spark plug shields on 71 S/B Auto

[Ralph A.]

Trying to find accurate information on the proper shields that cover the plugs. I have the heat shields but are there chrome plug shields on this model?
Thanks
Ralph

[Jack H.]

Yes and no....

I presume you're asking about the radio RFI shielding vs. the heat shielding. If car was BB, then only a distributor shield was used as the plug wires were braided/shielded themselves. If SB AND equipped with factory radio option(s), then the distributor had a cover/lid, there were RH & LH shield surrounding the spark wires on their trip down to the spark plug galley and there were two spark plug shields covering both the RH and LH rear two spark plugs. These were OFTEN discarded by original owners/mechanics as 'nuissance' components during periodic tune-ups.

Reproduction shielding components available today vary 'slighly' from factory original parts in terms of finish. The quality of chrome on repro components is MUCH better than the factory original 'smack' plating and the forming/stammping process is superior without the telltale tooling striations along curved edge lines characteristic of factory original shielding components....

[Ralph A.]

Re: Yes and no....

So, if I understand it only the rear 2 plugs had the chrome cover. Why not the front? My risers are original but the plug covers were missing. Could not get definitive if I needed 4 or 2.
Thanks for the quick response.
Now I need to find NOS covers.
Ralph

[Jack H.]

Re: Yes and no....

"why not the front"

Because that's the way the car was built at the factory. Don't mean to be glib but front spark plug shields were deleted when designers incorporated 'locker' style motor mounts and the geometry of the lower heat shields ('V' or 'boomerang') changed to accommodate the potential for interference fit with the improved motor mounts. Be thankful you don't have to install four lower plug RFI shields to get your engine compartment into factory concours condition! They're a PITA plus you save money!

[Ralph A.]

Thanks, subject closed. *NM*

[Patrick H.]

Re: Yes and no....

Ralph,

The chrome "horizontal" shields in place above the rear two plugs on each side are so hard to see that I'd just go with the reproduction units.

The chrome "vertical" shields that cover the wires as they cascade down the side of the block at the rear are much easier to examine and determine original vs. repro. I'd be very surprised if you'll find NOS of these, but original used ones in reasonable condition are relativley common at the larger swap meets.

Patrick

[Terry M.]