After nearly two days without Internet, it’s clear how
vulnerable we would be if terrorists dispense with the shooting and concentrate
on disrupting communications!
It’s been a good news, bad news week, so first the bad news.
I worked on the transmission end of the shifter setup and it’s
not looking good for using the pushbuttons to shift. The mockup shifter worked
fine, but after remaking it from the heavier material required for everyday
operation, the force required to push the buttons has become excessive. Part of the problem is
in the cable design, so before giving up, I’ll try to find a smoother operating
cable. I might also need to install a bearing in at least one of
the pivot points. I don’t really like that idea as the shifter area is too open
to mud and other debris, and a sealed bearing is a bit of overkill.
Before wiring the dash, I temporarily hung it in place to
determine the best wire harness routing and to check for any interference
issues. I’m glad I did as I discovered the new radio touched the windshield
wiper motor. I can get about a quarter inch more clearance by modifying the
mounting position, so I worked on that yesterday. If that doesn’t provide
enough room, I can get a bit more with a small tweak to the wiper motor mount.
Another small issue is the water pump. With the stock
replacement pump installed, the timing mark is nearly obscured by the position
of the lower hose, so I decided to order a later model pump with the hose
breakout on the opposite side. That pump arrived yesterday, but I quickly
learned that it created a different problem. Now the ’66 alternator bracket won’t
fit, as the new pump is missing a location for one of the bracket mounting
bolts. I might also have to either use a later model timing marker and remark
the damper, or locate a different bracket. I’ll need some more think-time for
that one.
The last unwanted discovery occurred when I installed the oil
pressure sender that was provided with the new gauge set. It interferes with
the unique design of the aftermarket Chrysler Power intake manifold, and as I’m not ready to machine a notch in the manifold, a change in the sender mounting is in order. That problem goes on the back burner for a while.
After the rash of new problems, I decided to try something
else, so I took on the job of installing the suspended accelerator pedal. I had
previously made that mod to my ’73 D100 and ’64 Valiant without any problems as
I was able to bolt them directly to the firewall by doing nothing more than
drilling new holes. I suspected more would be needed on this car, and I was
right. To get it located in the proper position I had to design a new bracket to
accommodate the angled firewall. While the multi-angle bracket was a pain to
make the pedal is now installed. That job reminded me that I have to send Gary
Goers my old brake pedal core so he can mold a new one.
With the dash installed, I was able to make a cardboard
mockup of the Vintage Air evaporator to verify that it would fit, and it
appears that it will, so I ordered it yesterday.
Still working on the wiring diagrams so I can order parts
for that project.
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