Correct 1966 L36 Battery Hold Down

[Mike M.]

The battery hold down on my '66 with a 390hp motor does not have the heat shield which as I read the Judging Manual is correct for a big block. The manual states in part:

"With Small Block engines, right hand batteries only, the top frame has a stamped steel heat shield spot welded onto the inboard side and is painted semi-gloss black."

During a judging meet, I got into a discussion with another judge who claimed all '66's had the heat shield. This judge was senior to me (in terms of points) so we moved on. Since the meet, I have been wondering which of us is correct. Please help clarify this point for me.

Thanks!

[Michael J.]

Re: Correct 1966 L36 Battery Hold Down

Not sure if it applies, but my L36 in my '66 (which has A/C and is thus a left side battery) does not have a heat shield and it suffered no deductions for that at the 2021 National.

[Gary B.]

Re: Correct 1966 L36 Battery Hold Down

The battery hold down on my '66 with a 390hp motor does not have the heat shield which as I read the Judging Manual is correct for a big block. The manual states in part:

"With Small Block engines, right hand batteries only, the top frame has a stamped steel heat shield spot welded onto the inboard side and is painted semi-gloss black."

During a judging meet, I got into a discussion with another judge who claimed all '66's had the heat shield. This judge was senior to me (in terms of points) so we moved on. Since the meet, I have been wondering which of us is correct. Please help clarify this point for me.

Thanks!

Mike,














Gary

[Mike M.]

Re: Correct 1966 L36 Battery Hold Down

Not sure if it applies, but my L36 in my '66 (which has A/C and is thus a left side battery) does not have a heat shield and it suffered no deductions for that at the 2021 National.

Thanks Michael! I'm anxious to see those Big Tank cars in a few weeks!!

[Mike M.]

Re: Correct 1966 L36 Battery Hold Down

Thanks Gary.

[John L.]

Re: Correct 1966 L36 Battery Hold Down

Mike,

Yes, L36 cars had heat shields, as did small blocks.IMG_2532.jpgIMG_2530.jpg

John

[Gary B.]

[John L.]

[Mike M.]

Re: Correct 1966 L36 Battery Hold Down

Thanks John for the great photo of your battery hold-down and the information! I really appreciate your assistance. It seems as though I'm missing the correct hold-down since I do not have A/C.

[Leif A.]

Re: Correct 1966 L36 Battery Hold Down

Not that Zip is the ultimate authority but they sell the battery heat shield and make no mention that it's only for small blocks. Rather it states for all '63L - '66 w/o A/C.

https://www.zip-corvette.com/63l-66-w-o-ac-battery-hold-down.html

Correct reproduction 1963L-1966 Corvette battery hold down. Holds battery into the battery tray assembly. Includes attached heat shield. Fits 1963-1966 Corvettes w/o air conditioning.Note: Fits 1963 Corvette after approximately 2/2/63.

[Mike M.]

Re: Correct 1966 L36 Battery Hold Down

Thanks Leif. I just received photos from a friend who has a very original '66 with an L36 that supports the heat shield should be in place.

[Gary B.]

[Joseph S.]

Re: Correct 1966 L36 Battery Hold Down

Mike
Just to add on, my '66 L36 with AC, which just went through judging at Frisco, does not have a battery heat shield and to my knowledge received no point deduction. However I think Mike J already established that.
For non AC cars, the way I read mechanical section 15, page 145, 3rd paragraph, of the latest '66 JD it clearly states "With Small Block engines, right hand batteries only...stamped heat shield...".
Joe

[Mike M.]

Re: Correct 1966 L36 Battery Hold Down

Hey Joe, thanks for your comments. It was great seeing you in Frisco. I was an OJ on the mechanical portion of your car - it's a great car! I was especially interested to look at your battery hold down. The other '66 that was next to yours did not have A/C but was an L72 car. It did have the heat shield on the hold down.

I appreciate y'all's hospitality during the Regional. Y'all did a great job!

[Gary B.]