C1 Distributor Bolt

[Dave Sly]

I have been looking through the box of bolts for the 59 Vette that I purchased from my uncle. I found a bolt (black in color) that has a recessed head with a letter E in the center. It also has a captive lock washer. It fits in the distributor bolt hole on the intake manifold. As such, I am assuming that this is the correct bolt.

The JM just says that the bolt has a letter E (nothing about recessed head, black color or captive lock washer).

Do you think I have the correct bolt?

Thanks in advance,
Dave

[Dennis A.]

Re: C1 Distributor Bolt

Dave,

the correct bolt does not have a captive lock washer...

[Joe L.]

Re: C1 Distributor Bolt

Dave-----

I've never seen a Chevrolet distributor clamp bolt that had a captive lockwasher. For one thing, the clamp used with C1 engines was of such a configuration that I don't think that a lockwasher, captive or otherwise, would work properly with it.

I've always felt that a FLAT washer, captive or otherwise, should have been used on this bolt. However, I've never seen an original bolt with one of those, either.

[John D.]

Re: C1 Distributor Bolt

Dennis, I see a lot of original C1 distributor bolts that are UR. They are about 9/16" long. Rather short bolts. Don't see very many E's at all. Either case they are just a plain old hex head bolt-no recess and no captured washer. The repro is incorrect for C1 as it's an M.
My 63 has an original TR. Midyears also used M's, RBW and maybe RBS??
Wait until you start looking for original coil bracket bolts. Those are tough to find. Your car used WB 1C for a start. Two different lengths.Remember there were various suppliers of most of the hardware. JD

[Dennis A.]

Re: C1 Distributor Bolt

The "M" bolt (3/8-16) and a wire hold down clamp was used on the 1961-62's. The 1961-62 JG makes reference to the 1/8 dia. wire clamp...not real sure about 1956-60, but a "TR" bolt and a stamped hold down clamp makes sense....good discussion.

[John D.]

Re: C1 Distributor Bolt

HI Dennis, I was glad to see that you said the 61 & 62 used the wire distributor clamp as I was just guessing about the 61's as whether they used solid steel one or the wire. So they used an M bolt. Wonder what else they used besides the "M" bolt. Yes it's a good discussion for a change as these clamps and hardware have typically been up in the air in that you don't see many cars at a show with matching hardware or components. Thanks, John

[Dave Sly]

Re: C1 Distributor Bolt

Dennis,

Paragon sells a black phosphate TR bolt for the distributor hold-down. Unfortunately the JM does not list the TR bolt as being used.

The JM and assembly manual show the stamped bracked being used in 59. Luckily, I have one of those.

Dave

[Dave Sly]

Re: C1 Distributor Bolt

John,

My car is Fuel Injected (250hp). Do you still think that the coil bracket bolts are wbc1? Is this a judged item? I didn't see a reference for coil bracket bolts in the JM. Mine (from Paragon or Zip - don't remember) are recessed head bolts wth a wide flange and no head marking.

Dave