This is the latest version I had a banjo all machined and ready to be assembled. I ordered a closed drive QC shaft kit from Hotrod Works and welded and machined the banjo housing. This one is going in the General this winter.
@Jethro do you have the ability to machine a blank case? I have a 201 that was cast but never machined so I am looking for someone to machine for me so I can put 36 bells etc into it.
I could probably do it , but transporting it would be prohibitive. I bet Steve (elpolako) at IndustrialChassis could do it or would know who could. I think the trick would be getting the width right so you get the proper preload and backlash on the ring gear.
Steve is no longer doing Industrial Chassis. He still owns the name and product lines but now has a regular 9-5 job with benefits. All I need to have done is the case machined for the axle bells and internals. Here is some pics of what I have.
Is that aluminum or magnesium? I think any competent machine shop with a rotary table could do it. Like everything else small shops are harder to find because of cnc production shops.
Yeah , that might be a little out of my ability. If it was just drilling and tapping a few holes maybe but finishing the bearing bores would be tricky especially without a blueprint.
Ron, to make sure it turns out square, you will need extensive fixturing on top of somebody with a bit of talent and a machine to perform it. We started out with a case that already had the main sides cut and drilled, and the pinion bore completed. And we still had many hours in CNC setup and hundreds in steel for the fixtures. Yours will be more than twice the work we went through. It will be more expensive than just buying a good Halibrand case that’s ready to go.
Ron, as alchemy posted............. You might want to study a finished QC, you will see somewhat more work involved than you mentioned. Also, if you've never had machine work done, keep in mind there will be a setup charge, especially if the chosen shop doesn't normally do this kind of work.
I don't want to highjack this thread so I made a new one here. https://jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/halibrand-201.1305184/#post-15049730 @alchemy I sent you a PM.
@Hot Rod Ron, My friend says that finishing his QCs is way down the list of things he needs to do. He also said he would be hesitant to do one for anyone else. Too many chances for errors and comebacks. Have you talked to Hot Rod Works about finishing the castings for you? Don't know if they would be interested, but they have the ability.
So , the General has his new Bell Speed(tm) QC center section. I wish it was nicer weather so I could take it for a spin.
Thank you , that means a lot. When I first had the idea of making a QC I read as much as I could and poached alot of information from people like yourself. From where I started to where I am now I can honestly say that I've learned a bunch. It's been fun making something like this and driving down the road with it.
Just re-found this thread - @Jethro what a great job, it must be very rewarding! How's it going 9 months on? Birthing another?
Thanks @Outback ! I've put a couple thousand miles and got it salty at speed week at Bonneville. It's been a ton of fun ! It took a few trips to get used to the whine but now it's just part of the experience. It's no worse than an old truck with straight cut gears in the gearbox. I have another in the works for the 28 RPU I am working on. It's been a very satisfying project!
so--do you now have jigs for everything and can just cut an assembly out(sounds easy doesn't it?) and start welding etc.?
I have some jigs , and notes to help when I start cutting a housing. I don't do it every day so it feels like I have to relearn every time I start a new rear end. With each one I do I find little ways to improve.
as everyone has said--killer work!!--makes me think of an old hrm article on a guy making a 57 chev diff into one!
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