'54 Question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 924
Likes: 7
From: Northeast Ohio
'54 Question
What style of screws (phillips or clutch) are used to secure the latch mechanisms through the door edge? I have 2 '54's and they both used clutch, NCRS @ Auburn said they should be phillips. There are 3 screws per door. Easy fix but one of my '54's has never been apart and still has a pile of oil change stickers still on the edge of the door near the screws in question, the last date is 1968. Any information from '54 owners would be appreciated.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 7,246
Likes: 21
From: Going too fast over the hill. Iowa
I don't know the answer to your question, but you are dealing with club rules and a club judging standard. IMO the easiest way to get more points is to remove the original screws. And, IMO if you want to keep the car original, lose the points or argue with the people at NCRS.org, where you will undoubtedly find more 54 Corvette owners.
Good luck with your quest, and keep the antacid tablets handy.
PS I really hope you are successful in getting your original hardware accepted.
Good luck with your quest, and keep the antacid tablets handy.
PS I really hope you are successful in getting your original hardware accepted.
Last edited by magicv8; Jun 1, 2006 at 10:05 AM.
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 634
Likes: 3
From: Mill Valley CA
I looked on my 54, which is pretty original. One owner from 54 to 05, 43k miles. One door has two clutch screws (which appear to be original) and one phillips screw which is not original. The other door has three phillips screws, all of which appear to be original.
I suspect GM useds both clutch anbd phillips.
Russ
I suspect GM useds both clutch anbd phillips.
Russ
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 924
Likes: 7
From: Northeast Ohio
I just hate to make what probably is correct, incorrect just to get the points. The car that went to Auburn Top Flighted anyway but is scheduled to go to Bloomington in a few weeks and I'm trying to minimize any "issues". I think I used up all my antacids at the Auburn meet! Hard to find open minded "experts", if you know what I mean.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 924
Likes: 7
From: Northeast Ohio
Originally Posted by YesA59
I looked on my 54, which is pretty original. One owner from 54 to 05, 43k miles. One door has two clutch screws (which appear to be original) and one phillips screw which is not original. The other door has three phillips screws, all of which appear to be original.
I suspect GM useds both clutch anbd phillips.
Russ
I suspect GM useds both clutch anbd phillips.
Russ
BTW: Russ could you give me your last 4 VIN numbers and I'll compare to mine? Thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,203
Likes: 1
From: Sarasota FL
While I can't support this with actual evidence I've spoken with a couple dozen retired St Louis assembly line workers over the years and every one told much the same story: "we did whatever it took to get the car out the door; if we ran out of something we found a workable substitute in a hurry and used it until we got the correct part restocked."
I also got the impression that anyone who pulled the cord to stop the line had better have had a darn good reason or else the pink slip would be attached to the next time card.
I also got the impression that anyone who pulled the cord to stop the line had better have had a darn good reason or else the pink slip would be attached to the next time card.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,112
Likes: 3
From: Kingston, TN
St. Jude Donor '06
I've owned 4 54s and a 55. They all had phillips head holding the door latch. I need to add that there should be a star washer there also. Does your clutch head have that?
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,068
Likes: 27
From: St. Joseph Mo
Originally Posted by SebringBill
While I can't support this with actual evidence I've spoken with a couple dozen retired St Louis assembly line workers over the years and every one told much the same story: "we did whatever it took to get the car out the door; if we ran out of something we found a workable substitute in a hurry and used it until we got the correct part restocked."
I also got the impression that anyone who pulled the cord to stop the line had better have had a darn good reason or else the pink slip would be attached to the next time card.
I also got the impression that anyone who pulled the cord to stop the line had better have had a darn good reason or else the pink slip would be attached to the next time card.
I'd bet that screws from two different suppliers were available on the line at one time. Also highly unlikely that a worker would hop accross a moving conveyor to get screws and a different driver so that they would match.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 924
Likes: 7
From: Northeast Ohio
Originally Posted by vettes1st
I've owned 4 54s and a 55. They all had phillips head holding the door latch. I need to add that there should be a star washer there also. Does your clutch head have that?
Me thinks that either are probably correct especially as was mentioned earlier regarding how the factory operated.
Thanks all for your input, this forum is very educational and valuable.