Is that a real tar top Delco battery? No, but it surely appears that way. Nice fake top with correct black caps and yellow "DELCO" installed over a flat top maintence-free modern type battery. Notice original type cables with part numbers and "Spring-Ring" terminals.
Correct engine compartment restoration is essential since this area contributes to 27% of the total points when being judged. Considerable time and money were invested bringing this example to the detailed condition you see below.
In the left hand picture, the restored horn relay is mounted on the left side of the radiator core support. Also, a new correctly plated hood prop was installed. In the right hand picture, notice the correct type belts, hoses and hose clamps. Even the radiator cap is the correct style and part number.
In the left hand picture, the restored correct type and date-coded alternator. This item was purchased in original condition and was then restored by "Hoosier Battery". They also restored the starter for this project. In the right hand picture, the voltage regulator is mounted on the inner fender and the steering box has its detailing including a yellow inspection paint daub.
Above left hand picture shows the correct "jar top" master cylinder used on all the 1966 manual brakes. This original unit was located and purchased because the car had an incorrect type installed in it sometime prior to reaching the shop. The right hand picture shows the starter that was rebuilt by "Hoosier Battery". Notice the small bracket that bolts the starter motor to the engine block. This was missing and a new one was located along with the correct mounting bolt and nut.
This is the entry level 427 cubic inch "Big Block" that was offered in 1966. It is rated at 390 H.P. and features hydraulic lifters. This example has no options although GM offered air conditioning, power steering and power brakes with this engine.This is how the engine compartment looked after many hours of restoration. Notice the shielded spark plug wires and the shield around the distributor and coil. All Corvettes equipped with a radio got this treatment.
There were several parts that had been incorrectly installed on the engine when it went into the shop. The fuel line was a soft flexible hose from the fuel pump to the carb. As can be seen in this picture, the correct metal type was located and installed. Also, the correctly molded PVC hose and related hardware was also installed on the engine.
This is a detail of the vacuum advance hose. It is the correct type with a white stripe running the length of it. Also, the vent hose from the valve cover to the air cleaner base is the correct type with the yellow "GM" marking.
The windshield wiper / washer is shown on the left as it looked when removed from the firewall. Obviously painted with the firewall, it received a complete restoration and now looks and functions like new on the firewall.
(located behind the distributor/coil shield)
The shielding on the spark plug wires is attached to the spark plug heat shields. When the car went to the shop, the heat shields were missing. Once new shields were located, the correct type bolts were located and used to install them to the heads.
The heater blower motor has the inspection sticker attached showing it passed quality control. Also notice the correct and original capacitor for motor noise suppression.
The oil dipstick is correct for the engine size and type. It features a salmon colored plastic tip in the end as shown in the close up to the right. It is painted gloss black as originally finished when new.
