Judging Fan Shroud Bolts?

[Ralph B.]

Lots of variation reported on this subject; black, cad, pointed end , blunt end, lock washer, flat washer and several head markings as well.

The 66 JM specifies: cad/zinc finish, pointed end with lock washers.

With all the combinations observed and reported on original cars, I don't recall seeing the one specified in the JM?

Due to the reported variation, are most judges flexible in this discipline?

Thank you,
Ralph

[Don H.]

Re: Judging Fan Shroud Bolts?

Your best choice is go with the judging guide, unless you have owned your car since Day 1, and what is on your car has been there since Day 1 and it differs.
Then let the chips fall where they may. Are judges flexible? Not likely. They know what they know, or they go by the book.

[Gene M.]

Re: Judging Fan Shroud Bolts?

Ralph,
My observations indicate a WB zinc plated 5/16" bolts for small block very common on 65-67. I'm sure there are others but not floating around in my head at the moment.

[Ralph B.]

Re: Judging Fan Shroud Bolts?

Ralph,My observations indicate a WB zinc plated 5/16" bolts for small block very common on 65-67. I'm sure there are others but not floating around in my head at the moment.

Thank you Don & Gene,

My biggest problem, as I see it, is with configuration vs. finish whereas the JM seems flexible regarding head markings: "other headmarks may exist".

The only way I can think of at the moment to fully comply with the JM is to remove the captured flat washer from an appropriate black pointed recessed head bolt (which is a pain) !!! then have it cad plated and fitted with a lock washer.

This is doable, but just curious if such a combination actually ever existed on original cars?

[Joe L.]

Re: Judging Fan Shroud Bolts?

Thank you Don & Gene,

My biggest problem, as I see it, is with configuration vs. finish whereas the JM seems flexible regarding head markings: "other headmarks may exist".

The only way I can think of at the moment to fully comply with the JM is to remove the captured flat washer from an appropriate black pointed recessed head bolt (which is a pain) !!! then have it cad plated and fitted with a lock washer.

This is doable, but just curious if such a combination actually ever existed on original cars?

Ralph------


Something to keep in mind: bolts or screws with captured washers were a PRODUCTION convenience. You never need to use such an assembly in a restoration. A separate bolt/screw and washer can always be used and is indiscernable to anyone when installed.

Untrimmed (i.e. "indented head"), pilot point bolts are available in reproduction with period-correct headmarks and zinc or cadmium plated finish.

[Edward J.]

Re: Judging Fan Shroud Bolts?

Thank you Don & Gene,My biggest problem, as I see it, is with configuration vs. finish whereas the JM seems flexible regarding head markings: "other headmarks may exist".The only way I can think of at the moment to fully comply with the JM is to remove the captured flat washer from an appropriate black pointed recessed head bolt (which is a pain) !!! then have it cad plated and fitted with a lock washer.This is doable, but just curious if such a combination actually ever existed on original cars?

Ralph, I would not rush to judgement on what is correct. there are like you say different opinions on you car. maybe contacting the team leader and asking what the judges are looking for. there maybe more than one type used. Tony Stein maybe able to help you also, He has posted before on the exact problem.

[Marco H.]

Re: Judging Fan Shroud Bolts?

Ralph,
Original cars have been observed with two different style bolts on the fan shroud.

One is a black coated recess head hex bolt with captive washer and pointed end. As used on the hood hinges and catches (and many other places.)
Typical observed headmarks are E, RBW, Anchor, 3/4 circle etc. They usually all have 3 radial lines.

The other bolt style used is a cadmium or zinc plated hex bolt with lose lock washer and blunt end. They are typically grade 2 (no lines). Typical headmarks may be RSC, SBC, RBW, WB, L, TR, etc.

Hope this helps,
Marco

[Daniel Y.]

Re: Judging Fan Shroud Bolts?

Marco is spot on