Am I missing a shield or a bracket on the firewall? Or did somebody just drill a hole in the car for no reason? I can believe either scenario about the same...

I have those same two holes on my 69. The one farthest to the passenger side usually is used for that close by relay. Yours is a little low. And the one to the right of that is open on my car too.

Mine does too! But another, self appointed expert from the group of newcomers who have never seen under the hood of a bird until a few years ago would tell both of you guys that you have 350 cars becaues of the holes. After all, he picked up a full blown, over restored, numbers match car. "See mine doesn't have holes, and it's a documented, numbers match car."

I have never considered myself as a firedog expert. I probabaly short change myself on my self rating.

Hey Detroit Jim,
I see your car is just a week earlier build than mine. That's an interesting inspection mark you have on top of the AC housing. Do you have any other factory markings like that one? I'm going to post that mark over in research.

Jim, I will look around and see what else is visible. The car is generally unmolested except by some very industrious mice.
DJ

Thanks!