61 engine brace ground straps

[James F.]

My question is, if the C1 cross brace is painted, how do the bolts ground the engine if there is paint under the washers? When the engine was painted, were the washers already on? I've seen posts where the engine was painted with grounds attached, then removed & sent back for re-use.

[Richard M.]

Re: 61 engine brace ground straps

James, Good question. I don't have definitive answer, but to ensure a good ground for the AM Radio ground straps, clean the paint on the brace under the thick washer areas so you ensure good contact.

Here's a possibility about your question though, after additional thoughts....
I suspect at the factory, since at Flint the engine was painted with brace and water pump installed, they may have masked the areas under the brace thick washer areas. Then at St Louis when the engine was set down with the rubber mounts, it was clean already. Also, since the tubes built into the rubber mounts would press into the lower and upper holes of the brace when the bolts were tightened, this also likely completed another 2 pairs of ground paths.

Rich

[James F.]

Re: 61 engine brace ground straps

James, Good question. I don't have definitive answer, but to ensure a good ground for the AM Radio ground straps, clean the paint on the brace under the thick washer areas so you ensure good contact.

Here's a possibility about your question though, after additional thoughts....
I suspect at the factory, since at Flint the engine was painted with brace and water pump installed, they may have masked the areas under the brace thick washer areas. Then at St Louis when the engine was set down with the rubber mounts, it was clean already. Also, since the tubes built into the rubber mounts would press into the lower and upper holes of the brace when the bolts were tightened, this also likely completed another 2 pairs of ground paths.

Rich

I had to replace the water pump. After painting the brace, that shiny washer was not going to ground well against paint!
It's amazing how much work went into such a basic car, masking that area seems the only way to insure a good ground.
The JM shows paint over that area & some on the strap ends, even a red inspection mark. I guess the only thing to do is reproduce that. Thanks for your reply, Jim

[Richard M.]

Re: 61 engine brace ground straps

I had to replace the water pump. After painting the brace, that shiny washer was not going to ground well against paint!
It's amazing how much work went into such a basic car, masking that area seems the only way to insure a good ground.
The JM shows paint over that area & some on the strap ends, even a red inspection mark. I guess the only thing to do is reproduce that. Thanks for your reply, Jim

I don't have my JM handy, what color paint? Black I might understand, but not orange, as Flint painted the orange. Unless of course, Flint had the rubber mounts and bolts/hdwe, but IIRC the AIM has the rubber mounts, etc listed as assembly parts, so not likely included at Flint.

Rich