65 Exhaust heat shields

[Jim V.]

First off...anybody know what the correct finish is for the exhaust heat shields? Based on my originals it would appear they were zinc or cad.

I have posted the pic below to highlight the differences between my originals and current repros for 1965. Based on research I have there is some controversy on whether the 65 used the same style as 66&67 or 64 for the drivers side. As pictured the drivers side for 66-67 has a longer angled end. My originals appear to be the same configuration as 66-67. The donor car is a very late 65 (July build). Did the 65 use 66-67 shields or is this simply a late 65 phase in of the new style?

Thanks!

[Barbara S.]

Re: 65 Exhaust heat shields

Jim. I have a July 29, 1965 car. It had the original heat shields on it when I took apart the chassis. I'm sure that they are the originals because the second owner who I bought it from last drove it in 1972. I cleaned them up and had them replated. I'll post photos of them if you'd like. It'll be tomorrow though before I can get to them.

Best,
Tony

[Jim V.]

Tony...love to see em!

If a pic is a hassle just compare em to my pic.

Also love to compare some other late 65 stuff.....

Thanks

[Robert Jorjorian]

The "correct" finish is bare metal with no plating *NM*

[Jim V.]

Yikes...

Surprised my originals made it this long...As usual rather than rust I will opt for a cast or SS hi-temp.

Thanks

[Robert Jorjorian]

Re: Yikes...

Jim your original at the bottom of the pic appears to show bare metal at the far right side. Blackout protected them somewhat depending who was shooting it.

If the front pipes were changed, the blackout washed off with solvent if the mechanic went to the trouble of cleaning them before reinstalling.

New ones through GM parts usually came in painted (dipped) black. rj

[Barbara S.]

Re: Yikes...

Robert. Just so I'm clear, the heat shields were in place prior to black out? If that's the case, then they could be blacked out as well as the pipes and mufflers since the '65 JG calls for a blacked out exhaust system.

Tony

[Robert Jorjorian]

Re: Yikes...

Tony If you install the shield on the pipe and black the exhaust out that would be exactly how it was done.

After cleaning original shields and finding bare shiney metal underneath, I'm confident that is the reason they weren't rusted where the blackout was. rj

[Barbara S.]

Re: Yikes...

RJ: Makes sense. This is perfect timing because I just got in my new exhaust system for my '65. Fortunately, my original heat shields were in really good condition. I re-plated them rather than leaving them natural. However, if they could have been blacked out during the exhaust system black out process, then I'll just do that. Nobody will ever know that they were re-plated.

I appreciate the info.
Best,
Tony

[Jim V.]

Blackout...forward of mufflers

RJ....Didn't know exhaust systems were blacked forward of mufflers. In this case would 1. cast blast only, 2. cast blast with some BO, or 3. Black only, be more correct? Really splitting atoms...I know.

Thanks

[Jim V.]

Late 65 heat shields..

Tony...can you confirm which style of shields you have on your late 65? Do they appear as my originals do or like the repros pictured above?

Thanks

[Barbara S.]

Re: Late 65 heat shields..

Jim. Here are my heat shields. Sorry it took so long.

Tony

[Jim V.]

Thanks......and

Thanks Tony! There is an obvious difference between your lower pictured shield and both my repro and original. My repro matches the photo in DR Rebuild catalog (page 187) for 2 1/2 64-65. This repro does not have the angled end like yours or my original for that matter. There is some question as to whether the 66-67 shield was phased in sometime during 65 production. Dr Rebuild shows a 66-67 with matches my original but not yours. Your shield which is pictured on the bottom appears to cut-down in length. I have read of this during my prior research on the topic. I certainly don't claim to be an expert on the issue. Are yours from a 2 1/2" or 2" exhaust? Maybe this is a contributing factor. My build is around July 4, 1965 and I have original part numbered primary pipes. What was your build date again?

Thanks Tony. et. al.

[Jim V.]

Ref to prior post...

see if this link to prior thread helps.....

https://www.ncrs.org/forum/archive26.cgi?review=223690

[Barbara S.]

Re: Thanks......and

Jim. I believe my heat shields are original to my car. In fact, my car had the entire original exhaust system on it when I bought the car (except that the second owner from whom I bought it had installed dumps for his drag racing days in Phoenix, AZ).

My car is serial no. 23340 (built July 29, 1965). That was the third to last day of '65 production. It is an original L78 396/425 hp car, so it has the 2-1/2" pipes. Does that help?

I'll send the photos to Michael Hanson and get his input.

Best,
Tony