Speedometer Cable One of the items that must be purchased locally is the speedometer cable. It isn’t detailed anywhere that depending on the transmission you use, you may also need a speedometer reverser. The speedometer registers counter-clockwise but the output from most transmissions is clockwise. I also learned of a tip to install the speedo cable thru the cowl support tubes, to keep it hidden. I purchased a Mustang cable from a local parts store, it adapted to my TKO600 without a hitch, but was too long. A query to one of the forums I use and I learned the cable could easily be shortened.Read More →

Posted info on pedal modification to fit AC style pedals onto Wilwood clutch/brake assembly. The Hurricane kit comes with Wilwood brake and clutch pedals. One of the first mod’s everyone goes to is to incorporate the AC pedal into your car. Just makes it look better. Pedals purchased from Finishline Accessories come “un-machined” on the back boss. It is approximately 3/4″ thick. I mounted mine by machining a 3/16″ slot thru this boss, cutting the pedal arms on the Wilwood assembly to make a lever end, then cross-drilled for a 1/4″ bolt and nut. Hopefully the pictures will show how it was done When IRead More →

garage is not heated and it’s 5 degrees outside 🙁 Positioned and installed heater and glovebox shell. I’ve begun the wiring process. Heater Install – or – NOTHING goes easily I found a heater kit for a BackDraft kit and jumped on it, being able to save some money over the kit from my manufacturer. I was in tall cotton, or so I thought. When I studied the kit, it was designed to be mounted in the engine compartment on the passenger side footbox. Not exactly period correct. No big deal, I’ll use the parts and put it behind the dash. Famous last words. TwiceRead More →

While working on the steering, I decided to incorporate the self-cancelling turn signal mod. Update to current design The kit includes a VW turn signal lever. It has the self-cancelling mechanism built into it, it only needs an actuating cam to make it happen. But whoa, little buddy, it requires a little more attention than that. The cancelling cam is a 3/4″ shaft collar, with a couple bumps on it. I placed two welds, 180º apart and then sanded the profile. The PDF file shows the finished dimensions. You need to be fairly accurate in making this. Too small and it won’t cancel properly, tooRead More →

Tweaking the throttle pedal/footbox bracket. While installing the steering shafts, I learned my work isn’t done. The bracket keeps the shaft from turning. Little bit of work and all is well. Posted info, pictures and drawings of throttleRead More →

Foot Box Drop Frame Mod Cutting the drivers side footbox on an angle not only adds additional room for your left foot, it helps transition the carpet nicely to the sidewall. This seemed so minute but every inch counts when you are trying to get your feet into the footbox. Cut the top (1″) and inner side (2″) on a slight angle to accomodate a new piece of 10 ga. that will run on a diagonal. Box the ends closed with scrap and tack weld the diagonal filler. Add a piece of 1″ x 1″ x 1/8″ angle from the front of the box backRead More →

Spent the day fabricating my own oil adapter plate for remote oil filter. Bolted up sway bar Most FE motors used a horizontal oil filter and an adapter that angled up from its mounting location. This adapter fits the motor and the Hurricane frame, but it positions the oil filter outside the engine compartment and into the left wheel well. Not what I was looking for. I had decided to be period correct and had found a remote oil filter adapter and bracket that mounted as the originals. All that was needed was an adapter plate to connect the hoses to the block. I thoughtRead More →

Sway bar

Installed front suspension, modifying lower A Arm to mount sway bar. The Hurricane kit does not include a sway bar in the build, relying on the coil-overs to manage body roll. They do a spectacular job but for additional handling, I decided to add a  swaybar. I wanted a bar that would not require welding the lower arm. My welding isn’t bad but don’t have the confidence in it yet to be welding on the suspension components. The width of the frame rails dictated the distance between the arms. The distance between the coil-over mounts dictate the distance between eyes. I learned a Miata bar isRead More →

Finished indexing bellhousing to  block. Finished modified motormounts. Mounted transmission and installed motor. Kool!!  Installed slave cylinder & clutch As you do your research on the internet, you’ll see kits being built with all kinds of bellhousings. Stock cast iron, aluminum, aftermarket scattershields. If you’ve ever seen a clutch blow, you’ll understand why the scattershield is the only logical answer. I used a Lakewood 15210. It comes with the blockplate and mounting hardware. Be aware, you will need a couple socket head capscrews to mount it properly. The holes are too close to the bend in the housing and standard bolts won’t fit. I wentRead More →