Removable trans-tunnel?

boris_thespider · #1 (**permalink**) 04-26-2010, 08:19 PM

Has anyone ever built their B&B with a removable trans-tunnel? I've seen race cars with this feature and it seems it would be easier to service drivetrain problems and make adjustments.

Mike

lnfletcher · #2 (**permalink**) 04-27-2010, 07:51 AM

How many drive train problems are we expecting?

Excaliber · #3 (**permalink**) 04-27-2010, 08:42 AM

Well I've my trans out for various problems about 4 or 5 times, I've lost count, in the last 15,000 miles or so. In fact, it's out right now! Lost a throw out bearing once, I'm on my third clutch, over hauled the trans once (new synchro's). I'm currently replacing the top loader with a TKO and installing a heater under the dash. Which is way easier with the tunnel out and the dash unbolted and just dropped down.

If you run it hard, like I do, your gonna need to work on it.

patrickt · #4 (**permalink**) 04-27-2010, 01:18 PM

Jeez, if you couldn't remove the trans tunnel on an ERA I'm not sure what you'd do. With the outboard braked rear and emergency brake, you can't get to the front U-joint from under the car (unless you're Houdini, that is). So I guess what you'd have to do is bolt up the engine/trans/drive shaft all together on the shop floor and then wiggle it all in with the cherry picker. I dunno....

Excaliber · #5 (**permalink**) 04-27-2010, 01:40 PM

My buddy has an FFR Mark 1. Had to change the clutch, pull the trans from the bottom, freakin' nightmare. I looked at it and told him I'd like to help, but really, he needed "professional help" and good luck with that!

Jim Werth · #6 (**permalink**) 04-27-2010, 02:23 PM

Changed my trany in about 2 hours in my B+B. Took me almost that long to jack it up and put blocks under the car and lower it back down. Changed the trany but left the bellhousing bolted to the engine. Jim

Excaliber · #7 (**permalink**) 04-27-2010, 03:03 PM

Removing the seats, carpet and the ton of screws holding the tunnel cover is not a quick task. AFTER you've got all that stuff out of the way, pulling the trans is a snap.

I understand it's pretty gruesome to pull the trans tunnel on an SPF, apparently they use some really mean sealer/crazy glue on the tunnel.

patrickt · #8 (**permalink**) 04-27-2010, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Excaliber

...apparently they use some really mean sealer/crazy glue on the tunnel.

Probably Hot Hide Glue.

http://www.franklinglue.com/Download...urGlue_FWW.pdf

BlueRooster · #9 (**permalink**) 04-27-2010, 06:38 PM

I've had the seats and trans tunnel out twice on my spf....Wow, the black glue they use gets all over. There has to be a better way. I tried cleaning the black off but it never ends. If someone figured out an alternative, I would really like to hear it. I hope the current clutch lasts forever.

patrickt · #10 (**permalink**) 04-27-2010, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueRooster

I've had the seats and trans tunnel out twice on my spf....Wow, the black glue they use gets all over. There has to be a better way. I tried cleaning the black off but it never ends. If someone figured out an alternative, I would really like to hear it. I hope the current clutch lasts forever.

Can you melt it with a heat gun and pull it off? Or is the glue heat-resistant like a JB Weld or something?

Excaliber · #11 (**permalink**) 04-27-2010, 08:33 PM

Ha Ha, I've had my trans out so many times (clutch's mostly) I gave up "sealing" the trans tunnel. I just screw it back in, step back and say, "Screw it."

Dane, if you drive like I do, you'll need a new clutch again shortly!

I just bought a new extra heavy duty killer clutch to go with the new TKO from Blykins. I THOUGHT my old clutch was still OK until I put some slicks on the car recently. Sure enough, my clutch was actually slipping on a hard launch, I was quite surprised it was already time AGAIN for another clutch!

lnfletcher · #12 (**permalink**) 04-28-2010, 04:41 AM

I stand corrected, again.

BlueRooster · #13 (**permalink**) 04-28-2010, 06:32 AM

You do not peal this stuff. It's sloppy and gets everywhere. All over you, the trans tunnel and the rugs.

I dont baby the car by any stretch, but the biggest reason I need to take the tunnel out was to switch from hydraulic to external slave. Now I am rethinking it again because it has become apparent that this toy is made for a hydraulic clutch. The black goo is the only thing keeping me from starting another cobra project.