Distributor Hold Down Bracket - 1960

[Joe L.]

Re: Distributor Hold Down Bracket - 1960

your clamp looks like the one gary pronesti sells. 55,56 and 57 have the same part number. if this is what the 56 and 57 originally had it is different than than the ones i find in 55. the shape of the bracket is the same, but as you view the bracket on the car the 55 bracket is smooth. yours shows a indentation on one side and a raised surface on the other.

John------


Not just 55, 56, and 57. According to GM the GM #3704912 clamp was used for all 55-59 small block as well as all 1968-79. The 1968-79 version of it is as I have pictured. That version may also have been used in the later 50's but I don't know one way or the other on that. Maybe there were even more than 2 versions. Why the part number was not changed when the clamp changed significantly I do not understand.

For 1980 the clamp was changed to GM #14007385 which also became SERVICE for all 1955-79. The 14007385 is pictured in the middle of the photo I posted in December, 2008. Note that it is only very slightly different than the 3704912. However, in this case the very slight change resulted in a new part number. This is the norm.

[Pete P.]

Re: Distributor Hold Down Bracket - 1960

After searching the TDB, I appreciate all the information on distributor clamps. I have an early 1960, base 283, 230 HP car and I have to say I'm somewhat confused as to what distributor clamp I should have. Currently, I have a wire clamp. What also confuses me is what John Scopelite mentioned is in the Bob Baird's restoration book showing the unrestored 1959 with the wire clamp.

For what it's worth, the AIM for 1960 shows on F.O.A 102, Sheet 4 a phantom depiction of the hold down clamp as being stamped steel. Could this depiction mean anything?

P.S. Why didn't the AIM show the part number for the clamp or even the distributor?

[Joe L.]

Re: Distributor Hold Down Bracket - 1960

After searching the TDB, I appreciate all the information on distributor clamps. I have an early 1960, base 283, 230 HP car and I have to say I'm somewhat confused as to what distributor clamp I should have. Currently, I have a wire clamp. What also confuses me is what John Scopelite mentioned is in the Bob Baird's restoration book showing the unrestored 1959 with the wire clamp.

For what it's worth, the AIM for 1960 shows on F.O.A 102, Sheet 4 a phantom depiction of the hold down clamp as being stamped steel. Could this depiction mean anything?

P.S. Why didn't the AIM show the part number for the clamp or even the distributor?

Pete------

It's very possible the wire-type clamp was used prior to 1961. GM says its use began for 1961 but it looks like it was used prior to that time.

The reason that the AIM does not show the part number for the clamp or distributor is because those parts were installed at the engine plant, not at St. Louis. Only parts installed at St. Louis are shown with part number in the AIM. There was also an engine AIM which would have shown those part numbers but those documents are not in general circulation.

[Pete P.]

Re: Distributor Hold Down Bracket - 1960

Joe,

Thanks for the clarification and the reason for the AIM omissions.

[Dan P.]

Re: Distributor Hold Down Bracket - 1960

I have a couple of the 57 clamps Gary has in his pictures

[Joe M.]

Re: Distributor Hold Down Bracket - 1960

My December built 1960 had the wire hold down when I purchased the car in 1989 so I can't say for certain that it is original, but I have seen the wire hold down on several 1960 Bowtie cars, don't remember the VINs.

[Joe M.]

Re: Distributor Hold Down Bracket - 1960

Found a photo of Vin 5884 and it had the wire hold down with engine orange paint on it.

[Keith R.]

Re: Distributor Hold Down Bracket - 1960

The 5th edition TIM & JG page 204 states that all 1958 and 1959 and most 1960 distributors are retained to the intake manifold by a thick stamped steel clamp, secured with a hex-head bolt. The clamp is black, possibly black cadmium. The bolt is either clear cadmium plated or natural. Known head markings are "UR", 'WC2B" and "E". It also states that the wire-type hold down may have been used randomly during later 1960