch assembly.  Depress it with your finger while pulling on the headlight knob and the headlight knob and shaft will pull out of the switch.  With the knob removed, the switch assembly retaining hex nut is accessible and can be removed with a socket wrench.  The small short fuse on the top of the switch assembly is for the dash lights only.  If the headlight switch is ok, then the problem is in the wiring to the headlights.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  The High Beam lights are not fused separately from the Low Beam.  The only thing between the two is the dimmer switch.  Power is delivered to the switch - which in the low beam position contacts the Low Beam Bulbs.  When switched to High Beam it simply makes additional contact to the High Beam bulbs (it does not break the contact to the low beams).  I think it would be very unlikely both low beam bulbs burn out at the same time - so I suspect the Dimmer Switch is not making contact with the Low Beams.  It is the 18 GA Tan wire on the dimmer switch.  If you have power at the switch - then you probably have a broken contact elsewhere.  The Tan wire goes directly to the Low Beam Bulb contact.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

08/17/2022

 

I am installing two four barrel carb on my 59 corvette and found that the aluminum manifold has a small crack in the center under the metal plate on the underside of the manifold. I put water on the inside and it seeped through. Can this be repaired, and how would I do that.  It’s also in line of the bolt hole, is that a problem? Don’t know if aluminum manifolds can be welded, like other aluminum, or is there some other way to repair it? Sure hope so. I attached some photo’s. Thank you for your valuable information and thank you for the wonderful work you are doing. Your help is invaluable.   Mike




From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter President: 

Mike,
Your intake could be Heli arced, but you would need to regrind the intake surfaces that mount to the heads afterward. That looks like a stress crack to me, so I think re-grind is important. It should also be pressure tested for other cracks or porosity.

Good luck with your project.
Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC

 

 

 


 

 

From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP: 


I agree with Bill, a heliarc/TIG welder can weld aluminum. 

Look for an independent welding shop/job shop. Talk to them about their experience with welding car parts. Different alloy of aluminum from aviation.

After welding the manifold may be warped. It may be warped now causing the crack. An automotive machine shop would be able to true it. 

Good luck.

Verle

 

 

 

 

 

**********


08/13/2022

 


  1. The left front hard top pin must be forced into the windshield header.  This causes the rear left rear hardtop pin, that slides into the chrome receiver at the rear edge of the door to not fit.  The windshield has one rubber “spacer” at the rear of the frame.  Only one.  The car has not had its final frame mounting adjustments and It could be that the door opening on that side may need to be “spread open” a bit.  Any thoughts?
  2. This car had a dealer installed radio.   The antenna hole was incorrect.  That was filleed during body work.  What is the correct location of the antenna hole?

Is there a measurement from the chrome edge of the tail light assembly?   Also was the hole centered on the tail light assembly front to back?

  1. As a bit of information:  All 1957 Corvettes in western Washington were sold by GM through a Distributor.  TAD DAVIES CHEVROLET.  One could order a new Corvette from any Dealer, but Tad Davies go a cut.  For that privilege, Tad Davies had to carry 40 or so new Corvettes at all times.   As a result Tad Davies did not order the radios as factory equipped on all the new corvette inventory.  Hence, this one was dealer installed.

 

In those days, cars were available to be “adjusted” to the Buyer.  IE, hardtops were taken off, white walls removed.  Soft top color swaps, etc.

 

I am looking for two Tad Davies license plate frames!!

 

Hope to hear for some of you experts!

 

Bill

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Bill:
1.  Before installing the soft top fabric, the frame must be adjusted to fit the door glass with the door weather stripping installed.  Even before that the door window stops must be adjusted so that the door windows come up to the correct height.  This is best done with a hardtop installed.  If you don't have a hard top, no dimensions are published, so you have to make the measurements from any 56-62 Corvette.  The soft top side frame has slotted holes where it attaches to the header to allow the length to be adjusted, within small limits.  There is no rubber "spacer" on the header from the factory.  Are the door gaps correct?  You cannot "adjust" the door opening.  Was your car in a bad accident and not properly repaired?  I have installed several soft top frames on C1's and they always could be made to fit.

2.  Back in 1957 it was common for dealers to order the sedans for dealer inventory without a radio or heater, because three different radios and three different heaters were available, and it was not known what the potential customer would want.  The correct Corvette radio is the Wonder Bar radio, which a dealer could order and install.  It is a very difficult installation for the dealer, and in my experience, they took short cuts and left parts off.  The parts are:  the radio, a support bracket that supports the radio to the dash board, a ground wire to the right rear engine block rocker arm cover screw, two heavy woven ground straps from the front engine mount bolts to the frame (one on each side), five chrome and stainless steel radio shield components plus chrome plated mounting hardware, four "L" brackets to support the lower radio shields to four exhaust manifold bolts, coaxial antenna cable from the radio to the trunk, a special antenna mast assembly with a woven ground strap that goes to a body to frame bolt (this is to make the frame the necessary ground plane for the antenna to work), static collectors in both front wheel hub grease caps.
To locate the antenna, make measurements from any 56-60 Corvette with a factory antenna install.  The rear fenders were all the same.
If you are planning to have your car judged by NCRS, dealer installed items are not permitted.

Bill:  Five more radio items I left off my list:  radio speaker assembly with radio power supply;  radio noise filter capacitors on the generator, voltage regulator, ignition coil, and the instrument ammeter battery lead. 


Larry Pearson

 

 

**********


Hello.
I just found this site. I have a 62 corvette and would like to install side cove trim and spears like the 61. How do you access the back side of the front of the car?  Especially as it gets close to the door.

Also can you provide the spacing/placement of the spears?

Thank you,
Joe

 

From:  Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor:  Joe:  The 1958-61 stainless steel side cove trim cannot be installed on a 1962, because the front fender and door fiberglass shapes were changed to a raised bead where the moldings went.  The 1958-61 panels were flat where the moldings were attached.  If you try to grind the raised beads off, you will completely penetrate the fiberglass and destroy the panels.  You might get by with grinding if you fill in the backside of the beads with fiberglass.

As far as the spears go, the 1961 Corvette Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM) shows on page A 13 all the hardware that is involved but not dimensions on where to drill the mounting holes.  To locate the holes you will have to make a template from a 1958-61 with the spears removed.  I have never tried this, but access to the back of the fender is achieved by removing the metal splash shield.  It may be required to remove the inside kick panel to access the rear of the fender area.

Corvette Central sells all the parts you will need.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  Larry is absolutely correct on the issue of the cove trim.  I do not advise doing it at all.

I have attached three illustrations showing how the cove trim and spears are attached. 

1) the front portion of the cove molding is attached with clips that are acessed on the back of the fenders, and secured wwith a washer and nut (see detail C sheet4)
2) the section near the door uses a different clip secured by a screw (see detail D sheet 4)  When restoring my 58, however, I used the same clip used on the front sections and accessed it through the interior kick panel.
3) the trim on the door is secured like the front fender sections and accessed thru the door by removing the interior door panel.(see sheet 2)
4) the cove spear spacing - note there is a trim plate that goes inside the cove that will give you the proper spacing of the spears (see sheet 3)




NOTE: the illustrations I have attached are from the Chevrolet Assembly Manual.  These are available from all the Corvette parts suppliers.  If you're going to work on your car - I highly recommend you purchase this manual.  Another excellent reference manual is the Corvette Servicing Guide ST-12. 

 

 

 

**********

 

07/10/2022

 

Hello!! 
Just finished restoring a 1956 corvette with my husband and the help of a few pros!! I am 5’4” tall and 125 pounds and can barely squeeze my legs under the steering wheel. It’s so hard to work the gas and brake without bending my leg sideways. 

To make matters worse, the gas pedal is soooo hard to press down.  It is a 265 dual carb. 

Jim K.  in PA helped restore it with my husband. We are heading to Carlisle in August for its debut from driving it is going to be so hard for me!!

Help!
Thank you!
Liz



From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter President:   Liz - Early C1s are tight.  I am 5'6" & I have a 54 that has a 4-speed.  I had to pull down the seat springs to give me enough room to move my legs to operate the clutch and brake.  Even with the shortened seat cushion I have to operate bow legged.  Some people choose to substitute the standard (17.2 in dia.) steering wheel for an aftermarket one that is only 15 in. dia.  I have attached the cockpit specs for a 56-57 for you to review - make sure you have all the room GM intended.  PS: beautiful car.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are the specs: 

 

 

 

 

 

Liz - Also...; regarding the gas pedal - check the linkage position and springs on the carbs. Are they set up for progressive throttle ??

 

 

 

**********

 

07/01/2022

 

                I would like to do engine upgrade on 61 Corvette 245HP w/ Dual quads. Would like to install

                Duntov 097 cam, but I don’t want to remove the heads. Please advise

 

                Thanks,

                Glenn

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  You don't have to remove the heads to stab a new cam.  You have to remove the valve covers - loosen the rockers to remove the push rods - remove the intake to reveal the lifter galley and pull the lifters.  Be sure you keep the push rods and lifters in order to replace them in the same locations they came from.  Check your lifters for wear before you re-use them on a new cam.  Use STP or a good engine rebuild lube when putting everything back in place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP: 

It is not necessary to remove the heads.

Remove grill, fan shroud, radiator.
Remove oil filter for ease of access to the pan bolts.
Remove pan, balancer, water pump, front cover, distributor, intake manifold, valve covers from engine.
This gives you access to everything you need to swap cams.
Remove spark plugs so the crank shaft is easy to turn.

You will have to back off the rocker arms so you can remove push rods and lifters. You don't need to remove rocker arms unless you are changing them. Check condition of rocker arm pivot balls and socket in the rocker arms.
Check push rod ends for wear.

A friend with experience in working on small block engines will be welcome help and two sets of hands make things go faster.

With all parts, gaskets, tools in hand can easily be done in a day. A half day if things to well.

You will need a puller to get the balancer off the front of the crank.

Verle



**********

 

 

06/29/2022

 

 

Suggestions for Alignment setting?..
Thanks
Larry

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Larry:  The front end alignment specifications for 1953-1962 Corvettes is found on page 14-1 of the Corvette Servicing Guide, Chevrolet publication ST-12.  This is the only official Chevrolet service manual for the 1953-1962 Corvette, and it is a"must have" for all C1 Corvette owners. It is available as a reprint from all the major Corvette parts suppliers. 

The front end alignment specifications for 1953-62 Corvettes are:
    Caster:  2 degrees, plus or minus 1/2 degree.
    Camber:  1/2 degree, plus or minus 1/2 degree
    Toe-In (per wheel):  1/16"-1/8"

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter President:  Larry,
The C-1 alignment article was published by Vette Magazine in their June 2002 edition. It was an article by Richard F Newton.
Michigan Chapter has a copy on our website, www.solidaxlecorvettemi.com.  
You may have to get our webmaster's permission on signing in, but that's easy.
The article is a pdf file. https://www.solidaxlecorvettemi.com/_files/ugd/0f0903_dd0ca5b654ea420bbc1d5ff55766753c.pdf
Same alignment works for both bias-ply and radials, but radials give a more stable ride.
I take a copy with me to the alignment shop so the tech will know how.
 
Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

06/19/2022

 

How to replace upper eye brow moldings on a 1959 Corvette,

Thank you.
Don





From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 
Don:  I am assuming that you are referring to the front left and right upper outer grille moldings.  These are chrome plated zinc metal die castings.  Corvette Central sells new replacement moldings.  Each of the four outer grille moldings have three 1/4-20 plated steel mounting studs threaded into them.  They attach to the fiberglass body from inside the fender with 7/16 inch steel hex nuts which thread onto the studs.  These mounting nuts are easily accessible without removing the front wheels if you turn the wheel in. 

It is very possible that your hex nuts are rusted onto the mounting studs, and trying to remove them will either break the mounting studs or cause them to unthread from the moldings.  If the studs break off close to the castings, you will have to drill them out, a very difficult procedure.  New replacement studs can be made from 1/4-20 bolts of an appropriate length by sawing the hex head off.  New 1/4-20 nuts are readily available from hardware stores.  Use 1/4 inch flat and lock washers under the mounting nuts.  Apply grease on the end of the studs before installing the nuts to prevent future rusting.

Larry Pearson






 

 

**********


06/14/2022

I purchased a restomod wonderbar radio for my 1959 corvette. I had a mobile tech come out and install it. Warranty on installation is over. It worked fine for awhile then just recently when I turn off the ignition to lock the radio stays on. The radio company did three bench tests and found nothing wrong with the radio. However, now it won’t turn off. I have to unplug it. Is it in the ignition switch wiring?


-David


 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  Probably an ignition switch problem.  The radio itself don't know whether you have the car running or not.  As long as it has power (12V) it will stay on, unless turned off manually with the Vol control knob.  The circuit should be a 14Ga. pink wire off the ign sw - to the fuse panel - 14 Ga Yellow, to the radio connector.  The Gas and Temp gauges are fed from the same Ign Sw terminal.  Does the gas gauge drop to 0 when you turn off the ignition?  If so the radio is wired to an incorrect source (12V).  If NOT the ignition switch is faulty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

David:  locojohns (John Spencer) did an excellent job with his answer.  Additionally, turning the radio Volume control fully counterclockwise until it clicks must turn the radio off, even if the ignition switch won't, and you are saying it doesn't.  If that is the case, the radio on/off switch is defective and needs to be repaired, in addition to the problem with the radio not turning off with the ignition switch, which it should.  You say that the radio worked fine until recently.  It is hard to believe that two separate things went bad at the same time.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

06/10/2022

 

Hi:

Anyone the San Fernando Valley, or L.A do fabulous minor body work and painting?

Joe

Also,  my Electronic Power Assist Steering system has aggravated the cars tendency to wander and reduced its ability to re-center from turns.  I’m told this might be remedied by adding caster to the upper A-arm pivot and installing a second shim.  Can you tell me if adding shims is a time consuming job or a simple one please?

 

 

From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter Advisor:  Joe,
The Corvette Servicing Guide ST-12 shows a clear picture of the 3733477 shims, which are the tapered aluminum spacer that sets caster on C-1's.
They are located between the front frame rail and the front suspension crossmember. After 60 years both shims could be deteriorated due to galvanic action if you live near the ocean.

To replace them, the front crossmember assembly must be unbolted from the frame (8 bolts on each rail) and dropped down far enough to clean & paint the affected areas and reassemble with new shims & fasteners. Be careful of the gas & brake lines if you do this.

However, I suspect that the accumulated backlash/looseness in the steering system may be your biggest issue.
You need to check for looseness in the steering gearbox, the two drag link bushings, third arm bearing, tie-rod ends, kingpins & the wheel bearings all of which are simpler fixes before you opt for the major surgery.

Good luck with your project,
Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC

 

 

 

**********

 

06/02/2022


I have 61 Corvette and all four hub caps keeps moving. It will move enough that it would bend the valve stems. I rest all four hub caps take the car out for a ride, come home and have to reset hub caps again..

                       I do have the correct rims for the car with four nubs on them. The wheel cover only two delineated spaces on each hub cap. I was told I need four on each hub cap. Please advise……Glenn

 

 

From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP: 


I have had the same problem with four nub wheels.
May need to bend the clips out a (very) little.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Glenn:  Starting in 1966, I have owned one 1960 and three 1962's and never have experienced the problem that you are having.  Except for some minor appearance issues, the 1955-56 Chevy sedan rims are identical to the 1955-62 Corvette rims and, therefore, are not rare.  I suspect that the wheel covers that you are using might be reproductions, and that might be the cause of your problem.  Original wheel covers snap firmly into place and mount tightly against the wheel rim.  Grabbing the spinner, you cannot move them.  If yours are loose it might be possible to bend the areas where the wheel nubs contact the lip on the wheel cover to make them mount tightly on the rim.  Original wheel covers are available, but will cost you at least $400 for a decent set.  To stay with what you have, I suggest that you convert your rubber valve stems to metal ones, which are readily available at tire shops, and you will need a tire shop to install them.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

05/20/2022

 

The drivers side clamp that secures the top needs tightened. Would appreciate your help on how to tighten it on my 62. Thank you.




From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

I assume that you are referring to the chrome plated clamp on the driver's side that clamps the top front header to the windshield frame being loose.  The procedure to adjust this clamp is outlined in the official Chevrolet Corvette shop manual, "Corvette servicing Guide", publication ST-12, on page 1-29, under the heading "PROBLEM B".  If you don't have a copy of ST-12, it is available as a reprint from all of the major Corvette parts suppliers, and I highly recommend that you acquire a copy if you don't already have one.  

If you don't have a copy of ST-12, the adjustment procedure is a simple one.  Unlatch both right and left clamps and raise the top header off the windshield frame with a piece of 3/4 " wood.  If this is a hard top, you may have to loosen the two front top hold down screws so as not to stress the top assembly.  Loosen the two large chrome plated Phillips head screws that secure the clamp that needs adjusting to the top header, and you will find that the clamp can be adjusted up and down to make it tighter or looser when clamping the top header to the windshield frame.  Adjust as necessary and then tighten the screws. There should be an adequate adjustment range unless the top header weatherstrip is damaged or missing.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

**********

 

05/12/2022

 

New member here # 5130. 1960 model.  I have two assembly manuals. Does anybody or anywhere is there an explanation of the numbers and letters in these books? My Mid America manual pg L71 has a 451247 screw. Is there footnotes for these? Thanks, Jim


 

From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP: 


Jim,

I believe the numbers you refer to are GM part numbers. If someone has an old parts book they may be able to look up the number and tell you what the screw is.

Verle

 

 

 

 


 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Jim:  I am assuming that you are referring to the 1960 Corvette Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM).  The wonderful thing about the AIM's is that the GM part number for every part, sealant, screw, washer and nut that was used in the assembly of your 1960 Corvette is listed.  However, except for specialty hardware, none of the screws were listed for separate sale in the parts book.  Instead, the parts books state the size and length of the hardware.  For example, SCREW, (1/4-20 x 5/8").  I have a Corvette parts book from 1972 and your 451247 screw is not listed in the part number index.  My AIM for 1960 does not have page numbers like L71, so I cannot determine what particular screw you are talking about.  Almost all hex head bolts used in your car had a head stamping indicating the strength (grade 3,5,or 8) and the manufacturer's trade mark (A,E,U.TR, RBW, for example), and the NCRS judging guides frequently specify these markings.  Corvette Central reproduces and sells some of the hardware specified in the NCRS judging guides.

When I restored my 1962 Corvette in 1974, I cataloged every screw in the car by the head stamping, the length, and the pitch of the thread.  I then cleaned them and had all of them re-cadmium plated and then I put them back where they came from when I re-assembled the car.  My 1962 Corvette has all the original nuts and bolts, and they all look like new!

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  I have an original Chevrolet parts catalog for 1953 through 1973.  I show no reference to any Chevrolet part number 451247.  If you can describe the application, I can probably identify the screw if that's what you're looking for.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

05/07-2022

 

Hi - my 54 restoration is complete except for new convertible top. I need a tan(beige) top. Is Al Knoch the only source, or are there other suppliers today?

Thanks,

Mike

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  I put a canvas Al Koch top on my 54 in 2000. I’ve been very pleased with it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Mike:  In my experience, go with Al Knoch.  His products are considered to be the best.  The only problem I have had is with the length of his pads that go under the top fabric and act to properly space the bows.  Using his pads on my 1960 and 62, they come pre-cut to length and were at least one inch too short and I had to make compromises to make them work.  This might not be the case with the 53-55 pads.  Local installer Jeff Reade has Al make his pads longer, and they are referred to as the "Jeff Reade" pads.  Call Jeff at 310.570.5554 for more information.
 
One other problem is with the thickness of the top material that all reproduction top makers are currently using.  The original top fabric was very thin and the top folded into the top compartment behind the seats with no effort.  The new material is very thick and stiff and it is very difficult to get the top into the top compartment so the lid can close.  Again, this is for the 56-62 tops.  I have no experience with the 53-55 top material.  Either way, there is nothing that you can do about it.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

05/04/2022

 

 

Hi... I'm trying to find where and which direction a distributor heat shield goes on my car. As you well know, passenger side
bolted to exhaust manifold.
Any information you may lend will be greatly appreciated.  1959 2X4 Carbs.

Best,
Mike

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  The driver side mounts just like the passenger side - two tabs mounted to the inside bolts of the front and rear exhaust manifold mounting bolts. See photos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Driver's shielding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Front side mount

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rear shielding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corvette Central has a good illustration of the shielding and mounting hardware.  Pg95 - mounting brackets are identified as L-Brackets P/N 471125 (4 required)

 

 

Ffrom: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

The chrome plated shields shown in the pictures are not all of the shields..  They were installed on radio equipped Corvettes to shield the AM radio from spark plug radio interference.  The complete radio shielding on your 1959 Corvette consists of five pieces:  one on each side of the engine as shown in the photos;  two vertical pieces at the rear of the engine going up to the distributor;  and  a large polished stainless steel cover over the distributor and the ignition coil.  Radio delete Corvettes got none of this.  This shielding was necessary because the Corvette fiberglass body offered no shielding to the radio from the engine ignition radio noise.  This shielding was not needed with the metal cars and trucks, where the steel body shields the radio.

There were, however, four separate spark plug wire heat shields installed on all 1958-62 engines.  They protect the spark plug wire boots from exhaust manifold radiant heat that would damage them.  They each attach to the engine block on each side using a short 1/4 inch thread 7/16 hex head bolt with captured external star lock washer,  These heat shields were present on all Corvettes.  If you are using silicone rubber spark plug wires and boots, these heat shields are probably not necessary.

Refer to Corvette Central's catalog under "Ignition Shielding" to see all the parts and hardware needed for a complete radio shielding setup, including the four spark plug wire heat shields, which can be purchased separately.

Larry Pearson




**********

04/08/2022

 

I am trying to find the location for the stamped numbers on the frames of my 1954 and 1962 Corvettes could you please help!

 

Chuck

 

From: Bruce Fuhrman, past Secretary of SACC: 

I had a 1954 (but not a 1962). I had experience in CA in finding the S/N. The S/N is stamped on the frame below the drivers lift cheek (on the bodily rear end). It can not be visable, there is only less than in inch clearance from the body! You can rub the sandpaper on the spot, and put chalk dust and an mirror to observe it.

 

 
Good Luck!
Bruce Fuhrman

 

**********


03/23/2022

 

I am working a 59 frame off and am getting bac to body reassembly. Looking over the grill and eyebrow surrounds and the studs used to affix them to the body. Keen, corvette central and zip along with my original have various sizes of studs. The grill surround appears to use 2 inch long studs on the outer most “circumference” but when installed over 1” of stud is exposed. Is this correct?



From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter President: 

Ron,
Those vendors you mentioned, and most others supply diecast surrounds & eyebrows from Trim Parts that were cast in GM's original tooling.
The studs are shorter on the ends of the surround.

You have most likely been to car shows and seen C-1s with 1 or more dimples in the upper surround. Beware overtightening the washers & nuts on the studs when you install them. The dimples are re-assembly damage.
 
Good luck with your project,
Bill Huffman, Pres
Michigan Chapter SACC

 

 

(Discussion continued)

Thank you Jack, I just joined  SACC this afternoon. What im trying to verify is are the studs , 2 inch long correct.  When installed and hardware on they protrude about 1 inch  and appear too long. The Assembly manual shows same part number for all studs. But I have 3 lengths. Here is a picture of the upper grill surround for my 59 with the studs installed. 

 

 

 

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  Ronald - I have a 58 whose grill surround is original, and the mounting studs are long like those shown in your photo (approx. 2").

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



**********


03/08/2022


Hi, I Joined the SACC earlier this year #5112 and I’m looking forward to the club activities.  I just purchased a 1957 270 HP corvette this year.  The car was restored over a period of years finishing in about 2011.  After going through the NCRS judging process that concluded in 2013 the car was mostly stored in a climate controlled room and obtained about 130 miles since the restoration.  The car was started on a regular basis during storage.

I am now experiencing a starter issue.  When trying to start the engine i will get a whining noise from the starter.  The starter is not engaging the flywheel just spinning.  This may happen two, three times in a row and then it does engage and the engine will start.

Does this sound like a solenoid problem or could it be the starter drive that is attached to the solenoid.  My thought is since this starter was rebuilt perhaps 12 to 15 years ago and only 130 miles on it perhaps it is dirty or needs lubrication?  Or is it a typical solenoid fault?

Thanks
Eugene

 

 

From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP: 

I would first check to make sure the starter bolts are tight.

When you turn the key to start position you should hear a metallic click. That would be the starter gear engaging the flywheel.

Since the starter is just spinning the starter is not engaging the flywheel but the solenoid is working enough to provide power to the starter motor.

Get someone to help you turn the engine a little ways. Put the car in high gear and push/bump forward or back a little just to turn the flywheel some. Then, try the starter again. This is a check to see if some ring gear teeth may be missing.

If the starter just spins after that I would remove the starter and investigate the solenoid and the starter gear.

You can bench test the solenoid with a battery and jumper cables. Positive battery to the large top post on the solenoid. Touch the negative to the starter case. The starter must be securely attached to the bench. When you touch the negative cable to the battery it will torque over violently if not fastened down. 

If the starter gear does not extend to engagement position remove the solenoid and check the linkage.

Verle

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  I agree with Verle, however, to get the solenoid to kick in you have to apply 12V to the solenoid terminal marked "S".  This terminal is connected to your ignition switch.  The battery cable attached to the large terminal is always hot.  When the solenoid is energized it connects the Battery cable to the starter and pushes the starter gear (bendix) into the flywheel.  If the starter is spinning then the solenoid is operating.  BUT the solenoid also pushes the bendix gear into the flywheel to roll the engine.  The Bendix gear is a spring loaded and threaded assembly.  Normally the starter gear is on the end of the Bendix assembly (held there by a spring).  When the solenoid is activated the Bendix assembly is pushed into the flywheel, with the gear at it's end, it engages the flywheel.  When the engine starts, the speed of the flywheel is greater than the rotational speed of the starter and the gear is extracted because it is on a threaded shaft that basically unscrews it from the forward position (disengages the flywheel).  Once the starter is rested - a spring pushes the starter gear to the START position (end of the shaft), ready for the next time you need to start the engine. If the spring that normally returns the starter gear is weak or broken the gear does not return to the START position, thus when you engage the starter the gear does not engage the flywheel.  The whole Bendix assembly or the spring itself can be replaced.  I hope this helps - this is not a complicated repair.  Getting the starter off is probably the hardest part of the process.

PS: You can engage the solenoid without suffering the violent torque of the starter by simply applying 12V to the starter terminal (marked "S") without applying 12V to the battery terminal.

 

 

Follow-up:

 

This is a follow up question regarding the starter not engaging the flywheel and just whining.  I pulled the starter and i have it strapped to my bench.  When I put 12 volts to the large top post and ground the starter then put 12 volts to the s terminal the starter gear works fine.  The solenoid shoots out the gear and spins every single time.  It is not
acting like it did when the starter was bolted to the engine.  I looked at the flywheel and all of the ring gears look good.  Could this be due to no load on the starter and not a very robust bench test?  I would hate to crawl back under and install back on the engine and find out it still needs to be rebuilt.

 

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  Eugene - does the drive gear spin freely in one direction and lock up in the other ?  The drive gear is suppose to spin freely in one direction only.  The large hub just behind the gear is a ratchet.  A Bendix assembly (or starter drive assembly) is only about $50 - I might replace it just to see what happens.  Good Luck - John

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

The problem you are having is most likely caused by a worn out Overrunning Clutch assembly.  The pinion gear is attached to a cylinder that contains what is known as a sprag.  This is a one-directional clutch device.  When the starter is spinning the pinion gear against the flywheel teeth it fully engages the starter motor shaft to the pinion gear and cranks the engine over.  When the engine starts, the internal sprag device disengages the pinion from the starter shaft to protect the starter armature from being over speeded and destroyed.  The pinion gear then freely spins on the armature shaft until the driver disengages the starter.  When the sprag wears out, it does not reliably connect the pinion gear to the starter output shaft in the cranking direction.

To test the overrunning clutch action the pinion should turn freely in the overrunning direction and must not slip in the cranking direction.  You can check this out with your fingers.  Even if the clutch seems to be working properly, I recommend replacing it if is old and the pinion gear teeth appear to be worn.  Also, check that the spring immediately behind the clutch assembly is in good condition.  If this spring is weak or broken, the pinion gear will not be pushed far enough to engage it with the flywheel teeth.

The Overrunning Clutch assembly is retained on the armature shaft with a snap ring sandwiched between a thrust collar (in front) and a retainer ring on the back side.  Refer to a Chevrolet sedan shop manual to instruct you on how to remove and reinstall the snap ring so that a new Overrunning Clutch can be installed.

Larry Pearson







From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  Loose Starter bolts - the bolts would have to be VERY loose to cause the starter to not even try to mesh with the flywheel
Bad Bendix linkage - Possibly.  This, however, is a very simple linkage - i've never seen it fail.  If so check the pivot pin.  if it's missing or not.
Bad Bendix Gear - Probably.  Its a common problem - for the Bendix (not the solenoid) spring to fail.  This will cause the starter gear to "not return" to the start position, thus not engage the flywheel when the starter kicks.
                                    If this is the problem - repeated attempts to start the engine will eventually engage the flywheel because the starter/Bendix shaft is threaded such that a sudden spin of the starter will thrust the gear into the flywheel
Bad flywheel ring gear - Again possibly but not probably.  If the ring gear is bad - repeated attempts will not cause the starter to engage.  You have to bump the engine to a different flywheel position like you describe.

I have attached a photo exposing the Bendix assembly.  Note the spring between the solenoid wishbone yoke and the starter gear.  This is the spring that fails and causes the starter gear to fail to engage the flywheel,  You can also see the thread on the starter drive shaft that causes the gear to retract when spun by the flywheel when the engine starts.
















**********


02/24/2022



Is there a site where I can find some back issues of the club magazine? I used to find some on  EBAY, now I can’t find any. Thanks  Steve

 


From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter President: 

This should be easy. Join SACC, then order all back issues available from our new National Editor Alan Blay.
Bill Huffman

 

*Joining is easy!  On our website simply click on "Online New Member Application". 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

02/08/2022

 

Looking for a qualified mechanic to service my 54 Corvette. 

I live in downtown Dallas. The car will need to be trailered. 

Contact information. 

Anthony 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  (*Note: Please be aware of the disclaimer above).  DMS Corvette Shop in Garland.  972-494-6900.  I own a 54 and he's the only mechanic I'll allow near it except myself.

PS: highly recommend association with the local chapter of the solid axle club.  Wealth of knowledge and support.

 

 

 

 

 


**********

 

 

From: Bruce Fuhrman, Past Club Secretary: 

Hi Anthony, (I assume you have a stove-bolt 6)
   I do not have a recommend in downtown Dallas, but I do have a recommends on oil! 
Use a 30W conventional oil, not 10/30W oil. Add "ZINC" to the oil, (ZDDP available in auto stores). The reason is; In the late 90's they reduced zinc out of the oil (because every car had  roller cams) and tappets were obsolete. 
Enjoy your "6",
Bruce Fuhrman


 

 

 

 

 

01/20/2022

 

 

Hello, I am trying to figure out if this tach drive unit is a gm part or a repro? If it is a real gm part can you give me an idea of it'svalue?  It cam as extra parts with a 1958 that I bought in 1992. Mike

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  This appears to be a GM unit.  The markings are different than the unit on my 58 but I don't think that is significant.  You can purchase new drive units for approximately $110.00

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

**********

 

12/24/2021

 

Hello,
  Is there an easy way to remove each of the cables from the rear of the dash cluster (to twist off the knurled nuts)?
The way I've tried it get at them is to reach over the steering shaft, but I need baby hands and fingers to grasp the nuts
Is there a better and easier way to reach them without dropping the steering shaft?
Thank you
58 Newbee

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Rex.  I own a 1960 and two 1962's, and I have been under there lots of times, although it is harder now that I am 80.  Lie on the floor on your back with a light and reach up with your right hand and loosen the nuts with your thumb and fore finger.  I do this when I need to lubricate the cables.  If this doesn't work for you, then you will have to remove the instrument housing, which is lots of trouble.  To do this refer to page 1-6 in the Corvette Servicing Guide, Chevrolet publication ST-12.  This is the official Chevrolet shop manual for C-1 Corvettes and is available as a reprint from all of the major Corvette parts suppliers.  This is a "must have" for C-1 Corvette owners who work on their own cars.  You can't drop the steering column enough to do much good.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

12/04/2021

 

Subject: 1958 corvette stock 283 cu in, 290 hp

Hi all,  I’m looking for a approx. 600cfm carb to install on my stock manifold. Is there a good carb out there that won’t need an adapter plate for this application? Cannot seem to find a good rebuilt/rebuildable stock carb. I’m concerned about height/clearance with hood. I had a 600 Holley with adapter and had hood clearance issues when airfilter was installed.....

Jack

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Jack:  You say that you have a stock 283, 290 hp engine in your 1958, and you are looking for a 600 cfm carburetor to go on this engine.  This engine came with fuel injection, not a 600 cfm carburetor,  The only engine in 1958 with a single four barrel was the 230 hp engine with a cast iron intake manifold.  The 245 hp and 270 hp engines had dual Carter carburetors.  This arrangement was continued through 1961, and became 250 hp in 1962.  All these single four barrel engines came with a Carter model WCFB carburetor.  Do you have the 230 hp intake manifold that will fit a WCFB Carburetor on your engine?  The Carter WCFB carburetors once were very plentiful, but now can cost over $900 rebuilt to NCRS judging standards, which you don't need.  You should be able to find a WCFB carburetor online.  Corvette Central offers a rebuilding service.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

12/1/2021

 

I have a question about 57 Corvette cross member bolts and some others on the car.    The Frame was painted separate from the cross member, as I understand it, and thus some of the cross members were painted a more shiny color than the frame and was assembled to the frame as it went along.  With that being said how would the bolts have been painted that hold it on to the frame?  Second there are several parts that were assembled to the frame after it was painted like the axle bumpers rear springs just to mention a few.  So were all these bolts painted or not or just some of them and where would I person find a list of what was and wasn’t painted. 

Thanks a lot for your help.

Kermit

 

 

From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP: 

I assume this question is raised in anticipation of NCRS judging.

NCRS flight judging does not judge those parts. They do not raise the car and it is too low for most people to get under to see the parts.

I painted my bolts black to go with the cross member and for protection.

If it is related to Bow Tie judging, those cars are placed on a lift so the complete underside of the car can be inspected for originality. As part of that process judges compare patina of various parts and something that has been restored/painted will stand out.

If the car is that original/unmolested I would leave it alone.

Verle

 

 

**********

 

11/26/2021


Hi 

 

I am a UK member looking for a wiper motor cable complete with ratio box , my old cable is approximately 32.5 inches in length, please could you tell me if this item is available and a part number if possible and contact details where I may be able to source this part.

 

 Thanks

 

Malcolm

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Malcolm:  Corvette Central sells rebuilt left and right hand windshield wiper transmissions, complete with cables.  The cost is $109 each side plus a $100 core charge and shipping.  They also used to provide a rebuilding service.  Their catalog numbers are 651080L and R.  They also offer a complete wiper upgrade kit that includes everything needed including the motor.  The car may have to be modified to install it.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

11/23/2021

 

I have a 57 I am doing.  Are the bolts that hold the Front Cross Member and several other parts like the motor mounts painted.  I have never seen a none restored car and know that some of the cross members were painted gloss and some weren’t so they were installed after the frame was painted thus my question about the bolts.  Also stuff like the rear spring mounts to the fame and shackle bolts and nuts just things like that because they were installed after the frame was painted I think or were they?  You know upper/lower A arm bushings and things of that nature that was put on after the frame paint.  I am pretty sure the grease zerks were not painted because I am old enough to remember that as I worked in a gas station and greased them.  Got any ideas?

Thanks,

Kermit

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor:

Kermit:  If you are restoring your car for NCRS Judging, obtain a copy of the NCRS Judging Guidelines for your year car and follow what they say.  If not, I have made a study of the chassis painting over the years, but not as early as 1957.  I have a collection of photos taken by Motor Trend when they road tested a new fuel injected 1961 Corvette.  They put it on a grease rack and completely photographed the chassis front to back.  Also, there is a book "Birthplace of Legends" that has assembly line photos taken over the years at the St. Louis assembly plant.  Here is what I have come to believe.

The frames were manufactured for Chevrolet by an outside supplier (I forgot the name) and were dip painted with gloss chassis black paint before shipment to the St. Louis assembly plant.  There is a red stencil, upside down, on the frame just under the driver's seat that gives a part number with a manufacturing batch number after it and a manufacturing date below it.  Chassis black paint is identical to radiator paint, and is an inexpensive black tar like coating that is solvent based.  It dries but does not cure like enamels, and is easily removed with any petroleum based solvent like mineral spirits and lacquer thinner. Next the front and rear suspensions were installed, the exhaust system, the brake system including the master cylinder (sticking up in the air by the vertical brake line), the fuel lines, and then, finally the engine/transmission and drive shaft.  Just before the body installation, everything got spray painted with chassis black paint (except the engine):  The front and rear suspensions (including zerk fittings), the brake drums and backing plates and rubber brake hoses, the exhaust system including the mufflers, the left side of the master cylinder and its brake line, the drive shaft, the cast iron transmissions (3 and 4, speed and PG) with black overspray on the bell housing and bottom clutch cover.  The frame was not purposely re-painted, but parts of it obviously did.  The result wasn't pretty, and it wasn't meant to be.  They wanted to rust proof the entire chassis before the body got installed. I have pictures to prove all of this.

As far as the front engine mounting to the frame goes, in the beginning it was done as shown in the factory Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM).  The verticals were bolted to the frame and when the engine was installed, the rubber engine mounts were set in place with the steel tube and the engine assembly with the gloss orange painted cross member was set on the rubber mounts and bolted with the lock nut thick flat washer, and radio ground strap on top.  The lock nut, the flat washer and the ground strap have no orange paint on them.  This is how your 1957 was done.

Sometime after 1957, this all changed.  The AIM never got updated to show this.  My un-restored 1960 was done as described here.   The verticals, the rubber engine mounts radio ground strap and the cross member got assembled in some sort of fixture.  This was probably done at the St Louis plant, but could have been done at Flint Engine.  This entire assembly  got installed on the engine.  Just before the engine got painted, they masked off the verticals and the rubber engine mounts.  Then everything else got painted orange, including the lock nut, the large flat washer and the end of the radio ground strap.

This gives you something to think about .  Again, if NCRS is going to judge your car, restore it like they say.  In my experience, NCRS and I do not agree on a lot of things.  The judging people at NCRS are very stubborn and will not correct their publications when proven wrong.  But I can prove what I believe.  They can't.

Larry Pearson

 

 

**********

 

10/30/2021

 

Hello,
>
>
> I have a 62 corvette, 300 hp with a t-10 4 speed trans.  Recently, it started to grind slightly when I shift from 1st to 2nd.  After the car warms up it doesn’t do it.  What do you suggest?  I’m thinking to change the oil to see if that will fix it.  What transmission oil do you recommend?
>
> Thanks,
> Chuck

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Chuck:  The proper lubricant for your transmission is 90 weight gear oil.  This is available in quart bottles at all auto parts stores.  But I don't think that the gear oil is the cause of your transmission grinding.

Check your clutch linkage adjustment.  There should be about one inch free pedal in your clutch pedal before the clutch linkage starts to engage the clutch throughout bearing.  If this free travel is much in excess of one inch, depressing the clutch pedal all the way to the floor may not cause the clutch disc to fully disengage from the flywheel and this may cause a grinding sound when attempting to shift into gear.  But if this were the case, there would be grinding when shifting to all of the gears.  Clutch free travel adjustment instructions are found on page 6R-3 in GM's shop manual for all C-1's, Corvette Servicing Guide, publication ST-12.  Reprints of this manual are available from all the major Corvette parts suppliers.

Your transmission gearshift linkage may need adjustment for second gear engagement.  The adjustment procedure is, unfortunately, not found in the ST-12 shop manual.   It is found in the 1961 Chevrolet Passenger Car Shop Manual on page 12-29.  The 1-2 shift rod is the long one going to the front shift lever on the outside of the T-10 transmission.  With the shifter in the second gear position, make sure that the the transmission lever for 1-2 is all the way forward.

If none of this solves your problem, your transmission may need servicing.  Second gear is a particular problem with the T-10 transmission.  With heavy use, the second gear synchronizers fail to keep second gear engaged, and it will come out of gear, particularily when lifting off the gas pedal.  I seldom use second gear in my three C-1's.  If you look at the gear ratios, the third gear ratio is close to second gear ratio in the 3-speed transmission.  So why bother using second gear?  I shift directly from first to third.  I only use second when stuck in traffic.

Larry Pearson


 

 

**********

10/25/2021

 

Attached is a photo of the hubcaps that were on the '54 Corvette that I recently purchased and I know they are not Corvette hubcaps but wondered if anyone can identify the  year, make and model that these were originally used on? I am guessing a 50's vintage Chevrolet?  Thanks for your help, John

 

 

 

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  Photos of the first Corvettes off the production line in 53 exhibit a hubcap very close to that in your photo.  They are believed to be that of a 53 Bel Air.  Investigate passenger car (Bel Air) caps around your year.  I have attached an article from "The Real Corvette (pg29)" FYI.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 


I’m in the process of restoring my 1961 Corvette as original as possible. I have a restored set of original Seatbelt Hambones which are silver cadmium coated. The vehicle is black with silver coves and I was wondering if you know what color and finish the Hambones should be. I know they do get some over spray on them when painting the body.
Can you please help me out?

Regards 
Dave

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Dave:  I assume that you are referring to the two outboard seat belt support assemblies that attach with four bolts to a reinforcement riveted to the floor pan under the car.  They were in place when the exterior was painted, and you can expect at least some exterior overspray to be on them.  They could actually be completely painted black, but this was not deliberately done, because these supports were not visible with the seats in place.  If you are having your car judged by NCRS, don't worry about the appearance because the judges can't see them.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 


Members,

Does anyone know where I can buy touchup paint for my 1958 sonwcrest white Corvette?

Thanks.

Ed

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  Where are you located?  I recently purchased 58 Charcoal acrylic lacquer from English Color in Plano, Texas.  They had to import it from their shop in Houston - but they still supplied it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Joe LeMay, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

I buy from Paintscratch.com
I use Venetian Red in 1 oz and spray cans.

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

09/21/2


I ordered a convertible top front right latch (for my ’61) in July and was told in August that it was backordered, and last week I was told the order was cancelled as they could not get the part from the manufacturer. Every place I look it seems that they are now out of stock even though they are still advertised in most catalogues.  Any suggestions on where to go to get one?

 

Chris

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Chris:  Try Sully's Tops, in Fresno California.  They reproduce the entire top frame and sell individual parts.  Call 559.291.8677, 800.451.8680, http://www.sullystops.com.  Paragon sells used parts.  

Larry Pearson  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

09/14/2021

 

Greetings!
I have a 54 Corvette restomod that I have owned for about 15 years.  I have a 350 sbc in it, although from most perspectives it looks  original until the hood is opened.  The original sway bar is notched, which prevents me from installing a larger and much-needed radiator fan.  Can you offer me a resource to find a sway bar (perhaps straight or notched in the other direction)/that will fulfill my need?  I’ll be most grateful.

I didn’t know this club existed (silly me,). I just joined.

Thanks much!

Richard







From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Richard:  You don't say what type of radiator fan you are using.  If you are using a water pump mounted fan, the notched (forward) sway bar should not be a problem.  It would offer more fan clearance than a straight sway bar would.  But if you are using an electric fan mounted on the radiator, then the forward notch would be a problem.  The forward notched sway bar was necessary due to the considerable length of the six cylinder engine.  When the small block V-8 was introduced, the sway bars were made straight, because this engine is much shorter than the six.  It is interesting to note that the better heat rejection of the V-8 (due to the much shorter path from the exhaust valve to the exhaust port with the new V-8 cylinder head design, resulting in less exhaust heat being transferred to the coolant) allowed Chevrolet to use a smaller radiator for the V-8 in sedans.  The V-8 also weighed less then the six, and cost less to manufacture.  In 1955, I am told that it cost Chevrolet about $65 to manufacture a 265 V-8 engine, exclusive of overhead costs.  They should have charged less for the V-8 than the six, but they didn't,

In answer to your question, any 1956-62 sway bar is straight.  They should be easy to acquire.

Larry Pearson








 

 

**********

 

   Hi, I have a 61 Corvette 283 Engine w/ DUAL Quads 245 HP. What type of gas should I use in this engine.

I have been running a premium fuel w/ Lucas Octane Booster. Can I switch to 87 Octane and run Octane Booster ?

Or is there anything better that you can recommend.

Thanks,

  Glenn

 

 

 

From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter President: 
Glenn,
I'm going to assume you mean you are using unleaded Premium 93 Octane 10% ethanol gasoline with octane booster in your car. 
Around home, I use 100% recreational 90 octane unleaded gasoline in my 1960 230HP 283 that has with same compression ratio as yours and it runs fine.
 
Your car's components were not designed to deal with the corrosive effects of ethanol long term.
On long trips like the recent convention trip, I had to use the Premium 93 gas and filled up on the good stuff when we got home. 
 
However, if if your engine has not had hardened valve seats installed in the stock heads, you probably need to add lead substitute as well. 
 
Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC








From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor:
 Glenn:  I own a 1960 Corvette with the base 230 hp engine, and it is completely original and has never been rebuilt.  This is the exact same engine as the 245 hp engine, except that it has a single 4 barrel carburetor.  Both engines have a 10.5 compression ratio.  I live in California, which has the worst gasoline in the country.  Premium is 91 octane and $5.00+ per gallon.  My 60 runs just fine with the 91 octane gasoline and no octane booster.  Occasionally I add a lead substitute to protect the valve seats, but I don't think that this is necessary for the low performance engines.

If your engine is original or has been rebuilt to original specs and is properly timed, you should have no problem using 91 or better octane pump gasoline.  If it pings when driven hard, retard the timing.  I have a 62 with 11.25 compression and have had no luck with octane boosters.  I have found that 1/2 quart of lead additive per 10 gallons of premium boosts the 91 octane to an acceptable level for this engine.  Lead additive is available on the internet.

Larry Pearson

















From: Joe LeMay, SoCal Chapter Advisor:  You did not say whether your motor runs in a manner that it needs octane booster.  That is important to the question.  The stock configuration was 9.5 compression with flat top pistons.  The combustion chambers were small on the stock heads and 0.016" head gaskets were used.  Do you know whether the configuration is stock or was the motor rebuilt with 0.030 or thicker composite head gaskets? 
If you are getting pinging during acceleration, have you backed off on the timing?
We need more information and I am inclined to say your motor does not need anything special in the fuel.
With ethanol additive gasoline, I would use 1/2 oz. of ATF per gallon of gasoline.






 

**********

 

08/29/2021

 

 


I had a tail light pigtail short out and now I have no taillights. Any quick suggestions to look for?


 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  Probably a fused wire.  Start at the light switch and work your way back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

08/21/2021

 

Tech Help,  September 2020 and April 2021 posts to your tech team and review of past posts were a valuable source to remove and install the speedo and tach with newly greased bearings on my 59.

Now I think the fuel pump failed.  Paragon no longer stocks the AC 4656 fuel pump as mentioned on this thread.  It seems it is no longer produced.   Does anyone have a source that still has one. I am leery about purchasing a reconditioned original on EBay.  Anyone have experience with rebuilding these pump?

 

Eric

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Eric:  You say that you "think" that your fuel pump has failed.  Did you test it?  Most vacuum gauges will test fuel pump pressure.  Also, you can disconnect the fuel line at the carburetor, hook a rubber hose to it and run the hose to a can or large bottle, start the engine (pouring gas down the carburetor if there is no gas in the carburetor) and see if the pump pumps gas into the bottle.  If it does, your pump is probably good.

Your carburetor either has a built in fuel filter or an external fuel filter.  Remove the external filter or the bronze internal filter element and try to blow through it.  If it is plugged up, that is the problem and replace the element.

If you need to rebuild or replace your old pump, Corvette Central sells rebuilt 4656 pumps or rebuild kits.  The Chevrolet passenger car shop manual for your year tells you exactly how to rebuild your pump from a rebuild kit.  If you decide to rebuild your old pump, do not attempt to replace the rocker arm pivot shaft.  The ends are staked to keep the shaft in place, and it will be very difficult for you to properly stake the ends of the replacement shaft.  I have not encountered a shaft so worn that it needs replacement.

Larry Pearson








From: Joe LeMay, SoCal Chapter Advisor:  Also, You can get the car to run for long enough by pouring gas into the area where the metering rods are.  Then start the car and see if there is any flow from the disconnected fuel line.












 

 

**********

 

08/16/2021

 

In sorting out parts I need for the restoration of a '54 I recently purchased (stored for over thirty years),  I have a seat frame and adjusting rails for the driver's seat but nothing but a seat bottom and backrest for the passenger seat.  Doesn't the passenger seat require a similar frame?  I was told the passenger seat was fixed (no adjusters) how does it attach?  Is the attached drawing for a '54 drivers seat?
Thanks, John


From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  The passenger seat on a 54 is not mounted to a frame.  The spring sets (bottom and back) mount directly to the floor and bulkhead of the car itself. I don't know of anywhere the brackets (more like clips) are shown.  If you can't find any references to help you - I can take a photo of mine and send it to you.  Good luck - John

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Bruce Fuhrman, past club Secretary: 

Your are right, the passenger seat is not adjustable. You are missing the anchor plate (front/rear) I suggest you make from steel? The bolts come from the underside.
Good luck,
Bruce Fuhrman 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********


07/23/2021



Rebuilding 62.  All I currently have is a green and yellow wire that was hooked to the old neutral safety switch.  From what I am reading, I should have two purple wires.  I took the tape off the wiring and see that the yellow wire actually is one of the purple wires which leaves now with a green and purple (yellow).  I cannot find anything listing on the wiring diagram for the NSS so am at a lost where or how this is supposed to be connected except it looks like it should go to something on.

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Deb:  The 1962 Aluminum Powerglide transmission is option (RPO) 313.  The 1962 Aluminum Powerglide is a completely new transmission that replaces the cast iron Powerglide used in 1961 and earlier Corvettes.  To find out how the Neutral Safety Switch (NSS) mounts and how the wiring harness is routed, you need to purchase a copy of the 1962 Corvette Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM), which is available from all the major Corvette parts suppliers. The RPO 313 section is seven pages long and shows all about the installation of the NSS, but it does not explain or show how the NSS wiring harness connects into the car wiring system.  The purpose of the NSS is to prevent the starter from activating unless the transmission is in Park.  It somehow connects in series with the  purple wire in the car's wiring harness that activates the starter solenoid.  It appears in the passenger car shop manual that there is some kind of adapter on the back of the starter solenoid that the NSS wiring harness connects into.  Contact Lectric Limited at 708.563.0400 to see if they can help you with the NSS wiring harness.  They reproduce all the wiring harnesses for your car.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

07/15/2021

 

 
I recently became a member and received my member number today.
 
I have enjoyed reading the great advice in the technical help.
 
I tried a search to see if my question was already answered previously to avoid asking the same question over again, but was unable to find anything.
 
I am wondering if anyone has advice on installing the radio antenna on a 1961.  
 
A former owner replaced the original antenna with an antenna from some other vehicle.  I recently purchased a correct antenna and reviewed the instructions in the 1961 service manual.  Though it seems straight forward, the part I am finding a bit tricky is making sure that the bezel that sits on top of the fender is in the correct position.  When I tighten the cap, and check the antenna with a level, it is not straight up and down.  Perhaps it is not supposed to be straight up and down.  I do not know since the car did not have the correct antenna before I changed it.  Another concern is that when I tighten the cap, I would think that it should contact the bezel evenly all around, but in my case it makes full contact on one side, but has a very, very small gap on the opposite side. I have tried refitting it a number of times, but still come up with the very small gap on one side.   From a distance, it all looks great, but if I could find out how to make it even better, I would appreciate it.
 
Thank you for taking the time to consider my question.
 
Bruce

 

 

From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter President: 

Bruce,
Welcome to SACC!
If you bought the whole antenna kit, there should have been a strap/clamp that attaches the lower body of the antenna to the wheel well inside the trunk.
 
This attachment determines the antenna angle coming out the top of the rear fender. The chromed bezel just covers a big ugly rubber gasket sealing water out of the trunk.
You, as a guy who really cares, are putting far more thought into its alignment than the assembly operator who originally installed it in 1961.
 
Relax and enjoy your car because none of them were born perfect.
Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC







From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 
Bruce:  You mention a 1961 service manual.  I have never heard of such a thing, except for the passenger cars.  The Chevrolet Corvette Servicing Guide, publication ST-12 is the only official shop manual that Chevrolet produced for the C1 Corvettes, and it attempts to cover the entire 1953-1962 production run.  It is a "must  have" for all C1 Corvette owners who work on their cars.  If you don't have this manual, it is available as a reprint from all Corvette parts suppliers.  The radio antenna installation is covered on page 13-4. Figure 3.  Although this figure is supposed to apply to all C1 Corvettes, it actually is specifically for the 1961-62 Corvettes, which is exactly what you are looking for.

You don't say where you got this "correct" antenna.  What you have may actually be for a 1956-60 Corvette, which installs through a rounded fender top rather than the rather flat sloped fender top of the 1961-62 Corvettes.  The 1956 through 1960 antenna assembly is slightly longer than the 1961-61 because of the longer height in the trunk compartment, but it might work in your 1961 trunk.  Corvette Central sells the fender top hardware if you have the earlier setup.

I assume that your car originally had a radio installed by the factory and, therefore, that the hole in the fender top is in the correct location so everything in the trunk properly lines up.  All vertical mast antennas need a ground plane to work properly.  On metal car bodies, the car body is the ground plane.  On the Corvette, the frame is used as the ground plane, and this connection is provided by a copper strap that connects the antenna housing  to a bolt accessed through an access cover in the trunk that electrically connects to the frame, as shown in Figure 3.  Also the frame must be grounded to the engine block with the two heavy copper ground straps that connect the frame to the engine mounting bracket shown in Figure 6 on page 13-7.  On Corvettes, the engine block is the ground point for all electrical systems on the car.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

**********

 

07/06/2021

 

Good Afternoon :
 I acquired a 1954 corvette 10 years ago. The vehicle did not have the original engine or transmission.
After many years of searching. I found an original 54 corvette engine and transmission.  I had the engine and transmission rebuilt.
The question that I am asking is the timing of the engine.  I have the beebee on the flyweight in line with the pointer. The distributor rotor on number 1 cylinder on the cap. When I crank the engine over and check the to see if the distributor rotor in on number 1 again it seems the it is off from the original setting.

Am I doing something wrong.?
Your help would be greatly appreciated
Thank you
Scott




From: Bruce Fuhrman, Past Secretary:  Hi Scott,
 Is the engine running? If not, there is something wrong. Be sure the compression is #1 and not exhaust. Do this by taking the sparkplugs out and checking the compression in #1. It may be the installed the distributor off by a gear?

If running-   I had a '54 and it had the original engine & transmission. During a transmission o'haul they could not locate the proper flywheel (the teeth were worn out) by the starter, so they reversed it! It worked out, BUT, I lost the timing mark! I simply used a Dwell meter to set the points and drove the car till there was no "ping" and used the Dwell meter again when replacing the points. The proper dwell is 40.5-47.5 degrees, and the timing is on the beebee.

Good luck,
Bruce Fuhrman

















From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  1- Rotate the engine until the timing pointer lines up with the BB or circle on the
flywheel.
2- Adjust the points for proper dwell.  Rotate the distributor until the points are on a high point of the distributor cam.  Adjust the points for a 0.16 gap (establishes an approximate setting)
3- Connect a ohm meter between the points feed to the coil and ground (disconnect from the coil).  When the points are closed the ohm meter should read 0 ohms.  Rotate the distributor until the points just open (ohm meter will jump to MAX ohms).  Lock down the Distributor.
4- Note where the distributor rotor is pointing - it should be pointing to No.1 plug terminal.
5- If you need to adjust the dwell you will have to re-adjust the timing.
Addendum to above answer.....

You are not looking for where the distributor rotor aligns with No.1 - you are looking for where the points break associated with No.1   















 

 

**********

 

06/26/2021

HELLO EVERYONE, I am putting the finishing touches on my 1960 corvette and I realized I did not know what the orientation of the door lock knobs should be.  I looked at a number of C1s on the internet but saw multiple orientations.  So, in the unlocked position where should the lock “point”; to the right, down,??? Thank you for your time.

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Years ago, I had the good fortune to be able to purchase 8x10 glossy B&W prints of photos that Petersen Publishing took of new Corvettes they did road tests on for 1959, 1961 and 1962.  Most of these were not used in the magazine articles.  They all show the position to be straight down.  If you are having NCRS judge your car, position them the way they tell you to in their judging manual, or they will make deductions.  NCRS is "always" right.  Years ago, I gave up trying to get them to fix their mistakes.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP: 

I tried my in several positions and picked the position that worked best for me.

As Larry said, if you are having it judged, do it like their manual says.

Verle

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

06/25/2021

 

Hello folks. My ’58 is a 245hp and T-10 4-speed setup. 
 
Normally, shifting is smooth and secure. But, on very rare occasions the shifter linkages somehow get locked up (happened at parking-type low speed, probably going to reverse but really don’t remember). The immediate correction is crawling under (not always easy) and jiggling linkages. I’ve had this car 20 years; I think it happened twice, but the first time may have been 60 years ago with my first ’58.
 
My question is – any clues as to what to look, for to avoid this kind of lock-up? Thanks, Al
 
This photo was taken under car in 2019 when it had locked-up – hit or miss with cam at arm’s length!

 

 

 

From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter President: 

Al,
I assume you have a stock '58 shifter with the spring as a detent to separate 1st & reverse shift action. In all the efforts to steer/ shift/ brake and the 360 visuals related to having no RH rear view mirror, it gets pretty busy for us in the drivers seat. 
After 63 years, I'll bet that shifter spring isn't as rigorous in its lock-out function as it used to be, allowing both 1st & reverse to try to engage at the same time.
Hello shifter lock-up. 
 
Either refurb or replace the spring, buy another '57-'58 stock shifter or you might want to upgrade to the '59-'62 4 speed shifter w/ reverse lock-out handle.
It just can't shift into reverse unless you actively want it to & pull the T-handle.
 
If you have noticed linkage rattle, it might help to replace the bent cotter keys with the correct GM G-clip.
 
Regards,
Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC

 

 

 

From:  Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter  VP: 

I have experienced shifter lockup in the past. On mine the main problem was it was worn out. 

I rebuilt it with new bushings and shims to reduce/eliminate the slop in the shift levers.

It may also be wear in the transmission side plate, detent spring, detent balls, etc.

Last but not least, the shifter needs to be adjusted so the shift levers are properly aligned. Misalignment can potentially cause the problem.

Many years ago I was with a friend in his 62 late one rainy night when the shifter got locked up in one gear. We found a closed gas station with a pay phone booth with light on. We jacked up the driver side of the car and I slid under the car with water running on the pavement to pull the shift rod to get it in neutral. While I was under the car a police car pulled up and wanted to know what we were doing. After an explanation he asked a few more questions and left, while giving us a suspicious look. My friend never did adjust the shifter and had lock up problems more than once. I refused to get under it after the first time.

Verle

**********

 

06/22/2021

 


I'm restoring my 60 vette. I noticed something very odd and no one has a good answer. The bulk head between the trunk and the gas tank area is missing . It was cut out very neatly.  It appears it was once part of the body. Why in the world would someone do that?? Any help will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks Bob

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Robert:  I own a 1960 and two 62's, and the differences in the trunk storage between the two models is very significant.  The capacity of the 1960 and earlier Corvettes trunks is quite small compared with the 61 and 62 models.  I suspect that a prior owner was looking for a way to get more trunk space that was accessible from the trunk area and cut this panel out to easily access the additional storage area that is there where the soft top goes.  Of course, if the car has a soft top, it must be in the up position to free up the space.  If your car has a hard top only, access to the soft top storage area is not possible with the hard top in place.  I have used the soft top storage area for additional storage during long trips with my cars.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

06/18/2021

 

  Does anyone make king pin kit with needle bearing instead of bushing.

                Also is a good thing to do ?

                Also on differential fill plug leaks ? Install new plug with gasket, someone total me to use copper gasket .

                Please advise.

 

                Regards,

                Glenn

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 
Glenn:  I finally got around to see if anyone manufacturers or sells a needle bearing king pin kit, and found nothing.  If it was available, Corvette Central would have it, and they don't.  The bushings will last longer than you will, as long as you grease them.  The factory recommends a 1000 mile interval for greasing all 22 grease fittings on your car's front suspension.  This is unreasonable, and I feel that you can safely go to a 2000 mile interval.  Be sure to grease all four inner fittings on the upper A-arms.  They are hard to see and access, but if you ignore them, the bushings will fail and are very difficult to replace.

The differential fill plug uses a leather gasket.  If you replace it and it still leaks, wrap the plug threads with Teflon tape and that should fix the leak.

Larry Pearson


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

06/17/2021

 

I am Chris and I have a ’61.  Thank you Verle for your suggestion with my tail light issue.  Still working on it.  My fuel gauge reads beyond full and does not change.  I heard from someone that it might mean the gauge is not grounded.  Any thoughts on how to check out my gauge?  Second question, what additive, if any, should I put in my tank when I fill up.  I have put 93 octane in it so far.  It is the original 283 engine.

 

 

 

From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP: 

The fuel sending unit in the tank has a wire that should be attached to the frame to ground it. Could be a problem on either end of the wire. Make sure the frame connection is not rusted. Or, it could be a problem with the sending unit its self. 

The following was copied from another source and explains how to check the fuel gauge. 

"The following information is reprinted with the permission of Mr. Fred Aldrich, a.k.a. The Chevelle Engineer. Data presented are the same from his popular website with only minor changes to spelling and overall format. Mr. Aldrich passed away in 2011 and graciously allowed me to use some information from this website before his passing.

1Locate the fuel sender feed wire near the fuel tank. You're looking for a single tan colored wire. With the tan wire disconnected at the fuel tank, the fuel gauge should read past full with the ignition on. Wait a few moments as some fuel gauges take a long time to respond. Touch the tan wire from the body to any convenient ground and the gauge should read empty. If not, you have a wiring problem or a bad gauge.

2) If the gauge responds correctly, the gauge and wiring are OK. Next use a multi-meter to measure resistance to ground of the sender wire connection on the top of the fuel sender or the tan wire from the top of the fuel tank. Measurements should track the fuel in tank.

Full - 84-88 ohms
Half - 40 ohms, give or take
Empty - 0-2 ohms

If this doesn't check, then sender or wiring on top of the tank is bad or the sender not adequately grounded. Senders are typically grounded by a black wire which is welded to the sender and attached to the body with a sheet metal screw.

3) If the sender checks OK but gauge and wiring don't, clean the connections, reconnect the sender wiring and separate the Fisher connector (located just outboard of the fuse block under the dash). The gauge should then read past full. Ground the tan wire in the dash side of the Fisher connector and the gauge should read empty. If not, you probably have a bad gauge or possibly a dash wiring problem. Go to Step 5.

4) If the gauge checks OK, then make the same resistance checks to the tan wire in the body side of the Fisher connector. If the readings are different than those at the sender, body wiring has a problem and requires detailed inspection. If they look OK, then the Fisher connector is probably dirty.

5) Clean and reconnect Fisher connector, pull the connector off the back of the gauge and make the same resistance checks to the tan wire. If they don't check, you have a dash wiring problem. If they check OK, your gauge is bad. Gauges can be bench-checked but this is best left to a specialist.


Note: As noted at the beginning of the page, Mr. Aldrich passed away in 2011 and graciously allowed me to use some information from this website before his passing.

 Ref: your question about gasoline and additives:































What horsepower engine do you have? If high performance, does it have the domed pistons for the higher compression? 

For the lower horsepower engines you can safely run 87 octane. I prefer to use alcohol free gas when I can find it. No additive.

Same thing on high performance engine, use 91 or 93 octane, no additives and no alcohol. 

Alcohol has less power than gasoline. 10% alcohol will reduce gas mileage and horsepower. 

Gasoline has a heat value of 20,400 BTUs while ethanol has a heat value of 12,800 BTUs. This means when compared to gasoline, ethanol will have only 60 percent of the heat value of gasoline

They way racers go faster with alcohol is to build the engine with high compression ratio and increase the mixture to 9.0 instead of the 14.7 for gasoline so they are burning a lot more alcohol to make more horsepower. This requires a special carburetor or other induction system to handle the volume.

Verle






From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Chris:  On the subject of your tail light problem, the 1961 and 1962 Corvettes had their tail lights located low in the trunk where the sockets could be damaged by trunk items coming in contact with them.  In 1962, light gray plastic protective cones were placed over the four tail light plugs to protect them from damage.  These protective cones are reproduced, and I recommend that you purchase a set for your 1961.  

As to the damage that can occur to the in trunk part of the tail lamp assembly, each connector plugs into the tail light assembly and is retained by two plastic pins molded in to the sides of the plug-in socket.  If one of these gets broken off, the socket plug will become cocked in such a way that one of the two spring loaded contacts may not properly contact one of the bulb contacts.  In the worst case, the spring loaded contact may contact the grounded lamp housing, resulting in a blown fuse.  A broken off pin can be repaired without replacing the plug assembly.  You can drill a hole in the socket where the pin is missing and fabricate a plastic pin out of a plastic rod obtainable from hobby stores and use JB Weld to secure it in place.  Drill the hole slightly smaller than the plastic rod diameter to make a tight fit prior to JB Welding it in place.  You can even use a tooth pick.

The gas tank is grounded with a black 18 gauge wire that connects to the tail light ground wire in the rear wiring harness.  The engine block, not the frame, is the ground source for all electrical system in your car.  If this black ground wire somehow is not there or is an open circuit somewhere in the wiring harness, the proper way to ground the gas tank is to run an 18 gauge or larger wire from one of the sender screws down through the rocker panel area and up to the instrument housing where you should attach it to one of the 1/4 inch screws that attach the instrument housing to the metal structure, which is an excellent ground point.  All the electrical systems, the horns, the lighting, clock, and the instruments (except the radio and wiper motor, which have their own ground wires) connect to the engine block via a 12 gauge black with white stripe wire that connects to the driver's side upper rear rocker arm screw.  This ground wire must be in excellent shape and well connected to the rocker arm cover screw, or nothing in the car will operate properly, if at all.

When you finally get your gas gauge working properly using the original black gas tank ground wire, you will likely note that the gas gauge pointer moves to the right when the brakes are applied.  This is a result of a factory screw-up with the 1961 and 62 Corvettes. When they added the two additional tail lights, they neglected to use a larger ground return wire and stayed with the 18 gauge wire, which is inadequate for all those lights and the gas tank sender.  The resulting electrical imbalance results in the gas tank pointer moving when the brakes are applied.  The only way to fix this is to run a separate ground wire from the gas tank to the instrument housing as described above.

Larry Pearson

 

**********

 

06/06/2021

 

I am Chris and I just joined the solid axle corvette club.  I recently purchased a 1961 Corvette.  My original program was that the right blinker worked great but when I selected the left blinker, the green arrow on my dash came on but did not blink and the front white left blinker light came on but did not blink.  Same for the left rear lights.  From a blog someone told me that I likely needed to replace my turn signal flasher on my front driver’s side fuse box.  I found out from this blog where that fuse box was located….thank you very much Larry!!!  I bought the replacement flasher, installed it and it solved my blinker and brake light problems which was very helpful, especially in Texas since I have to get the car inspected before I can get my plates (I bought the car from a dealer in Minnesota).  However my new issue is that now the rear, left inside tail light does not come on with the running lights.  I had put a new bulb in it and both filaments look fine.  Any thoughts on my problem?  Thank you for any help.

 

 

 

From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP: 

Chris,

First thing, check to see if there is 12 volts in that socket. If you have voltage, check to verify a good ground. The rear lights ground to the frame.

It could be a bad socket or a loose wire on the back of the socket.

Let us know what you find.

Verle

 

 

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  Check the position of your turn signals.  Make sure it is in the neutral position.  These switches have a bad habit of moving slightly to one side (usually left turn).  It will not be enough to cause the blinker to engage - but it will turn off that tail light.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

06/03/2021

 

 

Can you tell me where the fuse box is on a 1961 Corvette?  I need to replace the turn signal flasher.

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Chris:  The fuse box is located on the firewall on the driver's side just in front of the parking brake assembly.  In order for the turn signals to work properly, the parking light and tail light bulbs (all six) must be in working order or it won't flash properly, or at all.  The turn signal flasher operates properly using the current draw from the bulbs.  Also, the turn signal switch must be in good working order.  All the bulbs are two filament bulbs.  One filament, the skinnier one, works the running lights when the headlights are on.  The turn signals in the rear use the same filaments, the thick ones, that the brake lights use.  They work together in the rear.  When the brakes are applied, the brake light filaments are interrupted for the turn signals.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

05/30/2021

 

 

54 vette choke knob

Any tricks to removing choke cables and knob from on a 1954 vette? I plan to have the cables replaced. Thanks, Tex





From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  No trick - Loosen cables from the carbs, the knob attaches to the dash with a large nut on the back of the dash, loosen the nut and slide the choke cable assembly out of the carbs, firewall and dash.











 

 

 

**********

 

05/30/2021


G'day 
I have just got a 1959 Corvette

The seats are loose, no holes in floor.
Questions
1/ Do you have any guidance where to locate the seats before drilling the holes?

2/ Are the underbody plates mounted with the nut facing to ground?
If not do you need to cut hole for nut to fit into?

3/ Are the underbody plates bolted on the outside holes or riveted on?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Mike 



From: Joe LeMay, SoCal Chapter Advisor:  Look at the assembly manual for how they are mounted.  For a 1957, it is sheet J2.  The nut plates are installed from the bottom, not in the car.  The floor is flat where the nutplates are located.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor: 

1. Below is a illustration of the 59 interior to help you locate your seats properly
2. the mounting plates are oriented with the nuts down.  See mounting illustration
3. The plates should be riveted in place.
Good luck - John

 

Note: if you're having trouble locating your seat rails - slide the seat all the say back on the rails, set the seat frame in the car against the rear bulkhead.  
This gives you a full range of adjustment.  Make sure when slid forward the seat (cushion) does not interfere with the transmission hump.   This is adjusted by the side to side location of the seat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********


05/27/2021

 


I’m redoing the front suspension on my 1960 (5034).  My question is should I leave the original inner upper pivot shaft?  
What I have read it is the most important part of the job.  The new cap only goes on a few rotations and bogs down, the 
old caps spin right on.  What I can figure is it is a 3/4 by 11 can’t find a die to clean threads.  Also read where you 
can make the tool to thread new pivot shaft in with old shaft parts but see Paragon part number 10538 is a pivot shaft installer, 
is that for this pivot shaft?  I called their tech line and the guy was what does the catalog say, it doesn’t.  Thanks
 
 
 
From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP:  
Are the new caps the same thread pitch? Your description suggests wrong thread pitch.

I cannot tell from the picture, are threads damaged? Are they rusty or encrusted with dirt, etc?

You can clean threads with a wire brush without damaging them. If they are damaged on the starting end I have cleaned large threads like that with a triangle file and carefully working to make them match with the good threads.

Verle
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
From: Joe LeMay, SoCal Chapter Advisor:  
Examine the threads on the shaft and you should find there is wear.  That is why the new nuts do not fit.  Understand how this works.  As the suspension compresses and the A arm moves, the end nuts rotate.  If they are worn, it may have play.

Getting the new upper inner shaft installed takes a lot of force.  I stood on a breaker bar to get the shaft to turn until equal amounts of thread are showing on both sides.  If the fitting weld lets go, a new one will need to be welded in.

That installation tool is not useful.  I have one that I did not use.   I used the lower outer shaft as a tool.  The bushing and pivot bolt are the same thread as the upper inner shaft.  Put the bushing on the outer shaft threads, screw the pivot bolt into the bushing until it contacts the end of the shaft and you have a tool to screws the shaft in with.






From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  If the old caps (nuts) thread on with no resistance but the new ones do - the new ones are of the wrong thread.  Don't force them.  Have you purchased a new pivot shaft yet - try the new nuts on the new shaft.  If the new shaft threads are different, they will not install in your original equipment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********


05/01/2021

In 1983 I purchased a garage-fire Corvette which was located just a few blocks from Noland Adam's home in Albany, CA. I really got into rebuilding it at the time, joining the Bay Area chapter of NCRS. My wife and I even hitched a few rides down to the meetings with Noland. Here it is, 2021, and after a stock car racing period, during which time the Vette just sat, I got back to work on my "driver" several years ago. The burned car left me an almost original chassis, engine, T10, and the original hardtop. The car is about 95% complete but one thing that bugs me is that the hardtop lines up with all connection points except for one on the deck lid, it's about 3/8" off and I can see no way to make it fit. The body that we used came from a Corvette wrecking yard in Yuba City, CA. Noland likely remembers it, although it's long gone today. So the body is not the one that the original hardtop was mated to. This could be the main, or the problem. Does SACC have any ideas about this, or heard of any fixes?. I can only think of plugging the hole and drilling a new one. Anything would be appreciated. Thanks,
Joel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP: 

Joel,

Measure the hole locations on both sides on the deck lid. I assume the deck lid is lined up well with the body.

Hard tops will can and will distort if they are not stored with the right supports.

I suspect you can move that part of the hard top over enough to get the bolt in. Make sure the other bolt is not tight and try to push the misaligned part into place. You push and hold while wife starts the bolt. You may have to release the latches on the front to get the back started then latch the front.

Don't ask how I learned about the hard top "warping".

Verle

 


**********

04/25/2012


Any thoughts on Needle bearings on King pins.
 
 Found info on the web. [ A king pin kit with a Torrington needle bearing ]
 
  Replaced Kings Pins years ago, that were frozen in place.
  Had to Heat the H out of the spindle to get the old ones out of  My
 
   1960  C1, serial number 100
 
                JOHN



From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP: 

I installed needle bearings in my 57 about 2001. Over the last 20 years we have driven it over 40,000 miles, most of that on long road tours with no problems. 

I have been diligent in greasing all 22 front suspension zerks about every 1000 miles including on road tours frequently at oil change shops. I have always insisted in going into the pit with the worker so I could point out all the zerks. 

Verle 

 

 

 

 



**********

04/14/2021



Hi,

 I am I the process of fixing my car. I could really use some help applying the dash pad. Any suggests or someone who knows how to do this? 
Frank 



From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  Corvette Central and Al Knoch Interiors offer DVDs that show how to do this.  There are also U-Tube videos available, if you search C1 Dashpad Installation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

04/08/2021

 

In September 2020, your officers answered some questions about speedometer cables and bouncing speedometer needles on my 1959.  I also searched your posts for information on removing my speedometer and tachometer.  I have all the wires labeled, bolts removed but can’t figure out how to remove the wiper cable pull knob on the instrument panel.  Please advise.  Thank you.

  Eric

 

From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter Advisor: 

Eric,
In order to remove the WSW switch from the cluster, the wiper knob is attached with an allen head set screw to the switch shaft on the under side of the knob, then you will need the a nut removal tool  53-62 Windshield Wiper Nut Removal Tool | Corvette Central  
to release the switch from the cluster housing.
Good luck,
Bill Huffman, Pres. 
Michigan Chapter SACC

 

 

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Eric:  Disconnect the battery.  Then you reach up and disconnect the speedometer and tachometer cables.  Remove the 1/4 inch bolts that hold the instrument housing to the dashboard structure.  Pop out the instrument light bulbs in the speedometer and tachometer.  The oil pressure gauge is a mechanical gauge with a copper line connecting it to the engine.  Be careful not to damage it.  You probably will have to remove the screws holding the Ammeter/Oil Pressure gauge from the instrument housing.  Put a thick towel over the steering wheel hub to protect it.  Pull the instrument housing forward as much as possible so you can access the screws holding the tachometer and speedometer to the instrument housing.

The wiper control is a twist knob, not a pull knob.  Loosen the set screw and remove the knob from the control shaft  There is a hex nut holding the wiper control to the instrument panel.  Remove it with a socket and the control comes loose from the instrument housing.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

Addendum from Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Bill Huffman made a good point that I forgot.  I now recall that the wiper control is not held on by a hex nut, but with a round nut with two slots.  You don't need a special tool to remove it, you can improvise by using long nose pliers.  Grind the tips as necessary to fit into the slots, and use the plier's handles to turn the nut.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

03/29/2021


Was wondering if you could tell me if you can “interchange” channel selector “push buttons” from a 59 to a 62 Corvette Wonderbar radio. I have a 62 radio I need to make look like a 59. I understand the push buttons are made differently. Also, are the “Chrome Face Plates” interchangeable?  Thanks.

 Dennis.

 

 

From:  John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  Ecklers Corvettes 800-327-4868 sells faceplate/bezel/pushbutton refurbish kits for 58/60 and 61/62 Corvette wonderbar radios.  Contact them to see if they are mechanically interchangeable.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter President:  Dennis,
Wonderbar knobs, push buttons & faceplate are different between 1959 and 1962 radios but functionally are all the same. Kits to convert or restore are commercially available from most Corvette vendors.
The link below is from Corvette Central so you can see what's available.
https://www.corvettecentral.com/c1-53-62/radio/radio-rebuild/1959/?count=15
Good luck with your project,
Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Dennis.  The 1958-1960 Corvette Wonder Bart radios are the same and have flat ends on the push buttons,  The 1961 radios are the same as the 58-60 radios, except that the button faces are rounded.  The 1962 Radio was a completely new design.  The case is larger and the large aluminum filter capacitor was moved from the left side to the rear of the unit.  From 1958 - 61, the large aluminum filter capacitor on the left side had a tendency to interfere with the cowl vent actuator mechanism and was easily damaged by it.  The face plate and buttons on the 62 radio have the same appearance as the 1961 radios.  The wonderbar switch on the 62 radio has a different feel to it when actuated.  Instead of the microswitch click-click feel as it is depressed, it has simply a smooth push connection feel when activated.  The face plates of the 1958-62 radios all look the same and are easily removable and are interchangeable, but that is not what you need.  The push button assemblies are integral to the internal tuning mechanism and would be extremely difficult to remove and interchange.  Find a 58-60 radio and do a swap with someone who needs a 62 radio.  I have a 1960 radio and need a 1962 radio.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

03/27/2021

I have a 1962 corvette that to the best of my knowledge has a 1962 block and a1963 transmission.  
I recently had a new clutch and throwout bearing installed.

Since then the car drives differently.  first the clutch pedal has to be depressed to the floor to shift, which was not the case before the work.  The clutch pedal would actually get stuck to the floor if it was depressed that far before the replacement.  

The concerning thing is that the car shakes (jumps) when in gear (all gears) when driving down the road,  It will now when coasting with the clutch pedal pushed or when accelerating.

Is there adjustments to be made?

Greg

 

From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP: 

The clutch to the floor "should" be just an adjustment of the linkage. If that does not cure that problem then who ever installed the new parts needs to make it right.

You say the car shakes in all gears. Does this happen at a certain engine RPM or does it happen at a certain speedometer reading?

If at engine RPM that suggests something related to the engine is out of balance, such as the new clutch that was installed. 

I have had several new pressure plates/clutch disks significantly out of balance. Started having them balanced as a matter of course before installing. I remove flywheel, which is a known good part and have the new clutch balanced on the flywheel.

Verle

 

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor: The clutch pedal travel is adjusted by lengthening / shortening the clutch push rod (847) that connects the cross shaft (709) to the clutch wishbone.(489K).  This is accomplished by screwing the push rod clevis (883) up or down the rod.  See attached drawing for reference numbers.  The shaking can be several things.  If it didn't shake before you had the work done, it shouldn't shake now.  If the clutch assembly (Disc and/or pressure plate is out of balance that will cause a shutter, but most replacement parts don't require balancing.  The crankshaft where the pilot shaft of the transmission is stabbed has a brass bearing or bushing.  If this was inadvertently removed and not replaced - you will get a violent shaking at all speeds and gears (common oversight).


 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Greg:  You need to consult with section 6R, "Clutch", of the Corvette Servicing Guide, Publication ST-12, which is the only official shop manual for C 1 Corvettes and is a "Must Have" for C1 owners.  If you don't have a copy it can be purchased from any of the major Corvette parts suppliers.  By reading Section 6R, you will learn a lot about how the clutch system works in your car and how to make adjustments.

Whenever changing a clutch, the clutch free travel must be adjusted.  This procedure is found in page 6R-3 of ST-12.  Normally, clutch free travel is about 1" before the clutch linkage starts to disengage the clutch.  If it is too much, you will have to push the clutch pedal  too far to disengage the clutch.  If it is non-existent or worse, the clutch can slip all the time, and you will burn it up.  Maybe you installed a throwout bearing of the wrong length.  If so, adjustments won't fix it.  Your car originally came with a Borg & Beck style pressure plate.  Maybe someone put in a diaphragm type pressure plate, which your car is not set up for.

Clutch pedal total travel adjustment procedure is given on page 6R-3.  It sounds like this may need adjusting.  Normally, changing a clutch and throwout bearing does not affect this adjustment.

Clutch pedal repositioning adjustment is given on page 6R-3 to 6R-4.  It sounds like this may need to be adjusted.  Normally, changing a clutch and throwout bearing does not affect this adjustment

If you paid a mechanic to do the work, the result you describe is totally unacceptable, and you should take the car back to have it fixed.  Because your mechanic may be totally unfamiliar with vintage Chevys, you should take your ST-12 Manual with you.  Your car is probably older than your mechanic.  Maybe, you too.

Larry Pearson

 

Also from John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  Greg - you casually mentioned your clutch would stick when pressed to the floorboard.  This may not have been your major concern, but it is a problem that needs addressing, so here goes.  This can be caused by several things.  See the attached illustration: The return spring (630) on the cross shaft (709) is designed to give resistance to the pedal when you clutch.  As you continue to depress the pedal, this spring crosses the axis of the cross shaft and becomes an assist rather than a resisting force.  This is designed to allow you to relax a little when holding the clutch in at - say - a stop light.  1) If your clutch pressure plate springs are weak they may not overcome the return spring on your cross shaft, however, they would have to be very weak to cause this.  If this is your problem - replacing the clutch should solve this. More likely 2) the clutch return spring (630) attached to your cross shaft (709) is the problem.   Where the spring changes from a resisting force to an assisting force, as you depress the pedal, is adjustable.   The adjustment is made with the bracket (635).  It should never cause the pedal to stick down.  Several things may cause this 1) You have the wrong return spring (630).  This spring should be a 17 coil spring.  2) the return spring (630) attaches to the cross shaft bracket (635) by a link (636) which is about 1" long.  If this link is missing and the return spring (630) is connected directly to the bracket (635) it requires the return spring to be stretched further than it is designed to be, and will significantly increase its tension strength.  When the clutch is depressed to the point the return spring becomes an assist, the increased pull on the spring may become more than the pressure plate springs can overcome, and could cause the clutch to fail to return properly.  Check to verify you have a correct return spring and the attaching link is there.  Good luck - John

 

 

**********

03/25/2021

Hello, I recently placed the body onto a new frame. I did not personally remove the connections under the hood. Can you direct me to a schematic showing the connections and grounding straps for the 1962 corvette.

 Regards Mark

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapteer President: 

Mark:  The schematic for the 1961-62 Corvettes is shown on page 12-14, Figure 19, of the  official Chevrolet service manual for all C-1 Corvettes, Corvette Servicing Guide, publication ST-12.  If you don't have a copy, it is a "must have" for all C-1 Corvette owners, and is available in reprint form from all major Corvette parts suppliers.  You also need a copy of the Corvette Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM) for the 1962 Corvette, which tells how the entire car was assembled, and is available from the same sources as ST-12.  Page B 146-147 shows how the wiring is routed under the hood.  By paging through the AIM, most of the questions you might have will be answered.

As far as grounding goes, all electrical systems must be grounded to the engine block, which is connected to the negative side of the battery.  The frame is not a good ground.  Because the fiberglass body does not conduct electricity, every lamp and electrical component in the car must have a separate ground wire that ends up going to the main ground wire for most of the car's electrical systems, which is a 12 gauge black with white stripe wire, which is connected to the driver's side upper rear rocker arm screw.  This must be there, and in good condition, or nothing works.  In addition, the radio has its own ground wire, which connects from the 1/4-20 bolt that connects the radio to the support bracket and goes through the firewall to the passenger side upper rear rocker arm cover screw (see ST-12, page 13-3).  The wiper motor also has a separate ground wire that connects its mounting plate to the same rocker arm cover screw as the radio ground (see ST-12, page 12-5, figure 5).  The voltage regulator case is grounded to the engine block via the woven shield that encompasses the generator field and armature wires.  It connects to a screw on the generator housing, which connects electrically to the engine block.

If your car has a radio, there are two heavy woven copper ground straps that connect each side of the front engine mount to the frame (see ST-12, page 13-7).  This makes the frame a "ground  Plane" for the radio antenna for improved reception, which is also grounded to the frame in the trunk (see ST-12, page 13-4).  There are also filter capacitors on the generator (connects to the armature terminal), the voltage regulator, and the ignition coil, designed to filter out electrical noise in the radio (see ST-12, page 13-5, figure 4).

Larry Pearson


**********

 

03/09/2021

Hi

Thank you for the information on the windshield wiper bracket mount on my 58. I had read that it was in that location for the fuel injection cars but wanted your input to confirm.

My follow up question is did they put the mount/bracket on cars that did not have the wiper sprayer option ? My car has no sign of sprayers but has that bracket with no tank.

Thank you again

Barry

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Barry:  This is very interesting.  The windshield washers were an option in 1958, and maybe your car was ordered to delete that option and the factory mistakenly bonded an inner fender for FI and washers to your car.  That bracket was screwed to the inner fender before the inner fender was bonded to the outer fender, because it was much easier to do it that way.  If you remove it, there is no paint under it.  Either that or someone removed the sprayers and filled the holes.  Look under the dash for evidence of this.  Or maybe your car was wrecked and a FI front end with washers got bonded on.  There are endless possibilities here.

The presence of this bracket does not, in itself, prove that your car is an original FI car.  If it is, there is a rectangular nut plate riveted to the driver's side inner fender for mounting the FI air cleaner.  This was also attached to this inner fender before the inner fender was bonded to the outer fender.

If it turns out that your car is a washer delete and you are restoring it to be judged, you should remove the bracket and fill in the holes.  Also, there was a large cylindrical vacuum storage tank mounted to the inner fender above the battery on washer equipped FI cars.  Is that there?

Larry Pearson

 


**********

03/07/2021


I have a 1959 corvette and am trying to install the rear bow weather strip.  The weather strip has 2 sets of two holes at the latch positions, does the latch fit over the weather strip and the screws go thru it or are the holes in the weather strip just access holes to reach the latch screws.  Also is there a trick to getting the weather strip lip to stay on the rear bow so it can be glued or stapled?



From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  Order of assembly - top bow - weatherstrip - latch - mounting screws.  See illustration below.





















 

**********


03/04/2021


Hello, I’m restoring a 1960 barn find.  Finally putting the car back together. However, I need some direction on how to install the new dash pad.

I know that I need to cut the dash but not sure how much too cut and where. If there is any help or a source you can point me to I would greatly appreciate it.

 

Thank You, Bob

 

 

From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter Advisor: 

Bob,
Here is a link to Part 1 of an 18 part YouTube video from Paragon Reproductions that shows the whole process.
1960 Corvette Dash Pad Installation - Part 1 - YouTube
Good luck but remember, measure twice and cut less than you think you should.
You can always trim twice but once cut too short, you buy a new pad.
 
Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

03/01/2021

 

 

 

61 corvette fi  yes  but  not  on  car ign switch wont  start  car   head lites  dont  work  battery  good  put  no power  to   ign switch and  head lites  found a  wire  in same  harness  with  the  purple  wire  that  goes  to  sol  had  all coating  burnt  off  cant  tell  what  color  that  wire  was  not  sure  where  it   went  but  all wires  are  on  the  ign  switch   

 

 

 

From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter President: 

Tom, you need a GM 1961 Corvette Assembly Manual that can be bought online. 
 
You are also going to need almost a complete re-wire so he is going to need Paragon Reproductions or Corvette Central where he can also buy an assembly manual to do the repairs.
 
Most of the electrical info & schematics are in their catalogs or with Lectric Limted's wiring harnesses.
 
Bill



















From John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  CAUTION - CAUTION - CAUTION :  Burnt insulation usually means YOU HAVE A SHORT in your wiring.  Electrical shorts and fiberglass Corvettes don't play well together.  Before you go any further - make sure you have a fire extinguisher readily available.  If you don't - Go Get One.  Next thing you need is a volt meter - you don't need an expensive one - just one that will tell you you have 12 volts at test points.  Third - its a good ides to have a helper, operating the ignition switch and testing for voltage in the engine bay or under the dash by yourself is difficult.  I have included a rough layout of the wiring (ignition / lighting circuit) for reference, assuming your car has a stock harness. 

Before you start - loosen the connection to your battery sufficiently - so you can disconnect it immediately if needed.

1) Power comes from the battery - to - the starter solenoid (term B) - to the Ammeter. (SEE DIA FOR WIRE SIZES AND COLORS)
2) From the Ammeter - to - the Ignition Switch..... and..... Lite switch .... Clock, Horn Relay, ACC Fuse, Voltaqge Reg, and Cigarette Lighter Connections  (connections are NOT fused).
3) From the Ignition Sw. - power is returned to the Starter Solenoid (term S) to activate the solenoid and connect the battery to the Starter.

TESTING FOR PROBLEM
1) verify voltage (12V) at the "B" term of the solenoid.  (ignition off)  This is the 6 GA wire off the battery.
2) the Black 12 Ga. wire from that same terminal feeds the Ammeter.  The load side of the Ammeter feeds the Ignition Sw (14 RED) and the Light Sw.(12 / 14 RED) and others.
Since you have noted a burnt wire in your starter harness it is probably the wire running from the solenoid to the ammeter.  This would disconnect power from the ignition and lights.
3) Test for voltage on the Ammeter.  Single wire is feed (probable burnt wire) - multiple wires is load.  Both should have 12V (ignition OFF).
If no voltage - you have verified the main wire from the solenoid to the ammeter is open (burnt).  Note: This is not your problem, however, it is the result of a problem.  Analyze the wire from the burn to the ammeter.  If you don't find an obvious problem - disconnect the battery and run a new wire (12 Ga.) to the ammeter.  It would be a good idea to put a fuse in line with this wire until you have everything working properly. Get a hand full of fuses also. Once the wire is in place - reconnect the battery.  If the temp. wire (fused) to ammeter blows, disconnect all wires from the load side of the ammeter.  Reconnect them one at a time - disconnect battery / connect single load / reconnect battery.   Does one blow your fuse ?  If so that circuit has the short you are looking for.  All these feeds are hot (they do not require the ignition switch to be activated) except the ignition switch feed.  When testing the ignition circuit the "ON" position connects the instruments and radio.  The START position connects the power to the starter solenoid.

Once you have identified what circuit (load) is causing the problem, you simply have to determine if the wire feeding the load is the problem or the load itself.  Good luck.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Tom:  If you understand electricity and know how to use a Multimeter (measures voltage and resistance), you need to consult with the schematic on page 12-14 (Figure 19) in Corvette Servicing Guide, Chevrolet publication ST-12.  This is the only official shop manual for C-1 Corvettes and copies are available from all the major Corvette parts suppliers.

If the wiring harness is burned up, you may have to purchase a new wiring harness for the firewall forward.  This wiring harness connects the battery to all the circuits in the front of the car, including the ignition, headlights, generator, voltage regulator. horn relay, front turn signals, starter solenoid, windshield wiper, and more.  The purple wire goes to the starter solenoid and is part of this wiring harness.  It sounds to me like the large red 12-gauge wire from the starter solenoid may not be properly connected to the large starter lug where the battery cable also connects. This wire provides battery voltage to all the electrical circuits in the car.    Also, the engine block is the ground point for all the electrical circuits in the car, and everything connects to a driver's side upper rear rocker arm cover screw via a 12-gauge black wire with a white stripe.  If this isn't connected, nothing in the car will work.

Without seeing the car, this is all the advice I can give you at this time.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 


**********


02/18/22021


On a 56 Corvette with 2 four carbs, and 1896 heads, Is the generator pulley 3 3/4" or 3 5/8" also are the press marks rectangular or round? my 56 is #1896   Thank You

Wayne

From:  Joe LeMay, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Hi Wayne

The correct heads are at that VIN would be 762 and used with the 3 bolt exhaust manifolds.  The 043 generator uses a 3 5/8 pulley.  What are press marks referring to?

Joe


**********


02/18/2021

 

I have a question about door weatherstrip installation. The reproduction weatherstrip that I recently bought for the doors on my 62 has the plastic pins to insert in the holes of the door....so I would like to know is it necessary to use 3m adhesive when the pins and clips might suffice?  Thank you , Garry

 

From: Bill Preston, Red River Chapter President: 

Yes!! Use the 3m adhesive. Put a THIN layer of the adhesive on both surfaces as it is a contact cement. 
Allow dry til it's slightly sticky to the touch before  putting the weatherstrip onto the door surface.

Don't close the doors for at least 24 hours after applying the weatherstrip to the doors.

Bill Preston














**********

02/09/2021


Hello,

My 1956 air cleaners have a lot of scratches and some dents.  Should I have then restored or just buy replacements?  I don't plan to have the car judged, but I always do like to keep the original equipment if I can.  Expense wise I would just purchase new ones if it was going to be real costly to restore the originals.  If I were going to have them restored, is there anyone that you can recommend to me to do that job?

Also some time ago I asked the question of why my two clutch forks that I had put away to use in my 1956 when I finally got to it, were different.  One with a slotted end and one with an oval hole.  You explained the the slotted one was used in a 1957 through 1962.  I think that you went on to say the the adjustable ball, held on with a clip, are hard to find.  I do have the complete unit and I wonder which style you would recommend that I install.

Thank you,
Michael

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter President: 

Michael: I assume that you are referring to the small sealed aluminum air cleaners.   These air cleaners are made up of a thin aluminum stamping.  Once it gets dented, the metal stretches and it can't be simply be pushed out from the inside without leaving an unsightly ripple.  And there is not enough metal thickness to buff out deep scratches.  In other words, they cannot be restored to the original look if they have dents and deep scratches.  This is also true for the 1958-62 large aluminum air cleaner tops.  If you want the original look, you must buy the reproductions.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 


From: Joe LeMay, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Hi Michael

I would use the factory typical configuration for a 1956.  It is easier to get it correct the first time rather than later on.

Joe

 

 

 

 

**********


02/08/2021

Hi,
I recently bought a 62 Corvette the wipers do not work? No hum from the motor cables seems to be in tack how do I tell if it is the transmissions or the motor?
Thankyou
Bob

 

From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter President:  Bob,
Welcome to Corvette heaven. I'm guessing you just bought either your first Corvette and or your first C-1.

The tach drive is off your distributor and has nothing to do with your wipers.
If the tachometer is noisy, it's probably your tach cable.
If it's noisy & erratic, it could be either or both of the tachometer or cable.

The electric wiper motor switch is on top of the wiper motor gearbox and is actuated by a pull cable attached to the wiper switch located on lower left of the instrument cluster closest to the steering column.
The problem could be switch cable adjustment or being disconnected, a blown fuse or faulty contact inside the gearbox switch. Use a meter to check for electric current. If you have WS Washers, the coordinator which mounts on the gearbox switch plate could be missing, broken or disconnected. Try buying an original and you'll see why it could be missing.

The wipers don't have "transmissions", they have a mounting Pully-Shaft and are both driven by cables off the wiper motor gearbox.
Buy yourself a 1962 Corvette Assembly Manual and read it before you
accidentally break something that is costly to replace.

Congrats on your new toy,
Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Bob:  Things to check:
1.  Is the control on the dash actually moving the switch on the top of the motor?  The connection is adjustable with a set screw and washer.  All 62's came with a windshield washer, and the vacuum operated automatic activator is on top of the wiper motor connects to the motor switch and maybe this is keeping the motor from operating.
2.  The motor gets its electrical ground from a brown wire that connects the base through the right mounting screw to the upper rear rocker arm cover screw on the right bank.  The motor needs this ground connection, otherwise it gets its ground through the control cable that goes to the dash, and this is not a good ground connection.  The engine block is the ground point for all electrical systems in the car.  The car body is non-conductive fiberglass and all electrical systems on the car must have their ground connections end up on the engine block.  The frame is not a good ground.
3.  The wiper motor gets its power through the ignition switch brown wire that connects to the ignition ballast resistor on the passenger (right) side.  Is it there, or is it going somewhere else?
4.  If you have an ohmmeter, check the resistance of the power lead to the motor case while moving the switch.  It should read less than one ohm when the switch activates the motor.  If you get an open circuit no matter where the switch is, then the motor needs repair.  Corvette Central has a rebuilding service.  Or you can open up the cover and see if there is a broken wire and maybe fix it yourself. 

Larry Pearson


Bob:  Some additional thoughts on your wiper problem:

1.  The wiper motor circuit is not fused.  It comes directly off of the ignition circuit, which is not fused.  There is a built in circuit breaker that protects the ignition circuit against internal shorts in the Wiper Motor.
2.  Complete servicing information for the windshield wiper motor and system is contained 12-4 through 12-9 in Corvette Servicing Guide, publication ST-12.  This is the only official shop manual for all C-1 Corvettes, and is something you must acquire to help you maintain your 62.  It is available from all Corvette parts suppliers.  Page 12-9 contains a Trouble Shooting guide for the wiper motor.

Larry Pearson

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  First - the wiper motor operation has nothing to do with the wiper transmissions and drive cables.  Don't tear into these unless you have to.  The motor control located in your dash is not electrical - it is connected to the wiper motor via a sleeved cable.  The actual electrical switch that turns the motor on and off and controls its speed is on the motor assembly itself.  1) Make sure you have power to the motor.  The motor feed connects to the ballast resistor in the engine bay on the firewall on the passenger side by the wiper motor.  This is not a fused connection. It feeds directly from the ignition switch. Switch ON = 12V.  With the switch ON you should have 12V at the ballast resistor and wiper motor. 2) Make sure the motor is grounded.  It should be a jumper between the motor mounting plate and the engine valve cover mounting screw.  3) Make sure a twist of the wiper switch on your dash moves the wiper motor actuator slide.  And moves it far enough to activate the motor switch inside the cover plate to which it is attached.  4) If the actuator doesn't move or you are not sure it moves far enough - loosen the clamping screw that holds the cable jacket in place and move the actuator by hand.  If after this you get no motor, you probably have a bad motor.  You can disassemble the motor assembly and remove the cover plate to inspect the switch and speed controls, but I have rarely seen them fail.  Good Luck - John

 

 

 

 

**********

02/07/2021

Hi

Is this a windshield washer tank mount ?


Passenger side wheel well.

Thanks 


From: Chip Werstein, SoCal Chapter President: Barry
The passenger side washer jar was used on 58 thru 62 fuel injected cars and your bracket is unique to fi cars. All others used a diffetent bracket mounted on the drivers side splash pan. The fi washer equipment was moved to the passenger side due to air cleaner interference.
Chip Werstein

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  Yes!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Barry:  Yes it is and it is mounted on the passenger side because your car was originally fuel injected.  On 1958-1962  fuel injected cars, the air cleaner assembly blocked access to the left hand location, so it was moved to the passenger side and uses a different type of bracket.  Also, because it is close to the exhaust manifold, a black painted aluminum heat shield was screwed to the inner fender with three screws to protect the washer assembly from the heat.  The drivers side mounting for carburetor engines was mounted low on the fender skirt and therefore was not subjected to exhaust manifold heat,

The windshield washer was and extra cost option until 1962, when it became standard equipment.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

02/02/2021

Restoring a 1960 (5034), I have the doors off and can't find any video or how to on tearing down the doors, removing windows ect.  I have an assembly manual but not very helpful on how to strip everything out.

thanks

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  I have taken Um-teen doors apart and I have to retrain myself every time.  They are kinda like a Chinese Puzzle.  Just take your time and don't get frustrated.  To take the window out you don't have to remove the front post and door guts, a lot of rebuilders do - it just adds to more loose pieces you have to manipulate.  You roll the window up and down to gain access to all the mounting hardware.  1) With the glass (and frame) loose from the regulator (four small screws hold the glass to the track that runs along the bottom of the window unit) - 2) Lower the regulator down out of the way. 3) Rotate the window assembly slightly toward the rear (front up - back down) and it will come out.  If it binds up - don't force it.  Move or remove what is binding.  With the glass out, the remaining pieces come out fairly easily.  When you're re-assembling it - go slow - pay attention to how it came apart.  The glass and frame go in last.  The door glass frame is notorious for catching on everything.  You will think it won't go back together - inspect the back glass frame - it will undetectably catch on the door braces and not allow you to set the window forward enough, thus the window will not roll up and down when assembled.  Note the operation of the window as it rolls down - it rocks back then down.  Good Luck.  Let me know if you invent any new words, I'll add them to my garage dictionary.   -   -John

 

 

**********

1/17/2021

 

My name is Leo.  
I inherited my uncles 58 corvette about 1.5 years ago and I’ll be starting restoration. 
 
First thing first. Fiberglass work.  I already had a fiberglass guy look at my car and seems to be on point with the work needed,
(front end needs the most work).  He looked at the top of the front end, fenders and hood. The fiberglass is solid,
but has fibers exposed. 
My question to you concerns the process only for the top of fenders and hood. I was told to sand and reglass using chop Matt sheets.
I was also told to sand and mix resin with half inch chop strand (the half inch chopped fiberglass that comes in plastic bags-looks
like powder) and brush a new layer over the tops of the fenders and hood.  
Then block sand. Is this something that is done? It was suggested because the car sat out for 10-20 years in a field, and even
though the fiberglass is solid, the top is showing fibers. What’s your thought?
Thanks 
Leo
 
 
 
 
 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  Leo - if the glass is sound, and it looks like it is, I would just restore the gel coat. This is a spray on process, it doesn't add significant thickness and it will give you a smooth surface to prime and paint. You will still want to lightly sand the gel coat (300 grit or higher) before priming.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

1/5/2021

 

Hi,
 
I have the rear axle strut rods off my 61 and would like to replace the bushings. Does anyone have any experience doing this? I got replacements from Corvette Central, they said just use WD40 or soapy water and just "push them into place". It sounds to easy. 
 
Thanks, Mike

 

 

From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter Advisor: 

Mike,
When you're done, the rebuilt strut rod assembly with 2 new bushings needs to look exactly like what you started with except, it will look & function as "new".
That means the bushing steel outer ring & the steel inner ring both need to be centered in the strut rod ends after assembly even though inner & outer are of different length.
 
Whether you use a mechanical press, a hydraulic press or a big vise for assembly, that means you need to use spacers on both sides to apply pressure to the rod end O.D. emboss on one side and to the bushing outer ring on the other side when pressing them together.
The outer bushing is a press fit into the rod end, so lube of some type will be necessary.
 
Good luck,
Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC 






From: Chip Werstein, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Mike

Bill's explanation is correct but the bushings can still be difficult to press in. To make installation easier i heat the strut rod ends....im in s.cal so just putting them in the sun on a warm day does the job......and put the bushings in the freezer. The rod will expand and the bushing will contract providing a couple thousands extra clearance which will make installation much easier.

Chip Werstein











 

**********

 

Hi 

I have noticed the the attached photograph is different then just about every other 58 Corvette I have seen

Can you identify the difference for me ?

Barry

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Joe Lemay, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

It is a vacuum wiper motor.  I had one in a 55 Chevy.  They are a bit of a problem going uphill in a downpour; stopped.

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Chip Werstein, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Barry

As Joe said, you have the wrong wiper motor. Should be electric. Also the ballast resister is in the wrong location.
Chip Werstein

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

Hi 

I have read about some tachs but haven't found any comments on redline at 5500 and what it may have been originally attached to 230 hp I am guessing. 

The other redlined higher at 250 and 290

Thanks 

Barry




From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter President: 
Barry,
For 1958 thru 1960, the 5500 RPM tach was used on the low HP engine options which were the 230 HP carbureted, 245 HP dual carbureted & 250 HP w/ FI. 
 
The 6500 RPM tach was specified for higher HP options 275 HP dual carb and 290 HP w/ FI. 
 
Good luck with your restoration project,
Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC













From: John Spencer, Red  River Chapter Advisor: 

This is not a 58 tach.  58 tachs had a rev counter (like spedo has a mileage counter).  This tach appears to be a 60 model. "light green background to 20 - signal green above that.

 

 

 

From: Chip Werstein, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Barry

The tach in your photo is from a 60 to 62 low horse car. Normally referred to as a 5300 redline. 58 tach had no color band up to the redline, dots under the numbers and a rev counter. These were used on 230,245 and 250 hp cars.

Chip Werstein

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 **********

 

12/17/2020


Hello,

I purchased from a friend a harmonic balancer with a riveted on pulley,  which is about 6 13/16 inches across and my water pump pulley is 2 3/4 inches high from the inside to the outside of the pulley.  The pulley is 7 1/8 inches across.  I was taken off his 265 cubic inch engine. I began by installing a new crankshaft spacer recently purchased from Corvette Central.  i put some RTV silicone on the inside of the balancer, (recommended by the machine shop that rebuilt my engine), and installed the balancer.  It slid on 1 1/4 inches, the length of the remaining part of the crankshaft sticking out.  My water pump was also recently purchased from Bill Mock.  My water pump pulley has about 1/8 inch of clearance between it and the balancer pulley, looking at it from the front and from the side it looks like the balancer pulley is slightly behind the water pump pulley.  Does that all seem correct?

The next question is in regards to my core support that came with my car, a basket case without a radiator.  When taking the car apart a few years ago, I found that the core support had a hole cut out in the bottom by a torch.  Most likely for a radiator drain cock. Thinking that it was pretty ugly, I took it and a later solid axle core support to a shop and asked them to cut the drain hole from the later one and weld it into the support from my 1956.  Eventually i found a radiator and when i slid the radiator into the core support, I found that the drain is well above the drain hole that I had installed.  Looking on the 1956 assembly manual it looks like the 1956 core support didn't have  a drain hole in the bottom.  Is that correct?  I guess if it is, I will have to fill in the hole that put in the bottom of mine.

Thanks for all of your help now and over the past months.

Happy holidays,
Michael

 

From: Joe LeMay, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Hi Michael

You have a problem.  If the balancer slid on, do not use it.  It is an interference fit that requires light tapping to install onto the crank.  Even if the crank is tapped, stay away from this balancer unless you have it professionally rebuilt by someone such as Damper Doctor.

There is a small amount of clearance between the two pulleys.  They should exactly line up if you are using the 1956 components or the low horsepower 1957 components.  
First, the spacer is required on the end of the crank to account for the motor support and second gasket that spaces the water pump out.  Are you using a stock motor support for a C1 Corvette?

Second, if you use a higher horsepower water pump pulley it is wider (3/8 vs. 1/2).  From the Judging Manual page 180 "Pump pulley used on 1956 engines and base 220 horsepower 1957 engines has a smooth conical taper from the belt groove to the fan mount; 1957 optional engine fan pulley has a "stepped" taper and 1/2-inch "deep-ride" belt groove."
I know what this looks like.  For my car, the belt stays in place with a 3/8 balancer pulley and 1/2 water pump pulley.

There is a hole in the radiator support on the passenger side.  See the Assembly Manual Section 13, Sheet 3.  There is a nipple, coupling and petcock, that extends the petcock below the core support.

-Joe





From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 
Michael: The 1956 through 1960 Corvettes used a copper and brass radiator that bolts to the core support used for those years.  The drain cock fitting is located on the front of the passenger side of the bottom tank of the radiator.  You reach through the grille teeth to access this drain cock fitting (if you have fairly skinny arms).  Otherwise, get someone who does, because that is the only way to get to it, unless you remove the hood.  There is no hole in the bottom of the core support for the 1956 through 1960 cars, because the drain cock is not on the bottom of the radiator.

Starting in 1961 an aluminum radiator appeared and the radiator core support was completely redesigned, because the radiator attached to it in a completely different way.  The aluminum radiator mounted to the support with three rubber donuts, two on the bottom and one on top.  A reason for the rubber donuts was to prevent a corrosive galvanic action from forming between the aluminum radiator and the steel radiator support.  Also, this approach made it very easy to remove and replace the radiator.  The drain cock and its extension pipe for this radiator are of all-aluminum construction (to prevent galvanic corrosion) and exits straight down through a flared oval shaped hole on the driver's side of the core support.  The reason for this was because the aluminum radiators were of a cross-flow design and the "tanks" were on both sides, not the bottom and top.  Never use brass fittings on an aluminum radiator.

Larry Pearson















*****************



I have a 1959 corvette that had a differential grease leak into the brake on the right side.  I pulled the axle and found a bearing with 1 o ring and a 1/8 inch spacer.  The bearing called out for the 58 - 62 has 2 o rings and is the same thickness as the old bearing with the 1/8 inch spacer.  However, when installed the bearing with 2 o rings has a slight bit of the bearing that is not seated in the race although I never looked at the positioning on the old bearing prior to pulling the axle.  My 59 has a 57 block so perhaps the rear axle is 57 also as the bearing race measures slightly less than 1”.

So, are the bearings of the 57 interchangeable with the bearings called out for the 58 - 62 and why the spacer on my old bearing.  The 58 - 62 seems to be a better bearing as it is sealed and with double o rings I would think it would give better leak protection.

Jeff







From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter President:  Jeff,
Just to reiterate what's in your memo, you have a 1959 Corvette with a defective right rear bearing seal leaking axle lube into your brake components, you think the old bearing is incorrect because it is different from the new replacement that you just bought so now you you think you may have a 1957 engine & rear axle.

Before you buy any more parts,
PLEASE go online to get a copy of the GM 1953-1962 Corvette Servicing Guide ST-12,
then invest in a GM 1959 Assembly Manual plus
buy an NCRS 1953-1967 Corvette Specification book, both of which you can buy from most Corvette parts vendors.

With these you need to get acquainted with the part numbers & date codes of what your 61 year old car has & the assembly manual will tell you what part numbers it should have.
 
I suspect a previous owner put in some similar but not necessarily correct parts because they were cheap or easier to get.
Good luck on your quest,
Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC




From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 
Jeff:  All 1957 through 1962 Corvettes used the same axles.  Cars with Positraction got roller type rear axle bearings and non Positraction cars got ball bearings.  All 1957 through 1962 Corvettes used the same axle bearings of both types, as applicable.  The service roller type rear axle bearings have not been available for many years.  They are considered to be heavy duty and were also used in taxi cabs.  In addition to the two "O" rings used to seal the bearing outer race to the axle housing, the bearing also has an inner seal, on the outside only, to keep the differential gear oil from leaking onto the brake components but allowing the gear lubricant to lubricate the balls and rollers..  A failure of either seal will result in a leak. Corvette Central sells new replacement  "O" rings.  The bearing seal is not serviceable.  You have to buy a new bearing.  Usually bearing failure results in a leak.

The bearing is supposed to be pressed onto the axle shaft all the way to the flange.  There is no spacer that I am aware of.  Then a retaining ring is pressed onto the axle shaft to assure that the bearing stays in place.  The retaining ring is wider than 1/8 inch.  This retaining ring is not a spacer and must be there or the axle might start moving out of the bearing.

Larry Pearson










**********

12/14/2020

Hello —I have a 1962 Corvette 327 / 340 hp. I’m in the process of installing new hoses from the expansion tank. I found this cooling system hose routing diagram.
However it doesn’t include the heater core hose connections. Where do those two hoses plumb in?

Thanks.  -Rex


From: Joe LeMay, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Hi Rex

That illustration is taken from the 1962 assembly manual.  You need a copy of that manual.  The routing of the hoses and clips that hold them in place is shown.

 

 

 

From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter President: 

Rex,
It helps to use vendor catalogs from folks who sell C-1 parts.
Try Paragon Reproductions or Corvette Central.
paragon-C1-corvette-parts-catalog.pdf (paragoncorvette.com)
Corvette Central C1 (53-62) Corvette Parts Catalog by Corvette Central - Issuu
 
Both diagrams are borrowed from the GM C-1 Assembly Manual for each particular year. The 1962 GM Assembly Manual is available from most Corvette parts vendors.
Please get one.
 
Bill Huffman, Pres
Michigan Chapter SACC 









From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:   Heater connections go to 1 )intake - 2) waterpump  -  see attached.  good luck - John























From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP: 

The heater hoses do not connect directly to this over flow system. One heater hose connects to the water pump, small connection just above the radiator hose connection. The other heater hose connects to the right front of the intake manifold, not the hole on top of the intake but on the front of the intake..Note the hose connection sticking out upper left in the picture.

Verle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Rex:  The routing of the two heater hoses plus the two brackets that hold them and the aluminum tie strap are all pictured in Figure 24 (Heater Connections) on page 1-13 of the official GM shop manual for the C-1 Corvettes:  Corvette Servicing Guide, publication ST-12.  If you don't have this manual, it it a "must have" for C-1 Corvette owners, and is available in reprint from all the major Corvette parts suppliers.

All the fittings and brackets are available from Corvette Central if you need them.  The part numbers are:

451345 Heater hose bracket on inner fender (W shaped)  This screws to the inner fender fiberglass above the battery.
451316 Heater hose bracket on generator support bracket bolt.
451330 Aluminum tie strap (the long one).  The short one ties the two small hoses going to the aluminum expansion tank.
451326 curved fitting going to the right hand side of the water pump.
451327 straight fitting going to the intake manifold.

The heater hoses were originally held on to the fittings with simple "Corbin" spring clamps.  These are self tightening and work fine with your 13 lb system.  If you are going to a higher pressure system you probably should use a screw type or a tower or worm gear type clamp.  These  type clamps are not self tightening and you should re-tighten them shortly after driving the car.  The rubber hoses compress slightly after they thermally cycle a few times.

Larry Pearson

 

**********

12/05/2020

I have a 1961 fuelie. Should this car have the generator with the tach drive or a standard generator
 

Thomas
 

 

From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter Advisor: 

Thomas,

 

Tach drive on your 1961 fuelie depends on its HP rating.
A 275 HP w/ 7077200 FI and a1010915 distributor with one output that only drives the FI fuel pump needs a tach drive generator.
A 315 HP FI has a dual drive distributor that drives both the tachometer and the FI fuel pump.
If your car has a lower RPM redline it should be the 275.
Have fun investigating,

 

Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC 

 

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Your car should have a high performance 35 amp generator with cast steel ends and dual ball bearings (front and rear).  The part number should be 1102268.  According to the Delco Remy application catalog, this generator was also used on pickup trucks, so it should be common,  But it is not, and it gets very expensive to buy one.  Your FI distributor should have a tach. drive fitting on it for your tachometer.

 
If you are not having your car judged, any 30 amp generator will work.  If you have a 4:11 or 4:56 rear end or are using low profile tires you should have a dual ball bearing type generator because of the high engine speeds it will encounter.  It should also have a large diameter pulley to reduce generator speed.

 
Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

I have just removed the body off my 1960 corvette.  I have been razor blade stripping the last coat of paint (2nd coat painted over orig in 1970).  What is the best way to strip the original paint and primer, I have read about many options.

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  Some enthusiasts don't recommend this method because unless the surfaces are washed very thoroughly you acn leave behind a chemical residue that will ruin a new paint job.  But with care this can be prevented.  I have attached some photos of the process I have used numerous times.  The color coats (repaints) strip easily but I find teh original factory coats to be a little more stubborn.  I use a chemical stripper (bought from your paint supplier - not home depot).  Put on a good pair of rubber gloves and have a bucket of clear water by your side at all times.  Use a paint brush to apply a liberal coat of stripper - wait - let it do its job.  The  paint will bubble up (you may need a second coat/application of stripper)  Use a plastic bondo spreader (not a metal putty knife or razor blade) to scrape off the stripped paint.  This will almost be a liquid.   Scrape the paint off the spreader into a coffee can or other suitable (throw-away) container.  You may need to repeat this step several times.  When you get down to the last coat (primer) scrub the stripper with steel wool to get to bare glass.  Apply one more coat of stripper and scrub it with a clean steel wool pad - only this time, apply running water to the area while you scrub instead of scraping the stripper.  The last step is the critical one.  Apply plenty of water (from a running hose) while you scrub/clean the stripper off.  This removes the chemical residue that will ruin your following paint job.  The result is a clean glass surface that is not gouged up or damaged.  After the glass dries, a light sand job will prep it for the repainting process.  See photos attached.  Good luck !!

 

 

 

 

 

From: Chip Werstein, SoCal Chapter Advisor: 

Stephen,


 
I have stripped numerous C-1 Corvettes over the years. I have used a PPG stripper designed for use on fiberglass which will not attack the the fiberglass. It will take off the original lacquer and some factory primer. The remaining primer needs to be wet sanded off using 220 grit paper. It is a long and tedious job. Others my suggest faster and easier methods using stronger stripper etc. but you run the risk of damageing your gelcoat and glass matt. It has been several years since I've tackled a job like that and there may be new/better products available today. I would check with PPG and other major paint manufacturers for advise.

 
Chip Werstein

 

 

**********

 

11/12/2020

 

Hello,

I have a 1954 Vette with a problem that I hope you can help me with.  I've searched for a solution, but with no success. 

 

The ignition switch has four positions (LOCK, OFF, ON, START).  The finger guard of the lock cylinder has one hole on the right side for insertion of the cylinder lock removal tool (AKA paper clip).  My lock has become difficult to get in and out of the LOCK position, so I no longer use the LOCK position. I’d like to replace the lock cylinder.

 

I have seen videos of ignition lock cylinder removal on newer Chevys, but not on the '54.  Newer locks have two holes on the left side of the finger guard; mine has only one hole on the right.  Also, newer locks have an ACCESSORY position all the way to the left; mine has no ACCESSORY position.  For newer locks the instructions say to put the lock in the ACCESSORY position, insert the paper clip into the bottom hole, and pull out the cylinder.  Without more explicit instructions that apply to a ’54 I’m reluctant to move ahead because I don’t want to screw something up.  So here are my questions if you can help.

 

How do I remove the lock cylinder on my '54?  Do I insert the paper clip when in the OFF position or LOCK position?  Or I just leave things alone and learn to live with the problem and not use the LOCK position?

 

Do you have a recommendation for a replacement lock cylinder?  I see that the Standard Motor Products US21L may work.  Another option is the Dorman 989-037, but the finger guard may be too large.  Also, I've seen references to GM 3772085.  I don't know if that's the OEM part number, and I wouldn't know where to find it.  Any suggestions?

 

So that’s the story.  I don't want to get the existing cylinder stuck in the LOCK position, which would render my Corvette undriveable.  If you can provide any guidance, it will be greatly appreciated.  

 

 

  Many thanks.

 

 

John

 

 

From: Chip Werstein, SoCal Chapter Advisor:  

John
Contact Pete Lindahl 505.412.2389. He is the lock guy. He my even have nos ign switches. Nice guy,  quality work.  I have used him for years.

Chip Werstein

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

11/10/2020

I have a 1962 with a 327 / 340 hp , my garage floor under my tail pipes is full of black soot every time I start her up and it will clear it self after a few minutes.  

Can you help?

 

From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP:  

Black smoke suggest an over rich fuel mixture.

A cold start will have the choke set so the mixture is richer. After a short time the choke will open reducing the mixture so the black  smoke ends.

The choke may be set too rich.

Verle

 

 

 

 

**********

11/6/2020

As far as I know and can tell, my 1958 never had any windshield washers.  Since I am going to be installing a new one piece front end from the upper dash forward on my 1956, I am wondering whether windshield washers were an option.  I am thinking of leaving it washers delete as my 1958 appears to be.

Thank you,
Michael

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor:  

Michael:  According to the NCRS Specifications Guide, the windshield washer on the 1956 was standard equipment until "approximately April of 1956", after which it became FOA 109, a $11.85 option.  If you are planning to have NCRS judge your car and your car is an early one, you might need this.  If you have it, why not install it?

Windshield washers were an extra cost option until 1962, when they became standard on the car.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Joe LeMay, SoCal Chapter Advisor:  

Hi Michael

In 1956, windshield washers were a required option through March 1956.  All cars were fully optioned with 2X4 barrel, windshield washers, power top, parking brake alarm, and courtesy lights.  If you have an early car, those options were present.  This was covered in a bulletin on April 6, 1956.
BTW, there is no such thing as washer delete, radio delete, heater delete; they were listed as options.

 

 


**********

11/2/2020

What is the correct procedure for installing the harmonic balancer?  I would assume that you get it started and then drive it on by placing a piece of hardwood or a brass cylinder on the center of it and hitting it with a hammer.  I looked in the 1957 Motor's Auto Manual, but it didn't have any description of how to install one.  I just want to make sure that I do it correctly.

Thank you,
Michael

 

From: Joe LeMay, SoCal Chapter Advisor:  

If you are removing the motor, have the crank tapped for a retaining bolt.  I believe it was a 7/16-20 X 2 1/2.  It is a safety issue if you have heard from someone who had their balancer fall off.  I know there were no balancer bolts in 56-57, but we learn.
If there is a bolt, install the balancer with a threaded rod.  Screw the rod all the way in, then use a washer and nut to pull the balancer on.  Otherwise the threads can strip on a bolt if the fit is tight.  Then remove the rod and replace with a bolt.

If you do not have a threaded hole, use a rubber mallet to drive the balancer on.

Joe 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor:  

Michael:  If your crank snout is threaded, use a grade 8 bolt with a thick washer(s) to pull the balancer onto the crankshaft..  Choose a bolt long enough that it threads at least 1/2 inch into the crankshaft threads before starting the installation  Once the balancer is completely seated on the crankshaft snout, use a bolt and washer as described in the next paragraph to assure that the balancer stays in place. 

If the crankshaft snout is not threaded, you have to pound it on with a heavy steel hammer and a thick block of steel, brass or aluminum. Do not hammer directly on the balancer.   Wood and rubber hammers won't work.  If the balancer is used and goes on easily, it will come off easily, and that is not acceptable.  If you cannot get a balancer that goes on tightly, then you will have to find a way to drill and tap the crankshaft snout.  The thread size should be 7/16x20  and the retaining bolt should be 2 1/4 inches long.  This bolt length is too short to use to pull the balancer on.  The factory washer part number is (was) 3739422.  Corvette Central can supply the bolt and washer.  Also, use a lock washer over the flat washer.

One more thing.  A special round washer type spacer with a notch to clear the key should be on the crankshaft snout to space the balancer out by the thickness of the front cross member engine mount to cause proper belt alignment.  This always ends up missing whenever an engine gets rebuilt.  Once the engine is together, there is no easy way to determine if this spacer is in place.  If you have access to a loose crankshaft, measure the length of the snout and then use a caliper depth gauge to see if your snout is slightly shorter, indicating that the spacer is in place.  The original GM part number for the spacer  was 3734984.  Corvette Central can supply it.

Larry Pearson

 

 

**********

10/18/2020

Wondering if someone has an opinion on new black carpet for a 62

-Garry

 

 

From: Bill. Huffman, Michigan Chapter Advisor:  

Garry,
Most carpet from Corvette suppliers will be from Al Knoch Interior.
Their stock 1959-1962 black carpet is a black/olive tuxedo carpet intended to be identical to GM original. I'm sure there may be vendors who sell a true black if that's what you want.
It' your car, make yourself happy.
One thing I've learned in 5o + years of owning Corvettes, the next owner will most likely want it in stock condition so they don't need to re-do it.

Hope every mile is a happy memory,
Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC

 

 

 

 

**********

10/15/2020

Hello — I just bought a 1962 Corvette with the 327 / 340 hp engine, numbers’ matching, a little rough, but it’s all there.  However someone sanded the paint down to the fiberglass.  1) What is the best/safest primer to use for covering this bare surface? 2) How does one safely remove oil spots from the bare fiberglass surface?  3)  What’s the correct color for the rear end housing, the 3rd member ‘pumpkin’, and the backing plates?  4) Can you recommend a written source which provides detailed pictures, restoration info, component colors, hose, line routing, etc.?

Thanks.  -Rex

 

From: Verle Randolph, Red River chapter VP:  

The best source is the National Corvette Restoration Society. 

https://www.ncrs.org/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=215

Scroll down to the 61-62 manual. This is a 364 page manual with detailed information.

If you want a correct/original restoration I suggest you join NCRS. There are chapters across the country. 

Many of us in SACC are also NCRS members.

Don't be afraid to ask questions here.

Verle

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor:  

Rex:  On questions #1 & #2, you need to contact a Corvette body shop in your area that has an excellent reputation for painting Corvettes.  The car was originally painted with Acrylic Lacquer and this material has been banned by the EPA in most areas of the country.  Major paint manufacturers like Ditzler no longer make all the toners that are required to make the correct colors.   Also the primer originally used is no longer available.  The cars were not clear coated.  Don't plan on painting a Corvette yourself or having a general purpose body shop paint it.  Properly painting a Corvette can take six months and costs lots of money.  At least your car has already been stripped down to bare fiberglass, and this saves you lots of money.  Now it will be easy to determine if any bodywork is required.  On the assembly line, it took about four hours to primer and paint the car, and the resulting finish had lots of orange peel and was not even close to being show quality.

On questions #3, the entire chassis including the brake lines and backing plates, brake drums, one side of the brake master cylinder and the line going up to it, the front and rear suspensions including the springs and shock absorbers and rear axle assembly, the rear axle rebound straps and even the exhaust system (most of it) was painted with chassis blackout paint.  Prior to 1962, the cast iron transmissions were painted with chassis blackout paint.  The 1962 cast iron three speed transmission was probably painted chassis black, but not the 4-speed and Powerglide transmissions, which were aluminum.  This final blackout painting was done just prior to the body being mounted on the frame.  This paint was an inexpensive petroleum based material, that is referred to as "tar"paint and quickly deteriorates.  I recommend using black enamel, and originally the finish was glossy when new. The rear axle rebound straps don't look painted because the paint they used absorbed into the material.  I have road test photos and assembly line photos of new Corvettes that prove all of this.  

On question #4, if you are going to have NCRS judge your car, you need to join the organization and obtain their judging manual and do everything it tells you to do.  This manual is a "cook book" that judges use down to the letter.  In SACC, we do not judge Corvettes.  We maintain and enjoy them.  Doing everything in the NCRS judging manual gets very expensive.  If you are not going the NCRS route, the Corvette Assembly Information Manual (A.I.M.) should tell you everything you need to know about how the car was assembled,  The A.I.M. for the 1962 Corvette is available as a reprint from most Corvette parts suppliers.

Larry Pearson

 

**********

10/06/2020

 

My 62 starts and idles great.  When I take off it starts to miss on 1st 2nd and third, not as bad on fourth.   I replaced plug wires, cap and rotor, and rebuilt the carb but nothing is working.
-Adnan



From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor:  Adnan:  Make sure that your timing is properly set.  The timing mark on your harmonic balancer (damper) may have shifted due to deterioration of the rubber in its construction.  To verify that the timing mark is correct, you will have to determine the actual top dead center.  You can do this by removing the #1 spark plug and carefully turning to engine over with a screwdriver in the spark plug hole to determine when the piston is at the top of travel.  If your balancer is retained by a bolt, you can slowly turn the engine over using a 1/2 inch ratchet.  If not, remove all of the spark plugs and turn the engine over using the fan blades, if it is rigid (no fan clutch).  If none of the above, you will have to turn the engine with a screwdriver on the teeth of the flywheel and with the use of a helper.

Once you have determined top dead center, mark it with a Sharpie on the edge of the balancer is it is different from the factory mark.  Then replace the balancer as soon as you can, because it is defective.

If the timing is correct, try a new coil.  Check the spark plug wires for continuity with an ohm meter and insulation breakdown by looking for sparking in the dark.  If the wires are of the radio suppression type, the resistance should be about 1000 ohms (I think).  Ten thousand ohms or higher is too much.  Check the ballast resistor for continuity with an ohm meter.  It should be between 0.5 ohms and 1.5 ohms.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 


From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  
Adnan - Larry is correct to suspect timing, but I would suspect the distributor advance more than a change in the harmonic balancer.  You can check this with a timing light.  Hook up the timing light and watch the timing mark on the timing chain cover and its relation to the mark on the balancer as you goose (highly technical term meaning open rapidly) the throttle.  You should see the timing mark move in relation with the timing chain cover tab.  If it don't you have a vacuum advance problem (usually presented as a faltering of the engine during acceleration) or a mechanical advance problem (more typical of what you're describing).  When you first crack your throttle you should see the timing drop (vacuum advance function) then advance with RPMs (mechanical advance function).  Otherwise it sounds like you've addressed the other suspects.  Good luck - John

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

09/29/2020

I have been restoring my ’59 for 30+ years. I’m on the downhill side of this project. But, I’ve run into a problem of how to adjust the door hinges & align the doors. Every source I’ve found only shows the locations of the hinge bolts which control the alignment & some mentions possibly using shims. However, I’ve found no info on what procedure or order to follow. My efforts so far have been less that acceptable.  Can you suggest where I can find such info? Thanks for your time & any guidance or help you might offer.
Lewis


From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor:  Lewis:  The procedure is found in the only official GM shop manual for C-1 Corvettes:  Corvette Servicing Guide, Publication ST-12.  Reproductions of this manual are available from all the major Corvette parts supply sources.

The explanation is found on page 1-19, DOOR HINGES and refers to figure 31 on page 1-17.  The door is held to the upper and lower door hinges by three bolts per hinge.  The bolt access holes were originally covered with round black felt covers to keep rain water out of the area behind the door panel.  If you loosen (don't remove) these three upper and lower bolts, the door can be shifted up and down and back and forth to a small degree.  As you adjust the doors as necessary for proper alignment with the body exterior, just tighten one bolt of the three until you have the the door in proper alignment and then tighten the other two bolts.  If the door needs to move outward, you will have to add round steel washers between the hinge and the door.  If the door needs to move inward, you will have to remove any shims that are already in place.  If there are no shims in place, you might have to take your car to an experienced Corvette body shop for help on this.

There are two large Phillips head screws that hold the hinges to the body.  There is no adjustment here, so leave them alone.  Be sure to lubricate the flat friction springs in the body part of the hinge assemblies.  Use Lubriplate light white grease.  There is an upper and lower flat spring in each door hinge.  These are to keep the door fully open with their friction so the door doesn't close on you when you want it to stay open.

After you have the door properly adjusted, be sure to replace the round seals using an adhesive.  If there were no seals, use a couple layers of masking tape over each of the six holes.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter President:  

Lewis,  
I had the same problem with two different full restorations, this is how I did it.
Work carefully, this is not the time to scratch the paint.

Attach  the hinges to the body "close but very loose"  then mount the door on the open position hinges.

Attach the hinge bolts to the door "close but very adjustable".

Measuring from the floor, lift & support the door level as close to final position as possible then tighten the body screws to finger tight adjustable.  

Cut 8 or 10 cardboard shims measuring 4" x 8". Tape them equally spaced around the door opening, lengthwise across the sill to protect the paint. 

Close & latch the door. The fit / door gap  should be uniform all around.
If it is, Tighten the all door attachment bolts securely. If it's not, adjust the latch on the body & try again.

Open the door carefully without  applying any extra load and tighten the hinge to body screws.

You should be done,
Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC

**********

09/26/2020

I just bought a 1959 corvette that has Fuel Injection emblems on it and I am trying to locate the build information to determine if it was actually built as a fuel injected car.  The original engine is long gone and just getting started with the job of replacing tired parts.


From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter President:  

Jeff,
The bad news is that there is no data base that contains the information you're looking for regarding 1953-1962 Corvettes.
The paint & engine code plate under the hood wasn't added till 1963 production start.

The good news is that with publications such as the Corvette Black Book, the NCRS 1953-1967 Corvette Specifications Guide and the GM 1959 Assembly Instruction Manual, by comparing your car against the standard configuration of the 4 optional engines, three transmission options, plus the numerous RPO's, the car will tell you what it was.
Just remember, owner modifications over the last 61 years may give you conflicting testimony. You are it's archivist, historian & conservator. Take pictures.

If your car is a fuel injection car with the engine changed, all the various components or their previousmounting located under the hood will be where the AIM required them to be.

Good luck in your investigation
Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter

 

**********

09/23/2020


Hi

I have a 1958 Corvette 283  w/4 bbl. & 3 speed.

It has been taking a break in my barn since 1970ish

I just started cleaning up parts that I took off in 1976 and seeing what I have.

I have a few questions.
 
Did GM / Chevrolet put 1957 intakes on the 1958 cars on the assembly line ?
 
I also have the 7 fin valve covers which from what I understand is put on "optioned" engines.
 
Also on passenger side fender there is a red/white/blue emblem bar where the fuel injection emblem would go on a fuelie.
 
Attached is a picture of each.
 
Mine is definitely a 1958 with all the fixings ( hood louvers, trunk Spears, etc ) correct vin for that year.
 
Any input on this would be helpful ?
 
Thank you

Barry

 

From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter President:  

Barry,
In the 25 years before this rough cut gem started it's break in your barn, ANYTHING is possible.
If you really want the real story, you are going to have to let the car itself tell its own story, part by part, assembly by assembly, using date codes, casting numbers and GM part numbers. You will need a 1958 GM Assembly Manual to determine location of windshield washer reservoir & vacuum cannister, washer tubing, tachometer drive, tach RPM Redline, engine block and a host of other components to determine whether or not it could possibly be the rare FI car you are hoping for.
I would guess  that this car was run hard, abused badly & put away wet long before you two met. It likely needs EVERYTHING, and there is no cheap easy solution here.

Sorry to be a wet blanket but somebody had to say it. Might as well be me.
I resurrected a 1960 ex drag race car from a barn 20 years ago.
I still have it. I still love it.

Best of luck with your dream car.
Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  To my knowledge no 57 intake was used on a 58, even early production models.  The intake shown is a 57.  The correct casting for a 58 is 3746829.  The valve covers are 7 fin covers used on 58s, but not the 230HP.  The emblem shown is interesting - it looks like the FI plate used on the 65 model but that emblem had a "fuel injection" script on it.  What is your engine and head casting numbers and car serial number?  It appears you have a car that has been kept alive using parts from several cars - if you are pursuing an NCRS numbers matching car - get out your checkbook.  If however you just want to restore your car to a period correct car (correct CI engine, paint color, interior, etc) it opens up a wide variety less expensive options.  I have a 58 that I am very proud of, I restored it in 1980.  It does not have a Duntov award, but it has been viewed and blessed by Mr. Dontov personally (in 1984).  The SACC Tech panel is the best source for info I know.  If I can be of any help, don't hesitate to call.  -  John

 

 

 

 

 

From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP:  

The date code on the intake appears to be "G"  so that would be July of 57. It is possible that it could have been installed on an early 58.

I am pretty sure the emblem is not something that would be installed on an early Corvette, it looks similar to the 65 Corvette FI emblem.

Is your 58 an early car?

Verle

 

 

 

 

From: Chip Werstein, SoCal Chapter Advisor:  

Barry

Your intake is a 57. Note the casting date is c 12 57.....march 12 1957. 58 cast number is 3746829.

Your valve covers are 1959. Off set holes with high script corvette. 58 is the same but with low script.

F I emblem bar appears to be from a 65 corvette.

Chip Werstein

 

 

 

 

**********

09/21/2020


I installed a Jim Meyer Racing IFS on my 60 and now they are out of business and I need Upper and lower control arm bushings. I was hoping someone in your club might have some info on these.

Signed, Desperate in WI


From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter President:  

Ned,
Corvette Central in Sawyer, MI has been selling this C-1 suspension upgrade for several years. I'd give them a call at 800-345-4122 and see if they can help you with this.
Good luck,
Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC.

 

 

 

 

 


**********

09/20/2020

I own a 1959 that has speedometer and tachometer cables that do not rotate smoothly.  I lubed both cables by rubbing dry graphite along their length, less the last inch or more.  It helped the speedometer until I sped to 55-60 mph, the speedo needle really bounced and before I pulled to the side, the needle dropped and stopped working.  The tach needle also bounces periodically.  I have disconnected both and now have a project ahead of me to remove them and send them for repair.
Searching speedometer on this Technical Help page really helped.  A nice company in Colorado made a 18” test cable I used to spin the speedo.  Under finger twisting speed, I heard the same bearing squeal emitted when the speedometer needle dropped.
Now to the question:  Under an age old topic, does one dry lube or grease lube speedo/tachometer cables?  The gentleman who made my test cable said that graphite will inevitably work its way to the end of the cable and get in the speedometer.  I just did what my father taught me and used graphite powder.
 
Eric




From: Joe LeMay, SoCal Chapter Advisor:  

Hi Eric
 
I had the same issue.  Tried repeatedly to lube and clean the cable.  There was no change.
A local speedometer shop inspected it and replaced the bearings and all was good.  There were no issues with the cable.  Hopefully, the speedo did not break the last time it was connected.

Joe

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor:  Eric:  Sorry that this response is late. I have 12 cars and have had speedometer problems like you describe many times.  I normally am able to fix the problem myself.  I will tell you how I do it.

The speedometer and tachometer cables must be lubricated with a light weight grease.   Graphite is not a proper lubricant for speedometer cables.  Years ago, the AC division of General Motors sold ST-640 Speedometer Cable Lubricant.  It comes in a metal toothpaste type tube and is white and is very soft.  I recently asked a speedometer repair show what to use, and they said to use a light weight general purpose grease.  Use Lubriplate grease if you can find it.

To lubricate it, pull the cable from the casing and inspect it for damage.  Then use your fingers to apply the grease to the cable as you push it back into the casing.

Now for your other problem.  The squealing is caused by the speedometer or tachometer bearings being dry.  In my experience, you can lubricate these bearings yourself.  Check the bearings for excess wear by turning the shaft end with your fingers and check for up and down movement, indicating excess wear that will require a rebuild.  If there is no evidence of excess wear, drill a small hole, around 1/16", in the top of the casing just at the end of the threads where the cable nut threads on.  There are two bronze bushings that support the speedometer shaft, and this will put you at about the middle between them.  Inject a small amount of oil into this hole.  I use a hypodermic needle.  Use 50 weight engine oil or 90 weight gear oil.  Originally, these bushings were greased, but it is hard to get grease into this hole and to where the bushings are using this method.  Rock the speedometer back and forth to get the oil to the bearings. Spin the shaft with your fingers to make sure it is free.  When in operation, the cable spins at 1000 rpm at 60 mph, so good lubrication is a must.  The tachometer cable spins at half engine speed, because the distributor/generator adapter operates at half engine speed.  If you have a shop rebuild the tachometer, make sure that they calibrate it to read twice shaft speed.

Whenever you hear the speedometer or tachometer make a squealing sound, immediately pull over and disconnect the cable .  This vibration can greatly damage the inner workings of the speedometer in very short order.  It sounds like your speedometer has suffered internal damage and lubrication will not help it.  With the speedometer or tachometer, if you spin the shaft in the correct direction with your fingers and the pointer does not move, you will have to have the unit rebuilt.  You can make a test adapter out of a nail.  Pound the end square with an hammer and use an electric drill to spin the shaft at varying speeds to make sure that the pointer moves smoothly.  If not, you will have to have it rebuilt to fix this.

Corvette Central offers a rebuilding service.  Mechanical speedometers and tachometers with a cable have not been manufactured for many years.  Everything is electronic today, and it is hard to find someone locally who has the parts and knowledge to properly rebuild and calibrate your units.

Larry Pearson

 

**********

09/19/2020

Do you have any hints on replacing rear shocks on a 1962? I have a customer with a very nice  black/red 250HP/PG. The problem is very little access to the top bolts. Fortunately, the left shock broke off at the top and removal won’t be a problem. My thought for the right one is to remove the muffler for access and use a zizz wheel to cut through the shock at the bottom rubber.
 
Tightening will also be a problem. There isn’t room for turning the nut with a wrench. You could hold the nut from turning and turn the shock but it would be hard to get it tight. Is it possible to get access to the top nut with a hole through the body? What am I missing?
 
Thank you.
 
BTW, by father had a new Corvette in ’57 and traded it for a new one in ’59. I had a ’66 coupe I bought for $2100 in 1972 and put a 370HP 350 in it. Had to sell it for $12K in 1984 when I started a family.
 
Spencer

 

From: Joe LeMay, SoCal Chapter Advisor:  

Hi Spencer

You need a copy of the AIM Section J Sheet 3.  Look at View A on that page.
In the folding top compartment behind the gas tank cover, there is an access hole that allows a socket or wrench to be put on top of the shock.
Joe

Update:  The access hole is correct for a 1957.  Later C1s at some point eliminated the access hole.  One can still assemble the shock from below by twisting it to tighten the bolt.

 

 

**********

I am hoping that you would have help/instructions for removing the horn button on a 1962 Corvette.

-Charlie

 

From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter President: 

 Charlie,
The horn button is retained inside a split spring steel stamping that also acts as the horn contact by three equally spaced retainer detents under the button face.
Insert a flat tool that won't scratch the steering wheel on both  sides of the button and pry up. It should pop off.

Good luck,
Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC

 

 

 

 

**********

09/08/2020

I just recently purchased a 3 speed transmission mount bracket from Corvette Central.  When I went to install it I discovered that the bolt holes in the bracket were about 2 or possibly 2 1/8 inches on center, and my transmission mount holes are 3 1/4 inches on center.  I believe that is the measurements of a 4 speed transmission mount bracket.  My transmission main case has a casting number of 3845122 and is dated G 9 56.  The side cover is 3731911. but the tail shaft housing is cast 3855710 and is dated D 28 5.  I assume that I have the wrong tail shaft housing, but what do I have?  Is it from a 1955 Corvette?  Would I be able to use a 4 speed transmission mount bracket, or should I try to find a 1956 tail shaft housing?

Thanks,
Michael

From: Joe LeMay, SoCal Chapter Advisor:  

Hi Michael


You have a few different items.  The main case is a 56, but cast in Tonawanda and was never used in a Corvette.  The 3855710 tail was used on 1965 Corvettes.  I do not know about that tail mounting arrangement.  The correct 3 speed will mount to the C1 tailhousing.  I am using a early 3 speed shifter with a later C1 tailhousing.  You should be able to acquire a later C1 tailhousing.  The 1956 3722946 tail may be pricey.

The 3 speed shifters mount to the transmission tail without a bracket.  The shifter is arranged with holes to match the tailhousing.  Check the AIM and you will see that.

The bracket at the bottom of the transmission is different for a Muncie 318 3 speed and a BW T-10.  The height is greater for a BW but the spacing is the same.  That bracket you purchased may be the plate that allows using a Muncie M-20 with a C1 transmission crossmember.  You would need to describe if it is a flat plate with four holes in it.

 

**********

09/05/2020

Hello guys,
I have had a 58 Corvette for many years. When I bought the car it had an aftermarket scissor jack and never really did anything with it. I have recently found an original Jack correct for my car. The bad news is the jack (the block thaty the screw goes into) is stripped. The screw is fine and I think has Acme threads? Any idea how to repair or who might be able to help?
Thanks!

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  Fred - I too have a 58 (great choice) and an original scissor jack.  Although my jack is in mint condition - I would never use it.  A scissor jack is a very dangerous tool.  If you need to raise your 58 for any service, use a hydraulic floor jack.  Use the scissor jack for show only.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor:  Fred:  I own a 60 Corvette that I purchased from the original owner.  It had the original jack and it had probably been used only once and it had completely fallen apart.  The original jacks that came with these cars are dangerous to use and are recommended for show judging only.  Even the reproductions of this jack are not recommended to jack up the car, only for NCRS judging.  My 62 came with a far superior jack of a different and better construction.  The aftermarket jack that your car came with is undoubtedly a much better and safer jack to use for everyday driving.   I question that the jack you have is a correct original one because for the threads to strip, it would have been used many times, and that is not possible with the original jacks.

If you are having your car NCRS judged, and if, indeed, your jack and jack handle are correct looking and will pass a visual check, leave it the way it is.  NCRS judging does not check the jack operation, only the look.  You shouldn't be able to see that the internal threads are stripped by looking at the jack.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Bill Huffman, Michigan Chapter President: 

 Fred,
Over the years of owning a C-1, I have learned that a good aftermarket scissor jack is:
 1) visually undisguisable from an original if you remove limiter
    tubes over the Acme screw,
 2) they are unsafe to use for anything more than car show browny
    points
 3) most guys carry an small aluminum floor jack for emergencies.

The Acme nut in your aftermarket would most likely fit the original screw but tearing down both jacks to swap parts means reassembling the original and which will still be unsafe to use.

My advise, use the modified aftermarket jack or put the original jack in the spare tire well under the 6.70-15 bias ply spare for show or points. I've never seen an owner asked to actually jack-up the car with it.
Keep a real floor jack for emergencies.

Bill Huffman, Pres.
Michigan Chapter SACC

 

**********

09/02/2020

Does anyone sell the drain plugs below the fuel tank on a 1959 corvette

Thanks

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:    The only openings I know of under the tank are for ventilation - no plugs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

08/29/2020

Hello,

 

    I am building a 327 340hp engine for my ’62 Corvette.  It has a NOM 283 dressed to look like a 300hp 327 engine currently and it originally a 300hp car.

  I figured it would be nice to have a correct, though not #s matching 327 340hp style engine in my car.  Things are progressing pretty well except for the issue with the oil pan.  I sourced a 6qt trap door SHP oil pan w/windage tray; though now my engine builder is stating it won’t clear the ’62 suspension/steering.  Apparently, this pan is actually from a 1963 engine and while it will be fine on the engine itself, it won’t work in the car.

Are the ’62 and earlier SHP pans specific enough that a ’63 and up SHP pan will not fit (IE interfere with the car)?  Do I need to try and find a ’62 and earlier pan?  It took me a long time just to find this one.  Thanks for any help on this!

 Greg

 

From: Chip Werstein, SoCal Chapter Advisor:  Greg
62 corvette pans are 5 guart. Engines hold 6 quarts....5 in pan, 1 in filter. All 62 pans are the same 2 step configuration but the 340 and 360 pans have the trap door. They were also used in eariler cars. Dont think 63 pan will work. 62 style pans are out there but getting difficult to find. You could use the 250, 300 hp pan as it looks the same from the outside. Most likely Dave Sokolowski in Calif. Has a few of both styles. He advertises in the ncrs driveline.
Chip Werstein

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:

My GM Parts manual shows the 57-62 oil pan to be a five quart pan #3789629.  These pans are commonly referred to as three step pans (the third step is required to clear the  steering)  For a visual see the following link 
ebay.com/i/362969807298?chn=ps&mkevt=1&mkcid=28

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

08/25/2020

  I  have 61 Corvette with Dual Point Distributor and Dual Quads  I replaced the Dual Point with Pertronix 91183 Ignitor 11 in place of the Dual Points.

                The car start right up. Idle great, but under a load it misfired and shut off while driving it. Called Pertonix they total me that the mechanical advance is

                Not working. Could this be possible. Has anyone install Pertronix in place of dual points?

 

                Thanks,

                Glenn

 


From: Chip Werstein, SoCal Chapter Advisor:  
Glen
You must use a pertronix coil with their ignition system. Also, the pertronix requires 12 volts to trigger it so if you are using a ballast resister connect the trigger wire to the 12 volt side.
Chip Werstein

 

 

 

 

 


From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP:  

From Pertronix installation instructions:

1. IMPORTANT: Read all instructions before starting installation.
2. DO NOT USE WITH SOLID CORE SPARK PLUG WIRES.
3. The Ignitor II ignition can be used in conjunction with most ignition coils rated at 0.45 ohms or greater.
4. All external resistors must be removed to achieve optimum performance from the Ignitor II ignition system.
5. The Ignitor II is compatible as a trigger for most electronic boxes.

 

 


**********

08/24/2020


I have a 54 and when I open hood and pull up
I need assistance from another person to pull towards cockpit 
It seems in a bind

Thoughts 

Don


From: John Spencer, Red River Chapter Advisor:  

The hood hinge leaves a lot to be desired.  It seems to bind just as you lift the hood.  Depending how worn the 
hinges are.  I know of no adjustment to fix this problem short of the hood stops that fix where the hood rests.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP:  It may need the hood hinges adjusted. Lubrication on the hinges helps.

Verle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Joe LeMay, SoCal Chapter Advisor:  The hood support can stick.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

08/19/2020

I have a 1960 that has been sitting for 42 years.  I just started cleaning and pulling numbers from under the hood items.  I know the VIN plate is suppose to be spot welded to the steering column, stamped and made from stainless steal.  While cleaning the dirt off the VIN plate I noticed it was loose, I pried it up and discovered it was glued on.  I took a magnet to it and it does stick.  Does a magnet stick to the VIN tags for this year vet as true stainless does not.

Thanks

Steve


From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor:  Steve:  I own a 1960 and checked the VIN tag last night with a magnet, and it is very much magnetic.  The question is why was your tag glued on?  The car could be stolen, of course.  Or it could have been in a severe accident that required that the steering column be replaced and the tag re-attached to the replacement column.  If the engine is the original one, the VIN number is stamped on the front pad of the block along with with the manufacturing date code and horsepower/transmission code.  The VIN number is also stamped in large characters on the top of the frame under the driver's seat.  Reading this requires that the body be somehow lifted above the frame in this area about one inch so you can read it.  If the frame is badly rusted, this number might not be readable at all.

If you are planning to have this car judged by NCRS, they very thoroughly evaluate this tag and its attachment.  They don't pry on it to verify that it is spot welded on, and you can epoxy it on in such a way that it looks correct.  Also, they make portable spot welders and it might be possible to have this tag properly spot welded in place.  There is an industry that reproduces this tag and apparently it is not exact and can be detected as a replacement.  NCRS will not judge the car if this tag is suspect.  You will be required to have your DMV verify the car's VIN, and this gets very messy.  If you plan to have NCRS judge your car with this re-attached tag, do not discuss anything about this issue with the judges.  Let them figure it out.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

08/15/2020

Will a 3rd member out of a 1962 nova fit in a 1959 corvette?

 


From: Verle Randolph, Red River Chapter VP:  I have never tried it but I believe it is the same as Corvettes and tri five Chevies. Probably a tall gear.

Verle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


From: Larry Pearson, SoCal Chapter Advisor:  Wishbone:  The 1955 through 1964 Chevrolet full size sedans use a differential assembly that will fit your 1959 Corvette.  The 1962 Novas were much smaller than the full size sedans and had a four and six cylinder engine option.  In my opinion, it is highly unlikely that the differential supplied with this car was the same size as that used in the full sized sedans.  The full size sedans came equipped with everything from a larger six cylinder engine to a 409 W motor.

Larry Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

08/14/2020

I started the job  of installing new king pins in my older restoration, 1962.  This is a project that I have put off for a while mostly because of being too busy until now and the fear of messing up a restored car.  After just completing the front end rebuild on my 1956, i discovered that king pins aren't such a hard job to replace.  Within less than an hour I was nearly ready to remove the first king pin in the '62 and then the project came to a halt.  I couldn't get the lock ping to move and be allowed to be driven out.  I tried hitting it by first placing a piece of hard wood against it and hitting that with a good sized hammer and then with a brass shaft and the hammer.  It still won't move.