Call me crazy - Ranchero's (again)

**doghows** · August 1st, 2011, 08:15 AM

Exhaust manifold is sitting here at the powder shop.. I am blasting today so I can have it cleaned up and ready to go if you need it. Just say the word and it is yours.
That motor looks awesome, I was going to pull the Ratchero motor but decided to go back to body work on the delivery again. I would like to have at least half as clean a engine bay as your will be. Looks great..

**doghows** · August 1st, 2011, 03:54 PM

Manifold is on its way. Went out mail and will be there tomorrow. Hopefully it is the right one. I did not see any cracks, but I am pretty tired this afternoon, sooo who knows??

Anyway looks good post a pic when it is all together...

**Luva65wagon** · August 1st, 2011, 11:13 PM

You are awesome Steve. Over and above the call.

I will have a look-see when it arrives and hope it will work. Was not looking forward to machining the early model version. I see a steak dinner in your future.

Gene wants to help me tomorrow evening to drop the motor in, and then I am going to look at 4 transmissions to make the best of them I can. I may buy him a BigMac.

**doghows** · August 2nd, 2011, 08:17 AM

Stuff goes both ways. I needed stuff for my barn car and you came through for me so it is payback time. Glad I had what you need to get her back to driving status. Just keep us all posted..

**Luva65wagon** · August 2nd, 2011, 02:27 PM

Originally Posted by doghows

Stuff goes both ways.

Oh, then I'll take a Filet Mignon.

**doghows** · August 2nd, 2011, 04:13 PM

Did you get it, did you get it????? Kind of like Christmas in July right..

**Luva65wagon** · August 2nd, 2011, 11:29 PM

Yeah - it was here when I got home. Pretty decent shape. ONly had one corder bolt hole broke off, but with a hefty washer I'll not tell.

Gene came by and we put the motor in and I bolted the exhaust manifold on just to see if the exhaust would line up. I added the belly bar and now the exhaust doesn't fit. So, I'll have to get something done to modify it, but won't until the engine and transmission are connected and sitting on all their mounts.

Was going to mount the new clutch, but I discovered the pilot bushing was a "little" worn out and the kit I bought had a sheet inside that said, simpley, "The pilot bushing for this kit no longer exists." I'm thinking, 'Oh great, STEVE, you got one of those?" But I just ordered on on-line. Hopefully I don't get a note saying it is indefinitely back-ordered.

Next up, tranny...

**BillP 98201** · August 3rd, 2011, 06:56 AM

Looks great Roger........ keep up the good work

Big Macs arent good for Gene are they? lol

**doghows** · August 3rd, 2011, 08:02 AM

WOW that is looking pretty good for a daily driver. Now I have to pull the motor out of the Ratchero and clean up my engine bay.

Oh well I was going to do it anyway.
That is weird the exhaust doesn't fit now?? Everything is the same just clean and pretty now? Just put that pipe stretcher tool on it. That should take care of that issue!?!

**Luva65wagon** · August 3rd, 2011, 01:26 PM

I don't think the floor is exactly in the same place now. Or should I say that there "is" a floor now, where before there wasn't.

Also that brace-bar under the motor is there now and wasn't there before.

Not a big deal, really. Just need to hold off until I get the tranny in and everything where it is supposed to go. Then I'll get out the pipe stretcher.

**doghows** · August 3rd, 2011, 03:23 PM

I am also guessing new motor mounts. I guess it all adds up a bit till it is a few inches? Still looks real good when is the official start it back up day??

**Luva65wagon** · August 3rd, 2011, 03:39 PM

Same mounts - just cleaned up. I think the belly bar/brace is the biggest interference at the moment.

I had to order a pilot bushing, so I hope it is available. The clutch set had a little piece of paper in it saying "the pilot bushing for this kit is no longer available" - so we will see.

Once I have that, I will probably already have all the other parts on and the tranny ready to go back in the instant the bushing shows up. NPD, who I ordered it from, tend to just ship what they have and then tell you on the invoice "oh, and by the way, this part is back-ordered." When the tranny is in I can do a driveline. Then I will consider putting some gas in the tank and crossing my fingers.

**Luva65wagon** · August 3rd, 2011, 04:31 PM

Self, check the parts bins before you order anything else - OK?

Roger finds he already ordered and received a new pilot bushing, but never checked before ordering another one.