72 headlamp shields screws

[Dave S.]

Re: 72 headlamp shields screws

Chuck, I think that the experienced judges will learn another fact on these screw heads used on the headlamp shields, not to say that may not be a known fact already, and for most these screws are of little meaning, but being someone that is trying to restore my 72 to what facts I have read in the JM ,I can say time will only tell with the next edition of the JM,

Chuck,grant,Alan, Thanks for you comments and pic's. Ive learned aliitle more to help me along the way with my quest. By the way chuck I was incorrect with screw head description, pan head was correct.

I looked at my 70 and both 71's. They all have the black cross recess screws that matches the photo which Alan posted.

[Graeme B.]

Re: 72 headlamp shields screws

Chuck, the screw head doesn't contact the plastic sheilds. G.

[Chuck S.]

Re: 72 headlamp shields screws

Chuck, the screw head doesn't contact the plastic sheilds. G.

Yes, you are correct, Graeme.

I remembered the shields being simply black polyethylene with no metal reinforcement. After your post, I dug the shields out to see how bad my recall was...It was close, except I didn't remember that small square U-nuts were used with the screws, at least in late 70. (I still can't find the AIM sheet that shows the shield installation.)

Edit: I finally found the 70 AIM page that shows the shield installation...UPC 12, Sheet A3. The shields are installed on the top surface of the upper grill opening reinforcement with screws coming up through the reinforcement and through the shield U-nuts. The pointed end of the screws are shown to be covered with Part No. 4770719, "Plug"...has anyone ever seen one of these "plugs"?

In fact, the screw heads did not contact the plastic, but actually contact (the lower) surface of the (upper grill opening reinforcement). (deleted as irrelevant), captive washer screws were never required in my opinion.

However, my illustration of asking WHY changes were made remains valid. The difference between such analysis being helpful and a waste of time will depend strongly on an understanding of how the big manufacturers worked and how the cars were built. If you are lucky enough to have learned from those actually involved in building the cars, it helps the process considerably.

If you really want insight through reasonable conclusions, you must include ALL the available information (There were U-nuts??!), and resist accepting easy answers that don't quite fit. Or not...archeology is not required when restoring a Corvette to match the JM.