C2 fan clutch

[William Ford]

Who makes the best FUNCTIONING fan clutch for '66 L-79?

Thanks

[Jack H.]

Re: C2 fan clutch

Your Chevy parts man can provide you with an EXCELLENT service replacement clutch (appropriate performance specs for the application) and, if you have or can get an original clutch 'core' NCRS member Fred Oliva, Vintage Automotive Research in Florida, can disassemble and correctly restore it original working specs for less $$$ than a current service replacement clutch will cost you from GM/Chevy....

[Robert M.]

Re: C2 fan clutch

I agree with Jack, but my vote is to contact Fred Oliva. He restored a correct dated fan clutch for my 67 BB and it is perfect! The price was a bit more then a GM service replacement.

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 fan clutch

William-----

If functionality is your primary consideration and originality second, go with the Eaton-manufactured unit available from GM under GM #3916141. This clutch is very similar to the original used on your car and will function very well.

If originality is your primary consideration, then go with a restored original clutch from Fred Oliva.

[Roberto L.]

Re: C2 fan clutch

Fred Oliva does a remarkable job, as Jack explains. I did the same, Fred restore an original core and send it to me. Excelent work and functioning. I tested it in a long trip (4000 miles) and it worked as new. It was important I had a well balanced fan, and an original and just rebuilded water pump, just to complete that part of the cooling system.

Just my experience, Roberto, NCRS #30019, RMC

[Gary S.]

Re: C2 fan clutch

At our clubs last judging school, we compared an unrestored original fan clutch, a GM replacement and a Fred Oliva restored clutch. Fred's was spot on and there was not any noticable alteration to it until someone pointed out certain aspects of it. If I remember correctly, Fred takes the halves apart, repairs the inards, and then uses screws to reassemble the parts. The screw heads are then ground flush and the whole unit is spray painted. At the judging school, a couple of fellows had problems with driving a car with a fan clutch held together by screws. One said he drives to the meet, pulls his GM replacement fan clutch off and then installs the Fred O. restored unit for judging. Then he reverses the procedure for the drive home. Those folks who had concerns with a restored fan clutch used on a car that is driven any appreciable distance were mostly concerned with the unit coming apart and taking out original radiators. Does anyone here share that concern? I have to say that Fred's finished product was quite nice looking and I hear that the perform as new.
Gary