1966 ground strap questions

[Joseph U.]

Re: 1966 ground strap questions

Hi Alan,
I purchased this as a project previously started by another - So I am not sure about the frame - but it looks either new or completely redone - neither hole appears to have been tapped - at least I could not feel any ridges or grooves with a bent paper clip end. Are all of the screws the same? If so I can get the motor mount connected up as I have a screw for the antenna ground strap and could use that one. The other areas are so easy to get at that they can wait. Right now I would like to get this one attached and install the exhaust system and get out from under the car. If the screws are different then I will just have to wait.
Joe
PS:Timothy was being kind when he said you would have to "struggle" with the power steering bracket.
Joe

[Alan D.]

Re: 1966 ground strap questions

Yes - all the ground screws are 448645. If neither hole has been used then its either a replacement frame or was a radio delete car. Check your AIM, Section U69 for grounding information. And look at the ground that is attached to the accelerator lever, don't believe it will call out for a tooth washer.

[Joseph U.]

Re: 1966 ground strap questions

Thanks for the insight Alan,
I guess this may be a new frame since I don't think it was a radio delete car. I have the radio, the antenna and there is a broken off ground strap still on the accelerator lever (at least there was until I replaced it). I am going to attach the ground to the LH engine mount since that seems to be the consensus.
I do appreciate the help. I shall post a series of pictures when I get all of the grounding straps connected - maybe that will answer some of these questions for the next novice restorer.
Joe

[Nick C.]

Re: 1966 ground strap questions

Here is a little tease,

There is an excellent photo of TFP engine mount ground strap installation within the soon to be released 5th edition 1967 CTIM&JG. I believe the '66 ground strap mounting to be similar... As the image is under copyright, I am unable to post it.

[Joseph U.]

Re: 1966 ground strap questions

I did not know that there were pictures in the Judging Guides. Is that going to be the plan for all of the judging guides?

[Michael H.]

Re: 1966 ground strap questions

Here's a factory photo of a 350 HP 66 engine on the assembly line. The ground strap is attached to the left motor mount.

I don't think this part was side specific. It could have been installed on either side.

There's also a lot more good information in this picture, other than the ground strap.

[Nick C.]

Re: 1966 ground strap questions

Great photo reference. Attachment to frame is obviously absent in this example.

[Joseph U.]

Re: 1966 ground strap questions

I just took the front bolt out of the LH motor mount - there was a "split" washer present when I took it out - could not find that in the AIM - should this be there. IF it is on this bolt I would have to assume that one is one each of the other 3. Do you think I need to remove all of those? Do these bolts tend to "loosen" without the "lock washers"? Safety comes way ahead of judging points - after all I want to ride in this car when it is done.
Joe

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1966 ground strap questions

Joseph,

All three motor mount to block bolts on each side should have a captured split lock washer.

[Alan D.]

Re: 1966 ground strap questions

Take a look at
1966 Corvette Chassis Bolt Identification with Photos

Good thread on nuts & bolts that may be of a future help. The confusion I suspect is that the AIM does not list a bolt and L washer, but does list a "Screw Asm" which often times means it is more than just a bolt
That same 3748038 Screw Asm was also used on 69 Camaro in same area & again call "Screw Asm". In that diagram one can (well kind of) see a lock washer.

[Joseph U.]

Re: 1966 ground strap questions

Thank-you gentleman - I plan to put that back together right now. Should the ground strap go between the bolt and the lock washer or between the lock washer and the motor mount? I would think that the ground strap would be between the washer and the motor mount and the lock washer would be against the bolt.
Joe

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1966 ground strap questions

Joseph, Ground strap goes between lock washer and motor mount, you are correct in your thinking.

[Joseph U.]

Re: 1966 ground strap questions

I (with a little help from my Friends) have finished puttingthe ground strap on the motor mount for my 1966 base engine coup with powersteering (picture attached). Based on my experience and the 20-20retrospecto-scope, this is a 20 minute project that can easily be expanded to 3days based on inexperience. For the benefit of the next inexperienced amateurrestorer I would offer the following comments:Thanks for all of the help I do appreciate it.

Joe Utz