Mystery J-clips

[Bob S.]

On my '59 there are 3 j-clips riveted on each side of the transmission tunnel. The rear most is abeam the gear case. Moving forward the second is abeam the transmission/bell housing joint. The third is where the firewall starts to angle upward. Mine are severely rusted and mostly missing. I am replacing them. I did not take this car apart so I don't have that reference.
According to the AIM the j-clips on the left side are to route the speedometer cable but I can find no reference to what would be going down the right side. My question is: (a) Do I need these for something? (b) If not, should I still replace? (c) Leave them off and fill in the holes?
Thanks - Sully

[Howard M.]

Re: Mystery J-clips

Hi:
My '60 has the clips on the right side and they are used to hold the wire running from the neutral safety switch to the start relay on the firewall. Car is a base engine with powerglide. If you don't have an automatic, you can make your own decision on whether to replace or leave out.
Hal

[Bob S.]

Re: Mystery J-clips

Thanks Howard. I thought that might be the case. My car is a base 4-speed. I think I will probably replace them to keep the car as close to original as I can even though I don't plan on having it judged.
Once again, thanks for the reply. Sully

[James O.]

Re: Mystery J-clips

so does that mean the j-clips are always there on the pass side trans tunnel regardless of transmission type?

[Jack H.]

Re: Mystery J-clips

I think not (clips there on MT cars)!

Flip your copy of the AIM book to the PG option section (313) and you should see the clips, their rivets and where to install called out specifically as part of the AT option.

I'd conclude the presence of clips to be a give away clue for spotting an original AT car that's been converted to MT configuration, eh?

[Tom H.]

Re: Mystery J-clips

I think not (clips there on MT cars)!

Flip your copy of the AIM book to the PG option section (313) and you should see the clips, their rivets and where to install called out specifically as part of the AT option.

I'd conclude the presence of clips to be a give away clue for spotting an original AT car that's been converted to MT configuration, eh?

That is some good info. Learn something new every day !!

[Bob S.]

Re: Mystery J-clips

The only problem with that conclusion is that someone spent a lot of money to change the engine and transmission to the correct dates and markings (CQ engine) but that could be possible. Sully