1959 RPO 469 ID

[Scott Stuckly]

I can sure use some help. I purchased a 59 some time ago, unfortunately before discovering this NCRS organization. Bought the car completely disassembled with a NOM engine/transmission/rear end.

I'm in the process of acquiring an engine for this car and want to determine which configuration originally came with the car. I know of one part on the car that I think is original that I hope will help decipher the correct engine config. The instrument cluster is still in one piece and has the correct dates on the speedometer and tachometer for my vehicle assembly date.

The tach is P/N 1548838. Is this a good indication that the car was equipped with RPO 469? In Noland Adams book it states that this tach was used with the 270 hp high lift cam option. Was it also used with the 245 hp option?

I have a radiator P/N 3141674 58L, that I believe to be for the 230 and 245 hp models according to the book again. What does the 58L stand for? Is this another key to my puzzle?

What do you guys recommend?

What else is a good indication of which engine option the car originally came with?

Scott #37210

[Dennis C.]

Re: 1959 RPO 469 ID

Hey Scott... If you don't yet have NCRS Technical/Judging Manual, suggest you order one first thing in the morning. Also, consider an AIM. Mortimers @ NCRS HQ in Cincinnati will know what you need for basics.

It's the tach redline indication that is most telling. In short, because it typically indicates whether equipped w/hydraulic or mechanical lifters. The mechanical lifters were used on the higher horsepower engines. IE: 270 or FI equipped. In 1959, I don't recall the radiator is going to tell you much as I believe they were all the same. The 58L is the date indication. 1958 and the L is either December or November of that year. If my memory still worked, I'd recall which month.

Noland's book is great, however, use it in conjunction with the other recources available...

[Scott Stuckly]

Re: 1959 RPO 469 ID

Hello Dennis,

Thanks for the info.

I have the Technical Info Judging Manual and the AIM The tach I that I have has a 65K RPM redline, so it was most likely a HP solid lifter engine. The question now is , was it fuel injected?

The Radiator seems to be dated corectly for my car also, possibly original.

Scott

[Dennis C.]

Re: 1959 RPO 469 ID

OK Scott, At this point we need to start talking about inner fender panels. I'm about to go eat dinner, so ask for a delay of game. Will be back to you in a reasonable length of time. Thank, Dennis