C2 Strut Rod Bracket (Heat Shields ?)

[Wayne M.]

Just purchased a '64 I.R.S. that was probably removed in 1969, and sat unused since. Noticed that the strut rod bracket (which bolts to the bottom of the diff /carrier case) has a 2-3/4" by 1-3/4" square of sheet steel tack welded to the underside of the bracket, at each end, forming a box-section around the inner end of the strut rod at the adjustment cam. The only reason I can think for this is as a heat shield (to protect the rubber of the strut rod bushing from the exhaust pipe).

But I checked both my '65s and don't see any, nor evidence that the shields were ever there. I seem to recall them from somewhere else (maybe my '63 of 20 years ago ?).

Should these shields be on all C2's ?

[Chuck G.]

Re: C2 Strut Rod Bracket (Heat Shields ?)

Funny you should post this, as I'm "working" on this now. I believe ALL 63's had the shields. Didn't think 64's did, but your post makes me think. I don't think 65's and up had them.

Could yours possibly be a "late" 63 assembly? Chuck

[Timothy B.]

Re: C2 Strut Rod Bracket (Heat Shields ?)

Wayne,

I thought these shields were only used on 1963 models but it seems as though they were used on 1964 also. Is this assembly off a early 64 model? I think there purpose is to keep road dirt out of the adjustment area.

[Wayne M.]

I figure a mid-'64 production (say VIN 11,000-ish)

Based on latest dates: diff.assy. (stamped) CD_1_3_64, and RH spindle support (cast) A_6_4.

[Paul Reynolds]

Re: C2 Strut Rod Bracket (Heat Shields ?)

For those who are keeping track of this item, I've got a Nov build 64, VIN 105578, and it has these shields on the strut rod bracket also.

[Joe R.]

Re: C2 Strut Rod Bracket (Heat Shields ?)

Wayne,

The Shields were present on ALL 1963 Corvettes and discontinued somewhere around the 11,000 number. My 11,866 car did not have them but there may be a few later that had them. Just had to do with what box and which side of the line they came from.

The shields were to keep the heat off the strut rod rubber ends. Good idea that Chevy disposed of when they found they could save 0.04 of a dollar.

Regards,

JR

[Paul Reynolds]

Re: C2 Strut Rod Bracket (Heat Shields ?)

Edit to my previous post..... Car is a 1964 vert, built in Nov 1963.