AP2289 Build log 'stage 2'

[xb-60]

Finally some minor progress to report

The flywheel that was originally delivered was the incorrect item. The replacement item (157T) turned up and has been fitted.
The original starter motor - which we thought would fit - doesn't fit, so the correct unit has been ordered. Should be easy to source, but I'll wait and see it actually fitted before getting too excited.



More as it happens!

Cheers!,
Glen

[tkb289]

Glen,

Slow but steady progress, getting the correct parts is challenging and the supply chain issues has not helped. Perhaps you can start to mock up the clutch throwout bearing & fork assembly and slave cylinder mounting, while waiting for the starter motor.

Keep up the good work.

- Tim

[1795]

Glen,

that looks like my bell housing! Depending on the starter, some might need to be clocked and some might need a shim. I had to clock mine to get it to fit.

It's a pain taking the engine in and out, but you might want to get it in place and check clearances before adding too much more to it. Sometimes it looks like something will fit, until you get it in place.

I found that bringing the engine in from the side (over the fender) is easier than bringing it in from the nose (unless you have one of those nice ramps like Shelby had). Most booms lack the reach from the nose and ou are having to muscle the engine back.

Good luck!

Jim

[xb-60]

Tim and Jim,

Thanks, and comments much appreciated.
It certainly does make sense to do a trial fit of the engine with scattershield fitted but without the gearbox to have a 'visual' on the clearance - or otherwise - of the clutch fork. Then any required clearance can more easily be sorted.

Cheers!
Glen

[ssv ute]

Hi Glen,

Have you had any progress on your build?

Richard

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by ssv ute

Hi Glen,

Have you had any progress on your build?

Richard

Hi Richard. Short answer is no.
Longer answer is all is ready to go with trial fitting the engine, and then fitting engine and gearbox as a unit.

Back to the "no"
Went in last Tuesday, as the engine trial fit should have been accomplished. Greeted with - "we don't have the engine mounts". I was about to head home and start searching for them, but I knew I didn't have them, so we started checking all of the gear laid out on the bench that belonged to the car's location.... and there we quickly found the engine mounts. Sheepish looks followed.
So, I'm going back in there this Tuesday.

I need results. I don't want to be too old to drive my car

Regards,
Glen

[Alfa02]

I'll second that, Glen??? cheers Buddy. Tom.

[ssv ute]

Good to hear your build is still going on mate, but understandably I'm guessing your patience isn't doing so well.

[1795]

Glen,

Yes, it can be very frustrating, especially when little things happen towards the end. We're here for you.

Jim

[Alfa02]

Sorry to hear about the lack of progress Glen, Like Jim said, "We're here for you" It's tough when the Cobra is out-of-your hands, and you feel like no one is doing their job. Like you would being a "Hands on" type of guy. Cheers my Friend

[patrickt]

One day it'll be done. Ehhrrrr, unless Glen is suffering from Cobra-build delusions and there is no car because he's just imagined the whole thing.

[xb-60]

Positive comments appreciated. It’ll happen.

Incidentally, we’re having our first (local) Cobra club get together for 3 years tomorrow night.

Cheers!
Glen

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by patrickt

One day it'll be done. Ehhrrrr, unless Glen is suffering from Cobra-build delusions and there is no car because he's just imagined the whole thing.

Patrick -

Just came back from the workshop, and I have some news.
We do have progress...

Engine is bolted in. I will need a clearance hole in the tunnel (edit: for the clutch fork, so will just make up a 'blister' to cover it), but that's not a problem. At least an external slave for the clutch is possible.





....and thank you for those that have stayed with me

Cheers!
Glen

[Harpoon PV2]

I know how you feel Glenn! I have a early 1900s motorcycle that I had to use my friends shop to work on it. It's been 5 years now, getting where every day seems like a decade! My only salvation is, those old bikes have shot up in price at an unbelievable pace. A 1908 Harley just went for a cool one million prime cut USD! Believe it or not, I am actually green with envy af your Cobra, scratch that, I'm Jade green with envy! Cheers, Dennis

[tkb289]

Glen,

Well this is a huge milestone and great to hear that an external slave cylinder is an option. Some fitment issues will surely come up and tweaks that will need to be made, but this is great news !!!

- Tim

[1795]

Glen,

Congrats on getting to this stage! There will be some shims here and there that may be required, and measurements will have to be taken after the transmission is in for the driveshaft, but the real hard stuff is behind you.

Jim

[BJ's Snake]

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

[xb-60]

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]

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]

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