Big Block Fan Shroud

[icepick1]

Hello Everyone!
I am glad to have found this website and forum.  I hope someone here will be able to help me find some answers before I lose my mind   and a lot of money.  Here goes.......

I have a 1968 Camaro with a 396 cid and I am in need of a Fan Shroud.  The reproduction fan shroud is simply junk, and I am lucky to have found a NOS fan shroud!  However, I am very reluctant to pay $1,600 for the fan shroud because it does not look right.  It has part number 3945789 heat-stamped over the original 3916637 part number, and it has a cut-out and hole in it that does not look right.  I have spent countless hours on the internet and phone trying to get information about the 67-68 BB Fan Shrouds but have gotten mixed information. One guy told me that the 3945789 was modified from the factory when GM superseded the part number for easy belt removal, and that it also fit the 68 BB Nova. This guy actually emailed me a Blueprint (see attached) he says he got from a contact he had at GM.  It clearly shows the cut-out and hole, but I have never seen this before.  I found an old CRG Thread from 2005 about his very topic, but it does not mention any cut-out or holes.

Here are my main concerns and questions:
1) Was the 3916637 BB Fan Shroud used on the assembly line for both '67 and '68 model years?
2) Was the superseded p/n: 3945789 done in November 1968 (as the 2005 CRG Thread states) just a part number change?
3) Were there any modifications or changes done to the Shroud from the factory when GM/Chevy superseded the part number (as depicted in the Blueprint)?

[IZRSSS]

This might help; http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=93.0

[icepick1]

Yeah, this is the 2005 thread I was talking about in my original post, but it doesn't really mention the hole and cutout.

[plumL78]

The hole and cut out are service replacement shrouds. 1600 is a lot of money and the new shrouds don't look that bad. I'm lucky to have  the correct ones but I wouldn't pay that kind of money for a service one because it still doesn't look like the production one. The only time its ever going to be an issue is if you are going through legends judging and even then are a few points worth 1600.00 In the real world there are very few people that will even know you have a repo shroud

[icepick1]

Thanks for your reply PlumL78.  Do you know the reasoning behind the cutout and hole?  The cutout for easy belt removal makes some sense, but I see no advantages or need for the hole. 
The reporduction is too thin and flimsy.  It looks like it is warped from the heat and looks way too shiney.  I guess I can always scuff it with a scotch brite pad to dull the shine, but there is very little to do about the flimsyness of the part and the warpage.

[vtfb68]

Ice,
 PM me your e-mail and I can send a picture of an original 05C LA shrould if this would help.
   VT

[67L78]

Ice,
Good luck on your search. I've been looking for one for 17 years at a decent price. Mine is probabaly the original one to my car and it has a small crack in the top but i consider myself lucky to have it. Back in the 90's HB City wanted $500.00 for one. The price for them has now gone through the roof. The repops look better than they did years past so if all else fails you may have to go that route. 1600 is a crazy price to pay.

Richard

[Mike S]

   I know this is an old thread but I'm in the market for a replacement BB fan shroud for the convertible restoration (the kids are asking for Xmas ideas). As I understand it nobody is making an exact reproduction. Can anyone recommend a decent reproduction even if it is second rate to what an original looks like? I have a NOS one I bought back in the 80's and it is the factory modified one with a hole. Comparing it to the original one of my 4B LOS survivor it looks different. I'd like to get something very close.

Thanks,
Mike

[plumL78]

You are still better off using your nos one because it looks more like an orig than the repops do. The repops don't have the reinforcement that runs down to the left mounting tab or the little bumps that are in the top.

[169INDY]

Found a 3945789 heat-stamped, in Great Shape. Perfect to replace my China wonkie Piece of work version.

[169INDY]

PN Pic

[rare396bronze]

I am lucky to have the correct  1st design for my car. That said the 2nd send design 3945789  will work fine! Also they have come out lately with a repo that looks better than all those cheep ones.  I know Heartbeat City sells it! Just depends if you you are going to  have it Judged at Camaro Nationals Events!

[Tinkerr]

I purchased a Heartbeat City repo and although it resembled my original it was not without its problems. I was not satisfied with the overall fit. I used my original as a template to make minor modifications to closer resemble the fit and finish of the original shroud.

[169INDY]

Close up of "Overstamped" Part Numbers & Mfr. Logo
Looks like they double stamped it with the superseded PN
Unit cleaned up real good with a light buffing with Meguires Plastic cleaner-polish.

[rare396bronze]

Looks good!