70 shroud and extension

[Dennis D.]

Got some help from Joe, but before I cut something for nothing, I was wondering if anyone has done this. My correct shroud is a 3956109.Extension 3956118. I need the extension. The GM replacement to the 3956118 is the 331870.

The problem is the '870 is a full circle piece. the '118 is only the lower semi circle. However,it appears that by cutting the upper semi circle off the '118,I would in essence have an '870.

Before I hack a perfectly good nos 331870, has anyone done this mod before? Did GM intend for you to do this when it became the replacement for the 3956118?

[Chuck S.]

Re: 70 shroud and extension

Dennis, with all restoration parts, my order of preference would be:

(1) A new NOS GM part, if it can be found, and is the exact configuration of the original part. A representative sample of the original part for comparison is essential...replacement service parts (see 4 below) may have the same part number, but vary considerably from the original configuration.

(2) A used original part, if it's a "hard" part that can be restored, or used "as is" in very good condition. This may require your presence at one of the annual national swap meets like Corvettes at Carlisle...if you are on a fast track restoration, this can cause you problems.

(3) A new reproduction part from a vendor that knows the importance of part accuracy. The best scenario is to have the original part for comparison even if it's in poor condition. In several cases, after determining that the repro offerings were totally unacceptable, I have reverted to (2) above, restoring my own original part or buying another at a swap meet. Soft parts like interior items (door panels, seat covers, carpet) will also almost always fall into this categoy.

(4) A fully functional GM replacement part if it can be found; this type part will probably vary in appearance from the original, and some deducts can be expected.

Categories (3) and (4) can reverse depending on how close the configuration of the applicable part is to the original part. I doubt that you can get a satisfactory restoration part by sectioning the last current issue part, but I haven't seen your replacement.