1965 396 Alternator Bracket Bolts

[John O.]

Hello Everyone,

Can someone please help me with the color of the Alt. Bracket Bolts for a 65 396? Are they Silver Zinc/Cad or Black Oxide. Look at the JM and couldn't find the color.

Thank you,
John

[Jack H.]

Re: 1965 396 Alternator Bracket Bolts

Still sorting details, John? I thought you were bringing the car for judging to our Regional in Denver a year ago last May...

[Rich P.]

Re: 1965 396 Alternator Bracket Bolts

Hello Everyone,

Can someone please help me with the color of the Alt. Bracket Bolts for a 65 396? Are they Silver Zinc/Cad or Black Oxide. Look at the JM and couldn't find the color.

Thank you,
John

John,

They should be cad if I remember correctly. They are 3/8-16 grade 5 (the most common length is 1").

Thats for the 3 lower bolts to the head and the 1 strap bolt to the intake manifold.

Rich

[John O.]

Re: 1965 396 Alternator Bracket Bolts

Rich, Thank you for the info! I've got the originals, just couldn't remember on that. Jack, yes I'm still sorting details. I wish I was ready for a regional....I will be someday!

[Jack H.]

Re: 1965 396 Alternator Bracket Bolts

Good to talk to you again, John! At some point, every restorer has to draw the line, put a stake in the ground, and declare 'er 'done'. My experience tells me you can take 'forever' doing restoration research due diligence and still NOT get the recepie 'right'...

When you get down to the tiny details like fastener head marks and finish, you're reaching the point of diminishing return. My advice is to kick the job out and start the campaign process for several reasons:

(1) You're not getting any younger...
(2) You WILL get feedback that this/that tiny detail isn't right no matter how long you study.
(3) Small things (like fasteners) are easy to change from this meet to that meet.

It's the BIG items you really want to take time with.... If you use the wrong paint, make the body too good (over restored), install, say, a Tonawanda cast SB instead of a Saginaw cast SB; then you can wind up in a world of hurt!

My gut tells me your car is probably pretty darn ready to start the campaign process, just knowing where you and James were 3-4 years ago. So have faith, amigo, and then HAVE FUN!!!