Art & Inspiration Traditional images that need no explanation.

In the mid 70's the open wheel cars we were running used in/out boxes for transmissions. Based on the old ford 3 speed, they were just an input shaft, sliding coupler and a stubby output shaft in a cast aluminum case. Mine was a C.A.E. brand.

Most of the guys kept them filled with gear oil which would leak out around the torque tube ball and cornering forces would dribble it all over their right shoe. Just about everyone had their leather shoe and sock soaked in gear oil. Luckily, we never had a fire. I wore an extremely expensive (over 300 bucks as I recall) Simpson 3 layer Nomex suit with balaclava, gloves and socks. I don't know if shoes were available, but I didn't have them. I got tired of the gear oil soaking every week, so after a bit of thought I realized the only thing in there that needed lube was the front and rear bearings and the shift fork. I packed the bearings with grease and put just enough track roller grease in the bottom of the case to reach the sliding coupling shifter groove.

My dad had the track roller grease for his little John Deere dozer, it was thick enough to stay in place, but thin enough to flow, so it stayed on the groove and shift fork. That ended the problem.

 

Some may need a little "splain'n" on this one!

 

Look! A rare Willylet. (That's pronounced WillieLay.)

 

I think it's a 37 Plymouth ?

 

Chrysler Newport ?

 

Annette Funicello.

 

I was thinking Dodge or Plymouth Marty, the two rib side trim caught my eye, don't know subtle differences of this era.

 

The door hinge is what I noticed.

 

Leaky tire.

 

Well then -- WillyMouth