HYRDGOON
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Always been a fan of your red nuts Larry 
My 1967 Belvedere Convertible Plans and Restoration (aka - Mad Scientist Build)
- Thread starter conv67bdere
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Always been a fan of your red nuts Larry
they must get beat up occasionally.
Guess I better get back to posting pictures of the car work in progress . . .
Had to take a little off the length of the axle . . . just a tad too long to allow any play in the axle movement ( per the service manual )
And got it all back together . . . now I need to get a dial indicator to get the side-to-side play set properly
Another view of the re-assembled axle . . .
One last view of the axle - almost ready to go back in the car . . . narrow 3", new axles, new tapered bearings, new seals, . . . .
Just for reference . . . this is what it looked like when it came OUT of the car . . .
( do they call that rust proofing the rear end . . . )
Saw this really cool wall hanging at the car show this weekend . . .
and got myself a new hat this weekend too . . .
Had to take a little off the length of the axle . . . just a tad too long to allow any play in the axle movement ( per the service manual )
And got it all back together . . . now I need to get a dial indicator to get the side-to-side play set properly
Another view of the re-assembled axle . . .
One last view of the axle - almost ready to go back in the car . . . narrow 3", new axles, new tapered bearings, new seals, . . . .
Just for reference . . . this is what it looked like when it came OUT of the car . . .
( do they call that rust proofing the rear end . . . )
Saw this really cool wall hanging at the car show this weekend . . .
and got myself a new hat this weekend too . . .
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Nice trussed full rear axle/housing assembly
should look awesome
should look awesome
Got started on the build of my Magnum Force front end . . .
Start with the bare k_member and start adding parts . . . first are the lower A-frames . . .
Pretty easy to figure them out - make sure to put the torsion bar mounting holes forward . . .
Using these bolts that come with the kit . . . the button head go on the side with the steering rack . . .
they'll go inside the metal sleeve . . .
So they'll go in like this . . . to give a little more clearance for the rack . . .
The back bolts will be these standard bolt heads . . .
Then you install the bushings into the rack . . .
Insert the rack into the passenger side of the k-member ( like so )
move it all the way over, until you can get the driver side to go back into it's opening . . .
Center it up . . . and bolt it in place . . .
this is where I came to a grinding halt . . .
Start with the bare k_member and start adding parts . . . first are the lower A-frames . . .
Pretty easy to figure them out - make sure to put the torsion bar mounting holes forward . . .
Using these bolts that come with the kit . . . the button head go on the side with the steering rack . . .
they'll go inside the metal sleeve . . .
So they'll go in like this . . . to give a little more clearance for the rack . . .
The back bolts will be these standard bolt heads . . .
Then you install the bushings into the rack . . .
Insert the rack into the passenger side of the k-member ( like so )
move it all the way over, until you can get the driver side to go back into it's opening . . .
Center it up . . . and bolt it in place . . .
this is where I came to a grinding halt . . .
First off . . . I did get a couple other things done . . .
Got the viking coil over shocks all put together . . . might be call them about a new thrust bearing that I've read they now use . . .
And got the additional parts attached to my spindles so they'll be ready when I need them . . .
Now for my concern . . .
This is what was provided for the bolts for the lower A-frames . . . this will have full threads across the entire length of the metal sleeve.
( I don't like that - that will cause it to wear and then it'll have to be rebuilt later . . . )
Set up these rear bolts in this manner for a reason - notice the shoulder of the bolt does NOT cover the entire length of the part - Not Good.
The shoulder on this bolt needs to be longer . . .
Found a place that sells AN bolts and I've ordered $95.00 worth of new parts to allow the full part to have a shoulder on it for maximum performance and longer lasting parts.
Should have the parts in hand in a couple days . . .
Since I believe that the rack will have to come back out to put in the new bolts, I stopped here so I don't have so much to take apart and get it changed . . .
Got the viking coil over shocks all put together . . . might be call them about a new thrust bearing that I've read they now use . . .
And got the additional parts attached to my spindles so they'll be ready when I need them . . .
Now for my concern . . .
This is what was provided for the bolts for the lower A-frames . . . this will have full threads across the entire length of the metal sleeve.
( I don't like that - that will cause it to wear and then it'll have to be rebuilt later . . . )
Set up these rear bolts in this manner for a reason - notice the shoulder of the bolt does NOT cover the entire length of the part - Not Good.
The shoulder on this bolt needs to be longer . . .
Found a place that sells AN bolts and I've ordered $95.00 worth of new parts to allow the full part to have a shoulder on it for maximum performance and longer lasting parts.
Should have the parts in hand in a couple days . . .
Since I believe that the rack will have to come back out to put in the new bolts, I stopped here so I don't have so much to take apart and get it changed . . .
747mopar
Well-Known Member
I can't remember exactly but I was thinking those button head bolts were used because of a clearance issue with the rack or something? As for the threads, once tightened the sleeve should never move meaning no wear on the bolt but agree a longer shoulder would be better. My biggest concern would be the button head itself, the Allen wrench socket creates a very minimal amount of metal holding the head to the bolt, often in catalogs you'll see them not recommended for structural use. Seldomly do you ever get top quality hardware with any kit.... my Quicktime bellhousing came with socket head bolts with a very sloppy thread fit.. trash canned!!
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Understand . . .
Ordered AN bolts that have built in washers . . . best quality that you can get, and it is a very "cheap" $95 investment to having my car last longer than me - so my daughters will be able to enjoy them too and not have to worry about the front end falling apart . . . ( if I don't beat the hell out if it before they get it . . . )
kb67mopar
Well-Known Member
I find no fault in any of that logic and love the progress you've made. Lots of really good headway there.
What do you think on ETA to final assembly? I know you've gotten a ton done!
What do you think on ETA to final assembly? I know you've gotten a ton done!
Good Question . . . If I can get on with and past my door rebuilds . . . I'd be on my way but I'm hung up on the doors ( no pun intended ) . . .
Got my new AN bolts in the mail, and are these things PURDY . . .
First of all, they came in the mail with protector on the threads . . .
The bolt heads have "built-in" washers, you can see the indentation on the bolt head ( I can get a better picture )
And when you put the bolt in the hole, you have a very slight protrusion of shoulder, one washer, and the nut and lock it down.
Something my engineer friend told me about tightening the bolt ( I didn't know . . . ) ( he built and flew an airplane, so this could be aircraft standards )
- the bolt head has a built in washer ( if you need a washer, you place one on the nut side first, if you need another, then add another to the head side )
- when tightening the bolt, do not let the head rotate, only rotate the nut for best practice
( nothing wrong with using "best practices" on our cars while we're at it . . . )
Oh darn . . . I'm baby sitting a friends 67 Belvedere I for a couple days . . . having fun taking it for test drives . . .
First of all, they came in the mail with protector on the threads . . .
The bolt heads have "built-in" washers, you can see the indentation on the bolt head ( I can get a better picture )
And when you put the bolt in the hole, you have a very slight protrusion of shoulder, one washer, and the nut and lock it down.
Something my engineer friend told me about tightening the bolt ( I didn't know . . . ) ( he built and flew an airplane, so this could be aircraft standards )
- the bolt head has a built in washer ( if you need a washer, you place one on the nut side first, if you need another, then add another to the head side )
- when tightening the bolt, do not let the head rotate, only rotate the nut for best practice
( nothing wrong with using "best practices" on our cars while we're at it . . . )
Oh darn . . . I'm baby sitting a friends 67 Belvedere I for a couple days . . . having fun taking it for test drives . . .
My good friend, my neighbor, Mopar Guy, and all around good guy passed away earlier this year - the widow held an auction and sold everything that was in his shop on Friday.
Attended the auction and got a couple things that I will add to my shop tools that will be my way of remembering him every time I use his shop tools . . .
Nabbed this nice little bench grinder with base . . .
Here's a few more of the things that were gotten - some bigger items went higher than what I wanted to pay, so I let them go . . .
The local steel supplier had a "sale" on Saturday morning, and they were selling all of there "drops" - got an 8' x 3' piece of stainless ( plans for making my gas tank ) for $30 ! !
And they told me about this "demo" unit that they had in the store ( only 1 ) . . . and a heck of a deal, full warranty - it came HOME with me ! !
And now, onto the CAR stuff - finally found this part in my shop and spent a little time getting it cleaned up, will have to make new lines as the axle is now 3" shorter than it was when these lines fit . . . don't know it I'll try to "re-bend" them, or just get new lines . . . leaning toward just getting new lines and using these as templates . . .
Got the rear end play dialed in to .0015 ( Service Manual puts the tolerances at .0013 - .0023 ) so I'm really happy with the dialed in setting . . .
OH . . . ONE MORE THING . . . before I forget . . .
Does anyone have an extra one of these ( think it's called the parking brake strut ? ? ? )
Apparently my rear axle was HUNGRY and decided that it wanted to eat a part of the strut for lunch ( or dinner )
( it's the part at the top of the box with the partial moon shape chewed off the top . . . sigh )
YES - it can be fixed, it's also bent, so I'm seeing if someone has a spare available - it would be easier that way . . .
Anybody ? ? ?
Attended the auction and got a couple things that I will add to my shop tools that will be my way of remembering him every time I use his shop tools . . .
Nabbed this nice little bench grinder with base . . .
Here's a few more of the things that were gotten - some bigger items went higher than what I wanted to pay, so I let them go . . .
The local steel supplier had a "sale" on Saturday morning, and they were selling all of there "drops" - got an 8' x 3' piece of stainless ( plans for making my gas tank ) for $30 ! !
And they told me about this "demo" unit that they had in the store ( only 1 ) . . . and a heck of a deal, full warranty - it came HOME with me ! !
And now, onto the CAR stuff - finally found this part in my shop and spent a little time getting it cleaned up, will have to make new lines as the axle is now 3" shorter than it was when these lines fit . . . don't know it I'll try to "re-bend" them, or just get new lines . . . leaning toward just getting new lines and using these as templates . . .
Got the rear end play dialed in to .0015 ( Service Manual puts the tolerances at .0013 - .0023 ) so I'm really happy with the dialed in setting . . .
OH . . . ONE MORE THING . . . before I forget . . .
Does anyone have an extra one of these ( think it's called the parking brake strut ? ? ? )
Apparently my rear axle was HUNGRY and decided that it wanted to eat a part of the strut for lunch ( or dinner )
( it's the part at the top of the box with the partial moon shape chewed off the top . . . sigh )
YES - it can be fixed, it's also bent, so I'm seeing if someone has a spare available - it would be easier that way . . .
Anybody ? ? ?
HYRDGOON
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Some great updates there buddy! Nice looking Belvedere you're babysitting too.
Those bolts are definitely quality pieces and I'm happy that you found exactly what you wanted (although not cheap!)
On top of that I was even more happy to read you were able to take home some tools and memories from your neighbor and friend.
That new tig looks like a great grab too!! Lots going on and I love seeing it!
Those bolts are definitely quality pieces and I'm happy that you found exactly what you wanted (although not cheap!)
On top of that I was even more happy to read you were able to take home some tools and memories from your neighbor and friend.
That new tig looks like a great grab too!! Lots going on and I love seeing it!
747mopar
Well-Known Member
Awesome, your not going to have a choice but to start building a garage at the rate your going with tools! Glad to see more progress and a little extra motivation with that Belv in the driveway.
I know I have 2 of those struts it's just a matter of finding them.... you've seen what dad has done to the old garage lol. I'm slowly moving all of my stuff out. That one doesn't look much different than mine, mine also has the dished spot, thought that's the way they were made??? I do know that they have torsional springs on the ends that keep them from sagging and rubbing the axle but think the dish is supposed to be there. I'll see what I can find out.
I know I have 2 of those struts it's just a matter of finding them.... you've seen what dad has done to the old garage lol. I'm slowly moving all of my stuff out. That one doesn't look much different than mine, mine also has the dished spot, thought that's the way they were made??? I do know that they have torsional springs on the ends that keep them from sagging and rubbing the axle but think the dish is supposed to be there. I'll see what I can find out.
Quick update . . .
Mixed up a little paint and shot the paint on the rear springs to match ( kinda ) them to the differential . . .
Next step . . .
get them back in the car, put the differential under the car, and get the parking brake bracket located and welded in place . . . it's not going to be in the same location as the axles were shortened 3 inches on each side, so "technically" the new location should be 3" forward . . . but I would like to get it in place and make sure before I make it permanent . . .
Mixed up a little paint and shot the paint on the rear springs to match ( kinda ) them to the differential . . .
Next step . . .
get them back in the car, put the differential under the car, and get the parking brake bracket located and welded in place . . . it's not going to be in the same location as the axles were shortened 3 inches on each side, so "technically" the new location should be 3" forward . . . but I would like to get it in place and make sure before I make it permanent . . .
Christmas came early to the house in NC . . . .
Look at all of the new brake parts that arrived so I can rebuild the brakes on my car . . .
Now . . . should I powder coat these things that nobody will ever see ( until they take apart the brakes . . . )
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm . . . .
Look at all of the new brake parts that arrived so I can rebuild the brakes on my car . . .
Now . . . should I powder coat these things that nobody will ever see ( until they take apart the brakes . . . )
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm . . . .
What a workout . . . in case you don't know, the read ends in these things is HEAVY . . .
First, had to drag this thing out to the shop from the house ( doesn't everyone work on their rear ends in the living room ? ? )
That's 50-60 yards . . . glad I lightened the load by narrowing it 3" on each side ( like that helped ANY at all . . . sheeesh )
Then the wrestling match began . . . trying to get this thing lifted up onto the springs while trying NOT too mess up all the pretty powder coating . . . that was good for probably 20-30 minutes and a whole LOT of sweat . . .
All of this work, to find out "where" these things are going to end up so I can locate the bracket on the frame and get it welded in place . . .
Going to like how it all looks under the car when it's going back together . . . painted the brake lines red to match the nuts on the differential . . . just for a little variety . . .
( why not - I'm right in the middle of this mess already . . . add a little pizzazz to this thing while I can . . . )
Now that i know where the bracket needs to locate - I get to wrestle the rear end back out of the car now and haul it back into the house . . .
Oh boy . . . that sounds like a whole lotta fun . . .
First, had to drag this thing out to the shop from the house ( doesn't everyone work on their rear ends in the living room ? ? )
That's 50-60 yards . . . glad I lightened the load by narrowing it 3" on each side ( like that helped ANY at all . . . sheeesh )
Then the wrestling match began . . . trying to get this thing lifted up onto the springs while trying NOT too mess up all the pretty powder coating . . . that was good for probably 20-30 minutes and a whole LOT of sweat . . .
All of this work, to find out "where" these things are going to end up so I can locate the bracket on the frame and get it welded in place . . .
Going to like how it all looks under the car when it's going back together . . . painted the brake lines red to match the nuts on the differential . . . just for a little variety . . .
( why not - I'm right in the middle of this mess already . . . add a little pizzazz to this thing while I can . . . )
Now that i know where the bracket needs to locate - I get to wrestle the rear end back out of the car now and haul it back into the house . . .
Oh boy . . . that sounds like a whole lotta fun . . .
JB400
69 Charger
Have an extra bowl of Wheaties. Looks good
More updates this week that I did not get a chance to upload here . . .
Got the bracket for my E-brakes welded in place under the car ( boy do I hate welding upside-down )
And some wok on the passenger door - gave up waiting on my friend to make up the "really cool" shaved door handles that he was going to make for me, and decided that shaved door handles migh not be a bad idea since I'm going clean and slick with this build . . . so the passenger door is getting the shaved look . . . welded in the metal, not it's body filler time . . .
Couple of rounds of put it on, sand most of it off, put more on, sand most of it of . . .
And . . . shoot it with epoxy primer . . .
Not 100% yet . . . need it back on the car so I can blend it in with the rear quarter and the front fender . . .
Which is what was being "struggled" with this morning . . . putting the door back on the car again . . .
Close up of the "look" for the Mad Scientist ride . . .
My friend did make up this really neat decimal - letter - number - fraction - tap drill chart - enlarged it and had it laminated . . .
It will be getting hung up the shop ( WHEN I ever get around to building the shop )
Saw this little feller on the property this summer - great colors, they do a lot of singing around here at nights . . . it's great
( my brother was in from CO - and said what's ALL that NOISE - guess his "noise" is music to my ears . . . )
Got the bracket for my E-brakes welded in place under the car ( boy do I hate welding upside-down )
And some wok on the passenger door - gave up waiting on my friend to make up the "really cool" shaved door handles that he was going to make for me, and decided that shaved door handles migh not be a bad idea since I'm going clean and slick with this build . . . so the passenger door is getting the shaved look . . . welded in the metal, not it's body filler time . . .
Couple of rounds of put it on, sand most of it off, put more on, sand most of it of . . .
And . . . shoot it with epoxy primer . . .
Not 100% yet . . . need it back on the car so I can blend it in with the rear quarter and the front fender . . .
Which is what was being "struggled" with this morning . . . putting the door back on the car again . . .
Close up of the "look" for the Mad Scientist ride . . .
My friend did make up this really neat decimal - letter - number - fraction - tap drill chart - enlarged it and had it laminated . . .
It will be getting hung up the shop ( WHEN I ever get around to building the shop )
Saw this little feller on the property this summer - great colors, they do a lot of singing around here at nights . . . it's great
( my brother was in from CO - and said what's ALL that NOISE - guess his "noise" is music to my ears . . . )
Glenwood
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Nice job on the door Larry!
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