miles-models

Steve runs a motor accessories shop in Brixham and also operates a mobile
mechanic service. Because of my medical issues it is difficult for me to bend
and Steve very kindly looks after my Mk 2 Jaguar, on the bits that I can't
reach (to abuse a well known larger catch phrase!).

Steve also runs a classic car which is a Mk 2 Ford Zephyr, for which he has
acquired a set of triple carburetors and intends to fit them soon. However, he
wants an installation where he can put the car back to its 'normal' condition in
the future.

Yesterday (25th May 2008) Steve visited and asked if I could make up a
linkage for his carburetor project. I must admit it took a little while for what he
wanted made, to sink in. Fortunately he brought with him parts of the linkage
for me to get dimensions from and basically Steve wanted a straight version
of the shaft he supplied (seen in slide ?? above) which ended in a small ball,
that fits the linkage on the throttle mechanism.

My first attempt was a simple collar, made from brass, which only showed
how little I knew of what he wanted! Once I finally understood, I promised to
have a go at making what he wanted.

About 0100 hours this morning during my insomniac period, I scribbled
something down as a design, which is shown in the first slide. You will
immediately see that drawing is not one of my most artistic traits (in fact I
have yet to find any!).

Armed now with what I thought Steve wanted, a link arm with small ball at
one end, which can be clamped to another link bar going through it at 90
degrees I began to make the shaft.

This required me to dust off the ball turning tool made for the chess set and I
had a practice on some scrap aluminum, to get the diameter correct. Turning
the ball to size on the steel shaft then followed without trauma. In fact the
most difficult task of the day was trying to get the gearing on the Turner Lathe
changed to produce a fine cut on the shaft! I think that next year I may make
a set of gears of my own for the Chinese ones are not of the highest quality,
although they do the job.

I intended to silver solder the two parts of the linkage together when Steve
could let me know the shaft length. In the end Steve asked if I could tap the
body that the shaft fits into, so he could decide on the length when fitting.
So that was that. Job done, so I hope it works. If not it won't be too much
trouble to change or adapt to make the linkage work. Steve hopefully will be
letting me have a photo of the finished 'adaptation' to complete the picture.

7th June 2008

Steve has now been back and has fitted the linkage made for him. He asked if
it would be possible to make some trumpets for the three carbs. Another
challenge to look frward too. I took a paper template (see gallery above) and
am now going to make one first to check fit and proportions.

The gallery below will be updated from time to time and will document the
'attempt' of producing three aluminum trumpets. The importance of ensuring
no restriction to air flow is the prime conssideration in this design stage.

My inital thoughts are to make a flange to fit the carb and to screw the
trumpet in. I will then loctite it in place. Look back and check the
progress.......