Morning everybody.
I have a small problem with one of the rear axles on my 64 Spitfire
(undergoing surgery). Turns out that due to all of the heating, bashing,
smashing, hammering, cursing, screaming and yelling during the removal of
the (dreaded) rear hubs, the end of one of the axles became slightly
"mushroomed" and the very end of the threads were stripped.
What I need is a 15/16 fine thread "thread chaser" (or die from a tap and
die set). The problem is that I have not been able to find such a large die
anywhere! Somebody (perhaps Snap-On??) must carry one that large. I did
try taking a spare axle nut, cut it in half with a hacksaw, clamped it
together on the remaining threaded portion of the shaft and backed it off,
but all that did was destroy the threads on the nut, and did nothing to the
axle.
So, does anyone have either (1) a source for a die that size or (2) a better
idea?
Second question - my gearbox (4 speed, non-synchro on 1st) is out and
sitting on my workbench. I have opened it, checked all components and
clearances (excellent shape - I think the prior DPO installed a rebuilt
unit) and then I re-installed the top cover and shift arm, new gaskets,
etc.. However, I think when I put the topcover on and lined up the shifter
forks I somehow did not properly position the reverse gear engagement arm
because even though I can run the shifter through all of the gears, when I
shift it into reverse and turn the input shaft the output flange still turns
the same direction!!!
Am I correct in assuming that the output flange should be turning in the
opposite direction when shifted into reverse? If so, did I somehow
mis-align the shift forks (it seems to be fine in all other respects)? If
not, can someone please explain how the hell the output flange can turn the
same way going both forward AND backwards? Thanks to all in advance.
Ross D. Vincenti
64 Spitfire 4 (undergoing surgery)
|