Will a '64 fan shroud fit a '63?

[nick.stratta]

Hi all, Just acquired a '63 SDV which needs a few things.  For one it is running three quarters hot and has not fan shroud. It has a thermostatic fan with red edged blades (not sure if that's original or not!) and the fan is spaced a good 2 inches from the radiator core. I plan to flush the core. I've seen a '674 fan shroud on eBay - will it fit my '63 with the one year only 390 engine please. I'm thinking it might since that 390 evolved into the 429.
Thanks, regards, Nick Stratta 23023

[cadillactim]

If you're using an original fan a 64 shroud will work.  May not have the exact bolt holes, but will fit.  I've sold several 61-64 shrouds that were used for different year applications (i.e. 63 shroud used on 62).

Your thermostatic clutch may not be working properly.  I would consider using a straight fan instead of a clutch fan.  Stay away from the 5-blade clutch fan, that was used around 64.  It doesn't cool enough.

Tim

[nick.stratta]

Tim, Thanks - glad to know.  And yes I think it may be a 5 blade clutch fan!

[russ austin]

CadillacTim, would you have a good part number for a new, good fan clutch on the 63/64?

[cadillactim]

I don't think they are available new anymore.  The only repos are for 67 and up.  The 63-64 are smaller clutches and the 67 clutch won't fit in the hole.

Tim

[Jason Edge]

61 to 64 (and 1965 75 series) shrouds are the same (group 1.277 part # 148 1126). I've sold many 63 and 64's interchangeably over the past 17 years.  Many opt to install on the non-AC cars. You need to also get the clip nuts and 3/8" head bolts to attached to outer flanges on the radiator cradle brackets.  Also, there is nothing wrong with the 5 bladed fan as long as the clutch is good as I've been running one for since 1996 including 100+ degree and very humid days here in NC with no issues.   I believe there are some clutches that can be substituted if you are not concerned about matching appearance.

Also there was some back and forth trial runs of the 7 bladed non-clutch fan in place of the 5 bladed clutch fan in 1964.  Here are some of my Notes:

Per 1965 shop manual, all 1965 body styles had the 7 bladed non-clutch fan. Late in the 1964 production year the 5 bladed clutch fans found an 62 & 63 series AC equipped fans were replaced with the 7 bladed fan similar to the one already found on the 75 series and commercial chassis body styles (in 1963 & 1964 non-AC cars use a 4 bladed non clutch fans that went through a couple of design changes).  Per Serviceman Bulletins, for 1964 they had done a trial run of the 7 bladed fan for Engine Unit Numbers 095092 thru 096419 and switching over for remainder of the year after Engine Unit Number 116,400.

[nick.stratta]

Guys,
Thanks for all the replies.  The fan is a 18.5" diameter 5 bladed fan with a clutch. Looks original but with the blades painted read for some reason (but then the block had the blue over-painted white, which will be reversed lol). Fan spins freely when the engine is off & cold and seems to run fine when the engine running - so I guess the clutch is OK.
It was a AC car (from California since new) I also have a 7 blade 18" diameter fan with a shroud which I was going to put in the '65 instead of the current electric fan.
I'll email the shroud seller and see what size the opening is.
Thanks all!  regards Nick 23023