66 Fuel Filler Door�. again

[John R.]

1966 back vs. white upper left square. I've read all the threads I can find and I have a question about the part number change. The AIM lists a part number change for the fuel filler door dated 4/19/66. Looking at the TIM&JG and using a birthday calculator, we get the three dates for changes as follows:

First emblems, white upper left box in flag, vin range 0 - 8900, corresponding dates 9/1/65 - 12/20/65

Mixed emblems, some white, some black upper left box in flag, vin range 8900 - 26400, corresponding dates 12/20/65 - 7/14/66

Last emblems, white upper left box in flag, vin range 26400 - 27720, corresponding dates 7/14/66 - 7/29/66

None of those dates correspond with the part number change listed in the AIM, so what do we know about that part number change? Obviously it has nothing to do with the white box / black box thing. I'm interested in the 4/19/66 date because my car was made the day before the change.

Also, is it established that service parts did come with either of the two flag patterns?

[Gary B.]

[John R.]

[Gary B.]

Gary,

Thanks for the reply. I'd be happy to at this point to understand the AIM, even if the dates don't match. It looks like the part number for a 1964 Fuel Filler Door is mentioned? I say that because when I searched the net for 385910 the 1964 door came up. Here is part of what is in the AIM:

Date SYM Revision Record
7-13-65 1 WAS 3874528 DOOR
4-19-66 3 WAS 3852910 DOOR

I am assuming that regardless of the black / white pattern on the flag, the GM part number for the 66 Fuel Filler Door is 3874528. Does the "WAS" mean "was" as in past tense? If so then it looks like this first revision took place before production of the 66 started in September of 65. Maybe they thought the part wouldn't be ready? I'm also guessing they were wrong, and the parts were ready since I've not seen it mentioned that some other Fuel Filler Doors were used in 1966. What is even more curious to me is the 4-19 change. "WAS 3852910" means that they were using a Fuel Filler Door from the 1964 model? Never seen mention of that in all the threads I've read? Am I interpreting the AIM correctly? What do we know about this?

Thanks,

John

John,

I don't know the answers to your questions. I not an expert on the AIM, by any stretch. There's another recent thread about nuts used on the clutch linkage that didn't match what's listed in the AIM, and that went on for years, so I've given up on trying to figure out the AIM and I tend to go by what is seen on original cars. Sorry I can't help more.

Gary

[David L.]

assume the door it original. The numbers "38114041" and "30181-H" are cast on the hinge. I assume the GM part number to be 3852910.

Dave

[Russ S.]

1966 back vs. white upper left square. I've read all the threads I can find and I have a question about the part number change. The AIM lists a part number change for the fuel filler door dated 4/19/66. Looking at the TIM&JG and using a birthday calculator, we get the three dates for changes as follows:First emblems, white upper left box in flag, vin range 0 - 8900, corresponding dates 9/1/65 - 12/20/65Mixed emblems, some white, some black upper left box in flag, vin range 8900 - 26400, corresponding dates 12/20/65 - 7/14/66Last emblems, white upper left box in flag, vin range 26400 - 27720, corresponding dates 7/14/66 - 7/29/66None of those dates correspond with the part number change listed in the AIM, so what do we know about that part number change? Obviously it has nothing to do with the white box / black box thing. I'm interested in the 4/19/66 date because my car was made the day before the change.Also, is it established that service parts did come with either of the two flag patterns?

[John R.]

My NOS:


Continued next post...

[John R.]

Now look at this NOS cover being sold on eBay for big bucks. Notice that the black radial lines go into the black circle surrounding the flags:



And this is what the Trim Parts reproduction looks like:


Were there more variations in this part than just the black / white flag? I don't think we are looking at a service replacement part issue since my NOS cover was purchased in 1975 or so… it came with a receipt. It is possible that the one on my car was also a service replacement and hence the matching white lines, but I've seen other "old" ones on eBay that have the same pattern of the lines stopping short of the center black ring. Does anyone have a cover they know to be original that has the black lines running into the center black ring?

[Matt L.]

Here is another original for sale on eBay:





Now look at this NOS cover being sold on eBay for big bucks. Notice that the black radial lines go into the black circle surrounding the flags:



And this is what the Trim Parts reproduction looks like:

hi John,
here is a photo of a bowtie 66 i used to own. it was a mid april car VIN 1911* i hope this helps.
take care,
Matt66 vette exhaust clamps 779.jpg
66 vette exhaust clamps 779.jpg

[John R.]

[QUOTE=Matt Lewis (51475);699596]hi John,
here is a photo of a bowtie 66 i used to own. it was a mid april car VIN 1911* i hope this helps.
take care,
M
/QUOTE]

Only a few days, or 400 cars earlier than mine. Yes, that is a big help. Also, the pattern of the radial lines matches the two covers I have.

I'm really starting to wonder if those NOS offerings on eBay are the real deal or not since the radial line patters are different? Does anyone have what is known to be original or NOS with the radial lines touching the black circle around the flags?

[Matt L.]