CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => Originality => Topic started by: JKZ27 on April 11, 2007, 03:46:02 AM

Title: Thermostat housing
Post by: JKZ27 on April 11, 2007, 03:46:02 AM
In 69, were the small block thermostat housings aluminum or cast iron? The one on my L48 is cast iron. It appears original but I'm not sure if its correct. Thanks.

John
Title: Re: Thermostat housing
Post by: Jonesy on April 11, 2007, 05:59:44 AM
aluminum. Yours is not the original one.
Title: Re: Thermostat housing
Post by: rich69rs on April 11, 2007, 03:24:15 PM
#3877660 was very common on small block and as Jonsey has indicated it is aluminum.  Part Number is on the top of the neck.

Not sure if there were other part numbers for '69 small block thermostat housing applications.

See attached pics.
Title: Re: Thermostat housing
Post by: Jerry@CHP on April 12, 2007, 02:29:56 AM
Have also seen them with the # around the base too.  People were paying big $$ for them thinking that the base number was correct.  They both are correct.  Funny how the rumors get started.

JM
Title: Re: Thermostat housing
Post by: JohnZ on April 12, 2007, 02:56:01 PM
I have the print for the 660 housing, and it shows the part number location as "optional", which means the supplier can put it wherever he likes, with Engineering approval. In the Corvette restoration community, it's generally accepted that housings made through 1968-69 have the part number cast on the base flange, and those after that have it cast on the outlet neck. The current reproduction has it on the outlet neck.
Title: Re: Thermostat housing
Post by: rich69rs on April 13, 2007, 04:02:49 PM
Jerry / John,

Thanks for the additional info.  Didn't know about the base being an additional location for the part number.  It just amazes me how much info. and knowledge that the people who participate in this forum have.  What really makes it for me - learning something new everyday.

Richard
Title: Re: Thermostat housing
Post by: JKZ27 on April 14, 2007, 04:17:07 AM
Thanks guys, My iron housing looks and works so good I almost overlooked it. Did the aluminum housings leak and/or rot pretty often? Possibly the reason mine was likely replaced in the 70s by the 2nd owner.

John
Title: Re: Thermostat housing
Post by: JohnZ on April 14, 2007, 08:19:46 PM
The original 660 housings suffered from electrolytic corrosion both at the base and on the neck, which is why you see lots of them on eBay with heavy pitting; the earlier 660's with the part number cast into the base flange (which the Corvette guys are always after) are hard to come by in good condition.