early 66 big block

[Jim J.]

Hi Folks,
It's been a while since i've posted, how is everyone?
I have come across a very interesting 66 390. It is car # 318 so I am guessing it was built within the first few weeks of the build year. Here is what is interesting:
1.The hood prop is located on the passenger side.
2.The driver's side inner fender well has the cutout panel for battery access, but the battery is located on the passenger side.
3.The hood is a correct 66 big block hood with the emblem but it also has the prop mount on the passenger side with no evidence of ever being tampered with or changed, it must have come from GM this way.
4.I have looked this thing top to bottom and it appears to have never been apart or the front end/changed reglued or tampered with. It is also a very low mileage car with serious documentation including dealer invoice, owner history, POP and mileage documentation(17K).
5.Regarding the documentation, it has an 18 written in grease pencil over the trim code plate,on the bill of sale and on the body.
6.Other interesting features are the silver interior with black dash pads. There is no question that these are the original interior components.
Any opinions on what I have here?
Thanks very much.
I can also post pictures of the wheel well if anyone is interested.
Thanks,
Jim Jordan

[Michael H.]

Re: early 66 big block

Jim,

Sounds like everything is in order and correct for the early time of build. I have one question. Is the R.H. fender skirt the 65 style or the new design for 66-67? Thanks,

Michael

[Jim J.]

Re: early 66 big block

Thanks for the post Mike,
It appears as though it is the later fender well(66-7) on the passenger side. It is interesting how many 65 parts are on this car. It also has a 65 396 oil pan and timing chain cover with the bolt in the front center.
Jim

[Michael H.]

Re: early 66 big block

Thanks Jim. The reason I wondered about the RH skirt is because the skirt was redesigned in early 66 production, along with the relocation of the hood support from RH to LH. I've never seen one but I've heard there were some very early 66's that still used the 65 design RH skirt. All of the changes were to be made for a new option combination that was "coming soon".

Michael

[Terry M.]

Corvette Restorer reference

Jim,
There are two stories by Everett Ogilvie about features of 1966 big blocks which include some observations of early 1966 features. See The Corvette Restorer V 29 #4 for part 1, and V 30 #2 for part 2.

[Jim J.]

Re: Corvette Restorer reference

Thanks Terry and Mike.
I really, really appreciate the direction. I will look up the reference.
Thanks again,
Jim Jordan

[mikemccagh]

Re: Corvette Restorer reference

does the engine block have a pair if cast-in gussets at 11 and 1 oclock above the timing chain cover like a 65 396 vette block?mike

[Wayne W.]

Re: Corvette Restorer reference

I would question whether the LH inner fender was the 65 or the 66 style. The 65 will have absolutely no provision for a hood stand bracket. Some pictures would be nice.