RC 15 Rad Cap Identification

[Norm C.]

I bought a "Parts Lot" that included a never used radiator cap in its original AC box. The part number on the box reads 861050, yet the parts books list this same number for a wide range of years. Did AC or GM continue with the same part number for a 15# cap even though there were design changes?

The cap has raised letters across the top reading in all capital letters:
"NEVER OPEN HOT" It has the small ears with the AC circle logo stamped on the left and the circle stamped on the right with: "15 Lb" on top row & "RC 15" on the bottom row, stamped inside the circle. Across the bottom the words are smaller and stamped: "INSPECT FALL & SPRING" The brass rivet is flat with the small raised ring border and a barely seen dimple center. The center indentation of the cap itself holds a quarter without touching the rivet.

Can Joe Lucia or anyone else please identify the correct era for this cap and confirm which if any Corvettes it was used on and if there was a difference with this cap regarding in service or replacement? I suspect its from the later C2 to early C3 era but not sure. The only years I believe it does NOT apply is the 70-72 era. Thanks in advance for any and all help:)

[Eric J.]

Re: RC 15 Rad Cap Identification

Per my 74 parts book:

861050 Part Group 1.203 68-72 Corvette

861981 is called for 64 to 67

Eric 3,182

[Jack H.]

Re: RC 15 Rad Cap Identification

That version of the cap is a much later service replacement, quite different from the cap factory installed on your '72. It'll fit and function A-OK, but the emboss text 'Never Open Hot' + 'Inspect Fall & Spring' will lead judges to deduct originality points for a Configuration difference...

[Patrick H.]

Re: RC 15 Rad Cap Identification

For a complete rundown, see the Winter 2006 version of the Restorer. It includes information on the part number history.

For a short rundown on what you've got...see the article when I get around to writing it. That looks to be after Jan 15 at the earliest.

But you already knew that.

Patrick

[Roy B.]

Re: RC 15 Rad Cap Identification

{Did AC or GM continue with the same part number for a 15# cap even though there were design changes?} Yes! Yes! Yes! for many parts sold and bought, that's why many sellers use the part number saying it's original but the part design is all wrong. And a buyer looks up that number compared to the original number and then buys it only to realize later it's not the right part in design.
I see it happen every day on E-Bay.

[Peter L.]

Re: RC-15 Rad Cap ID-PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE

Roy - Bingo!!!! Not only do they say it's "original" but it's also "NOS." What more could you want????

Folks seem to get struck in to some other dimension when those words or acronyms appear and forget the importance of PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE and the first law of buying/bidding, i.e. "Let the buyer beware."

Pete