My 26T Coupe build thread

[roadster32]

Very very nice Steve, that's 50 pound you saved for Sue to spend on new shoes.LOL LOL...

Whip never mention shoes to Sue I would guess she already has around 150 pairs handbags are not far behind either

[roadster32]

Well my Con-rods finally arrived so dropped them into the machinest so he could finish balancing all the reciprocating parts so should soon be able to button up the short motor

Another thing i wanted to sort was the adapters for the early Cadillac valve covers i'm using, I was going to get them from the states but after waiting an eternity i decided to make my own.
I decided to make them in 2 parts for a couple of reasons, the first being that the 2 lower holes in the early covers conflict with the original lower holes, the other reason was i needed a little extra rocker clearance as i may go to full roller rockers at a later point so the 2 parts would give me a minimum of 5/8" extra lift.

First i made a plywood template as the early covers are a bit shorter than the 500 covers.








The local laser cutter first made up a thin sheet to check fitment before cutting the 8mm plate.








The sheet try out was a little out on some of the holes so the laser cutter modded the drawing slightly and cut 4 plates in 8mm steel.
The holes were cleaned out with a drill as the laser leaves a small pip where it starts and finishes, then the holes were countersunk to accept 1/4" UNC countersunk socket head screws, the heads are flush with the plate.








It was here i suddenly realised that the laser cutter had put holes in all 4 pieces as i had asked for 2 to be blank, Not a massive problem as i can weld up the holes that matter and those that don't matter will be covered by the gasket but annoying.
4.2mm holes were drilled at the clamping points and the top plate drilled out to 5mm and the bottom plate tapped 5mm, the top plate was then countersunk to accept 5mm countersunk socket cap screws.










Next job was to mark the 4 stud holes that hold the valve cover, these were drilled and tapped 6mm for studs.











Next the rocker gear was fitted and marked for a notch either end for clearance.








The plates and heads will be painted the same white as the block so should be barely noticeable.

[Whiplash23T]

Hey Steve in some of those photos it looks like you have that motor set up on the engine stand in your lounge at home,I bet Sue is pleased with you if that is the case on her shag pile carpet????Nice work though.....

[roadster32]

Hey Steve in some of those photos it looks like you have that motor set up on the engine stand in your lounge at home,I bet Sue is pleased with you if that is the case on her shag pile carpet????Nice work though.....

Thats the concrete floor in my dirty room Whip but you have given me an idea, I will have a chat about it with Sue and let you know how i get on

[Itoldyouso]

Oh sure, Steve, women just love having engines built in the living room.....don't even ask, just surprise her. It will be even better than Valentines Day! (News flash from the UK. Man taken to hospital to extract Cadillac valve cover from his ear..........film at 11.)

That adapter looks really great. BTW, I took your gaskets out of the package to see if they could fold enough to go in a box.......not going to chance it. I'm going to tape heavy cardboard on both sides and mail it that way.

Don

[Ken Thurm]

Looks really nice!!
Ken

[Whiplash23T]

Thanks Steve and Don,I needed to have a laugh to lift me today and you both came through,well done. I'm with Don tho. just surprise her with the engine in the lounge and just promise her a new pair of shoes after the motors been rebuild. After all it is winter

[roadster32]

Don i'm not even gonna ask !!! She goes mental if i put a car part in the kitchen
Thanks for sorting the gaskets

Oh sure, Steve, women just love having engines built in the living room.....don't even ask, just surprise her. It will be even better than Valentines Day! (News flash from the UK. Man taken to hospital to extract Cadillac valve cover from his ear..........film at 11.)

That adapter looks really great. BTW, I took your gaskets out of the package to see if they could fold enough to go in a box.......not going to chance it. I'm going to tape heavy cardboard on both sides and mail it that way.

Don

[roadster32]

Cheers Ken, Any news on your stuff ???

Looks really nice!!
Ken

[roadster32]

Thanks Steve and Don,I needed to have a laugh to lift me today and you both came through,well done. I'm with Don tho. just surprise her with the engine in the lounge and just promise her a new pair of shoes after the motors been rebuild. After all it is winter

Whip, Sue mentioned something about Nuts and a sharp knife

[roadster32]

Forgot to put this pic up, Picked up a bit of stainless 3/8" hex bar so made some valve cover hold downs.

[Dave Severson]

The adapters worked out really nice, Steve!!! Oh yeah, the paint on the valve covers is absolutely double throw down way big kewl!!!!!

[dlotraf33]

Thank's alot.......... Tried out my new drill press today and made part of some bumper brackets with lightning holes. Just when I was pleased with myself, I came in and read this.............. If I wasn't so tired I'd just go chunk those brackets in the scrap pile....... Oh well, you keep me amazed. You sir are a Craftsman.

[lamin8r]

Thank's alot.......... Tried out my new drill press today and made part of some bumper brackets with lightning holes. Just when I was pleased with myself, I came in and read this.............. If I wasn't so tired I'd just go chunk those brackets in the scrap pile....... Oh well, you keep me amazed. You sir are a Craftsman.

Yeah..he has that effect on me too...Good on ya Steve..keep us all striving for something better...
I love it..and it gives me ideas every time I come on here..

[stovens]

Yep Lamin8er you are right, I'm inspired.