Author Topic: 68 Z Fan Clutch  (Read 7689 times)

68Zproject

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68 Z Fan Clutch
« on: May 09, 2017, 12:27:44 AM »
I've searched threads and got nothing new but haven't been on here in a while and wondered if anyone has repro'ed the 68 Z fan clutch (or L78) that is correct.  Also, I've found quite a few of the Corvette Schwitzer clutches for sale and wondered if any Vette guys knew of one of those that would work with the small bolt pattern water pump mounting and large fan mounting (3 1/4") or if there's even a difference in the Vette one vs. a Camaro?
68Z28


68Zproject

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Re: 68 Z Fan Clutch
« Reply #2 on: May 10, 2017, 03:32:02 PM »
And the face of this one does not look like the picture we have on CRG for the 68 Z28 fan clutch.

http://www.heartbeatcitycamaro.com/store/product/28227/1965-1966-1967-1968-Camaro-Fan-clutch-327-350-correct/
68Z28

JKZ27

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Re: 68 Z Fan Clutch
« Reply #3 on: May 10, 2017, 05:41:42 PM »
The one at Eckler's just appears to be a functional replacement and not "correct". Looks sort of like an Eaton style only with studs for the fan.
The one at HBC looks to be for hydraulic lifter cars with the small bolt pattern.
John
69 RS/SS Cortez Silver, L48 MC1
68 RS Ash/Ivy Gold 327EFI M20

68Zproject

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Re: 68 Z Fan Clutch
« Reply #4 on: May 11, 2017, 12:39:02 AM »
The one at Eckler's also says for "Z28" in one area and for 68 sb in another so not the best marketing for originality.  I don't know the bolt pattern for either one but the Schweitzer one still doesn't look like the one that we have in the info area picture on here.

Is there any more info on CRG about which fan clutches were used on the 68Z?  Not a lot of info about something that seemingly would be of great interest to a lot of people in my mind.

Also, still looking for vette guys that might know of a fan that could work for and look like the 68Z.
68Z28

bertfam

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Re: 68 Z Fan Clutch
« Reply #5 on: May 11, 2017, 02:47:06 AM »
the Corvette used different original part numbers so even though there may be one that "works", I'm not sure it'll look "correct".

Ed

68Zproject

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Re: 68 Z Fan Clutch
« Reply #6 on: May 11, 2017, 05:01:32 PM »
The HBC one looks a lot like the ones that the Corvette guys are selling on ebay and looks nothing like the picture we have under radiators on the CRG tech site.
http://www.camaros.org/images/cooling/cooling_fanclutch_68Z.jpg

But there are a lot that look like that picture being sold as well that would work if they had the right pattern for the water pump and fan and had the correct look, I don't know how anyone would know it's not the same, unless there a part number on the clutch?  When I've searched that part number, a lot of other uses for it have come up.  I know John Z says that Eaton was used also, but I've never seen someone say they had one originally.
68Z28

JKZ27

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Re: 68 Z Fan Clutch
« Reply #7 on: May 11, 2017, 05:24:09 PM »
Do you have Jerry's 67-68 Fact Book? I think there is a decent write up on the clutch and fan in there. My copy is in storage currently.
John
69 RS/SS Cortez Silver, L48 MC1
68 RS Ash/Ivy Gold 327EFI M20

68Zproject

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Re: 68 Z Fan Clutch
« Reply #8 on: May 11, 2017, 06:58:17 PM »
Yes, but it's the 3rd edition (it's 15 years old now) and well used so I don't know if there's been anything additional on that subject in later editions.  The picture in my book and description aren't any better than what we have on CRG.  Very vague as to details of the clutch itself other than the bolt patterns and no mention of other suppliers and applications other than Z28 and L78.

I would like there to be a thread or topic of research on this subject in more detail if possible.  I guess I'm wondering why there's not much interest.  Does everyone with a Z have their original fan and clutch?  If so, I'd like to see pictures and details.  If not, I would think there would be some more interest to try and get info to find these parts although, I do think there is enough info on the fan and I do have one of those.
68Z28

Jon Mello

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Re: 68 Z Fan Clutch
« Reply #9 on: May 12, 2017, 12:37:32 AM »
The HBC, Rick's/Ecklers  fan clutches are not correct for the '67-'68 Z28 application. I am only aware of the Schwitzer "bar-type" fan clutch as the one that is correct for the '67-'68 Z28. The overall diameter of the Z28 fan is 18". The overall diameter of the fan clutch is 7-3/16". The diameter of the bolt pattern where the fan mounts to the pulley/water pump is 1-3/4" and of course the bolt pattern diameter of the clutch to fan is 3-1/4". A date code is stamped on the flange that mounts to the pulley/water pump. The one in the attached pics is 5-20-68 SC. My assumption is that the SC is for Schwitzer Clutch or Schwitzer Corp.
Jon Mello
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Jon Mello

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Re: 68 Z Fan Clutch
« Reply #10 on: May 12, 2017, 12:39:41 AM »
More pics...
Jon Mello
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68camaroz28

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Re: 68 Z Fan Clutch
« Reply #11 on: May 12, 2017, 01:50:41 AM »
X2 to what Jon stated. Here is a close up picture of ours (68Z) after I restored it. The end of the shaft where Jon showed the stamping was painted silver on ours and other originals I've reviewed. 

Chick
68 Z/28 NOR 01B Orig motor/trans/rear
69 Z/28 NOR 07A Orig Block & GM Cross-ram/carbs
69 L34 Rest. Nova Father/Son Car
69 L78 Surv Nova Purch 4/69 31K miles
67 L89 Corv Tribute
68 Corv 427/400 Orig motor
07 Corv Z06
R 68Z build- http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=182584

68Zproject

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Re: 68 Z Fan Clutch
« Reply #12 on: May 12, 2017, 02:38:08 PM »
Nice!  The one that John posted would be the perfect date for my car.  Oh if only.  Anyway, after my tears dry up I guess I'll be on the hunt.  Thank you both for the great pictures and Chick, I grabbed yours for a close up to print so I know what to look for.  I might just come across something that will work someday.
68Z28