'62 C1 draft tube

[Chris H.]

My draft tube was incorrect and I installed a NOS that I purchased. My issue is that the tube hangs well below the car. maybe 5-6" below engine. Is this normal? The tube has the correct look at the top but just seems long. Does anyone know if it was supposed to be cut off by the mechanic before installation. If so how hard is it to get it off the car once the engine is in and running!!

Here is a picture of it a year ago. cheinge for user and password

Chris

http://www.photodex.com/sharing/viewfile.html?fl=1689952&alb=79760

[Chris H.]

Re: '62 C1 draft tube

Sorry- it is Chenige. Too bad we cannot edit posts!!

[Roy B.]

Re: '62 C1 draft tube

It's Normal OK

[Michael H.]

Re: '62 C1 draft tube

Chris,

I should know better than to get involved in C1 discussions but I believe you are correct. Your road draft tube appears to be too long. The tube that was available in service since at least as far back as 1963, part number 3776635, was a universal part used to service passenger cars, trucks and Corvette. The "note" in the parts book indicates that "it may be necessary to cut 6 1/2" from the lower end of the tube assy". It's possible that the correct Corvette only tube never was available in service.

Maybe some other members that have an original tube can supply the correct dimension from the clamp to the bottom of the tube.

[Mike E.]

Re: '62 C1 draft tube

Michael---when you stray into C1 stuff, you do a pretty good job! You are right on.
Chris--it's important, when you cut it off, that the angle of the cut is correct so that when the car is in motion, the vacuum effect at the bottom of the pipe does the most effective job of scavenging the air from the engine. Best way to do that is have an original to compare. Let me know if there is none available in your area.
By the way--repros are pretty much right on.

[Chris H.]

Re: '62 C1 draft tube

Mike, I have the tube that came with the car. I believe it is the one for '56-E59 vette and 57-62 chevrolet. It did not hang down and fit well in the car.
I should be able to use it as a cutting guide?

Ny big question now is how to cut it off. Do I take it out or cut it on the car? I think it may be quite a job to get it out. I have to at least remove the distributor and maybe the starter. Probably easier to cut off from below.

What do you think?

Chris

[Mike E.]

Re: '62 C1 draft tube

I'd do it from below with a tubing cutter, as long as you can get the clearance to run the cutter around the entire circumference without interference. YOu also can remove the top bolt and lift the top center up to clear the block (only 1/2 to 3/4 inch) and then snake it down around the bellhousing and out from the bottom. Don't ask how I know you can do that.
Mike