I would not use the insulated wrap. It can cause some strange moisture related issues. I would suggest eckler's part number 26229, it is what I intend to purchase.

You can also get really good rebuilt starters for much less than $120 bucks. Call around. I bought one at Auto Zone, and returned the core for more money off.

Had the same problem with my BB ...bought one of those mini starter and haven't had a problem since.

Alan

I wouldn't use the wrap-around shield, either. It actually holds the heat in, once the starter gets hot. Make sure you have the factory heat shield on the starter, first. It's a shaped sheet metal piece that bolts onto the rear of the starter, and covers the side that is closest to the exhaust. Big blocks were notorious for having a problem when hot. Before condeming the starter, I'd suggest replacing the solenoid. It is what actually creates the no-start condition, 90% of the time. They are only about $15-20. But be sure you have the metal type heat shield on the starter, whether you replace the starter or not. It will save you a lot of headaches in the end. You could also wire up a remote solenoid, under the hood, that would eliminate this problem 100%. This set-up uses a "brand 'F'" starter solenoid, and I've NEVER seen a big block fail to start with it(for this problem, anyway!). If you want to keep the car 100% correct, this wouldn't do, but it is another way to fix it for good.

Well, more than likely it is the solenoid failing under the heat, however, I once had similar problems years ago with the 76 vett, cruise around and stop somewhere, with nothing when trying to start up again.  I could "cross" the solenoid and turn it over, turned out, it was the neutral/safety switch.  When it got hot, the contacts would not mate(after getting a new one, i took the old one apart to take a peek under its hood,  was tarnished up pretty bad, and the dielectric grease in it was kinda nasty too, probably from being baked over 20 years)... neither in park or in nuetral(its an automatic)..but letting it sit for a little while it would come back to life...  sooo not sure which tranny you have.  Just throwing out a possibility there, slim possibility,  but something to think about. 

Good luck

The 76 corvette I just purchased had a starter problem according to

the previous owner. he went thru 3 starters caused by the heat from the headers after they were installed. Solved problem also by

installing a heat shield on the starter

 

In my experience of watching older brothers and their friends work on cars when I was younger (since I have very little mechanical ability of my own), they always did starter work from underneath.

Buy a creeper (if you don't already have one), crack the doors open a bit, release the tension on the T-tops (if you have them), jack that puppy up in the air and slide on under there.  Just remember, starters are heavy!

Good luck!

Sorry........it has to be done from underneath. Make sure you have good jackstands to put under the car to keep it from falling on top of you if something bad happens . Disconnect the batt. before pulling the starter off, too. Good luck, we're all pulling for you!

ps...If you pull the starter off to do this, I would highly recommend you replace the solenoid while you're there. Adams' Apple38485.2018171296