MICK’S WORKSHOP
MEASURE SIX TIMES, CUT ONCE
You might recall we’re in the throes of building up a monster Monaro – a custom job for Tom Georgas. To recap, it’s a 1971 HG GTS that’s been in the family a long time and is now undergoing a fairly high-end build. That includes a big engine – actually a Rambler Hornet 400 stroked to 427 – Turbo 350 transmission and lots more.
The front end is getting a McDonald Brothers Racing front end with coil overs plus rack and pinion steering. Hanging off the end of that set up is a nice set of Wilwood brakes. We had a trial fitment of the front end last time we looked at this car (issue 438) and it all went pretty smoothly.
For the rear, we’re going with a 9-inch TrueTrac diff, retaining leaf springs
This time, the mission was to do a test-fit of the diff and axle housing. As they say in the classics, you measure twice and cut once. Though given how tight the tolerances need to be, I reckon we measured at least half a dozen times, particularly given we were sizing it all up for wheels as part of the package.
We’ve enlisted the help of local expert Charlie Gauci for the rear end. Half the trick with these big jobs is knowing when to bring in a specialist. Don’t be afraid to tackle things yourself, but at the same time ask around and make sure you’re getting good advice.
Charlie and I spent a Saturday carefully measuring up this car before he started on the rear and of course we found a hitch. The body work folk who did the minitubs for us didn’t quite follow instructions, and we’re going to have to make some minor mods to the body to ensure everything works. Good to know that now, rather than later when more components are lining up.
Our efforts for today were to do a trial fit of the partially-made axle and diff housing, to ensure we’re on target. So far so good.
Meanwhile I’ve held off one job until we have more info. We’ve had the fuel tank cleaned out and blasted, but have delayed painting it. You see with this giant pineapple of a diff underneath, we need to see exactly how it sits on its wheels and what sort of clearance is left over. Then we’ll modify the tank and finish it off.
And that’s pretty typical of this sort of build. It’s a good idea to be thinking a couple of components ahead, so you’re anticipating any dramas along the way. Anyway, watch this space and we’ll keep you up to date with what’s happening.