1966 ground strap questions

[Joseph U.]

I am trying to put the ground straps on my 1966 coup and have several questions:
1. Is the picture below the correct routing for the antenna ground strap. I can't quite figure out the AIM and could find no pictures.
2. The AIM (U69 A4) states that the ground strap is on the RH motor mount while the judging manual (pg 59) says the LH motor mount. Which is correct? In this regard since the engine is already in the car - will I get myself into big trouble if I remove the front bolt - I am assuming the ground strap goes on the bolt that holds the motor mount to the engine. That assumes I can get to this bolt - which is questionable since the car has Power Steering. While I may lose a few points - will there be a problem if I use the rear bolt, assuming the ground strap is long enough.
3. THe second picture below is from the AIM and shows a ground strap to the LH body bracket. I can't figure out where this is. Is this the mount just to the rear of the left front tire well (picture 3)? if so I can see the hole for one end of the strap - but where does the other side connect? Does anyone have a picture (worth a thousand words as they say).
Thanks for all of the help.
Joe
66 antenna ground strap.jpgIMAG0251.jpgIMAG0253.jpg

[Gene M.]

Re: 1966 ground strap questions

Joe,
You will better fit on antenna strap if ya go above the body mount going to steel plate on aluminum ground plane.
The engine ground strp will only reach the forward bolt.
Ground strap @ LH body mount is @ hole shown in your photo and clip end attaches (press on) to the body bird cage above it. Links frame and body bird cage electrically ground.

[Joseph U.]

Re: 1966 ground strap questions

Thanks Gene,
Let me ask you the following:
1. is it the left hand or the right hand body mount?
2. If I take the one bolt out of the body mount - the most forward one I guess, assuming I can get it out that is - will the engine move and then make it very problematic to get the bolt back in?
Joe

[Alan D.]

Re: 1966 ground strap questions

Sorry for very poor pictures however they give you the general idea.

As for which side the motor mount is grounded first take a look at the hole in the frame for any indication of a bolt being in there. If you find one side shows no threads from a grounding bolt DO NOT make any threads and ground on other side. If both sides have been used just use easier side. (sorry about red wire-don't use show stuff until the show)

Can not find the photo of the other ground point so if nobody gives any hints I can take a new photo tomorrow.

[Gene M.]

Re: 1966 ground strap questions

Thanks Gene,
Let me ask you the following:
1. is it the left hand or the right hand body mount?
2. If I take the one bolt out of the body mount - the most forward one I guess, assuming I can get it out that is - will the engine move and then make it very problematic to get the bolt back in?
Joe

1. Typical assembly is LH
2. No problem engine will stay put. Just make sure the other two are tight first.

[Joseph U.]

Re: 1966 ground strap questions

Antenna Ground Strap 2.jpg

How about this for the Antenna Ground Strap - not exactly the same as Gene - but it looks like that is all one open space (above the body mount) and that was the easiest way to thread it thru. It sure looks better than my first attempt. Is there a judging issue here?

I will tackle the Engine mount tomorrow - so how does the judging go - LH (judging book) or RH (AIM) engine mount?

I will try the "body bracket" ground strap as soon as I can.

I appreciate the help.
Joe

[Joseph U.]

Re: 1966 ground strap questions

How about this for the LH body bracket ground strap - from the outside and inside.
Does anyone know how long that screw should be or if there is anything special about the screw. Probably not visible with the rocker panels on so probably makes no difference.

Also is there a real consensus on the LH of RH motor mount - I am going to have to either remove the fuel pump or PS pump to get at that bolt so might as well do it right the first time. AIM or Judging manual?

Joe

[Jim D.]

Re: 1966 ground strap questions

Joe, For 1965's, the AIM shows the ground strap on the pass. side motor mount and the Judging Guide states it should be on the drivers side. The AIM is incorrect. The ground strap is only on the drivers side.

[Gene M.]

Re: 1966 ground strap questions

How about this for the LH body bracket ground strap - from the outside and inside.
Does anyone know how long that screw should be or if there is anything special about the screw. Probably not visible with the rocker panels on so probably makes no difference.

Also is there a real consensus on the LH of RH motor mount - I am going to have to either remove the fuel pump or PS pump to get at that bolt so might as well do it right the first time. AIM or Judging manual?

Joe

screw is 1/4-20 with taper cutting thread type about 1/4"-3/8" long indented head insert from outside.
check AIM typical on left side engine mount.

[Joseph U.]

Re: 1966 ground strap questions

Thanks Gene,
tricky when you can't trust the AIM.
That's what makes if fun.
Joe

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1966 ground strap questions

On my 63 coupe the motor mount ground straps were on both sides FYI.

Also, I think you can remove the front motor mount bolt with removing the fuel pump, just take your time. The other side you sometimes have to struggle with the power steering bracket getting things lined up.

[Joseph U.]

Re: 1966 ground strap questions

Thanks Gene,
Is this the same screw for all of the ground straps? Is this a screw (with a slot for a screwdriver) or without the slot for a screwdriver?
Does it matter from a judging point of view?
thanks
joe

[Gene M.]

Re: 1966 ground strap questions

Joe
No slot.
It matters for judging, maybe not a point deduct but a dot for additive accumulation.

[Joseph U.]

Re: 1966 ground strap questions

Thanks,
Found some non-slotted screws - but not self tapping, May need to tap the holes first.
Joe

[Alan D.]

Re: 1966 ground strap questions

Joe - is this a new frame? If NOT then these holes have already been tapped from original assembly.

If it's an original frame DO NOT tap! These screws are available from most good repo houses so put on you list of needed parts.