1961 - Misc Questions

[Gerald C.]

To all,

I just purchased a 1961 (NOM) and have some misc questions. I've owned midyears for a long time, but this is my first C1.

1. I have a 6500 rpm tach which indicates either a fuile car (no emblems) or a 270 solid lifter dual carb car. Is this correct?

2. What is the length and gauge of the grownd wire for the wiper motor? There wasn't a wiper motor in the cat when I bought it.

3. Will a 1963 4 speed shifter fit in the 1961?

Thanks

Jerry

[Bruce B.]

Re: 1961 - Misc Questions

Correct on the tach.
I'll measure the wire when I go to the garage.
On the shifter, I believe the 63 shifter has a longer handle. If it is a late shifter the transmission would be a Muncie and the linkage would be different.
Someone correct me if I am wrong.

[Bruce B.]

Re: 1961 - Misc Questions

The wiper motor ground is roughly 18 inches long and attaches to the left rear inner valve cover bolt and it looks like 16 or 18 gauge wire. Wire size is not specified on the wiring diagram.

[Steven B.]

Re: 1961 - Misc Questions

To all,

I just purchased a 1961 (NOM) and have some misc questions. I've owned midyears for a long time, but this is my first C1.

1. I have a 6500 rpm tach which indicates either a fuile car (no emblems) or a 270 solid lifter dual carb car. Is this correct?


2. What is the length and gauge of the grownd wire for the wiper motor? There wasn't a wiper motor in the cat when I bought it.

3. Will a 1963 4 speed shifter fit in the 1961?

Thanks

Jerry

Yes, and since you have no emblems, I assume the original tach and no air cleaner or other FI traces under the hood you likely have a 270.

[Rick C.]

Re: 1961 - Misc Questions

I have always understood that only the 315 HP FI cars and the 270 HP carb cars had the 6500 red line tach. The low horse (275 HP) FI cars had the low red line tach.
Rick

[Steven B.]

Re: 1961 - Misc Questions

I have always understood that only the 315 HP FI cars and the 270 HP carb cars had the 6500 red line tach. The low horse (275 HP) FI cars had the low red line tach.
Rick

Correct Rick. Mechanical lifters had high RPM tachs, hydraulics had low RPM tachs.

I should have said only 315 and 270 for 6500 RPM tachs.

Steve

[Joe M.]

Re: 1961 - Misc Questions

A 63 shifter will fit. Same T-shifter as on earlier vettes. An early shifter, pre 63, has an extended arm, on the shifter itself that will interfere with the frame crossmember on a 63.