Sorry for the long delay between posts, the shop has been super busy, but back on track for BUB.
Because we are using a swinging arm box instead of a rigid box we had to move the mounts that are fitted to the pre-unit frame and make some new ones. As per the swinging arm mounts on pre-units, Dick turned the mounts on the lathe and clamped the gearbox shell to the engine mounts. Measured several times, and after steadily increasing the drill size, I guess about 5 times, we finally drilled the 3/4" hole for the new mounts. With the box clamped in place Dick tacked them up and we then removed the box and replaced it with a 7/16th rod which was turned to size and threaded at each end. Once in place the welds were finished, and the fit is perfect.
Dick is fitting a 5 speed cluster into the box for added flexibility on the salt. New engine plates will be made on Monday, the main frame fab is finished and engine and gearbox build can begin in earnest.
More very soon I hope
Peter