Engine Compartment - Give Me Your NCRS Thoughts

[D S.]

Re: Engine Compartment - Give Me Your NCRS Thoughts



1970 Corvette LS-5

[John H.]

Re: Engine Compartment - Give Me Your NCRS Thoughts

The brake distribution block (not a proportioning valve) is correct - it was black iron, not brass; brass didn't show up until late C3 "combination valves".

[Kirk M.]

Re: Engine Compartment - Give Me Your NCRS Thoughts

The brake distribution block (not a proportioning valve) is correct - it was black iron, not brass; brass didn't show up until late C3 "combination valves".

John,

Were the various lines into and out of the distribution block painted or just plain steel? Also, if the lines were all steel, were the fittings attaching the lines to the block plain steel as well? Finally, one line runs to the front and connects to a block that then goes left and right. If the lines are steel and not painted, what about that second block - was it painted black? Thanks.

Kirk

[John H.]

Re: Engine Compartment - Give Me Your NCRS Thoughts

John,

Were the various lines into and out of the distribution block painted or just plain steel? Also, if the lines were all steel, were the fittings attaching the lines to the block plain steel as well? Finally, one line runs to the front and connects to a block that then goes left and right. If the lines are steel and not painted, what about that second block - was it painted black? Thanks.

Kirk

I missed it in your photo, but the two brake lines from the master cylinder to the distribution block should be natural steel, not painted. The block on the frame that splits the front lines should be natural brass.

[Kirk M.]

Re: Engine Compartment - Give Me Your NCRS Thoughts

Thanks as always John.

[Joe R.]

Re: Engine Compartment - Give Me Your NCRS Thoughts

Hi Kirk:

Wow, your engine compartment looks great! I think it would score very well in judging as-is.

In addition to the comments already made (as corrected), I can offer just a few more comments, with partial reference to the attached photo (ignore the incorrect-but-functional throttle return spring):

1) A/C cars had a rubber seal on top of the radiator. I can't quite tell from your photos whether you have this.

2) The shock hardware was unpainted, and used the unusual large gray phosphate washers on the top side.

3) The fiberglass radiator shroud on small block cars was unpainted.

4) I can't tell from your photos whether the vacuum line that goes to the distributor has the small steel clip that is retained by an intake manifold bolt.


It sounds like a previous owner may have sprayed blackout paint all around your assembled engine compartment. I had the same problem. I think you have gotten most of it off, but your photos do not show everything that could have been incorrectly covered with blackout. Check things like the horn relay, the hard pipes that go to the A/C condenser, and all wiring, including the wires on the front side of the radiator support. There should be no blackout on any wires anywhere.

By the way, I think this is a great way to use our discussion board and I would encourage you (or anyone else) to post more such photos for comment. We all learn a lot from these discussions.

[Kirk M.]

Re: Engine Compartment - Give Me Your NCRS Thoughts

Hi Kirk:

Wow, your engine compartment looks great! I think it would score very well in judging as-is.

In addition to the comments already made (as corrected), I can offer just a few more comments, with partial reference to the attached photo (ignore the incorrect-but-functional throttle return spring):

1) A/C cars had a rubber seal on top of the radiator. I can't quite tell from your photos whether you have this.

2) The shock hardware was unpainted, and used the unusual large gray phosphate washers on the top side.


3) The fiberglass radiator shroud on small block cars was unpainted.

4) I can't tell from your photos whether the vacuum line that goes to the distributor has the small steel clip that is retained by an intake manifold bolt.


It sounds like a previous owner may have sprayed blackout paint all around your assembled engine compartment. I had the same problem. I think you have gotten most of it off, but your photos do not show everything that could have been incorrectly covered with blackout. Check things like the horn relay, the hard pipes that go to the A/C condenser, and all wiring, including the wires on the front side of the radiator support. There should be no blackout on any wires anywhere.

By the way, I think this is a great way to use our discussion board and I would encourage you (or anyone else) to post more such photos for comment. We all learn a lot from these discussions.

Thanks Joe. I've working hard!

1. Yes, I have the rubber seal on top and even worked the foam seal into the bottom, although I had to cut it to fit around the mounting screws. Didn't figure it was worth un-mounting the radiator!

2. My shocks and hardware are a major mess, at least by NCRS standards. Functionally they are fine. One of those eventual things to do. Buy the new shocks, paint them gray, see what I can do about stickers and mount them up.

3. I believe my shroud in unpainted. As you mentioned, at one point someone figured they would slow the rust and wear by painting everything black. Still working on figuring out what needs to be un-painted at this point. At least this move seems to have helped keep the car mostly rust-free!

4. Yes, the clip is there and painted orange. Orange is correct for a '67 isn't it?

5. Horn relay is an rebuilt original that isn't painted. You're correct in assuming the "original" had been sprayed black. Will have to double-check the AC pipes again. Wires mostly seem ok. I have been working on removing the paint from the brake lines and brass blocks at this point.

If you happen to know, what if anything should be painted black on the steering column and rag joint in the engine compartment. Mine is all black and I have a feeling it shouldn't be from the JG.

Thanks again, and keep the comments coming!

Kirk

[Joe R.]

Re: Engine Compartment - Give Me Your NCRS Thoughts

I believe that both the rag joint and the steel shaft from the steering column should be natural. I'm not sure about the portion of the steering column housing that protrudes through the firewall, but I think it was painted black.