Yo-
This is an update, and I've got a question for the collective brains in here... All in one l'il posting!
The update part is that Sunday we set the frame on the floor, and using an engine hoist we "placed" a 302 that James had lying around (doesn't everybody have one?) in the frame as if it were mounted there. We bolted up a bell housing and put the T5 on the end of it, as though it was a -you know- a driveline. AND IT ALL FITS!!! I IS EXCITED!!!
I had taken numerous measurements when I drew up the plans for the frame, and was 99.9% sure it would all fit, but it was nice to put it together in real life and see it. James was amazed, which says something about my image, I guess...
Any-hoo, that was a good day... And then there was the rest of this week...
I have, installed on the chassis, a "Mustang" steering rack that I bought from E-Bay. (That's an ominous beginning, ain't it?) Out on the ends of the arms, where the outer tie rods should go, it's threaded and did not come with tie rods. That's OK, because I can't use standard tie rods, I've got to use heim joints and a few washers or spacers to mate up to the
top of the drilled-out steering arms on the spindles using 5/8 bolts. And the ends of the arms on the rack are
9/16 X 18 fine thread. I've looked just about everywhere I can think of (Still waiting to hear back from Frank at Steeda) and I can't seem to find any heims that size. If I could find a
9/16 female to 5/8 or even to 1/2 adapter, I'd use that, but haven't had any luck there either. I might be getting new inner tie rods and arms with a different thread from Steeda, but no word from them yet.
I have checked: Speedway, Lefthander, Day, Pegasus, McMaster, Fastenal, various off-road and dune buggy and hot rod shops online. (And Googled every variation I can think of)
So, the question is, any suggestions? If you gots an idea, let's hear it! Would love to find a simple, low-cost (!) fix. And try to make it sound just a little bit complicated, no matter how easy it really is, so I won't feel quite so much like a dumb-a... Uhh, dumb-donkey when you tell me, OK?
Oh, and Have a Happy, Safe July 4, Y'all!
JDK
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JD, father of
Quinn, Son of a...
Build LogQuinn the Slotus:Ford 302 Powered, Mallock-Inspired, Tube Frame, Hillclimb Special "Gonzo and friends: Last night must have been quite a night. Camelot moments, mechanical marvels, Rustoleum launches, flying squirrels, fru-fru tea cuppers, V8 envy, Ensure catch cans -- and it wasn't even a full moon." -- SeattleTom