original 1969 water pump/fan

[Nate]

Well, although not a straight axle, I purchased a '66 that sat idle propped in a garage for the last 21 years (not titled since '78). The price was right, but I wish now that I'd visited NCRS sooner. Although I plan to do the majority of the work myself, I will soon have more money into this car than I could ever hope to get out, just to make it roadworthy and neglecting cosmetics. The more I fix it up, the more I prepare for diminishing returns.

But, to answer your question, yes; "they are out there."

[Patrick H.]

Re: Exhaust Manifold Preservation

Brett,

I have tried the Calyx as well as MidAmerica's Performance Choice imitation of it.

The Calyx works well at prohibiting rust, but still looks "fake." It will rub off, and can come off with water.

The MidAmerica product actually had the manifolds rusting before the car/motor was even used. Now, the instructions say that it has to be cured, which I haven't done yet, so the final word is still out.

The most "natural" finish I've had or seen was to liberally douse the manifolds in PreLube 6 after bead blasting. They looked perfectly natural and GREAT for a year. Then, some winter condensation hit them in my garage, and they rusted. Thus the Calyx.

If you car is in a temp/humidity controlled invironment, or something like an OmniBag, and you want the TOTALLY original look, you can try the PreLube 6. Else I have gone to the Calyx. I can always remove it if I want, unlike paint.

Patrick

[scott dixon]

original 1969 water pump/fan

the original owner of my car gave me a water pump w/fan, which he says is the original parts. first, how do i tell if they are in fact original, and second, if so, who and how much to have the pump rebuilt? or is there a more modernized, better flowing pump that appears original. i want to make this car as correct as possible, yet i dont want to sacrifice a cooler running motor, for sitting on the side of woodward, with a nice looking original as those fords and mopars pass by honking!!!!!

[Chuck S.]

Re: original 1969 water pump/fan

Scott,

Look for a casting date somewhere on the pump; if it precedes your car's build by up to a few months, that probably is the original. The casting dates should be in a similar format to the block, intake, heads, etc.

Several rebuilders have been mentioned here, but the one that has been in the business longest is probably Bill Mock. Bill is an NCRS member and advertises in the Driveline. One thing you want to make sure of is to keep the impeller cast iron if you can; I have heard the cast iron impellers are more efficient than the later stamped steel.

If you want originality...what you have is what you got. You can't have your cake and eat it too.

Chuck Sangerhausen

[Bob #32271]

Re: original 1969 water pump/fan

If I remember right the part numbers are in the NCRS technical or judging guides. I've also seen rebuild kits in catalogs like Zip. I had to replace my water pump and was in too big of a hurry to drive it, so I ordered an incorrect replacement. I was considering trying to have the old one rebuilt by a company called Kool Flow(?). They advertize like a 30% increase in water flow at idle. I haven't contacted them to see if they do rebuilds. I'd be interested if anyone else knows of a company that can rebuild originals with increased water flow and cooling. I've got a 69 427/390 with AC that isn't hooked up that I'd like to use some day without causing my engine to do a China syndrome melt down on me.

[scott dixon]

Re: original 1969 water pump/fan

chuck, i forgot to mention that my car was a 427/390hp, though you probably already know that, as you have responded to many of my other posts. anyway with that in mind, how do i tell if the fan is correct? thanks for your help.

[Don O'Connell #33101]

Re: original 1969 water pump/fan

Scott,

On my '69 427/400 with A/C (with a 7 blade fan), one of the fan blades has the part number and a date code (letter and year). Obviously the date should preceed your build date.

Don

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: original 1969 water pump/fan

Scott: In your original post you referred to "...Woodward...". I assume that you live somewhere in the Detroit area. If this correct, there is a rebuilder in Detroit where I have had several water pumps done. Their name is Simco. I don't have their address but I know they are in the phone book. I was very happy with their work. Jeff

[scott dixon]

Re: original 1969 water pump/fan

i live 1 block off of woodward. right on the border of royal oak and ferndale. the best part of living here is, when my vette overheats during the cruise,i can walk home and get a ice cold beer while my car cools off!

[scott dixon]

Re: original 1969 water pump/fan

how much did it cost you?

[George J.]

Re: Simco

Scott, I also had a pump rebuilt by Simco and it has been 2 years since with no problems. Contact Mike Scott and tell him it is an original Corvette pump. The phone number and address is

Simco Automotive Pump Co., Inc.

Work: (313) 895-5666 Fax: (313) 895-5374 Other: Water Pump Remanufacturers

P.O. Box 10129 6100 Buchanan Detroit, MI 48210

The location is around the I94-I96 interchange. Very scenic. George

[scott dixon]

Re: Simco

thanks for the info. when i go down there will my 9MM be sufficent, or should i bring the 50 cal. desert eagle?

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: original 1969 water pump/fan

Scott: I think the cost was about $35 for a small block water pump. It comes back raw casting so you will have to paint it. BTW- I live at the Maple/Lahser area and pass your location just about evry day. Isn't the whole Dream Cruise week amazing? Jeff

[scott dixon]

woodward cruise

it was really cool for awhile. it is starting to be more of a pain in the ass each year. first to ruine it was all the idiots cluttering up the streets with their non-classic cars, then it became over policed. i remember the first year when you could burn a set of tires off your car, and get nothing but cheering from the onlookers. now, if you even chirp your tires you get a careless driving ticket. the police, especially the state cops, really have taken the fun out of it. like everything else in this free country we live in, it is over dictated by a bunch of stiff shirt, nonclassic car owning *****s!!!!!!!!

[John H.]

Jeff & Scott on Woodward....

Jeff & Scott -

Do you plan on joining the Michigan Chapter on Old Woodward in Birmingham for the Cruise this summer? We have a great time, reserved parking, set up our tents and banners, lots of food, drink, and a judging seminar to boot - had 55 cars lined up last year, only 150 feet from big Woodward near the 555 Building. I live in Romeo - hosting the March judging/technical seminar in my new garage; e-mail me if you're interested.

John