63 Front License Bracket

[Michael H.]

Was asked today about the front license plate bracket on a 63. There was some confusion on the size of the four square holes that the plastic nuts fit into. I was told that the judging manual calls out 3/8" squares. I know that's not correct but wondered if indeed that was the size shown in the manual.

[Sydney G.]

Re: 63 Front License Bracket

Hi Michael,
My winter '94, second edition manual calls for 3/8" square holes on each corner.
It goes on to say that two 1/4" round holes are also stamped at the top and bottom to accept the black rubber bumpers.
If this is in fact wrong, what do you believe to be correct?
Syd

[Michael H.]

Re: 63 Front License Bracket

Hi Syd,

Hopefully, who ever is in charge of these manuals finally had opportunity to see a real 63-65 front license bracket and made the correction in the new and improved 4th edition.

The size of the square holes in the front bracket on any 63-67 car should be the exact same size as the squares in the fiberglass panel for the rear license plate plastic nuts. Not 100% sure on the numbers but I think it goes like this. 63-65 square measures 5/16" and 66-67 measures 3/8".

There's a detailed discussion on this subject in the archives from 9 August 05 at 8:30 PM titled "1965 unidentified part", that will explain all.

[Wayne M.]

Here's pic of early brkt + bumper

Can't vouch that it's '65 '64 or '65. Square holes are 0.292" (close to 9/32nds). note the "ds" stamping on this backside; the bumper(s) [this bracket had TWO], are 0.76" dia.

[Michael H.]

Re: Here's pic of early brkt + bumper

Thanks Wayne. That .292" figure matches almost exactly the size of the 3783004 plastic nuts that were shipped with every new 63-65 car. The nuts measure .280", or slightly smaller than the 9/32" of the hole.

The holes in a 66-67 bracket measure .375", or exactly 3/8". I tried to install a 63-65 nut in a 66-67 bracket but the size difference is so great that it just falls out. They're definitely not interchangeable.

So, if a 3/8" bolt won't slide through the square hole, it's a correct 63-65.

Just need to know what the 4th edition 63-64 JG has on this now.

Items below are the correct 3783004 plastic nuts and 3794162 screws shipped with every new 63-65 Corvette.

[Kenneth S.]

Re: Here's pic of early brkt + bumper

The Fourth Edition '63-'64 Judging Guide says: "In 1963 models, the bracket is stamped with 3/8 inch square holes on each corner to accept two round white plastic nuts in the lower two holes only used to mount the license tag." "On 1964 models, the license bracket is identical to the 1963 model with one exception. The only change to the license bracket is that the size of the stamped holes at each corner changes from 3/8 inch to 1/4 inch. The size of the round white plastic nuts that go into these holes also changes from 3/8 inch to 1/4 inch."

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: Here's pic of early brkt + bumper

Ken, the problem is most of us believe the 1/4 inch hole is for the 63 to 65 and the 3/8 inch hole is 66 and 67. Saying that, the 64-64 JG is incorrect.

Others please chime-in.

Harry

38513

[Alan Drake]

Re: Here's pic of early brkt + bumper

Have the 64 front bracket that was on the car in 67. The four square holes in each corner are 9/32, the two round holes are 5/16, and the outside dia of the rubber insert for the round hole is 3/4

[Ray C.]

Re: Here's pic of early brkt + bumper

Hi!

Just measured the bracket from a July 63 SWC and the measurement was 5/16".

Ray

[Michael H.]

"Little Golden Book Of 63-64 Fairy Tales"

Thanks Ken,

It REALLY says that? That's absolutely incredible. This is 6th grade level data and I know most of the rest of the 63 owners know it's incorrect. I certainly hope no one takes that 63-64 manual seriously. I also hope the person that concocked this nonsense reads this post and offers some response, which I KNOW will not happen. That manual must be an incredible selection of fairy tales.

Fortunately, I don't have one of these manuals and have no interest in any of it's contents but I strongly suggest the rest of you 63-64 people get involved and make the necessary corrections before more new members start to believe in it.

Please make a note in your manual. "All 63-65 Corvette front license plate brackets had four square holes that measure roughly 9/32".

[Scott Marzahl]

OK, now what is the correct color and gloss

Are these supposed to be a flat or semi flat black finish?

Thanks,
Scott

[Michael H.]

Re: OK, now what is the correct color and gloss

Scott,

The brackets appear to have been dipped in a thin semi flat/gloss black. I still don't know what, if anything, the difference is between the semi gloss and semi flat. Jack Humphrey made a good reference to the level by calling flat 0% and full gloss 100% so I suppose it would be in the 50% range. I've heard that Krylon 1613 in a spray can is very close to the correct coating.