Thanks!
Got the trans out to the welder, and before I took it out I fitted it to the Lakewood bell. I decided the play in the old aluminum bell might not keep the ears in the correct placement to fit properly when welding. Glad I did as the fitment around the center is such tight tolerance that it wouldn't seat in at first. Had to sand the paint off, and then clean up the trans collar to allow it to wiggle into place.
The welder said he'll have it done either today, or early tomorrow.

 

Picked up the trans and bell today. Chris did a fantastic job of welding and draw filing the mating surface to get it all flat again.



Probably wont get things going back together until after the holiday.

 

very nice, tried to fire the custom today but something is wrong with the wiring got no fire so time to start going over everything again.

 

Thanks! I'm sure you guys will find it quickly!
Chris is an excellent fabricator. First time I've needed his work, but I will definitely return if I need some specialty work! He did an outstanding job, and finished everything like I wanted without me having to tell him. Nice old school craftsman, and pretty young guy to be so talented.

 

Got the Lakewood bell and trans in today, but need to rework some things, as the clutch fork seems to sit lower and not line up well with the adjuster rod. I may consider swapping to hydraulic master/slave at this time to relieve some of the heavy clutch pedal feel!

 

Ordered up master, slave, and line from Speedway for $100. Going to adapt it to the factory hanging pedal system. I'll have to fabricate a bracket to use the pull style slave, and modify the clutch fork to make a hole for the adjusting rod also. Hopefully I can use the Lakewood mount for a slave, and make a bracket that encompasses the fork, but locates the slave behind the fork. Otherwise I'll have to build off the front two trans ears to locate the slave.

 

With the cold beginning to break, I'm getting pieces together to begin the swap to hydraulic clutch setup. I have the parts from Speedway; slave, master, and line. I have to grind a hole in the clutch fork to accept the shaft and pivot ball for the pull style slave. Too hard to drill, so die grinder is the only way to get a hole bored in the fork.
The master has about 1 3/8" travel on the piston, so needs to be mounted to the pedal at a point where the pedal travel is equal to that length before it hits the floor, or slightly longer pedal travel. I'll use a heim on the pedal end to make it work better and have some pivot ability.


The slave piston is about 1.25" travel, and a pull type slave, so need to mount it off the frame, behind the bellhousing. I'll build up a removable bracket there, so it can be mocked up and removed for servicing the trans or clutch. I ordered some small stamped steel gussets from Speedway to use in building my bracket, and on other projects. 25 pieces for $5, and a big time saver vs. making them up.

 

Man, this is going to be an awesome car. Couldn't read the whole thread but skimmed through and I am definitely impressed.

 

^you need to skim the thread on his Austin, another very kool car especially in the sunlight! Didn't get a chance to see the Falcon yet.




Are you doing the toy drive Saturday to the children's hospital?

 

Thanks! It's been a lot of fun building it and driving it.