Great info thank you Andy! And thanks for the compliments. I would also like to know bout those Subaru thermostats
Some more progress- The original 37 dash panel was cracked around the steering column support flange, All that sheetmetal got replaced when i patched the original gauge area but I wanted to make some better structure for my set up. I added a thick runner full length of the left side of the lower dash flange that ties directly into the corner bracket that gets bolted to the body. Lots of spot welds where the original piece was separated. I also made a vertical support that connects a drop bracket from column mount to the dash rail mount holes for the gas tank. Since im not putting gauges infront on me I can have the support there without intruding on space. The mid bracket needs to be remade properly still this ones for mock up. Still havnt decided on cutting out the Gas tank to keep the original panel or replacing it entirely.
When Neil complements someone’s attention to detail everyone else takes notice - check out his build thread if you havn’t already! @JR-69 you certainly are building a beautiful AV8 you skills & attention to detail are clear to all, thanks for making the effort, I’m looking forward to following along, I have a roadster I’m collecting parts for, so your photos are very helpful thinking of & collecting the parts for it.
I found out about them doing a search here when I couldn't get the flatmotor up to temp. They are 180 degree stats from a Subaru Justy. They fit perfectly on top of the outlets on the heads. I drilled a 1/8" hole through the flange on the stat to prevent coolant trapping. Also cut a small stainless exhaust ring to fit inside the hose to hold them in place so they don't "flop" over. Two hose clamps at that location. One to attach hose to head, another to hold the keeper ring in place inside the hose. Andy
a little more dash progress- I decided that i would fill the corner space between the dash and body, by extending the body metal instead of making the dash flare out to fill the space (if you look in my prior dash photos its gapped) I really like the shadow line from the upper dash rail onto the dash and wanted to keep that same appearance. Plus, dont want the dash to look molded and street rod.. Just extended what was already there and added a filler piece above. I left the little slit between the different body parts, but i might weld it up so its not an open seam. Now i can trim and add a full flange around the corner of the dash.
No new updates at the moment, I have been focusing on a shovelhead build I have going on for a customer right now so that takes priority. I did contact EJ Whitney about getting my Generator converted/rebuilt and the son has recently taking over the conversions. Cant say I got a lot of confidence from the conversation and the price is nearly $500. I don’t have a problem rebuilding it and keeping it generator, but I do want a 12v system. Should I consider just keeping it generator, if so who’s rebuilding those nowadays? Or a power gen..?
Anyone? Also.. Im going to run the fan on the gen, so any long term experience with a fan mounted powergen is appreciated since it tells you not to but people have done anyways.
A little progress in the cab. With the steering position sorted i made the final modifications to the 32 pedals. The bushings had been worn and still in use for a long time, actually there was no bushing left on one side so the shaft had been rubbing metal to metal and was pretty deformed. To remedy i machined the shaft down to .750 and machined some thick self lubricating bronze bushings to press into the pedals. Also replaced the wave spring thats in the center with a bronze thrust washer. With really solid pedals i did the final tweaks to fit them around the column. I have the column pushed as far left as can go so they needed to move alot. Plenty of foot space still and room for the throttle pedal.
Finally can work on the seat so i can sit on something! First order of business was setting up the base. I had a stock base that was cut, but ended up being what i needed anyways because I wanted to make the seat back hinge forward so i could use the behind area for storage. Made a rear bar to complete the surrounding hoop and new corners-
Lastly finished the sheetmetal along the rear edge to make it all complete, i left this till last so i could figure out how far back i wanted to move the seat to give me more leg room-
Onto the rear hinges- Tried to make some look like they could have been from the era..? Made from stainless to be polished.
Feels like a big milestone to be able to sit in my car and put my feet on something, and im happy with how it all feels! Im trying to get as much weight on the car as possible so i can position my shock mounts, hopefully find some time for that soon.
Great work! What’s the clutch pedal pad from? And there is no way on earth I’m paying $500 to make a 6 volt generator 12 volt. There’s gotta be a better deal out there.
It was definitely a lot more then I expected to hear.. The pads are some repop early Harley Rocker clutch pads I had kicking around to put my feet on
There's some beautiful work happening here, thanks for sharing. My A roadster won't be half this nice.
Great build, your welds look surgical Just read through your thread, please forgive me if you already mentioned but what version of the flathead and ****** are you running? I was advised to run a light weight aluminum fan with the power gen alternator.
I have -59 block and 39trans. The engine is a gamble, I bought a complete Engine ( but completely dis***embled) from a guy who cleaned out his friends shop after he p***ed. Everything is there except a cam, so I hope that’s why it was taken apart. No other signs but I still need to have the block dipped. the transmission is completely rebuilt with synchros by Paul Jennings. I’ll share more on that stuff later on!
I’m looking for a few parts- -30-32 Emergency brake handle and trans mount. Prefer something with the chrome handle still in shape. -40 E brake cable equalizer parts -40 inner beauty rings, not outers. Also looking for a set of the repop 36 wheel covers that were made from stainless. I have an idea.. If anyone has something to sell please message me
Nothing to sell, hell, not even anything to offer except for praise and encouragement. Damn fine work and really nice thoughtful progress. Thanks for sharing your build, these are pure gold. Much appreciated. Peace.
Just found this build and it is really textbook material in every way. Great pictures, your fab skills are just so plain, simple, and clean. Great work!
The Jalopy Journal
