Well work continues, the engine block has gone to the machine shop to have the new cam bearings pressed in, and to cross check my work (after all it's my first v8) in the mean time I have been continuing the theme of cleaning bits up.... This mornings efforts was the gear stick. If you recall back and look at the earlier picks the gear knob was snapped off, and it was generally in a seized and rusty state.....
It had a trip to the molasses bath followed by a trip by the jet wash, and was ready to begin rebuild ! The reverse trigger was a metal one which was knackered so I am on the hunt for another folks (funds waiting just let me know)
I ground off the remains of the stub to level off the gear stick before checking a knob I had lying in amongst my spare parts bins.... A quick measurement of the knob insert that I had showed it to be 5/16... So out came the drill and taps, I then cut a bolt down to act as a studded bar, dialled it in then wound the knob on.... And she seems good to go !
Work is progressing slowly but surely, the engine is the last expensive hurdle, I hope to get her fully mobile by May, then I can concentrate on the pretty bits.... Time will tell, but as long as the lump works she should make it to W&P in one form or another...
I just need to work out the correct diameter rod for the push rods that run front to rear, I know they are 7'1" long.... Are they a high grade steel or just mild ???