1967 chrome vs. stainless ignition shielding

[Steven B.]

On my 67, I noticed that the shielding on the right side is chrome plated, while the right side is stainless. The 1967 JG confirmed this so I guess the shielding is correct. My question is why one side would be chromed, while the other is made out of stainless. It would seem more practical to make it all out of stainless for longevity. Am I missing something? A search didn't seem to turn up anything. Anyone have information on this? I hope this isn't a dumb question.
Steve

[David L.]

Re: 1967 chrome vs. stainless ignition shielding

Steve,

The 3880997 left rear horizontal shield shop drawing specifies the following:

MATERIAL:
AISI TYPE 430 STAINLESS STEEL
16% TO 18% CHROMIUM PREFERRED
.031 TO .039 THICK."

The 3880998 right rear horizontal shield shop drawing specifies the following:

MATERIAL:
STAINLESS STEEL TYPE 433,434 OR
436 CHROMIUM 16.00 - 18.00 %
PREFERRED. .026 - .039 THICK

OPTIONAL MATERIAL:
CR STEEL SCALE FREE AISI C-1010 OR
C-1020 .031 - .039 THICK

CHROMIUM PLATE PER GM 4373-M

Apparently stainless steel was the only material specified for the left side shields while the right side shields had the option of using chrome plated scale free steel as well as stainless steel. Chrome plated steel shields must have been less expensive to make.

Maybe it was just an oversight on certain drawings and no one noticed.

Dave

[Peter L.]

Re: 1967 chrome vs. stainless ignition shielding

Steve - My first bet is that they wanted them to look good for the initial buyer and my second bet is that they didn't expect the cars to last so long. Pete

[Gary B.]

Re: 1967 chrome vs. stainless ignition shielding

Guys,

If two of the four shields had the option in the GM spec of being stainless or chrome plated steel, are there any known examples of mid-year cars that came with 4 stainless shields?

Gary