Project 2.

[Errol62]

I had trouble sourcing new u-bolts for my ute (FE EH setup) and re-used the best I had after running a die over them. Just fitted new nuts.


FB ute fixer upper, EK van on rotisserie

[Brett027]

Thanks Rob and Clay. I think I will use U bolts on the plates as per Clay's suggestion and will follow up on the spacers. Many thanks for your help. Will post pictures when done.

[Blacky]

I had trouble sourcing new u-bolts for my ute (FE EH setup) and re-used the best I had after running a die over them. Just fitted new nuts.

I just bought new ones from a local spring manufacturer ??

[Errol62]

Tried trailer part suppliers and old boy said I'd have trouble vending the particular diameter. I was on Nats schedule so reused.

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[ardiesse]

I thought that the U-bolts on HD and HR rear axles were a peculiar-to-X2 thing. The HD and HR X2s that I had, had the U-bolts, and all others I came across with 49/61/79/86 didn't.

The U-bolt setup has locknuts on the upper side as well. You install the lower saddle plate and tighten it up as normal, then wind the upper locknuts down until they tighten onto the rear axle's spring pad bracket. It's a pain to install, because you have to wind on the upper locknuts as you introduce the U-bolts into place.

Rob

[Brett027]

Thanks Rob. I bought some extra nuts this morning to do just that. Great minds....

[Brett027]

Installing seatbelt mounts today. Thought I would post a photo of the construction of the B pillar in the ute. Photo is looking down with door opening at 12oclock and rear window at 6 oclock. My seat belt mounting plate is going inside the square box section. That roof cut is available if someone wants it

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[Brett027]

Working on paint preparation for doors and tailgate today (the 4,000th rainy day in a row)
On inspection I decided to re-skin the tailgate which was not anticipated. I had hoped to grab what looked like a reasonable tailgate from the black ute and just paint it up. There was a poor repair, where something had whacked onto the top and they had just filled the dent but left the frame all out of alignment -a bit disappointing. Anyway, the only way to straighten it out was to rip off the skin.
No rust holes anywhere, so that's good. A lot of surface rust though, so used a wire wheel and then treated with rust converter. Tomorrow will paint with POR15.

[Errol62]

The skin I used was pretty good; however, in order to retain the horizontal curve in the top edge, you will need to put a few pie cuts in the top surface. I thought I would be able to massage it in to a curve but no way.

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[Brett027]

Thanks Clay.
I have decided to pull the pin on going to the Nationals in Project 2. The weather is making it impossible to get body work finished and I'm not counting on it getting any better as winter approaches. More trophies for everyone else.
I am about to cancel my room at the Vines Inn, so for anyone thinking about it there will be a room available a bit later this morning.

[Brett027]

Today jumped from door work to cable clutch preparation. First attempt fouled on dash on drain tray. Second attempt involved installing a second pin just for clutch pedal to lower the pivot and the shortening of pedal.
Calculation of clutch fork movement and required cable movement and therefore length of hook above pivot to achieve it.
Hoping to run the cable through firewall where top master cylinder bolt hole currently is. We'll see

Photos of progress.

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[In the Shed]

Brett
That’s a bummer not getting to the Nats . Does take the pressure off you though!
Regards
Stephen

[Brett027]

Yes, but I will still keep the momentum up. Still have the cert. eng coming in mid May

[Errol62]

Vat about Vilma!!?

Tough decision to make Brett. Bloody weather. Your determination and progress has been literally phenomenal. I was lucky to have the decision made for me in 2020 by covid.

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[Brett027]

No. Vilma is currently being courted by an interstate gentleman so better keep her safe.