Radiator core support 63

[Carl S.]

The question, when did the elongated hole for the automatic transmission oil cooler tubing become standard for all coure supports. My late February 63 has it. I was told this is incrouct for cars with 4 speed transmissions. At Carlisle I looked at five 63 cars all having 4 speeds with the Hole for the oil cooler lines, one from November 62, one from December 62 an 3 from after February 63. This makes a total of 6 63 corvetts that I have seen with the hole. The hole is located inbord of the voltage regulator. Does aneyone have the answer? It is my understanding that the transmission cooler was first used around serial number 6500. Thanks to All.

[Douglas C.]

Re: Radiator core support 63

Carl,

I pulled the original core support out of my late Dec. '62 convt. and it does not have the elongated hole. I have a July 63 split window that does have the hole.

I also have an original '63 GM replacement core support that does have the hole. It is identical to my early (non-hole) '63 core support in every detail, except for the elongated hole. Most likley the replacements had the hole, which is why so many '63's seem today to have it. The non-hole '63 core supports seem particularly difficult to find. Not sure that the repros have the hole. Don't think they do.

I have often wondered myself if/when the transition took place.

Hope this helps

--Doug, #13644

[Carl S.]

Re: Radiator core support 63

Doug
Thank You for your response. I think that this may be a good project for me to try to contact as many 63 owners and see where the change over happened.People can e-mail me at ctschu@patmedia.net with their build date and core type hole or no hole. SN and trans type would help.

[Tom H.]

Re: Radiator core support 63

My 63 coupe was built January 24th. 340 HP, 4 speed. No hole.