DeTomaso Mailing List: September 97, Message #175
     



From: schrader@sugar-land.anadrill.slb.com (Kirby Schrader)

Subject: Re: Shift Levers and steering

Date: Fri, 5 Sep 1997 08:56:40 -0500



Rick,



Thanks for the complement.



The picture of the engine was actually taken by Dennis Quella the day I

picked up the car in 1986 after the rebuild. He used a camera without flash

and some fast film. Don't remember the details other than that.



BTW, the engine compartment doesn't look quite so nice now after 11 years

of driving, track events, drag racing, etc. etc. etc.



Also, I forgot to measure the height of the shift lever and I drove the

Longchamp to work today..... Will measure it this weekend and let you know.





As a note to all, I've been fighting a steering problem for months now. Car

wandered more than I was used to with the large tires and it would dart

back and forth on rain grooves. I finally pinned down a worn out upper left

ball joint and replaced it. At $250 a shot!!! A lot of improvement in the

driveability, but still not right.



I finally found it last night! There's a small extension shaft attached to

the rack input shaft and then to the first U-joint on the steering column.

Both bolts of the extension clamps were ever so slightly loose which

allowed for the play I was getting in the steering. I tightened them up and

the steering is very solid now. A two fingers pleasure to drive out on the

freeway now! All I need to do is check the alignment again.



BTW, another mod that was done to my car was the crushable steering column

slide under the dash was welded solid. This makes for a much tighter feel

to the steering response.



FWIW,



Kirby



>   Thanks for all the info on your car. Looks like you have 'everything'

>done. Car looks great. I still need to redo interior, fix horn, A/C, redo

>the front boot area, etc..  Picture of the engine compartment looks

>great.  Did you take the picture ? Have tried a couple times but comes

>out too dark. Was extra lighting used or just flash on camera ?





Kirby Schrader                  Compuserve: kschrader@compuserve.com

                                            schrader@slb.com

'71 Pantera    #1661

'90 Thunderbird 35th anniversary special

'78 Longchamp GTS #3001   The wife's...

'76 Moto Guzzi LeMans Mark I



http://mwd.sugar-land.anadrill.slb.com/8080:







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