Post 27: Dash Panel, Throttle Linkage & Clutch Cylinder

Saturday 28th April.


Post 27: Dash Panel, Throttle Linkage & Clutch Cylinder


Decided to get the carburettors on the engine this weekend, well last weekend actually.  These carbs only just fit on these cars - to be frank - IF I was designing it there would have to be a larger gap to the body and access to tighten the fixings - but as I didn't it is hard to fit without scuffing the paint a little!
I just cant believe thought that the throttle linkage levers off the bulkhead - this is just crazy but there it is!  I didn't have the right dash bung for some reason - I am of the opinion that, other than the rat, there is something in my garage that hides parts because the amount of time I am spending searching for clip and stuff is really frustrating - so I manufactured a bearing to do the job - will see how it goes and if it doesn't work I will swap it for a new part.




Bulkhead bearing for throttle lever

Carburettors installed - waiting on fuel connection

Next bit of work was the exhaust heat shield.  Now I have been looking for this part for months, that garage thief again, I can remember having it in my hand around Christmas when I fitted the other heat shields and I put it safe so that it wouldn't get broken as it was delicate - I have never seen it since to be honest and resorted to buying anew one - I am expecting it to turn up soon now that I have fitted the new one.  You cant see it however on the car as it is now covered by the exhaust - you can see that!

Underside image - exhaust installed - heat shield just visible

To fit the shield I first had to fit the seat runner for the left side.  Well rusty but a work of art and about a dozen holes drilled later the seat rails and heat shield were fitted.




Seat rails in place

Also repaired the clutch slave cylinder.  Nothing on this car is easy - having fitted new seals etc and then refitted the cylinder it was clear that the lever rod just wasn't long enough.  This is worrying - I am sure that the clutch internals are correct, the arm is sitting in what looks like the correct place but the rod is short.  Having checked the parts available it looks like there is a longer rod - I don't know why it doesn't fit but have increased its length for now - guess it might bight back later. . .

Clutch slave and offending rod

The dashboard then.  I had it in mind to paint this blue as the earlier cars but based on comment have changed my mind and had it covered.  We spent about an hour fiddling with the new dash on the car, drilling fixing holes etc and then moved to the kitchen table to fit the gauges.
Every plan seems to go wrong - seems that the holes in the dash are un-finished because most needed filing.  The main large gauges fitted but nothing else and the dremel had to come out, anyway after another hour we have some gauges and then stuck it on the car.

Dash on the table

Dash in the car

Looking a bit like a car then!