JL re C3 Spring Clamps

[Tom R.]

Hey Joe:

What can you tell me about the spring clamp numbers below like years of use, application, color?

14007703 supercedes 3786275 -

3786275 - yellow?

3786276 -

9770783

9419381

[Brian F.]

Re: JL re C3 Spring Clamps

Hi Tom,

I'm not sure of the clamp numbers, but the clamp by the radiator cap is olive green and the clamp by the coolant tank is black. I'll e-mail you the pictures.

[Joe L.]

Re: JL re C3 Spring Clamps

Hey Joe:

What can you tell me about the spring clamp numbers below like years of use, application, color?

14007703 supercedes 3786275 -

3786275 - yellow?

3786276 -

9770783

9419381

Tom-----


I can't tell you much about these clamps. The 3786275, 3786276, and 9770783 were once available in SERVICE and have been replaced by metric-sized clamps. I can find no record of the 14007703 or the 9419381.

[Tom R.]

Re: JL re C3 Spring Clamps

[quote=Joe Lucia (12484)I can't tell you much about these clamps. The 3786275, 3786276, and 9770783 were once available in SERVICE and have been replaced by metric-sized clamps. I can find no record of the 14007703 or the 9419381.[/quote]

Thanks Joe. I've gone through model year AIMs from 73 through 79 and believe I've got the colors associated with each part number. How would color have been applied to these clamps? Electrostaically?

[Joe L.]

Re: JL re C3 Spring Clamps

Thanks Joe. I've gone through model year AIMs from 73 through 79 and believe I've got the colors associated with each part number. How would color have been applied to these clamps? Electrostaically?

Tom-----


I don't really know. However, I think it was some sort of dye. I don't think that any sort of electroplating process was used to impart the color.

[John H.]

Re: JL re C3 Spring Clamps

How would color have been applied to these clamps? Electrostaically?

Tom -

I'd say they were dye-dipped by the hundreds in wire baskets; I remember them being stuck together occasionally on the line in those days.

[Tom R.]

Re: JL re C3 Spring Clamps

Tom -

I'd say they were dye-dipped by the hundreds in wire baskets; I remember them being stuck together occasionally on the line in those days.

John:

I take it dye-dipped was a process in which the finish did not last long...a low cost finish? Many of our C3 manuals describe the use of tower and screw clamps and occassionally we'll see reference to the spring clamp. According to the AIMs, they were used liberally for fuel lines, vapor lines (ECS), vacuum lines (headlamps) and in colors.

[Joe L.]

Re: JL re C3 Spring Clamps

John:

I take it dye-dipped was a process in which the finish did not last long...a low cost finish? Many of our C3 manuals describe the use of tower and screw clamps and occassionally we'll see reference to the spring clamp. According to the AIMs, they were used liberally for fuel lines, vapor lines (ECS), vacuum lines (headlamps) and in colors.

Tom-----


I think the purpose of the dye-imparted color was for quick identification of the proper size clamp on the assembly line. So, I don't expect that it was GM's intention to necessarily have the coloration last beyond that need. However, the dye has proved to be quite durable in many cases. Some of the original clamps on my 1969 are still pretty much as-new with respect to color.

[Kevin G.]

Re: JL re C3 Spring Clamps

John:

I take it dye-dipped was a process in which the finish did not last long...a low cost finish? Many of our C3 manuals describe the use of tower and screw clamps and occassionally we'll see reference to the spring clamp. According to the AIMs, they were used liberally for fuel lines, vapor lines (ECS), vacuum lines (headlamps) and in colors.

Like these?

[Tom R.]

Re: JL re C3 Spring Clamps

Like these?

Yes...is that the 71 or 72? Looks like fuel line and that I believe is what is described in the AIM as dark green but observations indicate they are more like olive green. Is that your best resolution? Note...the screw clamp was originally a red spring clamp.

Apparently over the years, red clamps were of smaller diameter and used for emission and fuel return lines. But that's speculation and what I can glean from AIMs.

[Kevin G.]

Re: JL re C3 Spring Clamps

Yes...is that the 71 or 72? Looks like fuel line and that I believe is what is described in the AIM as dark green but observations indicate they are more like olive green. Is that your best resolution? Note...the screw clamp was originally a red spring clamp.

Apparently over the years, red clamps were of smaller diameter and used for emission and fuel return lines. But that's speculation and what I can glean from AIMs.

Tom, The photo is from the 71, these clamps came in discussion with a close friend(why I happen to have a pic). We came to the conclusion that the tower clamp appears original?

[Harmon C.]

Re: JL re C3 Spring Clamps

Yes...is that the 71 or 72? Looks like fuel line and that I believe is what is described in the AIM as dark green but observations indicate they are more like olive green. Is that your best resolution? Note...the screw clamp was originally a red spring clamp.

Apparently over the years, red clamps were of smaller diameter and used for emission and fuel return lines. But that's speculation and what I can glean from AIMs.

What I have found on cars is the red are the smallest yellow a little larger and olive the biggest. Sometimes on the radiator overfow their is a larger green or olive.

[Alan S.]

Re: JL re C3 Spring Clamps

Here are some pictures of the clamps that Kevin's photo shows.
They are from my 71, mid- January, 350/270, one owner coupe. There are 2 clamps at the pump and 2 at the tank for the RETURN line.


Note the 'donut' shape in the hose that the tower clamp makes as opposed to the shape the spring clamp makes.


Note the ribs and texture of the hose. This is the hose from the return line to the tank.



Thanks for looking.
Regards,
Alan