Radiator cap

[cwmcobra]

I'm in the process of installing new hoses on my Red convertible.  It appears to have an original radiator cap, which I want to keep, but when I looked at it's underside, I fear I need a new one.  Would you run this cap in your car?  If not, I'm open to suggestions on either restoration or a quality repop.

Thanks,

Chuck

[dsags]

Wouldn't run that on my car. Have no idea if they can be restored, but if they can be restored I want to know how.

There are many places that sell that cap as a repop. Same markings etc.

Dan

[cwmcobra]

Yeah, I wasn't serious about running it.  Just didn't want to abandon what's probably close to an original piece.  And here's another question of restoration minutia.....should the repop have a flat or hollow rivet?  This one is hollow, but I've seen both offered as repops.  Is there are right and wrong in this regard?

Thanks,

Chuck

[cwmcobra]

FYI, found some sources that were restoring caps a few years ago.  Haven't called any yet because it appears their prices are higher than for good repops.  Stay tuned.....

Chuck

[mrbuick65]

I replaced my cap 2 years ago with an RC27 15 LB from the dealer. Not correct but looks better than the aftermarket ones I have seen. Part # 10409635. Have had no problems.
John

[Weldar]

This is what I have. Bought from CARS about a year ago or so.

Dwaine

[dsags]

http://www.oldbuickparts.com/catalog/1961-up-skylark-gs-group-cooling-radiator-cap-1965-68-show-quality-ac-p-1953.html

Appears to be an exact match to your original. $32.50.

[cwmcobra]

Thanks guys.  After seeing Dwaine's picture, I've decided to order the part from CARS.  Thanks for the link, Dan!

Now I'm moving on to belts.  Since I'm freshening the hoses, I'm going to replace the belts also.  What's on it now are the "cog" type belts.  I'll look at CARS and others to see if there are repops available.  My wallet would prefer buying from a local parts store!   

Chuck

[Loren At 65GS]

Dan,  hadn't you found the correct sizes at Grainger that are not cogged?

  Loren

[Mark Ascher]

Loren,

Rob bought the Grainger belts. Right length, but way wrong width.
Those won't work. I have some numbers for belts in my stash of info, but they will need to be had from eBay.
I could find no other source.

Mark

[Loren At 65GS]

Thanks Mark.  I remembered some talk about it, but don't remember if there was a final on way or the other.


  Loren

[dsags]

Yes, those belts sat too far down in the pulley. Here's another source http://www.gastanks.com/GM-FAN-BELTS/departments/254/
Site provides GM part numbers but no lengths. Seems like $32 is a popular price.

Dan

[cwmcobra]

The Gates catalog specs 7550 and 7520 belts for the 65 GS without A/C.  The representative pictures appear to be flat topped.  My local O'Reilly's has them and if they'll price match with Walmart, I'll pick up a set tomorrow and see what they look like.  Stay tuned......

Chuck

[cwmcobra]

I bought the Gates belts and then realized that they are cogged on the ID.  The ones on my car are the "Top Cog" type.  So these Gates belts are not "correct" either, although I'd prefer the cogs on the ID than the OD where they are very noticeable.  I checked the two belts that I removed from my restoration vehicle and found one of them is a Gates 7550, but of the original design with no cogs on either side.  Maybe I should put it on the Steve S. car????  Just kidding; putting an old belt on it would not yield the reliable driver that I'm planning.  The other belt is a Dayco and has cogs on the ID, like the Gates belts I just bought.  I'm still looking.  Guess I'll call the place that Dan posted the link for and see if they have what I need.  They don't list belts for a 65 GS, mostly only Pontiac/GTO stuff.

Chuck

[dsags]

Almost positive the 55 in the 7550 is the belt length, but you probably already knew that. If you call the other place maybe they can cross reference based on the length.