1119789 Starter Solenoid

[Mark S.]

Many of the early Chevrolet parts books show starter solenoid #1119789 as the starter solenoid for all 55 and 56 Chevrolets, including some trucks. Several of the early Chevrolet parts books also show the #1119789 for all 55 and 56 Corvettes. I do know that the present Judging Manual shows the correct starter solenoid for 56 Corvettes as #1119767. Is there information that shows that the 1119767 solenoid was used on the build of the 56 Corvettes and the 119789 solenoid was an over-the-counter replacement? Thanks!

[Gary C.]

Re: 1119789 Starter Solenoid

Mark,

Solenoid #1119767 was removed from parts books and replaced with 1119789 on 7/1/1956 per the 1958 P&A.

The 1956 P&A dated 4/1/1956 lists Pass & Corvette solenoid was #1119767.

Gary
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[Mark S.]

Re: 1119789 Starter Solenoid

Thanks Gary! I should have looked at my 56 parts book. I am getting lazy and using the wiki search too much.

Next question: Could a 1956 Corvette with a build date of August 27 1956, potentially have a 1119789 solenoid as an original build?

[Gary C.]

Re: 1119789 Starter Solenoid

My friend Gilbert's 1956 VIN4026 had #1119767 solenoid on it.

Gary
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[Mark S.]

Re: 1119789 Starter Solenoid

Thanks Gary; however, my question for further thought: My 56 50,000 mile August build Corvette came with a #1119789 starter solenoid. I traced my Corvette back to 1958 to Midway Chevrolet in St. Paul, Minnesota, and talked to the sons of the original owner of Midway Chevrolet. I also talked to the owners of my 56 that owned the car from 1958 to present. I was unable to get information on the first owner. The 2 owners back to 1958 gave me all the history and what was done back to 1958. These two owners said that the starter nor the solenoid was replaced in my Corvette. So, theoretically, the solenoid would have to have been replaced sometime between August 1956 to 1958, which I believe may not have happened. If my memory is correct in the initial 56/57 judging manuals the #1119789 was okay for a 56 Corvette. Were there other 56 Corvettes that may have had a #1119789 like mine; or are you using Gilbert's Corvette as a reference for all late 56 Corvettes? It makes no difference to me, as I have changed my #1119789 for a # 1119767 for judging purposes. I just wonder if a # 1119789 might have shown up in some of the late 1956 Corvettes?

[Gary C.]

Re: 1119789 Starter Solenoid

Mark,

'56 VIN4026 was produced mid August and had a #1119767 start solenoid on it.

Best to state your VIN and start a "survey" thread about '56's in your VIN range.

Gary
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[Mark S.]

Re: 1119789 Starter Solenoid

Gary:

My 56 VIN is 4200. It took me years to have the 56 thermostat housing changed to cast iron after several conversations with Scott S., the 56/57 Team leader at that time. Thank goodness that I met Jim Frakes; and we were able to verify that. I also had an orange block which was not deemed correct at that time but has since passed the kosher test. I have one of those 56s that was on the tail end of the 56 production line and start of the 57 line. I do not believe that I have enough runway left to do a 56 survey. I was very close to Mike Hunt; and I know all the time that he spent on research. With the early 56/57 judging manuals having the #1119789 in them: Do we know if there were members with late 56s and 97809 solenoids?

[Mark S.]

Re: 1119789 Starter Solenoid

Gary: If one were to look at the theory of #1119767 being replaced by # 1119789 on 7/1/1956. GM probably had a certain number of #1119767 solenoids left. After the short run of 1955 Corvettes; they might not have projected enough solenoids for the complete production of 1956 Corvettes. So, might it not be possible that GM might have introduced the # 1119789 solenoid at some time after your friend Gilbert's Corvette for the remaining of the 1956 production before the introduction of the #1107664 for the 1957 Corvettes? We know that they started to put 57 parts on the late 56 Corvettes.

[Gary C.]

Re: 1119789 Starter Solenoid

Mark,

Jim Frakes was a very valued member of the 5th & 6th 1956-7 Judging Manual revision team.

Found your Restorer article written back in the day about your starter solenoid.

Your best bet on getting the 56-7 JM changed is to contact John St. Peter the Team Leader. Good luck,

Gary
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[Mark S.]

Re: 1119789 Starter Solenoid

Thanks Gary! I find this Tech Board a valuable resource!