distributor shielding

[Len Rayca]

Would a 63 vette that was a radio delete car still have come with distributor shielding?

[Bob R.]

Re: distributor shielding

The only purpose for the sheilding was radio reception. I saw a very nice restored 340HP car last year no radio and no sheilding. The owner told me it was delivered that way.

[William C.]

Re: distributor shielding

That is correct, the shielding was added as part of the radio package, no radio=no shielding

[Duke W.]

Re: distributor shielding

"Radio delete" refers to deleting a standard radio. Since there was no standard radio equipment on either coupe or convertible base models in 1963, it is simply a "no radio option" car.

The first appearance of RPO UL5 Radio Delete is 1972.

Duke

[Mike E.]

Re: distributor shielding

I agree--no shielding--but shielding brackets would have been installed.
Mike Ernst

[Wayne C.]

Re: distributor shielding

I defer to your knowledge, but I guess that means the engine was dressed after arriving from the engine assembly plant, and that Chevy didn't care if they interfered with the radio reception of other cars nearby in traffic.

[Duke W.]

Re: distributor shielding

RF energy falls inversely with the fourth power of the distance from the source, so the lack of shielding on a Corvette is not going to have much impact on other cars' radio reception.

Duke

[William C.]

Re: distributor shielding

To a certain extent regarding engine dress, you are correct, the Distributor was shipped with the engine but the Spark plug wires were installed at the assembly plant. The wires were the "Radio Resistance" variety if radio equipped or not, thus protecting the other cars on the road and the neighbors TV sets from interference. The on-car shielding is there only to allow the radio to function in the car that carries the shielding.

[Al C.]

Re: distributor shielding

But I remember I could always recognize a FORD getting close in traffic.
... Al '58 #378 245hp NCRS SACC

[Dave Suesz]

Right! Some Fords came with SS plug wires *NM*

[Len Rayca]

Re: distributor shielding

Thanks to all who responded to my query about the lack of distributor shielding on my 63 340 HP SWC, VIN# 30837S109895. I thought I it was was correct but wanted some expert feedback. I also stand corrected on the radio delete verbage, since a radio was an option at that time and only in AM in the early editions.

[John H.]

Re: distributor shielding

Back in the old "CB" days (mid-70's), I had a CB in my car, "helped" by a 100-watt mobile linear amplifier I could switch on and off when I needed it; if you remember the old VW 411 "squareback", that was one of the very first cars with electronic fuel injection. If I pulled up near one at a traffic light, switched on the linear and keyed the mike, the nearby VW would stall instantly; RF EMI shielding for on-board computers wasn't well-developed in those days like it is today. It would also light up a fluorescent tube held within a foot of the antenna with the linear on and the mike keyed Ahh, the good old days