65 SB Rad Supp't & Top Brkt variations ?

[Wayne M.]

Reading my '65 AIM, I see that (per the revision box) on 12-30-64, UPC 11-13 Sheet A5, the non-air, non-fuel inj. rad support # changed from 3858961 to 3874760, and the upper bracket (holds rad support, top cushion of rad, and fan shround together) from 1st design # 3797221 (rounded edge) to 2nd design 3874765 (flat edges). Sketch revision of latter shows a design that bolts through the rad support, rather than over the top, bolting from the front into the earlier design support's internal (invisible) nuts.

On the same date, the C60 rad support (no X-braces), Sheet B1, went from # 3858358 to 3874768. The L84 fuel injection rad support seems to remain # 3858963, and uses the 1st design upper bracket.

I can't remember ever seeing a 1st and 2nd design small block 1965 model year rad support and upper bracket. Have I been leading too sheltered a life ?

[Michael H.]

Re: 65 SB Rad Supp't & Top Brkt variations ?

Wayne,

You may not be the only one leading a "sheltered life" because I've never seen a 2nd design 65 radiator bracked on a car either. I know the AIM calls it out and the parts book has listed it since 1965 but I've never seen one that was original. Maybe it's just a very late change and there were only a few days of production that included the change? Or maybe we need to get out more.....

Michael

[Geoff C.]

3874765 exhist: I have new GM ones *NM*