Southern GT #70

[Davidmgbv8]

Had to go to the machine shop as my son was learning from the owner to build the block on his 1953 Ford Jubilee tractor. So while there I started on my UN1 that I got from GTO engineering. So started with a little cleaning and paint of the adapter. Next the bell housing and end cover. Then it all ground to a halt. Notice the cv joint housing that came with the box. Well it had a pin that was solid and probably tool steel. 6 hours later with carbide cutters to eat the metal of the joint and pin down to the splines to where a puller would then finally pull it off! Now to make a fixture to hold the case so my machinist can install the new one piece main shaft.

 

[Devin]

Only about 45 min to spare tonight, so out with the Dremnel and a slight angle put into the bottom of the clam and I have a trial fit on the rear Hartwell latches.View attachment 122752

David, where did you source your latches from?

 

[Davidmgbv8]

David, where did you source your latches from?

I got them from Andrew at GT40 Gold parts. I now understand that Tornado has reproductions for sale.

 

[Ian Anderson]

From memory the roll pins that hold the cv adaptor go into holes that are slightly tapered

hammer one way and solid

tap the other and they slide out

Ian

 

[Davidmgbv8]

Wish I could find the slide out method...

 

[Davidmgbv8]

Got bits needed to complete the AC control today along with unit to mock up under dash

 

[Davidmgbv8]

My machinist requested a mount to hold the transaxle to install the one piece main shaft and ATB diff. Since I had to bring it home to grind out the taper pin I fabricated a trans mount. My son had scrap 2 3/8 pipe drops from a pipe fence he just finished that was the perfect diameter for my old engine stand. Going back to the machine shop to pickup the 1953 Ford Jubilee tractor engine and will drop the trans back, hope he likes it!

 

[Davidmgbv8]

Gearbox is open, gears in great shape, now for the ATB and main shaft conversion

 

[Davidmgbv8]

Went to the machine shop, with the remade mount bracket for the correct side of the transmission ( the side with axle cover that spins off !). Got the gears out, jet washed, soda blasted the outside, jet washed again. Now for mainshaft and gear swaps.

 

[Davidmgbv8]

Finally got back to the GT40. Just folded the new cowl piece and it fit great, gas caps now in proper place. I deleted some openings and shifted some others to cover tubes.
I will now need to form the rest of the bits to make it look close to the monocoque. Then reconnect shock towers, start fixing where things were cut, weld up, ect ect ect

 

[Davidmgbv8]

Finished my A/C controls with the Thermostat below the main cluster

 

[Davidmgbv8]

Got lights holes cut in today, found my Marchal headlamps came with yellow bulbs. Vive La France,

 

[Davidmgbv8]

cut, tack, cut, toss out, recut, repack.
Well what I thought would be a quick, easy project, led to hours….but I have a result, center bar is in. Got to put the front back on to double check fit and level.

 

[Davidmgbv8]

Well we got close… need to cut tacks on the LH side and extend bar 3/16 of an inch to fit inside body. Time for bed!

 

[Davidmgbv8]

Center lift bar, version 4.0

 

[Davidmgbv8]

Much better now as the bar supportsno longer hinder the clam sliding on that last little bit. Time for my 20 yr old son, Mason, to do some finish welding!

 

[Neil]

View attachment 125142Much better now as the bar supportsno longer hinder the clam sliding on that last little bit. Time for my 20 yr old son, Mason, to do some finish welding!View attachment 125143

It's a little late now but had you thought of using streamline tubing instead of round for that bar? It sits right across the air intake.

 

[Davidmgbv8]

I had not thought of that however I am trying to replicate the original front structure

 

[Morten]

I dont think the little bar will pose any restricted airflow, or rad performance. Even with a lisence plate in front it still most with a good rad have no problems. Keep ticking off those boxes David

 

[Neil]

I dont think the little bar will pose any restricted airflow, or rad performance. Even with a lisence plate in front it still most with a good rad have no problems. Keep ticking off those boxes David

Probably not but it's a nice touch that would set his build apart from all the others.