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Originally Posted by DHABHAR.BEHRAM Dear Mr.Rudra Sen - it is indeed nice to see that you are progressing work on your Ambassador properly. |
Sir, thanks a lot for taking your time to go through these posts.
Off topic: We met for a short while after Avalaconda OTR in the evening. This was when you were answering questions standing next to that
demo THAR..
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Originally Posted by DHABHAR.BEHRAM 1. Please maintain the original drive train line of reference. I don't know how you will get it. |
Sir, it’ll be maintained. If you ask me how at this point in time, I’ve no solution in hand.
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Originally Posted by DHABHAR.BEHRAM A good workshop manual should be able to guide you otherwise as a rule of thumb, the north / south angle in a passenger car must be 2.5 degrees. |
Sir, I’ll try to locate a workshop manual. But going by this particular mechanic, I don’t think it’s a must. He has done enough and his forte is restoration. That of course doesn’t mean that he’s a top guy and knows all these minute details.
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Originally Posted by DHABHAR.BEHRAM A good Japanese Mitutoyo Bevel Protractor with a bubble guage is a worthy investment for such work. |
He has this and I’ve seen that.
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Originally Posted by DHABHAR.BEHRAM The design FMEA (failure mode effect analysis) requires that you tilt the power plant very slightly about the Z (vertical) axis as well. The idea is to make the adjacent needles in the needle bearings of the propeller shaft crosses overlap each others' position during running, minimizing wear and vibrations. In the 118NE, there is a very small Z axis tilt specified in the original FIAT 124 drawing. I take it that the eight numbers of original transmission cross member mounting points are undisturbed. |
This at this point is pretty Greek to me Sir. However, I’ll try to get in touch with the contacts I have here and there. Also to remember that there was not much of a difference (physical) between
FIAT 124 and 118NE.
It’s a different picture when it comes to fit a power steering on original 1954 morris oxford design. We’ll handle it Sir. I’ve done worse before and there’s learning in every step we take.
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Originally Posted by DHABHAR.BEHRAM 2. The power steering / collapsible steering column are easier said than done, power steering requires change in king pin inclination angle. Collapsible steering column will not work in the Ambassador as the instrument panel is not designed for this application. |
Sir, this steering unit is coming from HM as complete kit. When I say collapsible, it means in the event of a frontal impact, steering won’t come and hit me straight. Because of the joint in between the column and fulcrum mount on the top.. it should go up.
Not 100% full proof though, I agree.
Similar setup can be achieved by using a
GYPSY steering column. It’s been done and
I’ve seen it too.
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Originally Posted by DHABHAR.BEHRAM There are lots of skeletons which come out during work on collapsible steering column, so please be extra careful. |
Again agree and how! Sir I’ve been through this nightmare for decades and nothing scares me any more.
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Originally Posted by DHABHAR.BEHRAM 3. The integrity of the workshop to be able to understand and execute manufacture and adaptation of prototype parts. For this, becomes necessary for us to get involved in and control the manufacturing processes for the prototype. In your case, it is only one car so it is OK, but it is better to be doubly sure. Going by the photographs, the choice of workshop seems good. |
Sir, I vouch for this comment. In my case it’s not only a car but the mechanic himself. I’m yet to come across an elderly mechanic who’s is so passionate about his job a classical song. This combination tells me a lot about his ability.
Jaggu here can elaborate more I suppose.
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Originally Posted by DHABHAR.BEHRAM In the end, the car must deliver the desired result in performance. I have restored 4 fiats (all mine), so I know that it can become a big headache dealing with garages, especially when you want things done exactly the way you want it. |
Yes Sir, I’ll keep it in mind.
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Originally Posted by DHABHAR.BEHRAM The Ambassador is one of my favourite cars, yours especially looks gorgeous! Please post some photographs of the new parts so that I can give further detailed comments. And please keep it black only! |
Sir, pics will be posted as we go along. Thanks a lot for your comment about my darling. I’m honored.
And for the
paint’s shade? I strictly follow
Henry Ford’s comment.