Jonathans RCR 40 Build

[Chris Kouba]

Jonathan-

Could you post a few more details or pics regarding the steering column and turn signal switch. I have been pondering this exact concept and would appreciate the info.

Looking great.

 

[Jonathan Strain]

It is pretty simple. It is a 6" piece of 1.5" round stock that I welded a bolt to. I welded a piece of angle iron to the bracket that the pillow block is on to bolt it to. I slotted the angle iron to allow adjustment. I'll post some pictures tonight.

 

[Jonathan Strain]

Here are some shots of the column. As I said, it is pretty simple. I am a firm believer in the KISS principle:

 

[Chris Kouba]

Thanks Jonathan. Looks like you've thought this one through for me. Much appreciated.

Is that one of the VW Beetle switches from JCW? Do you have the p/n?

Looks great!

 

[Jonathan Strain]

I got it from Finsh Line:

Finish Line Accessories

I used the same switch on my Cobra.

 

[Jonathan Strain]

These shots are for Bill. He was looking for more information on the alterations to the dash to make a '65 Mustang dash vent work. The first shot shows the revisions to the opening. The areas boxed in red were filled. The areas boxed in yellow were relieved using a router. Some of the areas that were relieved needed to be built up on the back side prior to relieving them to avoid going all the way through the dash:

 

[Jonathan Strain]

I also built up two tabs both from the front and behind to give the mounting screws something to bit into. I built these up using fiberglass and resin to give it strength. These are circled in black:

 

[Jonathan Strain]

And last i needed to cut two slots for tabs on the Mustang vent to lock into. These allow you to attach the vent with just two screws on the front. These are circled in yellow below:

 

[Bill D]

Thanks a bunch Jonathan. And I got your PM reply. Thanks again

I will print these pictures and send them to the body man along with the grille.

 

[Jonathan Strain]

It should be pretty easy for him to see what I have done. Everything is a little clearer in these shots with everything one color again.

 

[Jonathan Strain]

I finally have all my accessories so I could fabricate my brackets. I went with Explorer front trim so all the brackets had to be made from scratch. Everything is tight. The AC compressor would only fit on the bottom passenger side (LH Drive) and the alternator had to go on the driver side top. I started with a 93 Mustang alternator but it would not fit where I wanted it. I found a GM truck alternator fit fine. Here are some pictures:

 

[Bill Hara]

Jonathon

It's probably only the perspective of the last photo, however it looks like the alternator pulley is not parallel with the crank pulley. Would pay to check it, although I'm sure you have already done this.
Great looking motor though and an awesome build overall!

Cheers

Bill H

 

[Randy V]

Very nice Jonathan!!!

Are you trying for the BUMPless Bulkhead? I'd really like to find out what the right combination is to get there.. I'm not crazy about the electric waterpump route either..

 

[Jonathan Strain]

I have found you cannot "eyeball" pulley alignment. It takes a straight edge. The alternator is pretty close but not perfect. It is a lot closer than that photo looks though. It will require a little more tweeking.

 

[Jonathan Strain]

I should be putting the motor in later this week. I will let you know if it is bumpless. The combination is pretty simple. It is an Explorer front cover and water pump. This requires the use of an Explorer harmonic balancer and pump pulley since there are not a lot of aftermarket parts for this combination. The pump pulley is only $12 from ford. The harmonic balancer is pretty easy to get as a cast off from a crate motor. I think I paid $15 for the balancer.

This is only about a 1/4 inch shorter than 95 Mustang parts which has a lot more aftermarked support.

 

[Dalton Veitch]

Fantastic build. I see you have the hammer ready for those final tweaks in fitting the engine.
Dalton

 

[Jonathan Strain]

I have not updated my site for some time. I have actually had quite a bit of progress but I have not taken the time to update my site. I have the motor back in for mock up again and I have painted all the links in the rear suspension to match the body color:

 

[Jonathan Strain]

I have also mocked up most of the AC system. Here are some photos:

 

[Jonathan Strain]

I have also been doing some polishing on the suspension. Here is a good before and after shot of the front lower control arms:

 

[Jonathan Strain]

I also polished the front upper arms: