Nova TCS Switch & Wiring Gutter 101

[Nova Research Project]

Hello,

Here is a short set of pictures that details the Nova TCS Switch, Wiring Gutter and the Rivets that fasten them together.

This first sections covers the small TCS switch 3961573. I do not have a large one yet. This style switch was interchanged with the larger 3983958 switch. I have not figured when they were switched or when or why they were screwed to the firewall. Click here to see the other attachements styles. (http://chevynova.org/1970TCSRelay.html)

The first picture shows two OEM gutters compared to the two available reproductions. The reproductions do not have the holes punched in them. The holes can be punched with a leather punch, the same goes for the radio ground slot, just use a buckle punch.

Note the curve in the OEM gutters and the corners in the reproductions.
http://chevynova.org/TCS/TCS_Gutter_comparison.jpg

Here is a close up of the switch and the rivets. The switch on the left was media blasted and is bare metal. The one on the right is the original cad plating with the rust patina.

The left one was riveted in the holes exactly. The right one is the typical mispunched installation. Note the plastic still in the tubular rivet.

The switches are also date coded. The right one dated 12-9 was installed the 2nd week of January 1970.

http://chevynova.org/TCS/TCS_Gutter_and_switch.jpg

Here are close ups of the OEM rivets and the replacement rivet and washer. the washer ID is a bit small and needs to be drilled out to fit on the rivet.

http://chevynova.org/TCS/TCS_Gutter_and_rivet.jpg

Here is a large picture of the TCS rivets and washers.

http://chevynova.org/TCS/TCS_Rivets.jpg

[mockingbird812]

Greg,

Here are some photos of my TCS fuse set up and wire gutter. Disregard the horn relay in the lower right of this photo .....


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/mockingbird812/70%20Roof%20Deuce/Original%20Components/P1110775.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/mockingbird812/70%20Roof%20Deuce/Original%20Components/P1110772.jpg

I'll reinstall this TCS fuse with Greg's rivets, washers, and special tool to a better condition wire gutter as compared to my original wire gutter. Case is at local platers for zinc finish to replicate original cadmium plating.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/mockingbird812/70%20Roof%20Deuce/Original%20Components/P1110777.jpg

[Nova Research Project]

The holes across the top are the following sizes.

3/16" x 5/15" for mounting to the firewall.

The slot for the radio hood ground is 1/4" x 1/2"

The switch mounting holes are 1/4" in diameter. Punched 1 1/8" on center a part.

The left set are 7/8" from edge to center.

The Right set are 2" from edge to center.

[Nova Research Project]

Here is a look at the plastic clips used to attach the relay. This was an early model year usage. Probably from start in July until possibly around December.

http://chevynova.org/TCS/Early_TCS_Relay.jpg

[CamarosRus]

Love this thread...........but respectfully disagree with CADMIUM plating as being OEM.

I cant prove anything, but my misc readings indicate that ZINC plating would have been used on these misc components.

CADMIUM may be a better choice for resto.........please share YOUR thoughts

regards

[mockingbird812]

Chuck - I only mention cadmium as that is what the plater told me the original plating on my TCS fuse box looked like to him. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[mockingbird812]

Moderator - please make this a "sticky" topic.

Thanks!

[mbxlesney]

Hi Greg .....Just a note to let you know that I have sent you out $ so I can get 2 of your rivets/washers and I hope Im not too late. Thanks for all of your help in the Nova hobby!!!!

[Nova Research Project]

No problem, They should go out this week.

Greg

[mockingbird812]

Got Greg's rivets, washers, and tool the other day and I installed them according to provided instructions onto my "new" gutter that M22 Mike (Angelo) provided http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif . The only deviation I made was I found thinner washers which matched my originals that I took off of the Deuce. 1st photo shows Greg's rivet tool, rivets, and washers along with my original rivets and washers and also Greg provided a this-is-what-it-should-look-like-after-you-install-it rivet which was a nice touch. Greg's washers, as well as the substitutes I used, had to be drilled out to fit the new rivets and match the opening diameter of the originals. I am impressed with this kit and would recommend it. Well done Greg!http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/mockingbird812/70%20Roof%20Deuce/Restored%20Components/DSC_0072.jpg

<font color="blue">I used the punch (black) in this photo to make the two holes in my '69 wire gutter here and on the opposite side as that is the way they came from the factory (and matched my original gutter)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/mockingbird812/70%20Roof%20Deuce/Restored%20Components/DSC_0074.jpg

I slightly splayed the opening of the rivet with a punch to get it started as per Greg's instructions. I then placed a tool handle behind the rivet (inside the gutter) to provide a solid surface to hammer the rivet tool against. The rivets formed just as they should and it was really pretty easy. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/mockingbird812/70%20Roof%20Deuce/Restored%20Components/DSC_0075.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/mockingbird812/70%20Roof%20Deuce/Restored%20Components/DSC_0076.jpg

...and back in the car. </font>
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/mockingbird812/70%20Roof%20Deuce/Restored%20Components/DSC_0018.jpg

[Salvatore]

Better push that one plug wire down on the cap Sam. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

[m22mike]

Hay Sam...you been drinking again http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

I would like to take credit for the wire gutter that Phil "Woj" sent to you but he deserves the credit.
It's OK Sam....all us Ohio guy's look the same.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

Mike http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[mockingbird812]

Mike: http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif Yes, of course, I meant <font color="red">WOJ!</font> . Guess i've been away from OH too long and you really are all starting to look the same to me http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif! (oh, and to answer your original question............YES! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif )

Sam: I've got good contact, but the boot won't stay cradled around the distributor cap (309R) http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif I guess that particular boot is too small as compared to the others http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif ??

[chevjon396]

Greg,

Do you more of the rivets kits?
Email me at: [email protected]
Thanks
jon

[mockingbird812]

With recent discussions of TCS, I thot I'd post the Chassis Service Manual for the '70 Nova ...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/mockingbird812/TCSpg1AssMan.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/mockingbird812/IMG.jpg

[BJCHEV396]

Sent you a PM Greg.Thanks,Bill.

[Jeff H]

Good info, I never really paid attention to the TCS stuff. My 70 L78 Camaro still had the relay on the wire gutter but none of the functional parts were left anywhere else.

[ss427copo]

Good upclose picture....Ebay 180396180106

[BJCHEV396]

Hey Greg,I got the rivets and washers in the mail but no tool!? Bill L.in Canada. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[mockingbird812]

What is the correct finish for the fasteners that attach the gutter to the firewall ('70 Nova)?

Thanks http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/mockingbird812/70%20Roof%20Deuce/Restored%20Components/DSC_0018-1.jpg

[Mr70]

On a related note,I bought these at my local hardware store.
They match up perfectly in size &amp; finish.
The rivots were .10 each and the punch was $15.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz310/bubblemug/oilcans014.jpg

[Nova Research Project]

Hello Sam,

Normative Observable Practice is
Part number 9419320
Indented Head 10-16x3/8 5/16 AF .40 OD
Hex Washer Head Tapping Screw

Common to have a triangle inside of 2 Circles for a head marking. Magnesium Phosphate. Black to dark gray.

I can not rule out that zinc was also used. However I do not believe Zinc is original. This part number is sold as repro in zinc.

Does that help?
Greg

[mockingbird812]

You bet Greg. Thanks for the info with great detail!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[70chevelleman]

I know this is an old post but can I get the rivets and tool?