C1 59 Splash Shield Bolts

[Dave Sly]

I noticed that the JM says that the splash shield uses clutch head screws. My car (April 59) has hex bolts and they all appear to be original to the car (the car is very original, and the bolts are all the same, and covered in original looking undercoating). I also noticed that Paragon sells a splash shield bolt kit that includes the same kinds of bolts my car has. I am confused on if I should put my original-looking bolts back on or switch over to clutch head bolts to appeal to the JM. Any recommendations?

I also have a similar discrepancy with the Speedo and Tach cables. Both of mine are gray vinyl covered. They look almost identical in terms of age, and have the correct ends. In the JM, I should have a black Tach cable and a steel speedo cable. I also noticed that the speedo cable was changed to gray in 1960. Do you think they started using gray towards May 1959 (2 months before 60 build)? Has anyone else encountered this?

Thanks,
Dave

[Dan H.]

Re: C1 59 Splash Shield Bolts

Dave, have seen both clutch head and the later hex head screws in splash shields, early were like 58's and had clutch head. Later had hex head without any markings on the head but others are possible. My 59 sn 7049 had a steel external speedo case as did the tach. Don't remember seeing any grey covered ones, so many things were substituted for the original. If it were my car the 'as found' items would remain until I could see a close sn 'untouched' 59 to get more ideas from. Have fun and enjoy the car!
Dan

[Roy B.]

Re: C1 59 Splash Shield Bolts

I always say keep the parts on or box them if you feel they came with the Corvette. I've seen to many parts in the JM that I know are wrong (55) or missing and I just take the hits. Many people do the same but other Change parts to meet the JM. Good luck!

[Dave Sly]

Re: C1 59 Splash Shield Bolts

Thanks for the reply. My car is #7110, so ours were likely made on the same day (or within days) of one another. I'll switch back the cables to the JM specs (my gray ones are looking pretty tired anyway). I do think I will stick with the hex bolts and try to convince the judges that they were original. I took lots of pictures before I removed them.

Dave