Distributor cover

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Aug 22, 2011 | 06:29 PM

neal95

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7th Gear

Joined: Jul 2011

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Distributor cover

I have a distributor cover on my 78. It's grounded to a valve cover bolt. Question. Is this shield/cover even necessary? I took it off to clean and it is not cleaning up very well. Doesn’t look to me like it serves much of a purpose. Anyone had any problems with running their car without the cover on? Also, if it is necessary does anyone know a good source of supply?

Please don't beat me up if this is a silly question. I am trying to respect my ride.

Aug 22, 2011 | 06:33 PM

Tom73

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Joined: Apr 1999

Posts: 15,127

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From: NM

In the olden days it was needed to stop RF interference with the radio. Today with modern wires/plugs/electronics it is not needed. Only reason to keep is for looks/originality.

Aug 22, 2011 | 06:48 PM

Ganey

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Joined: Apr 1999

Posts: 11,520

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From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS

Quote:

Originally Posted by neal95

...
Please don't beat me up if this is a silly question. I am trying to respect my ride.

Some take them off the first time they work on the dist. Early are chrome & later black so you could paint them.
They are Corvette items- shields due to the fiberglass body. I keep the chrome ones on to help block access to the dist.

Aug 22, 2011 | 09:44 PM

gbvette62

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Joined: Oct 2000

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From: Shamong, NJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by neal95

Is this shield/cover even necessary?..... Doesn’t look to me like it serves much of a purpose.......Anyone had any problems with running their car without the cover on?

About the biggest problem you can have from running without it is ignition noise (interference), through the radio. Normally it doesn't effect FM channels, it's usually most noticeable through AM channels and when playing a cassette (remember them?

Quote:

Also, if it is necessary does anyone know a good source of supply?

If you feel you need it, you'll have to live with the one you have. The 78-82 black plastic ignition shield, was discontinued years ago by Chevrolet, and has not been reproduced.

Aug 23, 2011 | 11:40 AM

Easy Mike

Team Owner

Joined: Jun 2000

Posts: 38,923

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From: Southbound

Cruise-In II Veteran

Quote:

Originally Posted by neal95

...it is not cleaning up very well...

It's plastic. Simple Green and water should clean it.

Quote:

...I am trying to respect my ride....

Clean it up and put it back on. It's stock for radio equipped cars.

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