More Unique Questions

fordracer · #1 (**permalink**) 12-01-2002, 08:22 PM

I see in the ERA assembly manual that the transmission tunnel is removable for access. It also says that there are two panels behind the seats for access to the inboard brakes. Has anybody cut the tunnel out of a Unique and made a panel for brake access in the rear panel ? I was thinking about maybe Dzus fastners to hold everything together once a suitable lip/attatching point was made for the tunnel. Or maybe someone could chime in and tell me pulling a transmission out of a Unique is no biggie for clutch service as well as how is brake access on a Jag rear from under the car .

casaleenie · #2 (**permalink**) 12-01-2002, 08:54 PM

I was going to call Unique about the same questions. Can't imagine that you'd have to pull the body off to service these items..or cut out access panels... I'll let you know what I find out from Unique.

Buzz · #3 (**permalink**) 12-01-2002, 09:10 PM

Interesting topic. I'm contemplating removing the body one more time to make some minor adjustments to the footwells for more header clearance and to finish the engine compartment in aluminum . I'm also going to do the trunk and I had decided to build in an access door for the brakes and rear end through the trunk compartment. I never considered creating the access through the cockpit but now you have me wondering which is the best way to go.

rldunn7 · #4 (**permalink**) 12-01-2002, 10:05 PM

I have at one time or another done about every r&r you can do on my Unique. Installed the rear emergency brakes with the body on. I do not know that I would want an access through the cockpit since you can get to everything pretty easily from underneath....and I do NOT have a lift. Just four good old jack stands and a BO floor jack. I have a toploader in my car and I truly believe you can reach everything on it also. The catch maybe lining up the tranny and not knocking out the pilot bearing on the reinstall.

Now I am not going to tell you that working on the brakes in the rear doesn't get a little frustrating turning those bolts about 1/16 of a turn with your arms over your head....(boy was I sore) but it is possible. I have also done a r&r on the rear rotors and brakes on both sides to work on the rearend.

PS..I have seen an access panel cut into the transmission tunnel by Alan or Maurice. I think that they did it at the request of the buyer to have access to the shift linkage (you know those spring clips on the linkage are like a bullet in a box when you are on your back and it decides to go a flying)....

Good luck and remember a lot of water is sprayed into that area, so your access panel will need to fit fairly snug to retain the water resistance..(no cobra is waterproof ..just water resistant.)

casaleenie · #5 (**permalink**) 12-02-2002, 06:44 AM

Fordracer,

There is a toll free number for Finish Line in Florida
888 436 9113

Cal Metal · #6 (**permalink**) 12-02-2002, 08:44 AM

Fordracer:

I believe that the reason the ERA has the access panel to the trans is that you cannot remove it any other way than through the cockpit. There is a brace that negates the possiblity of taking it out through the bottom.

Like Ridunn7, we have been under our Uniques many times and the access panels are not needed. The rear brakes need very little servicing since the front bears the brunt of the braking. When we build out a car, we change the rear brake pads when the body is off the car, having been sent it to the painter. We use a high grade pad which rarely needs servicing. Ours are not track cars, however.

excelguru · #7 (**permalink**) 12-02-2002, 09:35 AM

When building my car, I found it very useful to cut out a rectangle from the trunk to access the rollbar kickback support bolts. This allows them to be installed and removed by one person easily. I would imagine that a similar access hole could be made for the rear brakes, but probably isn't that necessary. Notice that the hole I cut is completely hidden by the fuel tank once it's installed.

Rollbar support access hole.

Hidden by fuel tank.

Keith

Cobra20646 · #8 (**permalink**) 12-03-2002, 12:37 PM

Converted my car from an automatic (C4) tranny to 4 speed manual with the car supported by jack stands. Everything done from underneith...... except for adding a new set of pedals in the foot box...... A lot of grunting, but can be done.
I can change rear pads in less time than it takes to raise the car on jack stands.
Forget the access panels.......
- Jim -

decooney · #9 (**permalink**) 12-03-2002, 05:26 PM

I was able to access the transmission, e-Brake, and rear brake pads from underneath in my last Unique 427SC faster than removing and re-installing the seats and tunnel in my current ERA for the same purpose.

For me, both methods in each of these cars seemed to have their strong points and weak points. Its kind of a toss up to me. The smaller rear access panel idea for the brakes sounds like a good idea though.

You might want to check with Alan or Maurice at Unique on the structural floorpan implications (if any) with making a removable tunnel before you do it on the Unique. I'd bet they have looked into it a least once already. I imagine you would want to consider creating some sort of support strips to screw in to along the cutout edges on the Unique if decided to make it a removable tunnel.

casaleenie · #10 (**permalink**) 12-04-2002, 05:27 PM

Loved this from the "The Shelby American Original Archives 1962-1965" by Dave Friedman

"The 427 Cobra (was) ready for delivery to a customer. Everyone at Shelby American used to make bets on how long it would be until the car was returned to the shop with a blown engine or in a box due to a crash. Most employees considered these cars lethal and the 427's never enjoyed the popularity with the employees that the 289 did."

Rick Bagley · #11 (**permalink**) 12-09-2002, 02:48 PM

I have a toploader, long tail shaft in my Unique and there is no problem getting to the Hurst Comp Plus shifter. I have an emergency brake and the cable can be easily installed at the transmission and rear end brake area. Dont think access panels are needed. Plus your are creating strength problems with the fiberglass. Just my 2 cents worth.