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Re: Alternator/steering swap +(random ramblings)

To: Amy & Erik <erikandamy@integraonline.com>
Subject: Re: Alternator/steering swap +(random ramblings)
From: Fred Davidson <fred.davidson@sympatico.ca>
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 08:56:22 -0500
Amy & Erik wrote:
> 
> <snip>I think you need to look through your parts pile again before cutting
> the
> frame. There should be a 1/4" thick shim thag goes between the steering
> box and the frame. This should allow you to install the box without
> cutting the frame.>
> 
> Pat
> I am not sure about that.  If I shimmed either the side or the top, it would
> worsen the problem.  The box can't go any higher or any further to the
> driver's side.    Is the shim <another> part unique to the 67.5?:)
> 
> More questions:
> For those of you with a home parts washer.  What do you do with the dirty
> solvent?
> 
> Anybody know of a sure fire way to get the smell of Gunk Liquid Wrench off
> your hands?  I washed mine with Lava, Dawn, Some Citrus degreaser, Dial, and
> some fancy raspberry "display soap" we had sitting around.  Then showered
> using coal tar shampoo (strong smelling stuff).
> I could still smell it on my hands.
> 
> I got a message from Geocities today about my exceeding the allowable page
> views on my site.  How many people are on this list anyway?
> Erik Smeby
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Patrick J. Horne" <horne@cs.utexas.edu>
> To: "Amy & Erik" <erikandamy@integraonline.com>
> Cc: <datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net>
> Sent: Monday, March 18, 2002 12:34 PM
> Subject: Re: Alternator/steering swap
> 
> Eric,
> 
> I am slowly getting to the point where I will do the same installation,
> but in a 67.5, which requires going from a 1 piece steering rod to the two
> piece. This will be a bigger job, but doable. You also have your ignition
> key on the left, while mine is on the right. I will be modifying my column
> to allow the key/lock/ignition to be on th eright side of the column.
> 
> I hope to get to the steering wok early this summer, right now I need to
> finish building my shop!
> 
> Peace,
> Pat
> 
> - Support Habitat for Humanity, A "hand up", not a "hand out" -
> 
> Pat Horne, Network Manager, Shop Supervisor, Future planner
> CS Dept, University of Texas, Austin, Tx. 78712 USA
> voice (512)471-9730, fax (512)471-8885, horne@cs.utexas.edu
> 
> On Sun, 17 Mar 2002, Amy & Erik wrote:
> 
> > Greetings
> > I am thinking about swapping the stock alternator over to the other side
> on
> > my U20.  Can it be done with the existing hardware?  And can you see the
> > timing marks with the alt over on the right side?
> > Does anyone have on-line photos of this conversion?
> >
> > I have also started my steering swap- early to late model boxes etc.  So
> far
> > I have torn down the front, and did just a little of trial fitting.
> Check
> > progress at http://www.geocities.com/smedly_whiplash/ if you would like.
> 
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Eric:

I have been trying to figure out the differences between late 1969 - 70
frames with late model steering box/idler arm and 1968 frame for a while
now. The following are some facts & conclusions:

- The outside mounting face of steering box mounts on the later
roadsters are 1/4" closer together than the '68 cars;

- The late model roadsters had 1/8" vertical spacer between the idler
box and the frame mount - there was no spacer between the steering box
and the frame on late model cars;

- The top mounting surface of early and late boxes is on the same plane; 

- The distance from the idler arm mounting surface (top horizontal
surface) in both idler boxes is identical - therefore the height of the
arms are the same when mounted;

- It would seem that the same would be true of the steering boxes
although I haven't compared them.   

- The length of the steering tie rods is the same on both early and late
cars;

- The shape and dimensions of the two arms on early and late idler boxes
is the same (the mount shaft/hole may be a different size);

- The steering box and idler from a late model car will bolt right into
a 1968 roadster;

- I have had a late model steering box and idler mounted in a late model
car for about 16 years (I changed frames then, didn't know the
difference then - long story). I have not noted that the steering any
different than other roadsters I have driven or some North American cars
with the same type steering box set up.)

- I have checked the bump steer on my car  and have found it to be not
too bad except at full "droop" or full "bump". I recently checked a 1970
roadster with correct frame and steering box the results were not that
different.

- I have come to the conclusion that they moved the mounts for the
steering box and idler towards the centre of the car - 1/8" on each side
to move the late model "fatter" steeing box away from interfering with
the frame. They moved the passenger side mount inwards as well to
accomplish the same thing on the RHD cars but had to include a 1/8"
spacer there on LHD cars.

- The steering box mount in the 1968 (and probably earlier cars) should
be moved inwards 1/8" if you want exactly the same steering geometry;

- Tom Walter said on this list a year ago that he drove an early
roadster with a late model car and found little or no difference. 

I am retoring a car now and will be putting a late steering box in a
early frame - will I move the mount - probably not or ??.

If anybody has questions send me an e-mail however I will be away from
home (and away from my computer) for about 5 days starting tomorrow.
Being a professional "roadster list lurker" for years, however I will be
back next week.

Fred    

-- 
Fred Davidson

Burritts Rapids, Ontario

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