C1 "Barcol Test"

[John M.]

I was contacted by a 1962 Corvette owner who told me he discovered "Save For Barcol Test" written in grease pencil on the underside of his car's gas tank cover. This he feels was done during production as he is pretty sure he is the first person to remove this cover since production. The VIN of this car is just about halfway through total production. His question, and mine, is; What is a "Barcol Test"? Anybody got a good answer for this??

[Anthony F.]

[Michael H.]

Re: C1 "Barcol Test"

John,

Barcol was the name of a test of the density/strength of fiberglass panels. It was performed on random body panels for Corvette. I don't know if it was done at the source of the panel or at the St. Louis plant but I would guess it was done at the source of the panel. It was similar to a hardness test of metal.

[Robert S.]

Re: C1 "Barcol Test"

Something like this maybe...

Barcol Hardness Testers - The Barcol Impressor is a simple, portable hardness tester that is used by industrial and commercial customers. The Impressor has been a standard in the industry for testing of raw material or field testing of final products, such as fiberglass panels, plastic extrusions, aluminum profiles, and related materials. Compliant with the National Fire Protection Association, NFPA1932, the Impressor is a proven device for field testing of fire ladders after being exposed to high temperatures

[Michael H.]

Re: C1 "Barcol Test"

Yup, that sounds right. Thanks Bob. I was close, thought it was the name of the process, not the tool itself but looks like the process was refered too by it's tool name. No idea how it works though.

[Robert S.]

Re: C1 "Barcol Test"

It is actually the test name...found this:

Barcol Test - Definition: Value obtained by measuring the resistance to penetration of a sharp, spring-loaded steel point. The value can be used as a measure of the degree of cure of a plastic.

According to the tool instructions it says - Easy to use: No experience required; can be used in any position and in any space that will allow for the operator's hand. The hardness reading is instantly indicated on the dial, which is divided into one hundred graduations. No waiting, pre-loading or separate measurements.

Isn't the internet great

[Michael H.]

Re: C1 "Barcol Test"

That's interesting. Sounds just like the brinell test for metal. I suppose all this has to do with the resin mix for the panels.

[Kent K.]

Re: C1 "Barcol Test"

Google search of "barcol test" revealed the following web site that illustrates the tool, if you wish to purchase or just see one:

http://www.qualitest-inc.com/barcol.htm

Kent #6201

[Joseph T.]

Re: C1 "Barcol Test"

John..thanks for the post..this was new information I had not run across before...

Joe

[John M.]

Re: C1 "Barcol Test"

Wow, you guys are amazing! Thanks for all the expertise & Info. Ain't it fun to discover things like this on these old senior citizens of Corvette production? And ain't it even more fun to find answers for questions that these mysteries bestow upon us! Thanks Again, & Save the Wave .........