Meep-Meep
12-05-2010, 10:59 PM
Just made a replacement for an original 1966 GT 390 carb out of 3/8" drill rod. The original one was brass and it was worn beyond belief so I decided to go with steel like some of the newer carbs. I removed the original throttle stop from the old shaft, aligned it and brazed it on just like the factory. The end of the shaft was peened over like the original to hold the actuator plate but I did TIG braze a couple of spots for good measure. I will need to work on this technique to make it come out more factory looking.
The job went well and didn't take too long except the shaft looked like a banana after machining. Straightening it probably took almost half the time it took to make it! It was only after I took it out of the vise that I realized I must have relieved the stress in the steel, which caused it to bend. I've seen this before but for some reason it didn't register this time. I suppose I can anneal the material before I start cutting on the next one and see if that helps. I'm just happy I was able to make one and not have it turn into a complete disaster!
The job went well and didn't take too long except the shaft looked like a banana after machining. Straightening it probably took almost half the time it took to make it! It was only after I took it out of the vise that I realized I must have relieved the stress in the steel, which caused it to bend. I've seen this before but for some reason it didn't register this time. I suppose I can anneal the material before I start cutting on the next one and see if that helps. I'm just happy I was able to make one and not have it turn into a complete disaster!