'64 Expansion Tank

[James W.]

I'm replacing my incorrectly date expansion tank on my 1964 convertible. There are two styles of expansion tanks with either pressed/swedged in for all 1963 and early 1964 models or welded balance and return nipples for mid and later 1964 expansion tanks. My questions are since my car was built on January 18, 1964 (9,258th car built), would the car be equipped with the earlier or later type of expansion tank? The original radiator is dated 63M. I have located a repro 63L expansion tank for a good price. Would this judge correct for my car based on it's 01/18/64 build date and VIN?

Thanks,

James West
Omaha, NE.
NCRS Member #18379
1964 Corvette convertible #9258

[Paul E. Young]

Re: '64 Expansion Tank

James, I think Noland Adams book, "Restoration and Technical Guide 63-7 will have your answer. If you don't have it I can look it up when I get off work. It is available at the NCRS online store at a good price. Let me know. Paul

[Dick W.]

Re: '64 Expansion Tank

I think that the NCRS Judging Guide would have correct answer to this and most other questions that you would have. Wonderful reference material

[Len Rayca]

Re: '64 Expansion Tank

Jim: being that your vet was built 1/18/64, I would suspect that it would have the swedged fittings on the expansion tank. I think the change to the welded fittings came a little later, like late Feb or March. Len

[James W.]

Re: '64 Expansion Tank

Len,

Thanks for the reply. The 63/64 judging manual does not give a general VIN number when the expansion tank went from swedged fittings to welded. It only references original 1963 to early 1964 tanks having the balance hose and heater hose return nipples swedged or pressed into position. It states mid to later 1964 tanks have welded balance and heater hose return nipples. Since my car number is #9258 I would consider it to be at the tail end of the early 64 model year considering there were 22,229 Corvettes built in 1964. Mid to me would start with car #11,114. Would I be correct to assume that the expansion tank with the swedged fittings would judge correct based on the judging manual's description?

Regards,

James West
Omaha, NE.