In 1970 did some E-Bodies come with a metal Started Shields?

[Cuda Cody]

For years I would have said no metal started shields came on an E-Body, but after owning a 1970 Challenger T/A I learned the hard way that there was a rare metal Starter Shield.

It only came on 1970 T/A's and AAR's with Automatic transmissions.  When I restored my T/A I thought someone put it on there from an A-Body so I threw it out (who wants silly A-Body parts anyway, lol)... well I later learned that the T/A's and AAR's had metal shields.     I looked high and low for it but I must have really thrown it out.  I never throw out parts so it was odd even for me to throw it out.  So I stepped up and spent big money on the correct replacement. 

TODAY I found it!!! I crossed off the T/A label and (incorrectly) labelled it A-Body.  So I must have some respect for A-Bodies because I kept it.     and now I have 2 rare T/A metal Starter Shields.  They are different from A and B body ones.

Did anyone even know these existed? 

[750-h2]

That's news to me. Why steel on the TA's and AAR'S? 

[7E-Bodies]

First I've heard of it. Never owned a TA, but I'm on E#9 and have never seen one.

[cudaize]

The reason for the metal shield is the fast ratio steering.  My 71 Cuda 340 with the S74 fast ratio has a metal shield as well.  The E-body one is actually a 68-70 B-body that has some modifications done to it most likely to clear the tie rods.  You'll notice in the picture Cody posted that there is a lip only around half the opening.  The B-body version has a slightly smaller opening and a lip all the way around.  Also the rubber flap is different between the B and
E-body version.  I sent my original to Jim Filmore for a pattern so he can supply them if needed.  Also I think the B-body version is being reproduced so if someone needs one they can probably get one of those and modify it.

Mike Afflerbach

[Cuda Cody]

Because the T/A's and AAR's could be ordered with the Fast Ratio steering (is what I think could be the reason). 

That's news to me. Why steel on the TA's and AAR'S? 

[Chryco Psycho]

I have never seen one & I have worked on a Lot of T/A & ARR cars , but then I don't recall ever working on a T/A or AAR with an Auto , all have been 4 spd cars !

[cudaize]

Yes, Only automatic cars had them.  The shields are generally referred to as starter shields but I think they were actually intended to protect the auto transmission linkage.

[fc7cuda]

Yes, Only automatic cars had them.  The shields are generally referred to as starter shields but I think they were actually intended to protect the auto transmission linkage.

  Which is why they are not found on manual transmission cars.

[6bblgt]

  I knew they existed and were the same as b-body but didn't know they were "modified" 

so,  these are only on "FAST RATIO" power steering cars with an automatic transmission? 

[Cuda Cody]

My T/A was not fast ratio (but it was power steering), and it's an Auto.  It originally came with the metal shield.

[Floyd]

I was aware of them, but didn't have a good sense of the details.  I remember being relieved when I realized that I didn't need to find for my car.  Thanks for posting.  Very interesting.

[6bblgt]

My T/A was not fast ratio (but it was power steering), and it's an Auto.  It originally came with the metal shield.

ALL T/As with power steering are "FAST RATIO" - the only OPTION
an AAR can be MANUAL or POWER STEERING or FAST RATIO POWER STEERING

[anlauto]

I learned this the hard way when I bought my purple AAR...The metal shield was in the pile of parts I got....I figured it was wrong until a little research...I hadn't thrown it away just yet though...  

I never thought to look if it's still on the red AAR I have now... Someone has changed the motor added headers etc....and they likely tossed it years ago...

[Cuda Cody]

Is this true for T/A's too?  I always think of Fast Ratio as the rare option and normal Power Steering as a good option and Manual Steering as base option.  Maybe not the right way to think about it, but those were the 3 options for both AAR's and T/A's, right?

My T/A was not fast ratio (but it was power steering), and it's an Auto.  It originally came with the metal shield.

ALL T/As with power steering are "FAST RATIO" - the only OPTION
an AAR can be MANUAL or POWER STEERING or FAST RATIO POWER STEERING

[Cuda Cody]

I have 1 extra now. 

I learned this the hard way when I bought my purple AAR...The metal shield was in the pile of parts I got....I figured it was wrong until a little research...I hadn't thrown it away just yet though...  

I never thought to look if it's still on the red AAR I have now... Someone has changed the motor added headers etc....and they likely tossed it years ago...