RC-26

[Tony H.]

Paragon lists an RC-26 cap (PR-1784) for $30. Corvette Central lists RC-26 caps (242107) for $32.85. Do you know how these caps differ from each other and how they differ from the originals? The application I am interested is 1970 Corvette with aluminum expansion tank (no A/C)? Anyone out there with an original 1970 RC-26 cap?

[Robert C.]

Re: RC-26

The repro radiator caps are easily detectable. The gauge of the metal is thinner on the originals and the stamping depth,style of letter etc. is different. You can find original caps at swap meets etc. Put an ad in the Driveline, "wanted etc."


Texas Chapter NCRS

[Joe L.]

Re: RC-26

Tony-----

As far as how the Paragon and Corvette Central reproduction caps differ, I expect that they differ by $2.85. I'll bet that the reproduction source for both items is exactly the same. There just can't be a lot of folks out there manufacturing these reproduction caps.

[Donald S.]

Re: RC-26

Tony,

You may have a long and expensive search for an original cap. After several years of searching for a reasonable one for my '69, I had a friend take his off before he sold his car and gave it to me. John Pirkle, who recently restored it to "as new" condition, told me he has a long list of people looking for RC-26's. In my search I did find an NOS one at Carlisle, but the guy wanted over a $100 for it. Your best bet may be at a swap meet with parts of all different makes and hope you find a seller that doesn't know what he has. Just remember to look for the aluminum rivet! Don Smith #28087

[Roberto L.]

Re: RC-26

I have noticed this in many parts. In this case seems that Paragon makes the repro, and CC offers the same part with an small difference in price (profit?). I checked many other parts and Paragon usually have a lower price. I suspect that they manufacture those ones... Roberto, NCRS #30019, RMC

[Gary B.]

Re: RC-26;

Tony,

I concur with Bob Cook that the repro caps are different from the originals, at least for the original cap on my 66 SB. I believe on the repro caps some of the letters are rotated 90 degrees compared with my original. I had John Pirkle restore my cap last year at a cost of $45. I've never seen a NOS or brand new cap, so I don't know what a pristine example looks like. John does a very good job; I just don't know if his restorations would pass for new. I don't have John's phone number handy, but he advertises in Driveline and Hemmings.

Gary