Are fan blades different on A/C equipped 1956 Cadillacs?

[carguyblack]

I have several fan blades from 1956 Cadillacs and several appear like they have wider fins than some.
Was wondering if it was just different manufacturers back then or if they are designed to be different for, say A?C cars?
Chuck

[gary griffin]

This is not a full answer but I know that my 1942-6719 originally had a 5 blade fan and when I got it there was a 4 blade fan. 5 blades in the heavier 67  and 75 series was standard.

My 57 has non operating A C and when I sort it out I will be aware of the possibilities of different fan blades.

[carguyblack]

I have 3 or so of my '56 fan blades and each has 4 fins. However, the fins on some are wider than the others so that's where my question is.
Chuck

[David King (kz78hy)]

It seems the '56 had one fan at the start, but Cadillac introduced a service part later in the model year.  This was the A/C fan for 57/58.

David

[J. Gomez]

Chuck,

The MPL volume 1958 shows only one type 146 5358 for the ’56 with the same fitting the 1949-1955-75CC and a different one for 1949-1955 60S and 62.

The 1964 volume of the MPL shows 146 0963 fitting 1949 – 1962, there was a changed from the 146 5358 to 146 0963 in 9/1/56.

The one I have is a 4 blade measuring about 7” long (from the edge were they interlaced) and 3 ½” wide.

So it is possible the blades changed somehow.

HTH

[Jon S]

My 1958 6 blade fan measures 17 3/4" across. Each blade is 6 1/2" x 4"

[carguyblack]

Is the concensus then that I could put a 6-blade (1958) fan on my 1956 and it would still be "correct"? It sure seems like that 6 blade fan would churn more air which is desireable as my car always feels very warm under the hood. The temp gauge doesn't read hot but it's my perception that it could stand to be a bit better cooled off.
Chuck

[Jon S]

I'm not a judge, but with a copy of the Serviceman indicating the recommended change I believe you should be OK. Others chime in.

[J. Gomez]

Is the concensus then that I could put a 6-blade (1958) fan on my 1956 and it would still be "correct"? It sure seems like that 6 blade fan would churn more air which is desireable as my car always feels very warm under the hood. The temp gauge doesn't read hot but it's my perception that it could stand to be a bit better cooled off.
Chuck

Chuck,

For authentication criteria;

I would say, Yes if your car has AC as the 6 blade fans was used on some AC models, no if yours is a non-AC. Just remember the 6-blade fan would keep the engine (radiator) cooler it will not keep the overall engine ambient temperature any cooler.

[David King (kz78hy)]

The 57/58 six blade fan 1468887 is also used on the Brougham, both 57 & 58.  The authenticity manual in incorrect requiring the 6 blade fans to be painted black, as only the hub is painted, the aluminum blades are not finished, just left natural.  We should get that corrected in the book.

David

[Jon S]

The 57/58 six blade fan 1468887 is also used on the Brougham, both 57 & 58.  The authenticity manual in incorrect requiring the 6 blade fans to be painted black, as only the hub is painted, the aluminum blades are not finished, just left natural.  We should get that corrected in the book.

David

Interesting - I was going to have mine powder coated - so I should have the blades left natural  aluminum then . . .

[John Washburn CLC 1067]

I am always confused.

David King posted the Serviceman Supplement No. 3 from August 15, 1956.

It states:

 A six bladed fan, Part No. 1464740 , is now available through the factory Parts Warehouse for use on 1956 Cadillac Air Conditioned cars.

Now as Jose has indicated I cannot find this fan blade listed for 1957 or 58.

But it was a factory change in 1956 in August so it is, to me at least, original.

Oh, I believe it is the solid type blade and should be black. Just had my 56 A/C blade power coated and hope to get the engine (thanks Jose) back together and installed in the March/April time frame.

Of course this is my opinion

The Johnny

[Jon S]

I am always confused.

David King posted the Serviceman Supplement No. 3 from August 15, 1956.

It states:

 A six bladed fan, Part No. 1464740 , is now available through the factory Parts Warehouse for use on 1956 Cadillac Air Conditioned cars.

Now as Jose has indicated I cannot find this fan blade listed for 1957 or 58.

But it was a factory change in 1956 in August so it is, to me at least, original.

Oh, I believe it is the solid type blade and should be black. Just had my 56 A/C blade power coated and hope to get the engine (thanks Jose) back together and installed in the March/April time frame.

Of course this is my opinion

The Johnny

John -

Can I ask you how much did it cost you to have your fan powder coated?  I received a quote of $85.00 which I think is high.

[John Washburn CLC 1067]

Jon,

Interesting question. When I lived in Seattle power coating was outrageous. In Colorado it is fairly cheap.

I took a bunch of parts to the powder coating vendor off the 56. The radiator support, the front shroud in front of the radiator, the fan, the exhaust manifolds (which were ceramic coated), all the brackets for the A/C supports, the transmission rear support bracket, and more. Total was around $420.00 which included them sandblasting all the parts. It was one charge for all not a charge for each. So can't give you what it cost. But the minimum charge is $100.00 so had to take enough to make it worthwhile.

Now of course life changed and had to take more parts in so the next time it was only $200.00 for the top of the air cleaner (from at 53), the horn covers, the Oil Filter assembly with brackets, and the bracket for the power brakes, and the linkage.

Anyway this is the last time I am rebuilding the 56 so getting it ready for the next owner.

Sorry for the babbling.

The Johnny

[carguyblack]

John and all,
Is your a/c blade one of the 6 blade numbers? Are there part numbers stamped on those things somewhere? I couldn't see any on my 4 blade ones. Any idea who might have an extra a/c blade or 2? Both of my 56's are a/c cars but I have no idea which blades are on them now. I can only check one car as the other is in storage but my 2 spares (4 blade) look just like the one on the car that I'm able to check. Thanks again guys!
Chuck

[Jon S]

John and all,
Is your a/c blade one of the 6 blade numbers? Are there part numbers stamped on those things somewhere? I couldn't see any on my 4 blade ones. Any idea who might have an extra a/c blade or 2? Both of my 56's are a/c cars but I have no idea which blades are on them now. I can only check one car as the other is in storage but my 2 spares (4 blade) look just like the one on the car that I'm able to check. Thanks again guys!
Chuck

Chuck -

Just inspected the fan I have - The only marking is an upper case "C" on the front side.  There are no numbers, or other markings that I see.  I do know it came off an AC 1958 Cadillac.

Update:  Enlarging David's photo, above I see that same "C" on the first picture - Front

[J. Gomez]

I am always confused.

David King posted the Serviceman Supplement No. 3 from August 15, 1956.

It states:

 A six bladed fan, Part No. 1464740 , is now available through the factory Parts Warehouse for use on 1956 Cadillac Air Conditioned cars.

Now as Jose has indicated I cannot find this fan blade listed for 1957 or 58.

But it was a factory change in 1956 in August so it is, to me at least, original.

Oh, I believe it is the solid type blade and should be black. Just had my 56 A/C blade power coated and hope to get the engine (thanks Jose) back together and installed in the March/April time frame.

Of course this is my opinion

The Johnny

Johnny,

I could well be the '56 146 4740 listed in the Serviceman was as shown a replacement for customer having the issues with A/C cars and not generally available for production models.

Here is another Bermuda Triangle mystery for you/others..! 

My early MPL (version 1/1958) shows the 6 blade for the 1957-1958 with A/C as 146 8887, then if you look at the late MPL (version 9/1964) it shows the 7 blade for the same years as (147 2680) which if exhaust used the 148 3301 again a 7 blade.

The above changed happen in the MPL (version 1/1959) when the 147 2680 was introduced in the 1959 models, so it seems the 146 8887 6 blade was short lived.

Here is another one, the MPL (version 1/1958) shows fan blade 146 8261 was replaced with 146 8887 in 3/1957 but there is no listing on any of the MPLs for the 146 8261, so again this one had a shorter life span if any.

Man my head is spinning and no red wine to blame it..! 

[Jon S]

Interesting - I was going to have mine powder coated - so I should have the blades left natural  aluminum then . . .

I think I prefer to have the whole fan powder coated black, but would appreciate some feedback relative to leaving the blades natural.  Also, satin or gloss black?

[Jon S]

Receiving no feedback, I'm having the fan powdecoated all black.

[John Washburn CLC 1067]

Jon,

Ha, but I said powder coat the blade. I assumed that was feedback before you asked?

One item to consider. When you get the blade back from the powder coating joint make sure it is balanced so you don't get any vibration. Usually OK but is best to check before installation.

My opinion.

The Johnny