As I'm getting close to putting the gear box and engine back in, it was time to make sure I had completed all the things that are easier to work on while I had plenty of room.
Finished routing the brake lines and attached to the 5 way connector. Interesting thing about the brake lines on this Elan. This car is left hand drive and I have it confirmed that is was delivered to the U.S. when completed in December 1963. But all the brake lines, hydraulic brake light switch and 5 way connector are on the right side. Plus the wiring loom connection for the brake light sensor is on the right side. The location of the 5 way requires a long run from the master cylinder.
Bolted the new drive shaft to the differential. Well, I didn't do it, Drew was here helping me and he spent over an hour trying to get the bolts to line up. These bolts have been shaved down on one side to fit the diff yoke curve. You had to have the drive shaft aligned just right to get all the bolts to fit. I'm not sure these are the originals and should probably replace them. I wonder if they are specialty bolts or I just need to grind a few heads appropriately?
The new engine needed the transfer of a number of fittings on the block for oil pressure line, block drain, heater hose, etc. from the old engine. Finishing up the details of the new engine was installing a new in box OEM Ford fan blade I had bought last year. Put a smile on my face to see that fan blade on the engine.
This weekend is the big next step. Install the gear box, engine and drill all the chassis holes. I might even get the cooling system installed. Then I expect another week to button up all the details and adjust the suspension and check for leaks. Getting close to finishing, but I know better than to rush.
- 5 way brake line connector
- Gear box, engine ready for install
- OEM ford fan blade