What was the first year the "stepped shaft" fan clutch began to appear, 65 or 66? This would be the shaft that has an increase in diameter about half way between the flange and the clutch. Anyone have a late 65 with this style that they feel is original?
-
-
Re: C2 Fan Clutch Stepped Shaft
Don't know when first appeared, but the 63/64 JG says that was one of two accepted designs. Also states that it had a "flat, rectangular bi-metallic thermostatic element, and dating started in mid 1965" Hope this helps. -
Re: C2 Fan Clutch Stepped Shaft
I think you've got things confused... Starting in '63 there were two alternate suppliers (Eaton and Schwitzer). The Eaton clutch is the one that had the stepped shaft. It's the Schwitzer (bar actuated) that has the stepped shaft. The Eaton (coil actuated) had a non-stepped shaft (always did)...Comment
-
Re: C2 Fan Clutch Stepped Shaft
Yes, there were two suppliers for 63 and later but I'm not sure if either had the stepped shaft before 64. I think I have samples of both Schwetzer and Eaton without stepped shafts. I'll look.Comment
-
'64 bar-type CJ (no dated flange) has step
The pic below is off an Oct 1968 CJ (small block w/1.8" from mating flange to fan blade mount surface); note the stamping 10.6.68_SC.
But then I dug around and found an IDENTICAL one from a '64 L76, 86xx range; can't guarantee that it's original, but it has no date on the flange edge and the 5-blade fan has the round-head rivets, and most other parts that I was given as surplus to that restoration are factory.
Comment
-
Re: C2 Fan Clutch Stepped Shaft
I have several of each brand. The one on my '65 Corvette is original Schwitzer. It is not stepped but rather it is tapered. Same as one I have from a '66 Nova. Hanging on the wall are two more Schwitzer clutches. One is stepped and one is tapered. I think the stepped one is '68 or '69. I have two Eatons. Both straight shaft.
Not to hijack the thread but are the shaft lengths different between Eaton and Schwitzer for a C-2 small block application?Comment
-
Re: C2 Fan Clutch Stepped Shaft
Looks like all of the 1963 factory pic's I have show the Eaton style clutch with the straight shaft. Stepped shaft must be somewhat rare in 63?
What about big block. Would, or could, a straight shaft coil spring be correct for my 66 big block car? If I remember correctly, the big block was a different part number than small block?Comment
-
Re: C2 Fan Clutch Stepped Shaft
Yes, BB took a different fan clutch (shorter overall shaft). But, both Eaton and Schwitzer supplied parts for the application as in SB engines...Comment
-
Re: C2 Fan Clutch Stepped Sahft
If I remember correctely the shaft length is mention in the '66 judging manual.
Gary Jaynes
#3503Comment
-
Re: C2 Fan Clutch Stepped Shaft
Jack,
That guy that posted and said the stepped shaft came in around 1965, was completely wrong. (me) I just dug out a factory pic of a 63 chassis on the assy line and it does indeed have a stepped shaft clutch. It's a very early car and the step is more like a gradual non machined increase in diameter, but still an increase. I think the vast majority of 63-64 used the straight shaft/coil spring clutch but obviously not all.
Also looked up the big block fan clutch. I was a bit surprised to learn that this was not a 65 part unique to big block. It first entered production for the 66 MY, at least according to parts books. Makes sense, I suppose, as the 396 radiator in a 65 is more vertical and there's more room for a fan blade. So.... a 396 fan clutch is the same as a small block but the blade is unique to 65 Corvette with 396.Comment
Comment