Just wanted to throw out a quick update on our 71 coupe project. Still moving slowly forward.
Engine is back from the machine shop, and the block assembly is in progress. We found that the PO had changed exhaust manifolds, and welded up an alternative alternator mounting bracket. So we have a correct set of manifolds enroute thanks to a forum member (Thanks Vetteguy!).
Next we found that several pieces of the carburetor were missing, so we`ll be adding that to the list.
We picked up a book on T-400 rebuilding, and searched some old threads on the subject, I think we`re gonna try it next!!

This weekend, I tackled a fun project. Since we decided on electric headlight & wiper doors, I had the idea of putting the manual over-ride switches in the ashtray. I`ll be using a couple power window switches. So I fabbed up an aluminum plate to mount them in. Then I had to make a bracket to mount the switches to from the bottom.

The lighter hole will be a port for the usb connection.



I cut a couple square holes in the plate for the switches....


then cut it to fit in the ashtray holder, sanded & polished...


this is what they`ll look like once it`s finished...


I had to ensure that the upper (wiper door) switch would be mounted low enough to let the door close


next I took some flat stock and started cutting holes and bending...


to make a bracket to mount the switches. They will bolt to the bracket, then the bracket will be held by the same mounting screws that fasten the ashtray holder to the shifter plate.

 

Good thinking and planning!

(I prefer to solve the problems on the THIRD TRY )

 

Thanks Tony.... but this is small potatoes compared to some of the stuff you`ve been doing on your car!

 

Looking good. I WAS going for a stock restore on mine but now I have several "mods" planned just because of threads like this. I WANT the car to LOOK stock and this mod does just that.

 

Looking great :- ))

 

Cool and thanks for the idea!

 

Hey , that's not NCRS original. Looks better then original. Keep going your giving us a lot of ideas.
RVZIO

 

Time for another quick update. My son & I have been busy doing some little odds & ends. I finally got the switches mounted and connectors in for the headlight & wiper door over-rides in the ashtray area.
We also added a cutoff switch in the battery compartment, with the switch **** in the glovebox. (First we fiberglassed the cardboard glovebox to give it more strength to hold the switch).
We added the glovebox light, battery hold down kit, brackets for the spreader bar, and new seals in the front end, air dam, engine compartment & radiator support.
A few more parts to finish the engine.... then we`ll dig into the transmission!

 

It's looking good. The TH400 should be a fun job (I rebuilt one about 3 decades ago). Take pics of each step of the disassembly (unless your rebuild book has pics).......pics don't forget a month later LOL.

 

Looking mighty impressive there Old Goat! Whodathunkit? Using the ashtray for switches and covering them? You are a far braver man than I am - I would never touch an auto transmission. Maybe because I have friends that are better wrench twisters than I am and they have had problem after problem and then end up taking them to tranny guy. Best wishes my friend!

 

For the THM-400 rebuild project:

You just need a LOT of tables, etc. to lay out all the parts in a manner that makes sense when putting it back together. You need a parts cleaner/washer, a vernier caliper, a depth micrometer and some basic tools...including an icepick with a good point on it.

Buy a rebuilding manual and do some good research on YOUR UNIT (S/N on the nameplate will reference its build configuration). If you have a wholesale transmission parts supplier in your area {they supply local tranny shops}, you can get rebuild kit, new converter (you need a new one), and other info on any upgrades you need to make.

I will suggest that you think about conversion of the 400 to an overdrive unit (700R4 or 200-4R). The 400 is bulletproof...but it is also a power hog and has no overdrive or lockup capability. If you do much driving on interstates/highways, the O/D unit is fantastic: 20% better fuel mileage, MUCH lower rpms at highway speeds, much quieter, less cabin heat, etc, etc.

It will be some overcost for the switch, but if you need the O/D it will be worth it. If you do not do that much highway driving, keep the THM-400--it will last forever.

 

That Speed Direct Shark Bite looks real nice in there too!