C4 LT1 and LT4 Corvette starter solenoid teardown

This is a sort of half-baked attempt at showing how to repair the starter solenoid on a 1996 LT4 Corvette starter motor.
If your LT1 or LT4 Corvette is having trouble cranking, and the battery and battery cables are fine, there's a very good chance the starter solenoid is failing. The contacts get pitted and create a high voltage drop across them, which does not allow the motor to spin up from its locked-rotor state. DO NOT throw away your OEM starter and replace it with a rebuilt piece of junk! Rebuilt parts are often of poor quality and will likely be in worse condition than what you already have. Replacing the solenoid contacts is a very easy project, will only cost about $40, and requires no special tools.
The GM part number is 10455709, and the Denso part number is 128000-811. These are very well made starter motors, but the solenoid is their Achilles heel. I believe this motor was used from 1992-1996.
I had intended to film the entire process, but my battery in my camera died. I also apologize for my head being in the way during some of the shots.
Please be sure to adequately clean the inside of the starter solenoid, I found non-chlorinated brake cleaner worked well. Electrical contact cleaner is a good alternative. When reinstalling the plunger and spring, I used Super Lube grease. Also, make sure not to under-tighten the connections on the copper bus bar, or your starter probably still won't spin. Don't over-tighten them either, or you'll snap the studs.
NOTE: This is not intended for unqualified or inexperienced persons to use as reference for troubleshooting, you are following along at your own risk - please be careful when attempting any automotive repair. I routinely perform automotive repairs and have for years, therefore, I possess sufficient knowledge and experience to know what I'm doing.
In other words, I'm not responsible if you burn yourself, set your car on fire, break other parts of your car, receive snide remarks from others, or become stranded because you performed the repair incorrectly.

[@gregleenyit]

Good stuff

[@Kevinsrack]

Thank you! 😁