69 Big Block Distributor Hold Down

[Chuck G.]

Which one is correct for a 69 427/400.....the solid metal model, or the "wire" model ? The AIM shows a solid model on one sheet in the base engine section. I can't find an illustration of the hold-down in any of the optional engine sections. Seems like all of the Corvette vendors sell the wire model "up to 1969". Which is "correct" ? Thank you. Chuck Gongloff, Baltimore, Maryland

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 Big Block Distributor Hold Down

Chuck----

As far as I know, all 69 engines used the "solid" distributor hold-down. However, I'm not positive about this. I'll research further when I get home this evening and post.

[Rich Mullikin]

Re: 69 Big Block Distributor Hold Down

Chuck

Mine is the solid type. Let me know if you want to take a look at it this weekend.

Rich

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 Big Block Distributor Hold Down

Chuck-----

From what I've been able to determine, prior to 1968, Chevrolet V-8 engines used distributor hold-down clamp GM #3772532. I believe that this is the "wire" type clamp. Beginning in 1968, Chevrolet V-8s switched to clamp GM #3704912 which is the "solid" style clamp. During 1968 production, the earlier style clamp may have been used on some engines. However, by 1969, the 3704912 "solid" clamp was in use on all engines. The 3772532 clamp continued to be serviced for 55-67 applications for several years, but, by 1974 was replaced with the 3704912 clamp to service all 55+ applications. In 1983 the 3704912 clamp was discontinued and replaced by GM #14007385. As far as I can tell, this part is identical to the 3704912. The 14007385 clamp continues to be available.

[Terry M.]

Re: 69 Big Block Distributor Hold Down

Chuck,

Please, please DO NOT rely on the AIM illustrations for configuration details. They often changed part number and/or configuration and never changed the illlustration. Sometimes the illustration changed when it was redrawn years later, and sometimes it never changed. Just to make our life more interesting the configuration details in the drawings sometimes changed and the part didn't. The AIM illustrations are good for lots of indformation, but configuration details have to come from un-molested cars.

For what it is worth, my totally unscientific recollection is that 1969 and newer distributor hold downs are all solid.

Terry