59 Big Brake Cooling Fans

[Al R.]

Just curious, I've read where the 59 big brake cars did not have the cooling fans inside the front drums and I've seen where they did have them. Which is correct ? Fans or no fans or a change during the production year. Any big brake expert or judge's opinions?

[Dave S.]

Re: 59 Big Brake Cooling Fans

Just curious, I've read where the 59 big brake cars did not have the cooling fans inside the front drums and I've seen where they did have them. Which is correct ? Fans or no fans or a change during the production year. Any big brake expert or judge's opinions?

Al,
According to Dr. Gerald Wagner and Rev. Mike Ernst the cooling fans inside the drums were added when the RPO changed from #684 to #687 which was very late 1959 model year.

[Al R.]

Re: 59 Big Brake Cooling Fans

Hi Dave, I have a 59 that is heavily optioned & documented in the serial # range of 43-- that does not have the front fans and does not have any evidence of ever having them installed, so I was curious. I did have a 60 BB FI that had the front fans, though. I thought I remembered reading (perhaps in the Vol 1 book) that 59's didn't have them, but you see vendors selling fans for both front & rear for 57-62, so I had to ask.

[Dave S.]

Re: 59 Big Brake Cooling Fans

Hi Dave, I have a 59 that is heavily optioned & documented in the serial # range of 43-- that does not have the front fans and does not have any evidence of ever having them installed, so I was curious. I did have a 60 BB FI that had the front fans, though. I thought I remembered reading (perhaps in the Vol 1 book) that 59's didn't have them, but you see vendors selling fans for both front & rear for 57-62, so I had to ask.

Al,
Seems like you are verifying what Wagner and Ernst are reporting. There is very limited information on these two options but Wagner and Ernst have put out some great facts.

[Al R.]

Re: 59 Big Brake Cooling Fans

Dave, where would one go to find these facts?

[Dave S.]

Re: 59 Big Brake Cooling Fans

Dave, where would one go to find these facts?

Al,
A few years ago I tried to find out anything I could about these options. My knowledge came from various articles that I found along the way.

[Al R.]

Re: 59 Big Brake Cooling Fans

Thanks Dave, I guess a lot of research is to come on my part. I do remember doing a survey for someone years ago. I think I made a copy of it at that time.