Last week I had an opportunity to discuss the rack and pinion installation with Moss Motors. Their installation has about 1/8 of an inch clearance on the steering shaft yoke which is not a huge tolerance in my opinion. I am surprised given the year of the car that the British manufacturer of the part would consider frame fabrication to be so consistent that a 1/8" tolerance would be acceptable??? We talked at length about options including the return of the assembly for a credit etc. I want to stay on course and install the assembly so I am going to proceed with the frame straightening in the next few weeks. If the unit still does not clear properly I will need to "engineer" a modification to the mounting plate (moving the rack and pinion further to the left but drilling new holes for the u-bolts and reinforcing the plate in some fashion) so the yoke clears and/or switch out the yoke for an aftermarket yoke with a smaller diameter. I work with mechanical engineers so I will sit down with one and have them check out what I am doing to ensure the mounting plate still has integrity. I have to admit this setback has impacted my enthusiasm somewhat but I know I have to get back to the build and turn some wrenches soon.
This week I have been brainstorming about what my next steps might be? Based on my considerations I think I will move to painting the underside of the body and engine compartment while the frame is out for straightening. The weather is warmer and more conducive to this activity and I really need to get it done as it is a bit of a bottleneck to moving the build forward.
I have put the '57 tub, fenders etc up for sale-no inquires yet...
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Saturday, May 5, 2012
More Frame Musings
Time in Garage Thursday 1 hour
I went back out to the garage on Thursday and did another "level" check of the frame and trial fit of the rack and pinion assembly. For sure the frame is slightly twisted-no doubt about it but perhaps only 1/4" to 1/2 inch? I took a tape measure and utilizing the shop manual did a check of the other coordinates and the frame appears to be straight in other aspects. Jiggling around the rack and pinion does not provide any kind of clearance opportunity with the steering shaft yoke so I am painted into a corner-something must be done.
Follow up with My Parts Supplier/Body Shop Friday
Money spent: $3.45
I went down to the big city and talked to my Triumph specialist (while picking up my previously ordered trunnion nuts) and he said I definitely should take the time and have the frame straightened while the body is off the chassis. He suggested it is time and money well spent and I "for sure" can't argue with the logic. Earlier they had recommended a body shop next door to them which has a lot of experience with frame straightening. I went next door and talked to the manager and determined there is an opening the bring the frame in (week after next) so my next steps is to make an appointment and arrangements to borrow a car trailer and haul the chassis down.
We also discussed the potential of using an different after market universal joint which would have better clearance potential for the steering shaft yoke to spring tower. He showed me an example he had in his shop and looked very fit for purpose. Cost around $65.00. A viable option if the frame straightening doesn't give me the clearance I need??
I am still not sure why the rack and pinion assembly is designed to have such close tolerances for steering shaft yoke clearance but until I hear back from MOSS motors all I can do is speculate. One way or the other I have a problem to resolve before I can move on.
While in the shop I noticed a British Sports Car gathering in Radium Hot Springs in mid June. I longed to be able to participate.....I really want to be driving a sports car again....
I went back out to the garage on Thursday and did another "level" check of the frame and trial fit of the rack and pinion assembly. For sure the frame is slightly twisted-no doubt about it but perhaps only 1/4" to 1/2 inch? I took a tape measure and utilizing the shop manual did a check of the other coordinates and the frame appears to be straight in other aspects. Jiggling around the rack and pinion does not provide any kind of clearance opportunity with the steering shaft yoke so I am painted into a corner-something must be done.
Follow up with My Parts Supplier/Body Shop Friday
Money spent: $3.45
I went down to the big city and talked to my Triumph specialist (while picking up my previously ordered trunnion nuts) and he said I definitely should take the time and have the frame straightened while the body is off the chassis. He suggested it is time and money well spent and I "for sure" can't argue with the logic. Earlier they had recommended a body shop next door to them which has a lot of experience with frame straightening. I went next door and talked to the manager and determined there is an opening the bring the frame in (week after next) so my next steps is to make an appointment and arrangements to borrow a car trailer and haul the chassis down.
We also discussed the potential of using an different after market universal joint which would have better clearance potential for the steering shaft yoke to spring tower. He showed me an example he had in his shop and looked very fit for purpose. Cost around $65.00. A viable option if the frame straightening doesn't give me the clearance I need??
I am still not sure why the rack and pinion assembly is designed to have such close tolerances for steering shaft yoke clearance but until I hear back from MOSS motors all I can do is speculate. One way or the other I have a problem to resolve before I can move on.
While in the shop I noticed a British Sports Car gathering in Radium Hot Springs in mid June. I longed to be able to participate.....I really want to be driving a sports car again....
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