66 Front Brake Line Clips

[Dave K.]

The 66 JM (page 97) identifies two green phosphate green clips inserted into frame rail that clamp front brake lines in engine compartment. JM states that two clips are visible in the area of steering box. AIM identifies two clips, one in engine compartment and one at front of front crossmember. I identify only one green clip near steering box on my car. Is the JM correct? Is the clip at the front of front crossmember also to be green phosphate?

Regards,
Dave K.

[Tim E.]

Re: 66 Front Brake Line Clips

Dave - I have your email address so I'll send you my writeup from a survey I took this past August and September on the method used to secure the brake line to the front crossmember on late 1966 Corvettes. The clip used at the crossmember is not green, it is a natural steel loop like clip on early cars.

Here's the conclusion I reached:

I decided to take a survey of owners of late 1966 cars by posting notes on the NCRS Technical Discussion Board, the Corvette Forum, and the Corvette Action Center. I also sent notes to owners of late 1966 cars registered in the C2 Registry and even to owners advertising their cars in The Driveline.

A pattern quickly emerged from 38 owners that responded.

Each owner of a car built on or before April 29, 1966 (s/n 20541) reported a single hole with a single loop-like clip consistent with the 1966 TIMJG and with what the Chassis Judges expected to see for 1966. Each owner of a car built on or after May 5, 1966 (s/n 21064) reported three holes, 2 flat-style clamps, and the center hole unused. I plan to continue to try to locate owners of 522 cars built between April 29 and May 5 to further narrow down the apparent production change.