Ignition Shielding Question

[Rob M.]

All,

I am trying to restore my original ignition shielding ('66 300 horse) and have a couple of questions that I hope can be easily answered.

First, my front clip was broken off some time in the past. I ordered a new one from LIC. LIC calls out one front clip for '66-'67. Upon close inspection by Dan Holstein and myself, we don't think it is correct. Looking in Noland's book, it has GM drawings that call out GM#3882701 (page 371) for small blocks. The clip from LIC, looks like the big block version (GM# 3904852 called out on page 437 in Noland's book).

So . . . is the one from LIC incorrect? Where does one find a correct reproduction front clip for a base 327 ignition shield?

Also, can some one please post a picture of a correct front clip for my application (correctly attached preferred) as well as the clip on the rear?

Finally, Jerry Fuccillo has made a tool to rivet the new one on (as in the archives). I've talked to him about it. Luckily, Dan has made one to Jerry's specs, but it is difficult at best to get to work. Does anyone know of another way/tool to do the rivets on this little monster?

Thank you in advance

[Gerard F.]

Re: Ignition Shielding Question

Rob,

Here are pictures of two kits:

LI:



Paragon:



Both kits had identical clips. Actually I forgot which one I eventually used, but I think it was the LI one. I got two kits because of the rivets, they are hard to find and are 1/8" X 3/16" semi-tubular rivets. You can easily get 1/8" X 1/4" to practice on, with a double washer.

Also, get 1/8" X 3 mm steel Arrow rivet washers to use instead of the kit washers. They are a little thicker than the kit washers and give a better fit. They are also the same outside diameter as the originals.

Here's another picture of the tool, and the clip in place:



Take a close look at the driving part on the hole punch. This is not the punch that came with the set, it is a 1/4" hole punch from a smaller hole punch set. I used the smaller punch because the one which came with the larger set, did not give me enough clearance to get the punch inside the ignition shield. In the picture, the punch just about clears the housing in a closed position on the lever.

Another trick was to use rubber cement to hold the clip, rivet and washer in place, while you make this very awkward manuever to set the rivet. I noticed that when I took the original off, the factory guys also used some glue to hole things in place.

I would advise you to practice on some other rivets and sheetmetal before you tackle the rivets on the shield. You could also try reversing the punching part with the backing part in the tool for greater clearance and leverage. but you will need to divot out a smaller screw for the punching part.

Here's the finished rivet backs on my project:



You'll notice a little sloppyness with the glue I used.

Also, there are some other rivet set press tools out there. If you get one, make sure that it has at least a 3" throat depth to get to the inner rivet inside the shield.

Have fun,

[Rob M.]

Re: Ignition Shielding Question

Jerry,

Thanks for the post. The LIC product that you show is exactly what I got. Perhaps the clip I got was packaged incorrectly. It only has 4 teeth and is not shaped like the one you have attached.

I'll have to get a clip from Paragon to compare and then give it a try with your tool (Dan's).

Jerry, would you mind posting a shot of your rear clip installed?

Thanks!

[Gerard F.]

Re: Ignition Shielding Question

Rob,

Here's a picture of the other side of that LI package:



The clip has 5 teeth.
In the bottom of this picture you'll see one of my practice runs on sheetmetal with the tool.

I don't have a picture of the rear clip handy. But I think it is folded over as it just clips onto the rear of the top shield and contacts the tach cable fitting to the distributor.

For laughs, here is how I cleaned my shielding:



Of course, while the wife was away on a trip

[Dan H.]

Re: Ignition Shielding Question

Rob, LI did send you the wrong one, we'll need to modify the 'tool'. Hey Jerry, could you send me the 1/4" upper part to use on Rob's shield?
Dan

[Gerard F.]

Re: Ignition Shielding Question

Dan,

Just send me a PM with your address and I'll put it in the mail Monday.

[Rob M.]

Re: Ignition Shielding Question

Jerry,

Definitely different clips, but with the same package. I'll have to call them.

I like the way you "cleaned" your shielding! I won't tell the Mrs. I had mine done by a plater (those pieces that are flashed chromed) and rest was polished. To be honest, I'm not thrilled with the results. It looks "over restored" to me.

Thanks again to you and Dan - you both are awesome!