Half Shafts, Battery and Oil Filter Adaptor

The 1963 rear end won the poll which means we don't have to install the 1965. And since we don't have a 1963 rear end in hand we are in no hurry to remove the 1975 that's currently installed. We can install the correct half shafts though. This is a picture of the 1975 rear end with 1975 half shafts. We will replace these half shafts with the correct smaller diameter shafts from 1963. The swap is half done in this photo. The 1963 half shaft is on the left and the 1975 is on the right.

Here is a side-by-side comparison. Left is the 1975, right is the 1963.  Universal joints are identical in size for both.

All done.

We also installed a new reproduction of the 1963 battery box.

This is an adaptor that lets us use screw on oil filters instead of the original oil canister. It will be a lot easier to deal with when it's time to change the oil.

Max H. likes to see an occasional "big picture" of what's going on in the garage. Here you go Max.

More on the fuel injection should be next. Stay tuned!

Half Shafts

These 2 1/2" diameter half shafts were purchased recently on E-bay and are correct for our 63 Corvette. These half shafts are solid but the parts are rusted tight. It took one full weekend to remove one set of universal joints from one half shaft. Aghh... The shafts soaked in carburetor cleaner during the day and they spent the night soaking in penetrating oil. It took hours of fiddling just to remove the snap rings. They were rusted solid in their seats, none came out whole, all were removed in pieces. Hours were also spent trying to remove the caps. I even bought a hydraulic press and it didn't work. The solution? A bigger hammer. Specifically, a sledge hammer and the willingness to swing it like a blacksmith.

It also took blood, sweat, and tears.

The parts were sand blasted then prepped for paint. Strips of photo paper were inserted where the bearing caps go to keep these areas from being painted.

A little primer followed by cast iron colored paint and they look like new.

More blood, sweat and tears were needed to install the new universal joints. I even broke my vice in the process. Compare this photo to the first photo.

And here they are in their full glory.

Next is our trip to Sturgis with Max and Riva H. When I return I'll refurbish the rear end. I am sure that thing will require blood and bruises. Stay tuned.