Sideshift Conversion Done!, From sloppy soup stir to short and sweet Options

[Chris Pincetich]

I finished my sideshift conversion on my 1972 1.7 street/AX 914 almost a month ago, and did about 18 AX runs with it this weekend. What an amazing difference! I did more than merely swap crusty transmissions and linkages, but more on that later. I ask so many questions on other threads, this one is pics and stuff I learned along the way (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
And thank yous to all who contributed, which is a lot (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
And here is a SWEET photo I just found on ground-speed.com, who are awesome and I will probably buy a big print of this one! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[Chris Pincetich]

AT this point I realized my quick side-shift conversion was going to be an engine bay rustoration. "While I'm in there..." right??!!!?? More on that later...
The big swap, besides the 901, is the linkage. I needed to get the new engine mount bar on my engine for the side-shift linkage to fit. I removed the engine tin, only around the fan = easy. The engine bar mounts are accessable, but not really wrenchable, and the bolts are tight. I got 2 of 4 bolts no sweat, the other 2 are impossible due to the solid shape of the early-style SOLID engine bar to engine mount.

I really researched this one, then called McMark about my flywheel progress and causually asked about the mount bolts. He suggested removing the fan, pulling the housing back on the studs just enough, then wrenching. It was a bit of work but once the wrench was in there, it went quickly. Otherwise, almost impossible...could be done with engine in car I suppose, but tricky!

This pick shows the fan off, 12-point bolts x 3 (same style as CV bolt), can of PB Blaster, new Snap-On 3/8 wobble extension (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)