Steering Shock/396 Battery Access Panel

[John O.]

I'm currently restoring a 396 roadster and have a two part question. 1. I've noticed in the 65 AIM that there is a steering shock absorber assembly present but on my car there is none. Is that because clearance problems with the oil pan or should there be a shock assembly. It is pictured on page E171 in my AIM. The drawing on page E169/170 shows no shock assembly. Also can anyone tell me a good method for removing the speed nuts on the battery access panel without doing damage. I've soaked them in penetrating oil and they are still on there good.

Thanks for any advice,
John

[Jack Layton]

Re: Steering Shock/396 Battery Access Panel

John, My 396/425 had no steering stabilizer either. Serial # 16814.
Check NCRS 1965 Corvette Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide page 137
"steering stabilizer". It indicates that the stabilizer was not used on the L76 365 hp, L84 375 hp, and the L78 425 hp cars. I hope all is going well with the car.

[Wayne M.]

Re: Steering Shock/396 Battery Access Panel

John -- There were a few early L78's produced with the steering damper, but these were recalled (there's a tech bulletin out there on this). It may have been interference with the oilpan, but somehow this didn't prevent power steering from being a valid option throughout the 396 production run (and on subsequent C2 big block motors). BTW, steering damper shows on section UPC 9, sheet 3 in my AIM; page E195.

As to the nuts on the battery panel (fender), all I can suggest is rubber hose on the wheel side nut, to prevent scoring, with vise grips to hold. There's a big chance you'll pull the small rivets holding the nut to the fender, though.