67 water pump rebuild - bolts for back

[David K.]

I'm still trying to rebuild the original water pump on my '67 BB. I purchased the rebuild kit from Long Island Corvette (now $40, not $35, plus $6 S&H), and it came with a set of bolts to hold the back cover on. The (original?) back plate was held on with flat-head screws, and one hex-bolt when I took the pump apart. The rebuild kit came with shiny (stainless?) hex-bolts. What was originally on these pumps? If not the shiny hex-bolts, does anyone know a source for the correct fasteners? Mine are pretty rusty, and old. - David Knowles

'67 427/390 convertible

[Joe L.]

Re: 67 water pump rebuild - bolts for back

David-----

The original fastners used for your water pump backing plate were pan head slotted screws. In fact, I have an NOS original big block water pump with a casting date of very late 1966 which also confirms that these were the screws used. The last time I checked, the screws were still available from GM, but I don't have the part number handy at the moment. I provided it to someone else in the last couple of months, but I don't recall if I did it on or off the Board. You might check the archives. If not, I'll re-post the information later.

[Everett Ogilvie]

Water pump back plates and fasteners

David and Joe,

I am the person Joe furnished the slot head screw number. Indeed they are available, as I got some from GM. Sorry, don't have the part number here at work. While we are on the subject, I did a very informal survey of mid year big block water pumps to figure out the style of backing plate and the fasteners. The survey accomplished nothing except to show that these parts were all over the map. Some 284 pumps had the flat backing plate and some had the raised lip type. Both types of fasteners were found on each type of plate. Of course, some pumps in the survey had been rebuilt, and then all bets are off. Due to so many being rebuilt over the years, backing plates and fasteners were probably used at will. I REALLY would like to know the general guidelines for '65 through '69 284 pump plates and fasteners. My theory is that 396 and early '66 427 pumps generally used the flat plate with slot heads. Then gradually, the raised edge plate started coming in, with either type of fastener, eventually ending up with most pumps having raised edge plates and hex head fasteners. 284 pump owners: send us your plate and fastener style, and car date, and if you think your pump has been rebuilt or is original.

[Joe L.]

Re: 67 water pump rebuild - bolts for back

David-----

I believe that what you're after are GM #9417726. These carry a GM list price of $0.84 each. They will be a special order item at just about any GM dealer.