505 replies to this topic

[lxsstorana]

Thanks for the mention Craig and hang in there mate.

I'm only running 3 years late on my hatch but I'm finally getting into it now.

Cheers Mick.

[Tyre biter]

Not too much done lately, but for I did manage to get the rear axle housing into the car at the weekend;





Now to install the springs - bit hard to work out which way they go up unfortunately.
And the the 3.25 LSD centre I got from unclefestaL34 (thanks) but wouldn't you know it, the gasket I bought fits beautifully save for one hole...
I am sure I will work it out but would just love to catch a break with this car!

Cheers, TB

Edited by Tyre biter, 04 June 2012 - 09:06 PM.

[Tyre biter]

I got the diff centre in yesterday;


Does anyone have an idea how much diff oil the thing will need and any opinions on a decent oil for a 9" with (tight) LSD?

Cheers, TB

[Tyre biter]

Thanks for the tip Jeff.

Update: Spent the last couple of weeks beavering away at the rear axles and drum brakes. I have had to;

• sand-blast the backing plates, drums, parking brake links and levers, adjusters, etc using the small sand blasting cabinet I have - that tool has paid for itself several times over - just can be difficult to keep working well on a cold day what with all the moisture in the air - problem is, everyday is a cold day in Canberra this time of year,
• then clean everything not blasted, and repaint most things,
• replaced the axle seals - I noticed some oil on the drum backing plates and whilst the existing seals looked near new and fine, I thought it would be better to do this now whilst it was all in pieces. Those seals took some work to source given everywhere I went only had them in metric sizes which were a near but not quite a proper match,
• identify and source new brake shoes and a shoe return spring - turns out the 11" drums belong to a 1959-61 Ford Customline and so took some effort and $$$ to locate a replacement set, and
• have some speedi-sleeves pressed onto the axles Bronco/F Series 1.5" axles.

In any case, I am pretty happy with how it all has turned out, and I am learning all the time which can be a frustrating and sometimes expensive experience at times, but nevertheless I guess I'll know this car inside out once it gets done.







Excuse the crap everywhere in the garage - in the middle of a general tidy-up at the moment.

Will now turn my attention to the brake master cylinder and booster before plumbing the brake system - imagine there are a lot more lessons in those items me there...

Cheers, TB

[derrin71]

Great work mate. Nothing like the feeling of doing it all yourself.

[Tyre biter]

Thanks Derrin and Berro,

I spent some time on the Hotwires today. The new Hotwire comes from Neale Wheels with the centre's requiring the stickers to be attached and then trimmed around the wheel stud holes as the sticker overhangs the holes.

The stickers are bloody hard to align with the hub centre and stud holes, and the backing paper of the sticker is more strongly adhered than the sticker can adhere itself to the wheel centre meaning the sticker can be easily stretched out of round when peeling the backing off, and finally trimming the stud holes is pretty bloody easy to stuff up as I found out the hard way.

The whole process is annoying and made worse by the premium of the wheels - I expect better from such an expensive wheel - IMO they ought to come ready to go, in proper boxes, lacking water stains and with wheel nuts that are new, clean and in OEM packaging as opposed to a dirt/oil filled Glad-wrap bundle wrapped in packing tape.



Having said that, I have found the after sales service to be fantastic. I've been sent replacement stickers and friendly advice in a very timely manner, on top of which (despite the stuff-up being my fault) I am being sent revised size wheel nuts at no additional cost. Simply, I cannot fault the after-sales service but wonder if more effort was put into the manufacturing/packaging effort then these after-sales remedies would not be required.



Regardless, I would say to those looking at buying the wheels - buy them for sure. Just ask the folks at Neale's to fit the stickers or better yet, paint the centres before shipping to you.

Cheers, TB

[Redslur]

Looking tops mate. Pity I haven't been able to help much lately. Have next week off running Mel around all week in the Kanga Cup. Got heaps done in the shed this weekend. Torry is all tucked away safely now :-)

[Shtstr]

m8 good looking hatch. you have done a wonderfull job from what i can see in the pic's.
and i must admit that is one of the best cut down 9" diff's i have seen. same size axle tubes all the way insted of steped down.

[Tyre biter]

Thanks for the tips Bomber and Jeff re: oil for the rear axle.

Kudos for the encouragement Berro, Derrin, Lee, Gerry and Pat - much appreciated.

Dave (lcxu105) thanks also - that diff housing/axle tubes is just what came with the car - can't claim any credit for it but it is a bastard-child of components! I think I might have said; the housing is 60's-80's Bronco/F-Series, the axles are the same, the flange ends are 'Big Style' bolt spacings using a 'New Big Style' profile, and the 11" drums are 1959-61 Customline jobbies!

I've been chipping away at the steering column the last day or so - have it mostly in pieces now - hope I've taken enough photos to put it all back together.

It will need the top and bottom bearings replaced - seems the top one might be an issue having read a few threads on here! Whilst I sort that all out, I will sand blast everything in my little cabinet before painting it all up nice and ready for the re-assembly.

Cheers, TB

[Tyre biter]

Back at it
Yesterday I had a visit come working bee where LX6LTR, myss427 and Redslur gave up their holiday to come by and help.
Just typical of the folks in the CTC and having seen and learned their knowledge first hand - I know there was no way I'd have done this - properly or otherwise!
The car now has wiring through it, door innards are in place including glass, pinch weld, door top vinyl, door cards and new locks - all done and dusted special thanks to Craig and Gerry for this..




The Torana RPA stuff fitted and went in a treat - the RSP stuff (though appreciated) had some issues sorry to report.


All flares and front spoiler now fixed and fitted properly after my poor effort, and vinyl from b-pillar rearward is all done - thanks Brett.




A lot of other things done here and there both yesterday and previously - too many things to mention but this is merely (finally) an update but also a public thank-you to LX6LTR, myss427 and Redslur.

Cheers, TB