'58 Ignition Shielding

[Garry Barnes]

I have recently bought a '58 with the 245hp dual quad engine. After disassembling small items to do detail work I am having a hell of a time getting the ignition shielding back on. I always had a challenge with mid-years that I have owned, but never like this! The right side verticle cover seems to be the culprit, but it came with it attached so there must be a way. Someone please tell me what the secret is. Thanks.

[John H.]

Re: '58 Ignition Shielding

After 25 years of fiddling with ignition shielding, I have found a scratch awl with about 1-1/4" of the end bent 90 degrees to be indispensable in lining up the three thicknesses on each side of the top cover where the horizontal wingbolts go through the top cover hole, side cover hole, and into the 1/4"-20 threaded ear on the plug wire support, and the fun one at the right rear that comes up at an angle through the hole in the side shield into the green "U"-nut on the "ear" at the bottom of the R.H. vertical shield. Other than this, low-key profanity, an occasional break, and a cold beer generally gets the job done. Had to remove the top and both verticals during Flight Judging last month, and managed to get it back together without embarrassment in minutes, thanks to the bent scratch awl I carry in my little road tool box.

[John H.]

Re: '58 Ignition Shielding

After 25 years of fiddling with ignition shielding, I have found a scratch awl with about 1-1/4" of the end bent 90 degrees to be indispensable in lining up the three thicknesses on each side of the top cover where the horizontal wingbolts go through the top cover hole, side cover hole, and into the 1/4"-20 threaded ear on the plug wire support, and the fun one at the right rear that comes up at an angle through the hole in the side shield into the green "U"-nut on the "ear" at the bottom of the R.H. vertical shield. Other than this, low-key profanity, an occasional break, and a cold beer generally gets the job done. Had to remove the top and both verticals during Flight Judging last month, and managed to get it back together without embarrassment in minutes, thanks to the bent scratch awl I carry in my little road tool box.