Been so busy with so many things lately, but tonight I ACTUALLY MADE PROGRESS!!!
I put the motor back together and went over to Hot Rod Jim's to check the shaft length against what we would need to figure spacers to put the whole thing together.
We put the motor on end (on blocks, because it's double-shafted) and set the transmission on top of it.
With both shafts touching, there is about an inch gap between the adapter plate and the motor.
After talking it over, we decided the best way to go would be to trim the useless little pointy tip on the tranny shaft, and about a half inch off the motor shaft.
Then, we can make another copy of the adapter plate and put them both together double-thick. That way, it will be a solid plate, using no spacers. That should look nicer, be very solid, and most importantly, keep the whole thing short! This mounts crosswise in the Metro engine compartment, which isn't that big!!!
I also talked with Jim about what solvent is the best to use to clean up the motor and transmission. After seeing how nice Jim's adapter plate is, it would be a shame to go on a dirty transmission and motor!
A good while back, I was thinking about painting the motor. Then I saw the Project Forkenswift with the new paint job for that EV show a while back - fantastic!
I was even originally thinking green for the EV parts (curse you Darin! stealing all my ideas...) I already have a can of yellow Rustoleum for from the cycle's paint job. So folks, what do you think, yellow, green, or other for the motor paint job?
See all the photos of tonight's activities at:
.Mac Web Gallery
While you are there, check out the photo of Jim's mailbox.
PS: I had to teardown the motor again for Jim to work on the driveshaft (takes about 3 minutes to do!) Since it was open anyways, he took a look at the bearings and said they looked like they were in great condition.
I am hoping that tommorow, I will get some time to clean up the motor and tranny - both are still really ugly and greasy!!!
PPS: Look for a video update tomorrow!
PPPS: That's Jim in the photos. You know what I look like. I'm the crazy one with the beard and the glasses.