Moz Ray

Hi Folks.

For 1965, there are two fan clutch designs- one with a flat, rectangular bi-metallic thermostatic element and one with a coil-type thermostatic element. Which do you recommend? Also, do you recommend an original fan clutch over a reproduction fan clutch like the Schwitzer one with the "CJ" ink stamping in the Corvette Central link below?

https://www.corvettecentral.com/c2-6...lade-clutch%2f

65vette396

If you are needing a "driver" clutch, then buy the repo so you will know it's functionality. Originals all probably need to be rebuilt due to leakage. They tend to leak even if stored for years. The cost to rebuild an original is $300.
I just sold a repo Eaton and I compared it to my original. The only notable difference was the fin edge pattern. The coil type was made by Eaton and will have an ink stamp of CJ for sb. CK doe bb engines. The orig Schwitzer units had a date stamp on the mounting rim.
Both are acceptable but the repo schwitzer is probably closer to the orig if you don't need it dated. ZIP or CC should both have them.

larebob

I got the "more expensive" one advised on this site. Our L76 with 3:70 now stays in proper range on 80 F days at 70 mph. It used to get hot after about 25 miles at 70mph. Needless to say, I'm pleased. I'd guess many of our cars need this repair, as our "old" fan looked pretty new to me, yet didn't work

Moz Ray

I found a rebuilt fan clutch for $600, but the date is after the numbers-matching show car's build date (might show it once, but will typically drive it occasionally). On Corvette Central, I found a Schwitzer fan clutch ink-stamped "CJ" for $176. Any thoughts welcome.

kobi67

Go with the Corvette Central reproduction Schwitzer, it looks really close to the originals, and it works. I had an original clutch rebuilt and it was a disaster, as it did not cool well and sent it back several times for leaks that never got fixed. I put a new Schwitzer on the car and it cools well and no leaks.

leif.anderson93

The one Corvette Central sells is made by K&B Corvette...quality piece. I've had one in my '67 L79 for about 8 years...works flawlessly

rad-man

What about just a non-correct looking HD fan clutch from local part store? Which would you guys recommend?


https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/TEM273370
or
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c...n+clutch&pos=1

R66

Be careful
The lockup varies with the year the fan clutch was built for. The 60s vehicles used a 160 and 180 degree F thermostat and were meant to operate in that range
The later engines were designed for 195 and higher operation and thus the fan clutch was calibrated for that temperature.
There is a good thread in the archives for clutch fans. You might want to do some searches and more reading.

Moz Ray

I just bought it. Many thanks.