1960 356B T5 Restoration plus LHD to RHD conversion

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Mike Smith
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Location: Ramsden Heath, Essex, CM11 1HS, UK
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Re: 1960 356B T5 Restoration plus LHD to RHD conversion

#31 Post by Mike Smith »

In discussing the Pitman Arm issue the steering damper is a Red Herring.
However The Steering Damper position does have to be reversed to the other side
As there is virtually no load on the damper, it is feasible to merely weld another lug onto the Pitman Arm on the opposite side

It is important to ensure that the Movable Damper clamp is positioned correctly or it will restrict the turning circle and be under stress
However, it is necessary to check this anyway (whether Left or Right hand drive) as the majority of the dampers, currently being supplied, are too short when extended anyway
Mike Smith (Essex - UK)

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StephenJohns
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Re: 1960 356B T5 Restoration plus LHD to RHD conversion

#32 Post by StephenJohns »

I have posted a new topic regarding RHD pitman arm in the talk forum.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=36794

After much searching for a RHD pitman arm without any luck, I have taken it upon myself to get some made.
The more I get made the cheaper it will be. I have a contact in the motorsport engineering industry who makes components for V8 supercars in Australia who has advised that his company can make a RHD version off my LHD pitman arm sample which is off a 1960 LHD 356B T5.

Does anyone need a RHD Pitman arm here in Australia and want to place an order?
Details below from my contact.

We would make this from a material called 4340 steel and get it stress relived and hardened after machining.

$475.00 each if I get 3 made.
$420.00 each if I get 4-8 made.

– includes material, reverse engineering, machining, spline, heat treatment and blackening.

I personally need 1 myself so only need to get another 2 takers to get it happening.

PM me if interested with contact details.

Regards, Steve

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StephenJohns
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Re: 1960 356B T5 Restoration plus LHD to RHD conversion

#33 Post by StephenJohns »

A bit more progress tonight on the axle beam.
LH side had quite a bit of rust so fabricated some repair sections and welded on the old sway bar mount from the bent axle beam.
20140707_213806.jpg
Still some rust repairs to do and them the big job of putting this section into the car. Have fabricated up out of roll cage pipe some slip in tubes and positioning beams for axle beam so as when put in place, the correct angle is achieved +/-0.5.

neil blaber
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Re: 1960 356B T5 Restoration plus LHD to RHD conversion

#34 Post by neil blaber »

looking good Stephen, getting ever closer :)
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StephenJohns
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Re: 1960 356B T5 Restoration plus LHD to RHD conversion

#35 Post by StephenJohns »

Got around to removing the RH fender today.
RH INNER.jpg
Will need to weld in new top section on inner panel as spot welds just wouldn't drill out cleanly on this one.
rh inner 2.jpg
New RHD steering box floor on order from Roger Bray Restoration which will be approximately 3-4 weeks away.
Hopefully all will be ready to stitch together and give the new spot welder a workout.

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StephenJohns
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Re: 1960 356B T5 Restoration plus LHD to RHD conversion

#36 Post by StephenJohns »

A bit more shape forming using the old sandbag and hammer.

Slowly getting lots of nice clean metal in place of the thin rusty stuff.
LH upper axle beam.jpg

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StephenJohns
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Re: 1960 356B T5 Restoration plus LHD to RHD conversion

#37 Post by StephenJohns »

Did a bit more work done on the LH side replacement section.
Getting closer to being ready to stich into other car now.
LH side getting there.jpg

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StephenJohns
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Re: 1960 356B T5 Restoration plus LHD to RHD conversion

#38 Post by StephenJohns »

Started on getting the old bent axle beam out of the car today.
Got quite a bit done. It looks like I am going backwards however this is progress.
20140817_143511.jpg
20140817_155448.jpg
20140817_155510.jpg

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StephenJohns
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Re: 1960 356B T5 Restoration plus LHD to RHD conversion

#39 Post by StephenJohns »

Removed more of the car today.
Its looking pretty bare but will soon have it somewhat back to normal.
This LH side had huge amounts of damage that was repaired badly if you haven't been following this post and as such, we had to get a donor front end to slot in.
Axle beams were also bent. Front LH from door hinge post forward was 40mm shorter than the RH side.
Stripping front LH side out.jpg
Removed old lower bulkhead and replaced with new section. Some tidying up still to so but it is in there and sitting where it should be.
Lower bulk head.jpg
Finally got the front end back in today.
Its just sitting there but will take a heap of measurements tonight and get it in the correct location and spot weld back in.
Front end back in..jpg
A small repair section formed and welded in onto the backside of the hinge pillar.
Lower section will be replaced with new repair panel.
inner speaker box.jpg
Received the new LH inner panel today from Mike at Restoration Design. Ordered on Friday and received in Australia on Tuesday. Amazing service from these guys.
Panels fit well also.
LH inner panel.jpg

neil blaber
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Re: 1960 356B T5 Restoration plus LHD to RHD conversion

#40 Post by neil blaber »

looks like its coming on a treat stephen!
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StephenJohns
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Re: 1960 356B T5 Restoration plus LHD to RHD conversion

#41 Post by StephenJohns »

Thanks Neil,

Its starting to resemble the shell of a car again...
You have done quite a bit too since I last dropped in. I will pop in soon again once I find some time.

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StephenJohns
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Re: 1960 356B T5 Restoration plus LHD to RHD conversion

#42 Post by StephenJohns »

Got the measurements correct tonight between the hinge pillars and the height correct on the LH pillar as it had dropped due to accident.
Spot welded the hinge closing panels in front and on top of hinge pillar.
Trial fitted the LH inner panel from Restoration Design. Needs a trim but it wont be too much stuffing around. About 1 inch off the bottom edge and it should be pretty close.
lh inner panel trial fit.jpg

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StephenJohns
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Re: 1960 356B T5 Restoration plus LHD to RHD conversion

#43 Post by StephenJohns »

Got a bit more done this weekend.
Working on the LH side front still around the A pillar.
Its almost ready to join the A to the B pillar again.
new 3.jpg
new 1.jpg
new 2.jpg
new 4.jpg

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StephenJohns
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Re: 1960 356B T5 Restoration plus LHD to RHD conversion

#44 Post by StephenJohns »

Trial fitted the fuel tank floor today.
The air hole punch made light work of the holes for the button welds.
fuel tank floor.jpg

neil blaber
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Re: 1960 356B T5 Restoration plus LHD to RHD conversion

#45 Post by neil blaber »

that's looking pretty damn good dude!

nice tank floor! is that from restoration designs?
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