63 Overflow Tank Straps

[Harry S.]

Quick Question: Are the metal straps the support the overflow tank on a 63 plated or not?

The JG does not indicate if they are or aren't.

Thanks

[Sydney G.]

Re: 63 Overflow Tank Straps

Hi Harry,

I'm not certain if this is correct but the straps securing the overflow tank on my '63 are painted black and seem to have been that way for a very long time.

Syd

[Stuart F.]

Re: 63 Overflow Tank Straps

Harry;

Believe they are plated, but with what, I'm not sure (painted - no). I recently had mine off to change a battery, and I cleaned them up with a wire wheel. The corrosion on them, and mind you they are in a very vulnerable position over the battery and containing antifreeze, is more like that found on aluminum - whitish and dull. They are relatively soft and pliable as well, and that is born out by the fact you have to bend the end that fits into the slot in order to get them out. Then you have to kind of re-shape them when you put them back in place. Yet, they have the captive nuts and bolt holes. They actually are amazing pieces. If I had any complaint about them, it would be that the bolts get drawn into them during tightening such that you cannot use a socket on the bolt hex heads. In fact, as I recall, the only wrench I could use was a metric open end - even though I know it is not a metric size.

Bottom line, they are either a soft unplated aluminum or a plated soft strap steel. Interesting to hear more from the knowledgeable production process experts.

Stu Fox

[Joel T.]

Re: 63 Overflow Tank Straps

Harry;

Believe they are plated, but with what, I'm not sure (painted - no). I recently had mine off to change a battery, and I cleaned them up with a wire wheel. The corrosion on them, and mind you they are in a very vulnerable position over the battery and containing antifreeze, is more like that found on aluminum - whitish and dull. They are relatively soft and pliable as well, and that is born out by the fact you have to bend the end that fits into the slot in order to get them out. Then you have to kind of re-shape them when you put them back in place. Yet, they have the captive nuts and bolt holes. They actually are amazing pieces. If I had any complaint about them, it would be that the bolts get drawn into them during tightening such that you cannot use a socket on the bolt hex heads. In fact, as I recall, the only wrench I could use was a metric open end - even though I know it is not a metric size.

Bottom line, they are either a soft unplated aluminum or a plated soft strap steel. Interesting to hear more from the knowledgeable production process experts.

Stu Fox

I agree with Stu.. they are not painted... I suspect that they are soft plated steel... they are a bit too stiff to be aluminum...

Joel

[Loren L.]

Re: 63 Overflow Tank Straps

Silver zinc or silver cadmium - probably an open spec for bidders for these two choices.

[Kim C.]

Re: 63 Overflow Tank Straps

Silver zinc or silver cadmium - probably an open spec for bidders for these two choices.

agree silver color, zinc or cad clear

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 Overflow Tank Straps

Syd, there is no paint on my straps and I do not recall seeing any during judging of other cars. Hopefully others will chime-in.

[Alan D.]

Re: 63 Overflow Tank Straps

Harry, still have my originals (MAR64) non painted which are pn 3843432, Sect 11-13, sheet A5.00 If the same can bring to next meeting.

[Joe M.]

Re: 63 Overflow Tank Straps

At what point was the fiberglass tank mount glued to the inner fenders. Before or after black out?
Paint on the fiberglass mount or natural?

[John D.]

Re: 63 Overflow Tank Straps

I agree with exactly what Loren said. Straps are plated.
Here is what can give you the impression a particular part may be bare.
Zinc plating tends to turn dark grey over time. Zinc plating when aged has the pretense of a bare look. Unattractive look.
I have a NOS service replacement strap that is a rather shiny clear cad or zinc The original ones on my 63 were plated also. JD

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 Overflow Tank Straps

Thanks everyone!

[Alan D.]

Re: 63 Overflow Tank Straps

Hi Joe,

Doesn't appear you will get an answer, it may make sense to ask that on its own merits. Someone like John Hinckley will know the answer but may not be following the strap issue. I believe that the bracket was installed early in the manufacturing process, before blackout so assume its black.

[Joe M.]

Re: 63 Overflow Tank Straps

Thanks Alan,

I figured the mount was glued on with the unpainted fender and obviously painted but not sure if the straps were attached at that time.

Joe

[John H.]

Re: 63 Overflow Tank Straps

At what point was the fiberglass tank mount glued to the inner fenders. Before or after black out?
Paint on the fiberglass mount or natural?

Joe -

The tank mount was bonded to the inner fender in the Body Shop, long before the body entered the Paint Shop.

[Wayne M.]

Re: 63 Overflow Tank Straps

Harry, still have my originals (MAR64) non painted which are pn 3843432, Sect 11-13, sheet A5.00 If the same can bring to next meeting.

Here's a shot of an original (service) strap / [clamp], suspended by a magnet, that I bought years ago. '65 GM parts book Gr 1.219 shows for '64-up, with '63 having different numbers for upper and lower clamps for the supply tank.