C1 1959 Ignition Shielding

[Dave Sly]

I just received my FI ignition shielding kit from Paragon. I was disappointed to find that the vertical side shields are stainless (they are supposed to be chrome for 1959), in addition the right shield has a slot, instead of the hole. Finally I noticed that there was no indendation (also called a depression in Noland's book) on the top back (around the distributor area).

My 2 key questions are:

1) Is the lack of the depression in the back of the top cover likely to cause me judging problems (i.e. significant points).

2) Most importantly, where do I get the correct vertical shields (chrome with holes and not slots). Is anyone making the chrome ones, or do I need to purchase some used ones and have them chromed?

Thanks in advance -

[Jack H.]

Re: C1 1959 Ignition Shielding

Even if you purchase originals to have re-chromed, you'll probably NOT find anyone that's willing to do a shoddy 'flash' of 'smack' chrome plate job like the factory originally did... They'll want to do 'show' or 'triple' chrome plating that'll wind up being too thick/too perfect and you'll lose points that way....

In terms of what you can expect in terms of point deduction during judging, it'll probably wind up being 1-2 points out of 4500 possible for the entire car. Why?

The shielding components have 25 total points associated with them and there are quite a few individual items (each shield and the associated fasteners). You're only talking about a noticeable difference on a few items (divide 25 points by the number of individual pieces). Then, there are five individual consideration axis for originality (Finish, Date, Installation, Configuration, and Completeness) with this/that individual item violating only one or two of these consideration.

Bottom line: the law of large numbers works for you and you'll get the lion's share of credit for the reproduction item(s) vs. the real McCoy factory original items....

[Dave Suesz]

It's hard to find

a plater who will do "flash chrome", and nearly impossible to do it on pitted used parts. You could, however, have your stainless parts flash chromed, since they are new.

[Dave Sly]

Re: C1 1959 Ignition Shielding

Jack,

Based upon your advice, I've opened the plastic packaging (can't take it back now). I did find out that the vertical side shields are chromed stainless (the top is polished stainless, as it should be). I am guessing that this will be okay (since no one would care to look at the material under the chrome. I also found out that the rubber plug wire grommets are numbered (which is good).

I have measured the chrome horizontal shields and they appear to be exactly as required in my 58-60 Tech manual.

As such, the only issues that I found with the Paragon shield (for a 59 FI car) are as follows:

1) Right side vertical shield has a slot instead of a hole.
2) Top shield is missing the depression in the back (at the top).

[Jerry C.]

Re: C1 1959 Ignition Shielding

Dave Corvette Centrel sell the correct steel vertical part for your 59. The top will get a deduct for being a repro. You might look for an original top with the sloppy soldered ends.