'72 lower ignition shielding

[Kurt G.]

I'm in the process of replacing the missing lower exhaust shielding and am not sure where all of it attaches. I've looked at the AIM and it appears it attaches with the exhaust manifold bolts. Is that correct? All of the lower shielding was removed from mine by a previous owner, so I have no clue where it might attach. And, I'm asking without having looked under the car to see if any attach points are visible. The car is about 8,000 miles from me at the moment.

[Harmon C.]

Re: '72 lower ignition shielding

The inter shields attach with one 1/4'' threaded bolt each into the block. The chrome shields attach with wing bolts to brackets mounted to the exhaust manifold studs. The biggest problem I have is if the brackets are not marked where thet go all of them look very similar but only fit where they are designed to fit.

[Jack H.]

Re: '72 lower ignition shielding

And, key 'tricks' to getting the installation right, is to closely view the assy sequence as called out in the U69 option section of your AIM book. THEN, when you go to put everything together, mount the lower shield L-brackets finger tight so they're still loose enough to move, but will still retain their position.

Now, test fit the lower shields and move the brackets as required to achieve alignment for the shield attaching wing nuts. Remove the shields and final torque the brackets retaining their proper orientation.

Then, you can go ahead and install the lower brackets. Tip: make sure you route the engine temp coolant harness through the RH lower shield and connect it to the switch BEFORE you commit the shield to its final mounting position and the insertion of the wing nuts!