MTFCA Forum

Les Schubert

“Smooth On” makes products for taking impressions of things like this

Les Schubert

I would certainly be interested in getting a copy of your rad cap for my Livingston!!
Anything from a impression copy of the graphic to a complete cap. I suspect I’m not the only one!

Les Schubert

So I have a new pinion roller bearing sleeve and it seems to be too small inside diameter. Seems to measure about .993 id. The drive shaft I have is a nice original and measures about 1.003 diameter. So.010” interference seems WAY to tight. I am thinking about getting the sleeve pin honed. I’m think...

Les Schubert

The problem you are talking about is why I developed the “floating transmission shaft “. It significantly reduces the loads.
Dan Hatch is who I have licensed to make it.

Les Schubert

I’ve just used roller bearings inboard.
Make sure your housings are straight. I live with 1/8” misalignment at the outboard end. I’ve seen enough housings that are 1/2” or more out.

Les Schubert

I’ve done 3 A crank conversions. I’ve always kept the mains stock A size and used custom main caps. I line bore the block right to the edge of the bolt holes. Then I use bolt dowel sleeves to have precision fit of the caps. I agree with Kevin on thin babbit

Les Schubert

Les Schubert

If you study the old “speed manuals” apparently over size cranks were made featuring 1-7/16” mains and 1/3/8” rods based on the concept that the stock main caps and stock rods could be used. I have tried the idea and it works okay. A alternative to moving the block ahead is to shorten the back of th...

Les Schubert

Mark
Some pictures and dimensions would be interesting!!

Les Schubert

Corey
Thank you for the information.

My research so far ;
If you boil a wine cork it swells to about 1” and is quite soft. A wine bottle neck is about.7”. So it appears to be practical to compress it about 25-30%. I will go and see what kind of sheet cork I can get at Michaels

Les Schubert

Well I have always shared my technology. One day I will no longer be here and I want the next generation to be able to carry on

Les Schubert

I wonder if your air cleaner is big enough. I have noticed that sometimes people install air cleaners that people install are pretty small

Les Schubert

Stan Yes I have studied the Hudson sites and it is quite interesting. The thing is the tolerances never seem to be disclosed. My weakness is that I LOVE to learn!! So I have expanded my research to British motorcycle sites and am learning about cork properties. The dimensions appear to be what I exp...

Les Schubert

Dale
How thick is the steel plate?
How much do the corks project each side?
Thank you

Les Schubert

Certainly it resembles your picture!! I got your message as well. I will work on this project some more myself as on one of these I will end up remaking most of the clutch as they tried to continue running it with worn out corks and pretty well destroyed it. Certainly destroyed all the wear surfaces...

Les Schubert

So there exist in Canada a few copies of a sliding gear transmission conversion for the T that was made back in the era! I have 1 and know of 2 more and parts of one more. They used a cork inserted single disc clutch. The time has come to deal with this. Noodling around in the Internet has been inte...

Les Schubert

I will suggest 4140 ground shafting and then get it “gas nitrided” after the other machining is done. It provides about a 50 Rc hardness of a couple thou thickness. No distortion to worry about. I can get it done locally in Calgary if you can’t find a good source near you.

Les Schubert

Scott
No problem I will let Tim or Hank do it. I certainly don’t need another project!!

Les Schubert

What gauge material?
How many do you wish to have?
As you may recall, last year I did a production run of gas door flap springs

Les Schubert

Kevin
These rods were made back in the 80’s, 90’s. The same guy cast caps for A conversions out of bronze. I got the rods from a estate sale.
Alumite rods. I have a original set of 6 for a 330 cuin 125 hp Scripps marine engine

Les Schubert

I have a set of the cast aluminum rods offered for the installation of the A crank in a T block. Anyone with experience with these?

Les Schubert

Joe
Thank you very much

Les Schubert

I know a guy who welded A and T rods together for a similar application. I never saw the rods but his workmanship is really high quality. I know these don’t look welded but you never know. Some guys have phenomenal attention to finish details

Les Schubert

Welding the flange on in the process of shortening the crank is VERY difficult!! The 2 viable methods “in my opinion”; 1. Move the block forward, which is what is shown in Orville’s engine 2. A taper/press fit THICK flange that I’ve shown a couple of pictures of. The rear main bearing is shortened 3...

Les Schubert

I really appreciate this great exchange of information ideas and experience!!
Thank you all

Les Schubert

Joe
That would be great
Thank you

Les Schubert

So I stopped at a local engine rebuild shop and “scrounged” a used small block Chevy pump to examine the gears etc for design purposes. It certainly looks like they will be a good fit for the aluminum castings I have!

Les Schubert

Shortened A crank (different engine)

Les Schubert

Intake manifold details

Les Schubert

Some crank details

Les Schubert

Here are some pictures of what I have done
1. Stretch of pan
2.relocation of front mount
3. Oil pump mount and block “stretcher”
4 SPEEDI SLEEVE for key cover
5 sleeve installed

Les Schubert

I’ll post some pictures of mine tomorrow. I did it all myself

Les Schubert

Yes just making wider C rings could be a good option too

Les Schubert

Spacer; OD the same as the axle shaft (1-1/16”),ID the same as bottom of the groove. Cut the spacer into 2 half’s. Push the gear in far enough to remove the clip and widen the groove the 5/32” you want. Install the clip on the gear side of the groove and then the new spacer and holding everything in...

Les Schubert

A friend and I just made 4 axles (as we wanted them significantly longer). IF you have a good lathe WITH a taper attachment (I don’t mean the “compound”), the taper is 3/4”per foot radially (1-1/2” per foot diameter)(taper attachments I have seen will have one or the other of these scales). Just to ...

Les Schubert

I choose NOT to judge. I welcome all to our wonderful hobby!

Les Schubert

Shorten the axle shaft at the inboard end. No messing with keyway. Just widen the clip groove. Trim the inboard end and reassemble.

Les Schubert

A converted fuel pump used with the cam eccentric

Les Schubert

Another one

Les Schubert

Some oil pump stuff

Les Schubert

Kerry please study Jeff’s pictures. Yes the brake is used in reverse, but far less than forwards

Les Schubert

Kerry
Your assumption is incorrect. I will stay with my original explanation

Les Schubert

Mack
I built my ‘13 starting with a hogshead and a Canadian 13 block. Converted the bottom of the steering column and the brake lever. The body gets 2 front doors. It took a couple of years effort

Les Schubert

I want you to think about how the torque loads are applied to the bands. You don’t want the torque to be pushing back against the pedal pressure

Les Schubert

Kevin
I tried RAU but could make no progress. After about 6 months I quietly gave up. That’s life. I can rub people the wrong way!!

Les Schubert

VW pump. What would be the optimum side clearance. I’m thinking about.001?
Radial clearances maybe.002” diametrically.
I know I’m asking the right guys!!

Les Schubert

So I have a Gemsa OH which is destined for my aluminum 5 main block. Also it will get the aluminum accessory oil pump water pump mag drive shown above. After some frustrating chasing around I have started on some rocker arms. Laser cut aluminum. Needle roller bearings and roller chain rollers for th...

Les Schubert

I have never shimmed any of my pressurized T engines.
Kevin I like the “someday “!!

Les Schubert

Keep it coming PLEASE!!

Les Schubert

Joe
Thank you for the information. I have a set of castings for that design, but had pondered what the best gear choice was!!

Les Schubert

Further to Kevin’s comment about elevation, I have a installation mostly done using a Flathead V8 pump on the back end of the camshaft. Yes, Stipe made me a cam with a extended back end. I also have a era marine conversion that has a pump gear driven by the crank gear. I guess I need to take some pi...

Les Schubert

Further to Bud’s comment, I have a electric pump that I have considered installing as a “prelube “ in conjunction with a VW pump on the end of the camshaft. It is certainly capable of my requirements.
It has 3/8” npt connections

Les Schubert

This has developed into a EXCELLENT exchange of experience and ideas. I am grateful to all

Les Schubert

A couple of options; 1. A VW beetle pump on the back end of the camshaft. A limitation is that the stock magneto can’t be used 2. A fuel pump driven from a eccentric installed on the camshaft between either cylinder 1&2 or 3&4. A welded up “dog leg” on the fuel pump lever allows the pump to be insta...

Les Schubert

Kevin
I have pondered between a ball and a swing check. Thank you for the candid information

Les Schubert

Hi
So what type of check valve works best?

Les Schubert

I have never used a check valve on the oil inlet. I’m not saying that the idea doesn’t have merit. I have always “blipped” the throttle on start up.

Les Schubert

Back in the ‘70’s I built a A cranked counterbalanced engine with a VW pump on the back of the camshaft. It is still operational (I sold it over 25 years ago). Thought I would try the B210 pump

Les Schubert

Very nice

Les Schubert

I assume you have the starter version? In Canada all I have are the pre starter versions (2 aluminum, 1 cast iron). I am thinking of doing a “surgery and weld job” and add a starter to the cast iron one.
My 13 touring is RHD and has been on the road for 19 years

Les Schubert

Hank
So the B210 oil pump. I have one but haven’t started it yet. I’m nervous about the priming aspect. You seem to have experience and I would appreciate your input
Thank you
Les

Les Schubert

I have done some preliminary work on a electric starter conversion that would drive in place of the front pulley. It is designed around a Subaru starter (because it turns reverse from most and is a powerful double reduction type). I haven’t finished it yet (got distracted on other stuff) but as I pe...

Les Schubert

Nice work

Les Schubert

What did you replace the linings with. I use woven style linings on my AC brakes. I have seen various materials offered as brake linings

Les Schubert

I wonder if the drum surface has become polished to a “glazed” finish. I presume that the possibility of any oil being on the surface has been eliminated. Just some thoughts

Les Schubert

Lots of people have done this. 1. Replace the cutout internals with a diode 2 set the current output to about 1/2 of what you would consider for a 6 volt system. So probably a maximum of 5 amps. When I have done this I disconnected the field ground connection inside the generator and brought it out ...

Les Schubert

Steve
Just wondering about your “press fit” comment on the inside race. Press fit on the rotating race is the rule. A slip fit on the non rotating race is just fine! Otherwise you run the risk of removing all the internal clearance in the bearings

Les Schubert

I’ll let Kerry solve it with the modified sleeves. I sure don’t need another project!!

Les Schubert

I heat 6,000 sq ft using natural gas fired hot glycol in floor heat. The boiler is not located in the shop to eliminate any risk of CO of from gasoline leaks from cars I guess it costs me about $150.00 per month in the winter. I only heat to about 50degrees F or so and wear a warm jacket in the wint...

Les Schubert

Considering that good Hyatt’s are getting hard to find, I have considered making some over sized axle shafts. Probably at least.005 bigger

Les Schubert

Tim
So which version did you make? What material?

Les Schubert

There are a number of different ratios. I think I have the list. Depends on rear axle ratio and tire size

Les Schubert

They seem to resemble small drum AC (which I have two sets of). Looks right to me

Les Schubert

: I believe this is the 27 Canadian version

Les Schubert

: Brake light

I have actually seen and touched ONE in my 45 years in the hobby

Les Schubert

Speedway sells some pretty good tubing bend kits. All mandrel bends so you can cut part way along a bend and the tubing is still round. They also have collectors.
I like his design

Les Schubert

I have done the trip a couple of times and the Alaska Highway through Fort Nelson, Fort St John and on through Alberta is well maintained

Les Schubert

It would not be that difficult to make a cap to fit
The cheap and easy might be from a piece of aluminum round bar. Yes you need a metal lathe

Les Schubert

Ordinary vinegar works pretty good for cleaning this type of radiator. My approach is; Figure out a way to seal the neck temporarily. Perhaps a piece of bicycle inner tube would fit. Now lay it carefully face down and pour vinegar into it through the lower connector. You will probably need a couple ...

Les Schubert

Great guy. I had a couple of great visits

Les Schubert

A set of “fork and blade” connecting rods would deal with the cylinders being perfectly offset so the two centre mains can just bolt together

Les Schubert

Upon reflection it would make more sense to have the camshafts etc on top and just make some drain slots for the oil or perhaps just stay splash and have a oil transfer pump to add the oil into the main bearings to keep the splash maintained

Les Schubert

I’ve thought about building a “boxer” opposed 8 using 2 T blocks. Put the RH side block laying on the valve train side. Put the LH side block in backwards so it is also laying on the valve train side. Run a chain drive between the two camshafts. Bore some big holes on the cam side of the two blocks ...

Les Schubert

Brian
I have thought about doing variable valve timing. The concept has merit!

Les Schubert

I have made my own for many years. I have always let them float. If you actually torque off/ break a axle the friction of the close fit (about.002-.004 clearances) to the tube along with the O ring will easily keep the wheel in place while you stop. Just my opinion. Now I just might install a set sc...

Les Schubert

Thank you for the responses. Some things to think about. Personally, in 45 years of T driving there are probably many things I haven’t experienced. I quite like the one with the coil spring and leather. I might try making some

Les Schubert

Apparently these are no longer available. Personally I really like them as I found them to be extremely “forgiving “. So I’m thinking about making some. The formed leather part is pretty simple. The round disc of spring steel is also simple. The formed spring washer is slightly trickier, but with La...

Les Schubert

Herm’s approach is good and resembles the era design which I started using 40 years ago. I have now reduced the ball bearing size a bit to make it easier to fit into the small drum brake. I hold it onto the inside adapter with a snap ring. Still LOTS of load capacity!! I have a couple of other “devi...

Les Schubert

A little background information The large bearing conversions were offered and used in the T era. The “other options” that are referred to have a history of problems ranging from REALLY REALLY difficult to disassemble to wheel loss while driving due to axle failures. IF you have good Hyatt bearings ...

Les Schubert

Eric
1. Round objects are typically easier to make
2. The magnets are a press fit, so a plastic is MUCH “friendlier” than brass or aluminum without totally changing the design

Les Schubert

I guess I have been lucky having run one since 2001 on my ‘13. I have a spare unit and just examined the rotor and I can now understand the risk. I have been thinking about some solutions. The easy one would just be to make some new plastic ones. Does anyone know exactly what type of plastic they we...

Les Schubert

Once you have used a “electrostatic” paint gun you will never want to go back for painting metal.
The paint wraps around and gets virtually all surfaces uniformly.
Not practical for the hobiest

Les Schubert

The axle shaft is made from quenched and tempered material. Heating it will affect the properties of it.
If you are running safety hubs I wouldn’t worry. With original Hyatt bearings maybe

Les Schubert

Tim
Please note that he has already used heat, so not much to lose anymore

Les Schubert

I would heat the key RED hot. Focus the heat using a acetylene torch as much as possible on the key. As it cools touch a wax candle to it when it is at the point where it doesn’t really smoke. Walk away and let it thoroughly cool. It should now remove fairly easily. The science is as follows. The ke...

Les Schubert

Gene
Thank you for the information. Something for me to consider doing

Les Schubert

1. I see you are at 1,000 ft elevation, that will cost a bit of power
2. The cam is very likely a worn original timed “straight up “. Lots of work done on cams in the last 40 years.
3. What axle ratio are you running. Probably stock, but ?
4. What the others have mentioned

Les Schubert

Kenny I can understand the potential for spark knock. My understanding is that the mag only has 3 effective timing positions. Fully retarded is about TDC 1/2 advanced is about 15 crank degrees Fully advanced is about 30 degrees. Optimal is 20-25 degrees. Unfortunately the design of the Ford mag does...

Les Schubert

On a side note, I would like to hear about the experiences that people have had running the cast aluminum connecting rods that used to be available for running stock T pistons with A crank? I have a unmachined set. I could see using them in a pressure oiled engine without babbit (aluminum straight o...

Les Schubert

Thank you for the smile.
I enjoy when people rewrite the laws of physics!

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