AP2289 Build log 'stage 2'

[Alfa02]

Glen, sent you a PM, want to make sure you got it, so reposting here. Talked to the Tiger guys, and this is who they swear by. Tired Emailing you didn't go through ??? Anyway, here you go, if he doesn't have what you need, he will know someone who will. Cheers Tom. David Kee Toploader Transmissions, Inc.

[xb-60]

Got it, Tom. Thanks.
In fact, luck has it that Australia's David Kee agent is here in Adelaide. They are the people who rebuilt my Toploader a number of years ago in readiness for this project.
I'll be asking my guy to talk to the David Kee agent. Should have done that before now, but I thought they could work out the details with a supplier themselves.

Cheers!
Glen

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by 1795

Glenn,

Well that sucks! The problem probably is not the Windsor, but rather the decreasing availability of clutches, flywheels and HTOB's designed for the TopLoader spline. Even in the States they are becoming harder to find.

Good luck.

Cheers,

Jim

Jim,
Yes, I do remember you commenting on that previously. Hard to understand - particularly in the US - with the number of Windsors and Toploaders that must still be around there

Cheers!
Glen

[xb-60]

Well, we - apparently - now have all the parts to be able to mate the engine/flywheel/clutch/scattershield/gearbox.
With luck, and belief that the above is true and accurate, I should be able to report concrete progress...... soon

Cheers,
Glen

[tkb289]

Great news Glen!

Hopefully all of the appropriate fasteners are on hand as well, along with the correct pilot bearing or bushing. Sometimes it is the little stuff that can hold you up.

I believe that you are using a HTOB (hydraulic throw out bearing), so be sure to follow the manufacturer's installation instructions closely. I have a buddy that has a Superformance GT40 that is running a HTOB. After about 12 years and 50K miles, the braided HTOB bleeder hose sprung a pin hole leak and the clutch failed. The hole in the hose was due to abrasion over time from the gearbox housing. Be sure the hydraulic lines in and out of the gearbox have enough play to allow for some movement, but protect the hoses from chaffing and eventfully causing a leak. A small piece of fuel / vacuum hose or tape around the hydraulic lines at the friction points, should eliminate the problem.

You are getting closer & closer to completion and once the drivetrain is installed, that will be a huge milestone.

- Tim

[xb-60]

Good advice, Tim..... noted. Thanks

Cheers,
Glen

[1795]

Glen,

Tim provides good advice. i have two lengths of rubber hose that are cut lengthwise and fitted over the braided hoses where they exit the bell housing. A couple of zip ties at the ends keep them in place and provides security. Also, make sure that the bleeder hose is the one on the top.

Jim

[Alfa02]

Great news Glen, see when we all pull together there's nothing, we can't do Hopefully the next pictures will show a filled-up engine compartment!! One of my competitors lost the championship that year (failed 2-laps before the end of the race) because of that very reason (Pinhole leak) in the braided hose to the clutch, and a "Little Yellow" GTV won that year I like to beat them on track, not in the pits. Cheers Mate, Tom.

[xb-60]

Greetings all

Happy to be able to report at least something on the progress on my car.
You might remember that my car has been at the workshop since June last year, that the engine refresh had been completed, and that I was waiting for supply of the flywheel and clutch.
So that’s 7 months with nothing obvious happening.
Well, now, at least the flywheel and clutch have finally turned up.
I had wanted a standard clutch, however the one supplied is a bit more of a performance clutch, so will be a little heavier ....but I'm not going to send it back!



Had a chat about the plan to use an HTOB, and decided to take the risk and just go with an external slave. There is probably enough room in the tunnel for a protruding fork,
and if there isn't, then we will cut a clearance hole in the tunnel and I'll make up a blister to cover it. I will be happier with no hydraulics inside the scattershield.

More as it happens - albeit slowly


Cheers!
Glen

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by xb-60

So that’s 7 months with nothing obvious happening....

As Douglas Adams wrote “For a moment, nothing happened. Then, after a while, nothing continued to happen.”

But you are making progress.

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by patrickt

As Douglas Adams wrote “For a moment, nothing happened. Then, after a while, nothing continued to happen.”

But you are making progress.

A quote of Mr. Adams' that I like is "A learning experience is one of those things that say, "You know that thing you just did? Don't do that" "

I hope that doesn't apply to the possible/proposed clearance hole for my clutch fork

Cheers!
Glen

[Alfa02]

Glen, send me another Emali, I tried the last time, and it didn't go through. My buddy may have just what you wanted in the first place, as he was building a 289 with top loader in his 66 Mustang coupe, ended up with a 351 with T-56, it even has a blow proof bell housing. All NOS parts. Hope this helps, I'll then send him your email. Cheers Tom.

[1795]

Glen,

Congrats on moving one step closer. It's a shame to have to cover up that pressure plate with a bell housing

Jim

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by Alfa02

Glen ….My buddy may have just what you wanted in the first place, as he was building a 289 with top loader….

Thanks Tom, but the pretty purple clutch supplied will do the job nicely

Cheers!
Glen

[Alfa02]

10-4 Glen, here's wishing you "Smooth Sailing" here on out, my friend, Cheers Tom. I agree with Jim, it sure is Pretty

[tkb289]

Hi Glen,

Glad that you finally have some clutch parts and can make more progress.

A HTOB has its place, particularly in modern cars with limited space and tight machining tolerances.

I think from a maintenance perspective, an external slave cylinder & clutch fork is the way to go for your Cobra, provided you have the space, or can make the space with some clever cutting & patching.

Based on my experience, a few things to keep in mind. I bought a slave cylinder bracket & rod kit that was pretty good, but was not totally happy with the alignment & geometry. I wound up modifying some of the parts. I was also not able to find a suitable rubber boot to help seal off the area between the clutch fork and the bell housing. Was told by a few folks it’s not necessary, but I was able to make something that worked reasonably well. You may have a different experience based on your car and the parts you are able to acquire.

Given your engineering and fabrication talents, I know that you will came up with a first rate solution.

- Tim

[BJ's Snake]

You are a very patient man Glen.
I'm repairing mine after a altercation at Mt Panorama!

Cheers

[xb-60]

BJ - I'm way too patient for my own good

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by tkb289

Hi Glen,

Glad that you finally have some clutch parts and can make more progress.

A HTOB has its place, particularly in modern cars with limited space and tight machining tolerances.

I think from a maintenance perspective, an external slave cylinder & clutch fork is the way to go for your Cobra, provided you have the space, or can make the space with some clever cutting & patching.

Based on my experience, a few things to keep in mind. I bought a slave cylinder bracket & rod kit that was pretty good, but was not totally happy with the alignment & geometry. I wound up modifying some of the parts. I was also not able to find a suitable rubber boot to help seal off the area between the clutch fork and the bell housing. Was told by a few folks it’s not necessary, but I was able to make something that worked reasonably well......

Tim, as is often the case, I end up thinking along the same lines as you
I'm happier now that I'm on the external slave route.

Cheers!
Glen

[CobraLen]

Love the build Glen! I have gone through and read every page of this.
I have always loved the AC Cobra and when I met BJ on the weekend at local car show and saw his Cobra in person... I knew I had to build one for myself in time for my sons yr10 graduation, 2033.
So I have lots of budgeting and build time ahead. I will say it here now for future reference I have the wife's blessing .