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| Joined: | 04-07-2022 |
| Location: | Oregon USA |
| Posts: | 132 |
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A few tidbits on Rusty;
My attempts to install the driveshaft obtained with the Getrag 5 speed have failed. =:-( The flange that mated to the differential was undersized, and attempts to source a correctly sized one that also was compatible with the u-joint on the shaft came to naught. After much back and forth, I threw in the towel and sourced a complete new driveshaft from Drive Line Services in Portland. The new shaft bolted right up, so that dragon is now slain.
I have installed the upsized alternator which required me to go to a Bosch style connector, and that in turn necessitated repositioning the alternator slightly with a longer fan belt.
The aluminum radiator is installed. Recall that the local radiator service wanted $1,000 to repair my original brass radiator. I said "no" and sourced a new aluminum one for $180. I had to elongate a couple of holes on it, but otherwise the installation was uneventful. I used a molded hose for the manifold to heater connection, Continental #63284, since Robey did not have any available part for that connection.
I replaced the engine bay wiring harness after wires started cracking as I maneuvered the wires into place. 50 years of heat had rendered everything brittle, but a new harness from Autosparks in the UK fit like a glove.
I installed new spark plugs, and discovered that the previous owner had been using plugs with one half the thread reach that was required. This placed the plug gap up in a threaded recess rather than inside the combustion chamber. The car ran, but the plugs looked nasty, and it certainly could not have helped with driveability.
Painted the battery tie down, and replaced the home made bent threaded rods with some real j-hooks - much tidier.
The original dip stick was missing from the engine, so I sourced a generic used one from a local British car garage. It had to be trimmed to length, so I need to mark the new oil levels on it when I fill the crankcase.
Currently working on getting the carbs installed - the manifold to carb adapters are installed with fresh o-rings.
Whats left? Install the carbs, fill with oil, gas and coolant, smoke test the electrics, hang the front bumper, fit the new soft top, and reinstall the bonnet. Should be able to get it all done by spring. Woo-hoo!
Vance
Attachment: 2025_12_30 engine bay.JPG (Downloaded 6 times)
Last edited on 12-28-2025 11:37 pm by vnavaret