Hi all,

Re: 1965 cutlass top plate.

Can someone tell me why some cars have a full top plate (which looks better) than others?

Pics attached of both!

Thank you,
Gary

 

the one on the right is correct for our car, never seen the other one used

 

The full top plate in the first picture is for a crossflow radiator (tanks on the sides) as used on the later cars. The 65 has a downflow radiator (tanks on top and bottom) and uses the small top plate.

As an interesting aside, the 61-63 F-85s used downflow radiators and the small top plate, EXCEPT that the Jetfires used a massive, four row crossflow radiator. Despite that, the Jetfires still used the small top plate. The radiator actually had side brackets welded to the tanks that bolted to the core support. Unusual.

 

Thanks Stan & Joe,

As usual this site has proven to be a great resource. Hopefully one day i can help out myself by contributing answers for users.

As i've made my way through the Chev then Buick A-body big blocks, I think i've landed. Although i still have to finish my frame off ss396chevelle my girlfriend thinks i will never finish......oucheee!

Cheers,
Gary

 

65's used 2 different top plates but the left one isn't one of the choices. I included a photo of the second type. I have no idea why they had 2 different styles, maybe the wider ones where on cars without a fan shroud?

 

There are three styles for 65. The first is for the three row rad, the second is the non 442 A/C and the third is the 442 A/C.

 

The plot thickens I guess.

So far I like the look of the first one if what you say is true.

Second best that I like is the third one with the shroud.....how hard is it to get one of these shrouds?

The 2nd one I provided is like what seems to have come with my 65.

Anyone else...... Feel free to chime in and back up these responses!!!

Cheers
Gary