ROCKET VAPOR

Is the below GM radiator cap P/N 861050 correct for a '70 442???

The GM assembly manual calls for a "dichromate" colored cap. The GM assembly manual also showed a 8 digit P/N that I can not find any information on.

I this a case were the below cap is "period correct" and this is about as good as I will be able to find???

ROCKET VAPOR

Or..., is this plated steel repro part the correct "style" for '70???

CORRECT.jpg

Bluevista

The first one is the original style, the second is a later design. They're both RC-15 but I've been popped on the second type a few times at shows as incorrect, think I would get the right one after the first time.
The later versions of the first cap even have a different shaped rivet head in the middle "real" show judges watch for.

cutlassgal

Crap.... That one I got from Fusick better be the correct one!

Bluevista

For all intents and purposes it's the right one, you aren't showing it at those kinds of shows anyway, are you??
I got popped at the AACA regionals and the Tri-Power Nationals, still came in first though at the AACA.
I won the $550 dollar 50/50 raffle and it made up for the points loss.
They changed the design later but I'm not sure when, some guys are nuts about those caps and walk around critiqueing them, I call those guys @##wipes.
I think for '72 you should be fine, nobody knows the difference anyway. I won't change mine just for spite.
I should have mentioned my GTO is a '68.

stevengerard

Great attitude, I respect the folks going 100% correct, but for most of us correct enough is enough. I always enjoy listening to idiots critiquing a car knowing they are completely wrong, like I mentioned in another thread how W30s must have a rally wheel or bucket seats.

Jamesbo

Sandy,

When ya put the decal over it no one will see it.

cutlassgal

Jamesbo... show me a pic of yours!

Jamesbo

My what ?

I don't know where this is going but as a mod I must warn you.
Show and tell isn't allowed.

cutlassgal

You make me laugh!! Your radiator cap with the decal on it, silly! Or don't you have the decal?

Jamesbo

Oh,

I don't have a pic on me at the moment But the stripe goes over the center of the cap.

cutlassgal

Thank you

ROCKET VAPOR

The first one shown is a NOS GM radiator cap.

The second one shown is a reproduction cap.

In 1970 should the cap state "never open hot, inspect fall & spring" or.... "turn tight, remove slowly"?

rocketraider

My own standard as far as judging is that if the component has a factory part number associated with the car it is on, it is correct for the application. Even if the appearance is different or original part # has been superseded, if it is the manufacturer's listed replacement part it should be considered correct for judging purposes.

If a manufacturing or engineering change results in a different part # from original being specified for use, that part will also be considered correct for judging purposes. I know not everyone has access to that documentation, but those of us who do have it understand that the factory did change things, and rarely was anything absolute- no matter what the Corvette and GTO crowd try to tell you.

Anyone who's ever had me judge their car knows I can be as **** as anyone about factory spec or replacement parts being used, but I also know that the factory wasn't that ****. Their idea was to get the car built, out the door and sold with no warranty returns.

ROCKET VAPOR

I always appreciate a judge's point of view and wisdom.

Would this include the differences in assembly line issued parts vs. factory recall (warranty) parts vs. service replacement parts? As there are sometimes vast differences in the appearance of these types of parts.



Also, in your judging experience of 1970 442s, would the correct radiator cap be made out of stainless steel or dichromate plated steel as the GM assembly manual calls for, which I can't find NOS or a repro?

Should the cap have large ears or small ears?

Should the cap's printing state "never open hot, inspect fall & spring" or.... "turn tight, remove slowly"?

ROCKET VAPOR

I have found the correct style radiator cap for 1970.

I am posting this in case somebody else has the same question.

Paragon Corvette has them for $30.00.

http://www.corvette-paragon.com/p-35...iator-cap.aspx

stevengerard

what's the difference than in the second image you posted, is it the finish?

ROCKET VAPOR

Good question!!!

The second photo was from a generic restoration supplier (possibly a made in China part).

Paragon Corvette makes alot of their parts here in USA. Also Paragon supplies parts to NCRS type of people. So..., they must have exact and quality parts that NCRS people demand and expect.

Bigmikey65

Seems like there is no clear answer - or photos - from this past post.

edzolz

Could be because his post is 10, yes Ten, years old.