AP2289 Build log 'stage 2' - Page 33

xb-60 · #**641** (**permalink**) 07-01-2023, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BJ's Snake

You'll have to buy new tyres now, they'll be out of date!
Progress is progress, good to see.

BJ - yes, that thought had crossed my mind...

Cheers!
Glen

xb-60 · #**642** (**permalink**) 07-31-2023, 12:35 AM

OK, time for an update?
Went in to the workshop last Friday. We had previously discussed the likelihood of requiring a hole in the left side of the tunnel to allow clearance for a small section of the Toploader shift linkages. I would then make up a blister panel to cover it; no problem there. Small problem was now turning into a large problem. Turns out that the hole required would indeed be significantly larger than anticipated. However…. couldn’t do that as the passenger’s seat would be impacted. The only acceptable solution is to use a Tremec TKX gearbox. Gear ratios are close enough to the Toploader to not be a concern, and then there’s the overdrive at 0.81:1, which I don’t need because of my high diff. ratio, but that’s OK.
Good news is that the QT RM-6060 scattershield for the Toploader is good for the TKX; flywheel will be OK; clutch - most likely OK, and I’m relenting and going with an HTOB. Shifter location is OK as well, as there is a choice of three positions.
I’m told that DK built Toploaders are somewhat in demand, so should gain something back there.

That’s enough news to absorb from me for this week….

Cheers!
Glen

1795 · #**643** (**permalink**) 07-31-2023, 04:30 AM

Glen,

When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade! Way to adjust your thoughts on this project and make what you are given work. Rebuilt top loaders are rare, so I would imagine that you will recoup your investment on it. You never know, maybe you will need that overdrive and your high gear diff if you ever make it out to the salt flats at Bonneville

Good luck.

Jim

Harpoon PV2 · #**644** (**permalink**) 08-01-2023, 09:44 PM

No, when life gives you lemons, you should take a big bite out of everyone of them! Then, when your mouth is slowly unpuckering, it reminds you, that you can overcome anything life throws at you! Cheers, Dennis

tkb289 · #**645** (**permalink**) 08-02-2023, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xb-60

... The only acceptable solution is to use a Tremec TKX gearbox. Gear ratios are close enough to the Toploader to not be a concern, and then there’s the overdrive at 0.81:1, which I don’t need because of my high diff. ratio, but that’s OK.
Good news is that the QT RM-6060 scattershield for the Toploader is good for the TKX; flywheel will be OK; clutch - most likely OK, and I’m relenting and going with an HTOB ...

Glen,

Sorry to hear that the Toploader linkage won't fit and you cannot use that gearbox. I know that is one of the features of the car you have been planning on using since the get go.

I have the TKO 600 with the 0.82 5th gear (OD) and a 3.54 diff, I have been very happy with that combination. The TKX sounds like the current version of the TKO 600 but with some upgrades. You will likely need to change the diff ratio if you want to take advantage of 5th gear OD.

What is prompting abandoning the external slave cylinder and going with an HTOB, space constraints ?

- Tim

xb-60 · #**646** (**permalink**) 08-03-2023, 11:49 PM

Hi Tim.

It is somewhat irritating, to say the least, as it was known from the start that I would be using a Toploader. There was no contrary advice given.

However... the situation is what it is, and the TKX is a good gearbox, so onward we go.

The TKX 1st gear ratio at 2.87 is slightly shorter than the Toploader's 2.78, so it's hardly noticeable. Yes, my differential ratio is tall already, but it's a (relatively) big engine in a small and light car, so occasional forays into 5th gear will be useful in country cruising.

The concession to using an HTOB? It's simpler, as it will need no clearance holes in the side of the tunnel (and at this point, I'm looking for "simple"). I'll keep my fingers crossed that it lasts as long they say it will

Cheers!
Glen

tkb289 · #**647** (**permalink**) 08-04-2023, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xb-60

... The concession to using an HTOB? It's simpler, as it will need no clearance holes in the side of the tunnel (and at this point, I'm looking for "simple"). I'll keep my fingers crossed that it lasts as long they say it will

...

Hi Glen,

Something to be said for just getting it done, you have had a lot of hurry up and wait, I bet you are more than ready for the project to be completed.

For the HTOB, as mentioned in previous posts, be sure to plumb in an accessible chafe prof flexible line, so that you can easily flush & bleed the system from time to time.

Hang in there, you are getting close!

- Tim

xb-60 · #**648** (**permalink**) 09-29-2023, 01:18 AM

I am still here. So is my car

Of more interest, though, is that a positive update will be forthcoming soon.

Cheers!
Glen

patrickt · #**649** (**permalink**) 09-29-2023, 10:28 AM

I don't believe you.

xb-60 · #**650** (**permalink**) 09-29-2023, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

I don't believe you.

I don't care

xb-60 · #**651** (**permalink**) 10-09-2023, 09:41 PM

Here's the gearbox and scattershield temporarily mated.

Name: Gearbox+scattershield.jpg
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Currently waiting on a new clutch plate, as the item for the Toploader doesn't have the same spline as the input shaft on the TKX. Parts for 'unusual' cars are not available at the corner store here.

After clutch plate arrival, we can fit the exhaust primaries to the engine, as well as the scattershield, and then fit this 'unit' to the car. Then easy fit of the gearbox.

More when it happens

Cheers!
Glen

1795 · #**652** (**permalink**) 10-11-2023, 05:40 AM

Glen,

Thy look great together! Pretty soon they will be nestled where they belong and will be transferring the power to the rear wheels.

Jim

xb-60 · #**653** (**permalink**) 10-12-2023, 05:35 AM

So.... I have 2 gearboxes - a Toploader and a TKX, and only the TKX will fit my chassis.
That means I have a Toploader - rebuilt by David kee's Australian agent - that needs a new home

There it is below...

It was my gearbox of choice, but I can't get away from the fact that it won't fit in my tunnel. So.... reluctantly, I'm looking for a new home for it.

If you know of anyone (ideally, in Australia) who would appreciate it as much as I had hoped to.... let me know

Cheers!
Glen

BJ's Snake · #**654** (**permalink**) 10-13-2023, 04:53 PM

Good luck with the sale of your Toploader.
Looks like Wakefield Park will reopen next year and that the Cobra Nationals will resume.
Be good to see your Cobra there, could even get a pic of the 2 FIA's together!

Cheers

xb-60 · #**655** (**permalink**) 10-16-2023, 04:12 AM

Thanks BJ.
Good news about Wakefield Park and the Cobra Nationals.
Unfortunately, I'm unlikely to drive my Cobra across to the Nationals though, with the state of some of the goat tracks that we call highways in rural Victoria and NSW.

Cheers!
Glen