1963 Spark Plug Heat Shields

[Michael Gill]

Good day Corvetters,
Can some one help me with the part numbers for the left and right side spark plug heat shields for my 1963 Corvette? Also, are they still available through Chevrolet?.
Regards,
Michael Gill

[Joe L.]

Re: 1963 Spark Plug Heat Shields

Michael-----

In answering this question I'm relying on the fact that you are talking about the SPARK PLUG HEAT SHIELDS and NOT the RADIO INTERFERENCE SHIELDS. Anyway, with that caveat, here's what you need:

GM #3817657-------left rear and right front; this is the original part number used for 1963 through 79;

GM #3917664-------right rear and left front; the "9" in this part number is not a misprint. This is a 1968-issued 63-67 replacment, 68+ PRODUCTION part which replaced the GM #3815084 shield originally used on your car. There was a slight change made in the part to accomodate the cylinder head-mounted temp sender first used for 1968.

Now, I have good news and bad news for you. First, the good news: both shields are still available from GM and the GM #3917664 GM lists for $8.77/each (2 required per car).

And the bad news: the GM #3817657 shield currently GM lists for $52.63/each (2 required per car). As recently as November, 1999 this part GM listed for $6.70. Apparently, it's "gone up" since then.

However, you can find these shields on just many 60s and 70s Chevrolet small blocks, especially light trucks with "rams horn" manifolds. So, a trip to the self-service salvage yard might be in order.