Winter Project

[Terryl]

Well one thing with a weld one, that chassis is not that thick of metal, it's a box type, not the "C" channel type you get now days, it's one piece that is stamped out with the bottom piece spot welded on,(you can see it in my post #32) it was good enough for the old 216 CI 85 horse power engine but I'm wondering what may go on with the small block LS and with the front end replaced.

Being out there in the boonies I don't have someone local that has done this before that I can run things by, if I lived back in the big city I might have a local club or two to talk things over with, this is one reason for this thread.

[maird57]

Well one thing with a weld one, that chassis is not that thick of metal, it's a box type, not the "C" channel type you get now days, it's one piece that is stamped out with the bottom piece spot welded on,(you can see it in my post #32) it was good enough for the old 216 CI 85 horse power engine but I'm wondering what may go on with the small block LS and with the front end replaced.

Being out there in the boonies I don't have someone local that has done this before that I can run things by, if I lived back in the big city I might have a local club or two to talk things over with, this is one reason for this thread.

Most frames back in the day were c channeled. Boxed is the best way to go for a chassis. I would add more weld to the chassis where it's just spot welded. I personally would make sure most of the frame is properly boxed and welded.

[Terryl]

Ok, new front end is on it's way, now for something different, anyone have a good idea on how to clean up an aluminum transmission case, the one I have is very dingy, and with the car going to all new paint and the chassis all freshly undercoated the tranny will look terrible.

I see products online but most are for outdoor patio stuff and mag wheels, I want some good spray on stuff that I don't have to wire brush or scrub very hard.

[maird57]

Ok, new front end is on it's way, now for something different, anyone have a good idea on how to clean up an aluminum transmission case, the one I have is very dingy, and with the car going to all new paint and the chassis all freshly undercoated the tranny will look terrible.

I see products online but most are for outdoor patio stuff and mag wheels, I want some good spray on stuff that I don't have to wire brush or scrub very hard.

Depending on how dirty it is I would first try cleaning with a high psi power washer (car wash). If that doesn't clean it I would suggest having it soda blasted.

[Terryl]

I have a gas powered pressure washer and a sand blaster, but I don't want to use the sand blaster on it as the stuff may get inside somehow.(super fine ground up coal clinkers)

It's not that dirty, just grungy....As in the photo if you can tell.

Tranny 1A.jpg

[dishuser]

pressure washer should clean that oxidation off

[maird57]

pressure washer should clean that oxidation off

Agreed!!!!!!

[dishuser]

will the tranny fit?

[Terryl]

Mmmmmm the dishwasher would have to be a bit taller for to fit, but the engine and tranny have been fitted in the chassis, just waiting on the new torque converter and to install the new Mustang II IFS front end, then the whole assembly is going back in.

[The Noof]

Blast with dry ice rather than sand.Plug the cooler line fittings as well as the vent,output shaft, and input shaft if you do it with the converter removed.

[Terryl]

I don't use sand, I use crushed coal slag from Tractor Supply,(cheap) the fine stuff did wonders on the chassis and car body, only took 300 pounds.(6 bags of this stuff, tractors item # 390779899 if you want to look)

And I don't know how to use dry ice in my blaster, besides the nearest place to get dry ice in my area is about 60 miles away.

[Terryl]

Well the engine, transmission and drive shaft are in (photos later) and the differential is ready for welding on the new spring perches, now comes a problem, I'm trying to find what is called a stand alone DBW* wiring harness for a 5.3 LS engine with a 4L60e transmission, the problems I'm running into is that all the harnesses I find do not have the correct plug for the transmission neutral safety switch, as in the photo below. (the one in my hand)

The other round plug is correct on all the harnesses I have found but none have the plug I need for the safety switch.

Any ideas or places to look?



*DBW+= drive by wire

IMG_1011.jpg

[Terryl]

The photos I mentioned..

[maird57]

Well the engine, transmission and drive shaft are in (photos later) and the differential is ready for welding on the new spring perches, now comes a problem, I'm trying to find what is called a stand alone DBW* wiring harness for a 5.3 LS engine with a 4L60e transmission, the problems I'm running into is that all the harnesses I find do not have the correct plug for the transmission neutral safety switch, as in the photo below. (the one in my hand)

The other round plug is correct on all the harnesses I have found but none have the plug I need for the safety switch.

Any ideas or places to look?



*DBW+= drive by wire

IMG_1011.jpg

I haven't been in the streetrod business for over 20 years so not up to date. You may want to talk to Painless Wiring or Ron Francis Wiring.

[Terryl]

WOW I checked out that painless wiring and almost had a heart attack, $1200 for a stand alone harness NFW, I found one on Ebay ($120) that I may have to add that connector to, we will see whats what when I get it.