1966 Corvette L72 Light Refresh

[olredalert]

[QUOTE=olredalert;1671800]----Great! As usual on this great sight, this transaction between Tim and I went so smoothly. It was a pleasure finding a great home for this unbelievable spare. That's all I hoped for when I saw it at B. Gold. So hard to find any U.S.Royal 66 only whitewall in any condition. Can't wait to see the judges eyeballs when this spare tire is displayed!....Bill S

[napa68]

Just a little update, with nothing more than a "technical experience". As I have been driving the 66 as of late, I had noticed the car had become a little more temperamental to start. I had a symptom where when the car was warm, the ignition would only fire when the switch was turned to run (as opposed to firing while cranking in the start position). That symptom increased little by little. Yesterday afternoon, I cold started the car, and the problem persisted. The ground is VERY good on the T.I. amp. Previously, I had checked my voltages as the coil, was well as looking for any resistance on the ground side of the T.I. amp. All were within spec.

I remember a while back, I had read some posts over on Corvette Forum where some of the others had complained about the same symptom, and blamed it on the brand of circuit board I installed in the T.I. amp.

Having nothing else to do today as a result of the weather, I thought I'd dive in. I was being a little lazy, and just reinstalled the original T.I. amp that was in the car when I received it. The car now cold started and hot starts just like it should......while cranking.

Most of the GM cars did not utilize the T.I. ignition as widely as Corvette's. Some of you though, have cars with this buggy whip ignition system. I just thought I'd post the experience for technical reference down the road for Yenko.net.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend. I myself now feel I've earned a cold beer

[napa68]

Over the weekend of Bloomington Gold, I was able to connect with a friend of mine who made me a smoking deal on 2 gallons of lacquer. These were tinted to a verified original Nassau Blue car. Not that I plan on restoring this car, but thought it would be smart to capitalize on the opportunity. In the event I change my mind, have an ooops, or sell the car to someone who would restore it........ then it's here

[Z282NV]

Originally Posted by napa68

Over the weekend of Bloomington Gold, I was able to connect with a friend of mine who made me a smoking deal on 2 gallons of lacquer. These were tinted to a verified original Nassau Blue car. Not that I plan on restoring this car, but thought it would be smart to capitalize on the opportunity. In the event I change my mind, have an ooops, or sell the car to someone who would restore it........ then it's here

You just never know if your are going to need it or not. Love the car just the way it is.

[napa68]

While waiting for a couple of new acquisitions to get delivered, I had some time to chase an item of concern on the 66. The engine had a detectable vibration above 4000 rpm. Not bad, but know it could be better. Historically, this car did have at least one clutch installed. I've had clutch / flywheel combinations that were out of balance exhibit this same trait, so I pulled the trans and clutch this week. My clutch of choice in recent years has been the McLeod Street Level Kit. They just do not chatter. I send the flywheel out to be machined and have pressure plate to be balanced together. The flywheel is the original dated unit, and had never been machined before. 2 days later, I got everything back and was pleased to find some drill marks to balance the flywheel, albeit not very much




While waiting for the balancing act, I got all the fasteners and parts cleaned up for reassembly. This particular pressure plate required some weight. Sometimes they are neutral, others require some drilling along the flange to lighten it up. I could probably say that is just the current state of quality today.





I may show some bias here, but I think the 64-67 Corvette shifter is one of the best, OE or aftermarket. When these shifters are right, they just plain work. I cleaned all of the old grease out of the shifter, regreased it, and mocked it up on the trans. The OE Corvette shifter starting in 65 has and adjustment for a shorter throw. So, I adjusted everything on the bench.



I use a complete input shaft, as it gives me a bit more leverage when sneaking up in the pressure plate torque. I am of the opinion it can get a better feel for the disc alignment. The trans just drops in when I do that.



My vibration is GREATLY diminished. Next, address the cooling system. The temp just continues to creep up to about 230 degrees now that we have summer temps. The radiator will need some love, so that is next on the docket.

[Too Many Projects]

And it just keeps on gettin' better... I only use an old input shaft for clutch install too. Those plastic plugs can be a PITA to get right. I have one for M22 also.
I'm trying hard to not like this car too much, like the L88 Camaro, but everytime I see that White interior with the Blue, I have to look away. It's like trying to resist forbidden fruit.

[olredalert]

----Short throw when done on the bench is a really great shift! I did my 1st Corvette (66 427/425) after I read the Corvette news issue article. As a young punk I waded thru that adjustment while in the car. Back then it was way above my paygrade, but I managed and felt like the king of the world when I could actually go thru the gears cleanly!.....Bill S