57 vet starter solenoid finish

[Mike M.]

the JM states the entire 57 starter assembly was painted black. i believe the solenoid wasn't painted black, but rather installed on the starter motor with its cad plated finish. anybody got any thoughts. i'm aware the 61-62 solenoids were not painted. thanks,mike

[Jim L.]

Re: 57 vet starter solenoid finish

For what it's worth, Mike, the un-molested original starter from my '57 Chebby passenger car is all black.

Jim

[Loren L.]

Re: 57 vet starter solenoid finish

The only pictures I could find in NA's book were of parts buck engines; they were painted, but parts buck displays are not always accurate.

[David B.]

Re: 57 vet starter solenoid finish

Entire starter motor assembly painted semi-flat black. JM got that one right. The unanswered question is why the crankcase ventilator tube is attached to the lower bolt when the AIM appears to show it attached by the center bolt/stud also why were 7/16 lock washers #103322 used on the middle and lower 3/8 #106330 bolts. If you want to really extend this thread Mike, ask about the use or lack of starter brace for manual trans. equipped cars. Both for 56 and 57!

[Edward M.]

Re: 57 vet starter solenoid finish

ask about the use or lack of starter brace for manual trans. equipped cars. Both for 56 and 57!

OK, I am asking. What is the consensus on the starter brace?

[David S.]

Re: 57 vet starter solenoid finish

Hi Mike,
I had a chance today to check the starters on my 57 bowtie car and my other unrestored 57.
Both car still have there original starters and both also show that they also agree with the JM .
Both solenoids painted black.
Vent tube is attached to the lower starter bolt also in agreement with the JM.
Each starter motor has an attachment stud where a support bracket could be attached but there is no bracket on either car.
This does not agree with the JM.

[Mike M.]

Re: 57 vet starter solenoid finish

JIM, Loren, Dave and Dave: thanks much guys. last week, i removed the starter solenoid on the air box vet and proceeded to remove the black paint and re-install the starter assembly with the solenoid wearing a cad finish. i did so as i was pretty sure the 61-62 solenoids were cad plated. i also re-positioned the crankcase vent tube bracket to the backside (where the rear to front starter mounting bolt inserts thru the back of the bell housing to engage the starter because the 56-7 AIM looks like that is where the bracket should go---but its not 100% clear in this respect). i also re-installed the front starter brace but not sure this brace is original to this late vin 57. with your input, i'll be taking the starter back off and painting the solenoid. still not sure where the crankcase vent tube bracket fastens to the starter area. and i think i will leave the brace as installed. i can remove it in the future when the old girl goes thru the judging process. thanks again guys.

[Pat H.]

Re: 57 vet starter solenoid finish

I was curious regarding the finishes on the solenoids and found the the 58-60 judging guide does not make any reference to the finished other than the caps is a black bakelite, which I believe can be disputed. The 61-62 JM gives a much more accurate description. The solenoid is generally cad plated, but occasionally may be painted semi-gloss black. I've seen a few and mades deductions, but was later corrected by the team leader. As for the starter brace, Ive only seen a few mainly the early style, approx 3/4" wide used in the early cars with PG. I believe that in 62 no braces were used for PG as GM change the PG to aluminum.

[David B.]

Re: 57 vet starter solenoid finish

Your point is??? In 57 starter/solenoid painted semi-flat black. Brace for all 56-57 powerglide cars no brace for manual trans.