1970 ignition shielding support color

[D S.]

Are the ignition shielding supports on 1970 LS-5s supposed to be painted orange or black? The 1970-1972 JG 4th Edition on pages 68 and 69 states orange for 350 engines but is silent on 454 engines.

Thanks,
Scott Sims
Texas Chapter

[Terry M.]

Re: 1970 ignition shielding support color

Orange for LS5 also. SERVICE replacements were black. Be sure the configuration of the nuts on the inside, and the studs for the ground straps match original.

[D S.]

Re: 1970 ignition shielding support color

Thanks, Terry. Looks like I have some disassembling and painting to do. The stud on the passenger side is higher than the stud on the driver's side.
The support mounting bolts to the intake manifold are natural or also orange?

[Terry M.]

Re: 1970 ignition shielding support color

Thanks, Terry. Looks like I have some disassembling and painting to do. The stud on the passenger side is higher than the stud on the driver's side.
The support mounting bolts to the intake manifold are natural or also orange?

Distributor shield supports were mounted on the engine when it was painted. Since 1970 LS5 intake was painted orange, the bolts and distributor shields were as well -- all at the same time. If you are after factory originality please note some original paint engines. The UAW painters were in a rush, and did not apply much paint, nor did they go back to cover missed areas (often called "holidays"). Most restored engines have enough paint on them to do three engines at the factory.

[D S.]

Re: 1970 ignition shielding support color

<Snip> Most restored engines have enough paint on them to do three engines at the factory.[/quote]

I couldn't agree with you more, Terry. The Corvettes we see at the Regional and National levels are so over-restored. The amount of time and money spent on frame-offs is boggling. They end up being much more than when they were being produced by GM of the era. I'll bet if one could take today's restored Corvettes back in time to the factory or the dealer they would all want to know who "customized" them.

Thanks for your help. I look forward to your replies.

[Alan S.]

Re: 1970 ignition shielding support color

Hi Scott,
I enjoyed your 'restored' comment.
Having bought my first NEW Chevrolet in 1964, I think the 'restored' cars you mention are what I HOPED my new Impala would be, not what it was as delivered.
Regards,
Alan

[D S.]

Re: 1970 ignition shielding support color

Thanks, Alan. You know it's true though. You have seen far more restored Corvettes than I have. When I attended the only NCRS National event I had ever been to I was amazed at how so perfect the majority of them were. There were exceptions like an original '55 complete with dull paint, worn steering wheel, thin seat covers, and a hole in the soft top and the '57 that looked like it sat beneath pecan trees all its life or even the '76 that was wrecked en route to the show.
I have been to several Regional NCRS events and always enjoy going and seeing all the people and eras of Corvettes in their gleaming beauty. I even met Terry McManmon once. Sort of. He had driven many miles to be there and was emulating Rip Van Winkle.

[Chris H.]

Re: 1970 ignition shielding support color

Hi Scott, here are some photos from my car. Chris

[D S.]

Re: 1970 ignition shielding support color

Thanks for the photos, Chris. I get the exciting task of removing the shielding and supports and painting them. Then reassemble all that.