Clutch Lever

Been checking all round the engine for clearance issues over the piece and there are two issues to deal with. One being the alternator, which, if I use the original FIAT item, will foul the steering column. More on that later, but definitely not insurmountable. Second is the clutch lever . This protrudes quite a bit from the bell housing and would foul the chassis vertical section at the inboard front corner of the passenger footwell. So it has been cut out, you can see the mock up clutch lever in cardboard to indicate the issue. This photo shows the new position, after a new piece is welded in. Shouldn't affect anything structurally.

So some panel modification will be required, but nothing that will cause a problem.

Inside crescent panel, N/S.

Got round to drilling off the passenger side crescent panel. All good and ready for a coat of paint prior to install.

 

Only the passenger side footwell panels to go, but more on this shortly.....

 

I've also mocked the bonnet in place to check for clearance to the carburettors, I made sure the engine was central (it is not fully committed in terms of position yet) to the chassis, using the crankshaft pulley as the datum. All looks well, although I will need the usual cut out for the air cleaner on the nearside.

 

Front Hub Assembly

Managed to acquire a pair of front hubs, unused, old stock. Decided that I should paint these to stave off corrosion.

Have now mocked these up as part of the front right suspension assembly. Noted all the spacer/washer stacks and positions, then disassembled until after the side panel is finally fitted.

 



Update: Differential In

An update to get this blog up to speed again.....

After some measuring and checking other blogs (thanks Richard and David S) and a chat to Simon & Richard at GBS, I have finally fitted the Lobro type differential.

I did have to carefully trim a small amount from the side support bracket on the left side to clear the diff but this was no problem.

I purchased some spacers online and got the whole thing bolted up.

The left driveshaft is shorter than the right and all looks well as I'll mention later.

 

 



Driveshaft & Stub Axle Renovation

Got the driveshafts online also. These needed some freshening up, as did the stub axles and hub carriers.

I had these cleaned up and painted them. Last job required is to grease up the CV joints and fit the new rubber boots.