Original big block starter heat shield - NCRS Discussion Boards

Original big block starter heat shield

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  • Steve Antonucci

    Original big block starter heat shield

    Hello,

    Can any members comment on the existance of a factory starter heat shield for
    1969 big block Corvettes? Or for that matter, 1967-68's. What I am trying to
    learn is: Did one exist? Was it "plain" steel or stainless steel? Does
    anyone have an original that they can post image(s) of?

    Were these heat shields also used on any other Chevy big block applications from
    1967 through 1969? I get answers all other the map on this topic.

    Hope some members can help.

    Thanks,
    Steve
  • Joe L.
    Beyond Control Poster
    • February 1, 1988
    • 43193

    #2
    Re: Original big block starter heat shield

    Steve-----

    It's really not too complicated. 1965-68 Corvette big blocks, or the big blocks used in any other Chevrolet cars, DID NOT use a starter solenoid heat shield. If you find one on a 65-68 car, someone added it (which is very possible).

    Beginning in 1969, Corvettes with big block DID use a starter solenoid heat shield. This shield was fabricated of stainless steel and was of GM #3943647. This was a Corvette-only piece. I have NOS examples [none for sale] so I know the part is "real".

    Also beginning in 1969 (or, possibly, very late 1968), many other Chevrolet cars with big block received a solenoid heat shield. This shield was also fabricated of stainless steel, but was different than the Corvette shield. It was GM #3954224 which was later replaced by GM #361443.
    In Appreciation of John Hinckley

    Comment

    • Steve Antonucci

      #3
      Re: Original big block starter heat shield

      Joe,

      I truly love how you tell us that you have one ( or more of the topic items ),
      but always add that they are not for sale! Talk about a carrot! Just kidding!

      OK, can you post an image of the Vette heat shield? Is it available in repro
      anywhare? If so, is it an accurate reproduction in your opinion?

      Now, to the issue of these things surviving to this point in time. Why is it
      that you never see these heat shields on ebay ( other than repro's or the ever
      popular NOS ones )? Especially if they were indeed stainless. I have been
      searching for a "correct" one for my 1969 L/89 Camaro ( other project ) for too
      many years now. I have never seen a used one for sale. What am I missing Joe?

      Steve

      Comment

      • Steve Antonucci

        #4
        Re: Original big block starter heat shield

        And another question Joe !

        Is there a part number stamped on the originals? If not, how does one
        identify the $#^@&!*@ thing?

        Steve

        Comment

        • Dick W.
          Former NCRS Director Region IV
          • June 30, 1985
          • 10483

          #5
          Re: Original big block starter heat shield

          Steve, Keen has one listed in their catalog. I thought that Paragon had them, but am unable to find it in the online catalog. You might call Keen Parts and ask them about the shield. I know that at one time there was a real good repro out there.
          Dick Whittington

          Comment

          • Joe L.
            Beyond Control Poster
            • February 1, 1988
            • 43193

            #6
            Re: Original big block starter heat shield

            Steve-----

            The Corvette heat shield is available in reproduction. In my opinion, the reproduction is excellent. It's stainless steel just like the original part, too. It's available from the reproduction parts sources like Dr. Rebuild. In fact, the Good Doctor might even have an NOS example lying around that he'll sell you. You never know what NOS pieces might be lurking in that rascal's inventory.

            I don't recall if the Corvette shield has the part number stamped in it, or not. At the moment, I'm too lazy to go out and dig one out, However, my general recollection is that it does NOT have the part number stamped upon it.

            As I previously mentioned, the Corvette shield was unique to Corvette applications. So, it's not the correct one for a Camaro. For a Camaro, you need GM #3943647. That one is also stainless. I don't know if it's available in reproduction, or not, since I don't really follow this.

            I've seen both of these shields on eBay in both NOS and used form. You don't see them too often, though. As far as telling them apart if they aren't in an NOS box or with a GM parts label on them, I couldn't tell you. I'm not real familiar with the non-Corvette piece.

            By the way, the reason that I mention that I have a particular part in a case like this is not to "entice". It's so that the reader knows that I have the part and know that it exists (as in this case) or that I have the part and I, therefore, know what its configuration is. The reason that I mention that it's not for sale is so that folks know that my mention of the part is not a veiled offer for sale and/or to avoid e-mails from folks asking if they can purchase the part.
            In Appreciation of John Hinckley

            Comment

            • Steve Antonucci

              #7
              Re: Original big block starter heat shield

              Joe,

              In response to your last paragraph regarding enticement, I know. I was only
              busting your chops just a little. I don't think that any one of us doubt your
              sincerity for even a moment. I apologize if you took my nudge out of the
              context of the jest I meant it to be.

              Lastly, where can I find this Dr. Rebuild?

              Steve

              Comment

              • Joe L.
                Beyond Control Poster
                • February 1, 1988
                • 43193

                #8
                Re: Original big block starter heat shield

                Steve-----

                He's retired now and, I'm told, has turned into a real eccentric. I understand that he spends most of his time doing pottery, weaving baskets, studying and composing "beat generation" poetry, and listening to old Cat Stevens recordings. He's one of the few people that knows all the words to every Cat Stevens song.

                Anyway, sometimes he shows up at the warehouse to recite his poetry to the staff and you might catch him there. Otherwise, talk to Debbie. The number is (203) 366-1332.
                In Appreciation of John Hinckley

                Comment

                • Steve Antonucci

                  #9
                  Re: Original big block starter heat shield

                  Joe,

                  Once again, I'm in your debt.

                  Steve

                  Comment

                  • Craig Skaaden

                    #10
                    Re: Original big block starter heat shield

                    Steve-

                    The shield I have in a GM box is P/N 3943647 and does not have a number stamped into the metal. It is SST.
                    Craig

                    Comment

                    • Mark #28455

                      #11
                      Re: Original big block starter heat shield

                      The reason you almost never see them on driven cars is that they are a hassle to any mechanic who has to replace the starter. When the mechanic was in a rush and being paid by the job, he would usually toss them in the dumpster.

                      Comment

                      • Wayne M.
                        Expired
                        • March 1, 1980
                        • 6414

                        #12
                        What shield is #3959552 (Gr. 2.104)

                        It's stainless and I ordered two in 1986 -- was supposed to be for a Corvette C2 SB, but doesn't look like the item in the AIM.

                        Comment

                        • Michael H.
                          Expired
                          • January 29, 2008
                          • 7477

                          #13
                          Re: What shield is #3959552 (Gr. 2.104)

                          Wayne,

                          The 3959552 was originally a 3851295 that was intended for 64 to roughly 68 or early 69. The 3959552 was a replacement that must have had some slight change in design for 69 and was used to service all 64 and newer cars. I don't remember what the change was but I'm sure someone here will know.

                          Comment

                          • John H.
                            Beyond Control Poster
                            • December 1, 1997
                            • 16513

                            #14
                            Re: Original big block starter heat shield

                            Usually followed by the starter brace, as well

                            Comment

                            • Joe L.
                              Beyond Control Poster
                              • February 1, 1988
                              • 43193

                              #15
                              Re: What shield is #3959552 (Gr. 2.104)

                              wayne-----

                              The GM #3959552 was the small block starter solenoid shield. As Michael mentioned, this shield was first used in PRODUCTION for the 1969 model year. It also became the SERVICE replacement for the 64-68 shield, GM #3851295, when that shield was discontinued in May, 1972.

                              Original examples of the 3959552 shield were not stainless steel. The NOS examples that I have are not, either. However, perhaps at some point they did change them to stainless. The big block shield was stainless.
                              In Appreciation of John Hinckley

                              Comment

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