1966 small block distributor top shield; riveted bracket complete or not?

[Gary B.]

Here's a photo of the bracket that is riveted to the original top shield on my '66 L79. Is part of the bracket broken off at the top? The top edge seems uneven, as though there used to be more to it.

For the steel bracket, I'm trying to dab on some Evapo-Rust to see if that removes the bits of rust.

Also, can someone recommend how to best restore the surface of the stainless steel shield without making it come out too shiny? There are some light scratches and scuffing on it that I worry may affect the condition judging.

Thanks,

Gary

[Don H.]

Re: 1966 small block distributor top shield; riveted bracket complete or not?

Hi Gary
no point fretting the rust. That ground clip is toast. The top aspect of it is history. Drill the rivets, get new clip/rivets, borrow Mike's rivet set, and replace. All the vendors sell the piece. I would use fine steel wool on the shield. Happy Easter!

Part 30-30D at LICS

https://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb.dll?Parta~ShowPicTxt~Z5Z5Z50000370a~Z5Z5Z5AAGEL

My mistake, Mike does not have the rivet set tool you need for that application.

[Gary B.]

Re: 1966 small block distributor top shield; riveted bracket complete or not?

Don,

Which "Mike" has the rivet setting tool?

Gary

[Gary B.]

Re: 1966 small block distributor top shield; riveted bracket complete or not?

This photo shows the ground strap/clip rivets on the inside of my distributor shield. When describing this ground clip, the '66 TIM&JG says "The front clip shaped like a fish hook is secured to the shield with two rivets with back-side washers." I've seen the washers in other photos on the DB, but clearly the rivets on my shield use no washers. Has anyone else seen the absence of washers on original C2 distributor shields? I have no reason to believe my shield is not original to the car.

Gary

[James W.]

[Gary B.]

Re: 1966 small block distributor top shield; riveted bracket complete or not?

James,

I bet the JG language about the rivets and washers for '65 is the same or very similar as for '66. And it wouldn't surprise me at all if your and my no-washer examples are original and correct. If I find the correct rivets and the tool to squash them I am not going to add non-original washers. For a judging item so minor given all the items in the judging line, I don't think the washers are worth 1 pt, although some judging might nonetheless deduct a pt.

Gary

[Alan D.]

Re: 1966 small block distributor top shield; riveted bracket complete or not?

Jim & Gary Also consider the fact that these car are built on a commercial production line. Putting those small washers on the rivets could easily have fallen off. Even in the military production line (space craft) it was ship it!! So I'm not surprised some have some do not. (look at James post to see some washers) -Alan

[Gary B.]

Re: 1966 small block distributor top shield; riveted bracket complete or not?

Alan,

I agree with you about the possibility of the washers falling off before rivet squash. Clearly the washers aren't essential as my ground bracket/clip has stayed attached for 53 years. I would think that if the washers were absent on enough original shields, the TIM&JG would mention the possibility the some original shields will be found without the washers.

Gary

[Loren L.]

Re: 1966 small block distributor top shield; riveted bracket complete or not?

You might also take a look at the diameter of the head of the replacement rivets - I'll bet they are smaller than the originals.

[James W.]

[Alan D.]

Re: 1966 small block distributor top shield; riveted bracket complete or not?

Mine measure about 0.332: the top plastic shield uses same washers. (like the "about" that is out in the thousands)