Rcr 40-31

[Chris_K]

Yup, still working on it. I know it's been a while since I've posted pics though. Not much "visible" progress. Front clip wired, dash half-wired, doors to their "final" final position, and now just began a bit of a disassembly project... More to come.

I'll be getting into the cage build in the next couple weeks but need a few parts from Fran first (I just ordered them this week). Once they're together, I'll be going back at it full speed ahead. I think I have a good plan for the cage and the chassis looks like it can carry it where I want it.

As much as I am enjoying the build, I can't wait to get it driving. And Bill D, I took a stab at some ductwork for ventilation. It's still in-progress but I will be getting some pics to the net some time this week. I have a GREAT idea and I hope it'll turn out the way I'm thinking. Time will tell but at this point I'm no longer scared of working with fiberglass...

One general question, who makes a good set of switches? I'm not hung up on originality but I also don't want the cheap plastic variety you find at Autozone. I also don't want to spend mucho $'s on stuff that feels just as cheap. I want something with a nice feel and appropriate (again, doesn't need to be original) looks. Any suggestions?

Best to all,

[Bill D]

Chris
I went with some very good heavy duty toggle switches from Allied Electroincs. They're rated at 25amps.

Here are a couple of pics...




I also had a company called Aircraft Engravers make me some professional looking panels to identify the console switches. PM me if you're interested and I can give you a lot more info.

[Jonathan S]

I got my switches here:

Del City - Heavy-duty Duckbill Toggles

[Big-Foot]

Just tossing in another option for vendors of switches, circuit breakers and all manner of wiring tools etc. I've done business with them and they are not only very reasonably priced, they are prompt;

WAYTEK

Toggle Switches and Electrical Wiring Supplies

[Sandy]

Big-Foot - Ditto on Waytek

Waytek is an excellent source for most all wiring 'stuffs'. They don't have some of the hard core Eaton Mil-spec switches and a few other things, but have most all the tools and other stuff. Some neat things. About the only down side is some items require a minimum order. Very happy with them, customer for years.

Sandy

[Jonathan S]

I've ordered from both Waytek and Delcity. Delcity has prices about the same as Waytek and lower or no minimum orders. They also seem to have a bigger variety of parts.

[Chris_K]

Cool, thanks gents.

[Chris_K]

Guess what I got? Looks good, eh?

Cltuch disc, press plate and alu flywheel and bellhouse on the way from Dennis at Pantera Performance (303 660 9897). Should arrive this weekend. I could theoretically have the drivetrain mounted (but not permanently installed) this weekend!

The special shiny bits came with the deluxe kit and I must say they look fantastic on the motor!

[Chris_K]

Bellhouse arrived today, I have the drivetrain bolted together (no clutch in the house though) and will be putting it into the chassis tonight! Unfortnately I can't upload a pic here but will when I have the chance. It looks great all together.

[Big-Foot]

Hi Chris - Great progress!!

Don't forget to use the pressure plate alignment dowels. They come with the Pressure plate bolt kit from Ford.

Also - Don't forget to use a sealant on the flywheel bolts. I use liquid teflon thread sealant myself.

I see you have the Ford Explorer front timing cover, harmonic balancer and water pump. I was thinking of using this configuration as well to minimize the size of the bump needed in the firewall.

Are those RCR Headers? Could you get a closeup of the collectors?

I think I've already bugged Fran about this but forgot the answer - I'm wondering if the same headers for the ZF will work with the G50?

Thanks! Keep up the good work and keep the pics coming!

[Chris_K]

Randy-

Pics to follow in the next couple days but the motor and trans are IN! Things went very smoothly with one exception: in cutting the clearance for the starter I cut right through the hard brake line on the opposite side of the chassis wall. Other than that, things went really smoothly. Started about 11 and finished around 430 (solo). Lots of setting it in, marking the wall, trimming the chassis, and repeating but I think it's good.

The headers are the RCR ones. I don't know if my set will clear the G50 but I am quite certain that Fran has them available. Best to chat with him directly.

I have the 6007-XB3 long block from FMS. I didn't know for certain it'd be short enough on the front but it looks like it'll fit pretty well actually. I don't yet have the pulley set figured out so I'll reserve my opinion for later but so far so good on the clearance front. Looks like it'll need a very small blister if at all (but like I said, wait til I am through with the pulleys).

Bolting things together was extremely easy though. I don't have a clutch in there yet. I needed all the pieces together to get through the cage build. Motor's in, headers are on, it's time to put it all back together and start bending tubes. Stay tuned for more pics.

Should be back on its feet by next week and will start looking really good soon.

[Fran Hall RCR]

Randy,

I seem to recall that I answered you about the headers here
RCR Stainless Steel 180 Header system RCR40
and by email....maybe it did not get to you.
The ZF headers will NOT work with a G50 and visa versa.....

[Big-Foot]

Right Fran..

Sorry about that but unless I missed it elsewhere in the thread, I didn't know that these were RCR headers/exhaust hence my questions.

Nice work!

[Chris_K]

The pics...

[Chris_K]

With the motor and trans connected and hanging there on the hoist, I had a flashback to the gazillion models I had built as a kid (and no-so-kid) with a drivetrain ready for install. This "kit" has the benefit of being much cooler and totally practical for later "display" as well.

It was a great feeling after the many trial fits and re-fits. I didn't want to cut too much from the chassis to make it fit and have a huge hole. I now need a starter to ensure it's all good.

Regardless, it looks great and once I get the suspension re-hung it'll be off to get a cage built.

Ah, progress!!!

[BenM909]

Looks great Chris!

[Big-Foot]

Chris - fantastic progress!!

It looks like you may not need a firewall bump at all with the short Explorer Water pump and front cover!!

Please let us know if that is or is not the case!