'65 thru '67 Big Block Starter Brace #3866768

[Mike B.]

Good Evening Guys,

Well, I've been scouring the TDB Archives for info and photos of original big block starter brace #3866768. Lots of posts and good info there, but only one photo of what appears to be a real one. The service replacement is #3965588 and is easy to find on-line and is relatively inexpensive.

I'd like to find a real one for my '66 L-36. The brace was missing when I bought the car in '88. Hunting one down will be fun. I'd really appreciate some shots of an original brace that came with your cars. There appears to be a difference between the original brace and the service replacement. It looks like there's an angled cut near the block attach bolt hole? See pic with red arrow. The replacement doesn't have this cut.

I sure would appreciate any photos you may have and would post it here. Surely would add to archive info!
Thanks! Mike

[Fred Y.]

Re: '65 thru '67 Big Block Starter Brace #3866768

When ever a wear part like a starter died Mike the mechanic often forgot or was too lazy to put it back on. It was missing from my 67 as well. I found one from LIC. Bolted right up. Without a specific part # stamped on it, I didn't go crazy with my search.

[Mike B.]

Re: '65 thru '67 Big Block Starter Brace #3866768

Yes Fred, the newer looking brace here is the service replacement #3965588. Easy to find, but since my starter is off of the car now there's no need to buy one. I'd rather have the real deal on my '66 if I can find one. Just thought I'd ask everyone for photos of a real one to help with my upcoming search in Carlisle. Mike

[Fred Y.]

Re: '65 thru '67 Big Block Starter Brace #3866768

Understood Mike. I'll stay in the loop to see an original if possible. I'll be at CC too & keep my eye out for one for you.

[Peter M.]

Re: '65 thru '67 Big Block Starter Brace #3866768

Mike.
The one on my 67 looks like what you describe as the service replacement. I have no idea if it is original but asume it is not.
Kind Regards

[Carl N.]

Re: '65 thru '67 Big Block Starter Brace #3866768

IMO '65 L78 did not have one, but I've been wrong before

[David L.]

Re: '65 thru '67 Big Block Starter Brace #3866768

Mike,

Apparently the company in the link below makes or sells a reproduction 3866768 brace. I guess GM wanted to same some money on steel as the 3965588 brace is about 10% or 20 % smaller but the same length and same bolt hole locations except only one elongated hole. The bend is in a different location.

Dave

http://www.heartbeatcitycamaro.com/store/product/23599/1967-1968-1969-Camaro-Starter-Motor-Mounting-Brace-427-430-HP-ZL-1-427-L88-396-425-HP-GM%23-3866768/

[Tom D.]

Re: '65 thru '67 Big Block Starter Brace #3866768

Funny thing. I installed a 1967 427 Starter Today. Ignore the unattached wires in this photo. The brace is the reproduction offered by Paragon. Also note: The 396 & L88 Starters got their own version of this part. In fact, take a look at Paragon number 1454 (for L78 & L88) and see if that might be more like the one you are looking for...



The 396 & L88 Starters got their own version of this part. In fact, take a look at Paragon number 1454 (for L78 & L88) and see if that might be more like the one you are looking for...

[Tom D.]

Re: '65 thru '67 Big Block Starter Brace #3866768

Here is an original part believed to be for 1964-1967 327 starters.
I don't think the attached shield should be bent as much as this one. Note the little tab on the top end (lower right in this photo). Bet that tab is not on the repros.

[Mike B.]

Re: '65 thru '67 Big Block Starter Brace #3866768

Hello Everyone. Thanks for your responses.

Thanks Fred. I've got a long list of parts to search for up in Carlisle. Should be a good time. It's been 10 years since I've been there. If you find an original big block starter brace I'd love to see it!

Hi Peter. Since I've never seen a real '66-'67 big block starter brace, it's gonna be tough to find one. I'll probably end up with the service replacement. They look and work fine. But I've always preferred original parts for my cars if they're not too pitted. Cheers.

Yes Carl, I wasn't sure about the '65. I assumed they had the same brace as the '66 and '67 big blocks. I shouldn't have done that. Sure would love to own a '65 L78!

Thanks David for the link to that repro 3866768 brace. From what I can see it sure looks longer than the service replacement and the original in my first pics. I saw some posts of yours during my review of the archives on this subject. I especially appreciate the one that you posted of your starter brace collection. I've put that shot of your 5 different braces in my own archived photos. Sure will help me in the future. You commented that the one you're missing from your collection is the 3866768. Sure wish you had one!

Hello Tom. Yep, it's a small world. You installing that 427 starter on your '67 today. I'll check out Paragon for that '65 L78 and '67 L88 brace that they sell. Your photos sparked another question that I have of you all. Coming up.

Thanks all, Mike

[Mike B.]

Re: '65 thru '67 Big Block Starter Brace #3866768

Good Evening Everyone,

I'm still holding out for some shots of original '66-'67 Corvette big block starter braces. Part#3866768 probably has noticeable differences than the service replacement. I know this is a tall order and I don't expect anyone to photograph an original unless their cars are on a lift or possibly the part is removed from their cars. I'll find one eventually, I'm sure. When I do I'll post some shots for all of us.

Now I've got to ask for help about the brace's attaching nut and bolt. I'm sure there are variances, but what do your originals look like? If you think your nut and bolt are original to your car, would you please post some shots? Thanks a million, Mike

[David L.]

Re: '65 thru '67 Big Block Starter Brace #3866768

Mike,
The starter and attaching parts for the L36 are not shown in the 1966 AIM but they are for the 327 engine. I assume that the bolt that attaches the brace to the block is the same.
My 1966 327 starter brace bolt:
GM # 273867 in AIM, 5/16"-18 X 1/2" long, 1/2" thread length, hex washer head (for 1/2" wrench) with "R B W" and small dimple @ center
Dave

[Mike B.]

Re: '65 thru '67 Big Block Starter Brace #3866768

Thanks Dave,

Great description of the bolt that attaches the brace to the block. This is exactly the info I'm looking for. I might have a few of those in stock. If you can recall, did your small block original bolt have serrations under the lip like this nut below?

I'm including 2 shots of possible nuts for the brace to attach to the stud on the starter. The one showing serrations is from a '64 small block and the other is from a '66 big block starter. Don't know if it's original.

Thanks Dave, Mike

[David L.]

Re: '65 thru '67 Big Block Starter Brace #3866768

Thanks Dave,

Great description of the bolt that attaches the brace to the block. This is exactly the info I'm looking for. I might have a few of those in stock. If you can recall, did your small block original bolt have serrations under the lip like this nut below?

I'm including 2 shots of possible nuts for the brace to attach to the stud on the starter. The one showing serrations is from a '64 small block and the other is from a '66 big block starter. Don't know if it's original.

Thanks Dave, Mike

Mike,

Yes, my 5/16-18 X 1/2" bolt, GM # 273867, is serrated. My 1/4"-20 hex flange nut is also serrated, same as your 64 small block hex flange nut.

Dave

[Mike B.]

Re: '65 thru '67 Big Block Starter Brace #3866768

Thanks Dave. Very helpful info.

Mike