Hornet, more

[Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx>]

I've got a 904 trans. I had it rebuilt by Westminster
Transmissions (Calif.) who generally does good work, but the pan
bolts were overtightened and so of course it leaked, pretty badly.

Instead of screwing with it I bought a Mopar steel deep pan from
Summit. Came with a drain plug (well duh) and a rubber, not cork,
gasket. I glued the damned gasket to the pan (silicone), next day
likewise to an alcohol-degreased transmission. Let it cure over
night. Zero leaks!

The deep pan is still above the bottom of the bellhousing; I
feared it would hang down a bit but it's only about 1" deeper (one
quart) so there's no problem.

I chose steel over aluminum due to cost and reliability. If I do
scrape over a rock the steel will bend; aluminum castings often
crack.  The whole "cooling" thing with aluminum pans is a crock --
I can't believe it will add even 0.5% cooling over a decent
external cooler.

I forgot to put the damn magnet from the stock pan into the new
pan!  No way I'm taking it off for that. I'll get one of those
tiny monster magnet and stick it on the outside of the pan in
back.  The internal one is pretty weak, those new ultra-magnets on
the outside should be just fine.



Had Julio Auto Upholstery do carpeting and door panels last week
-- looks great! Price is fantastic, and he did the work in three
days.  Quality is just fine. The interior is now done except for
minor, easy stuff, like visors, arm rests, ash tray, etc.



Got the car computer operating system installed last night and
building an MP3 controller into the husk of an AMC radio. 4-line
LCD display just barely fits in the dial/pushbutton area. Computer
and amps go in the trunk out of sight.


Buying AC parts now (hoses, etc), will have it all done in time
for winter (aargh).