Jeep Engine Build

[bob w]

Dave and Jerry came over to help load up the dragster for a trip to the strip tomorrow. While they were here I figured I'd use the extra muscle to put the Crosley body back on the chassis.

It's embarrassing, three exchanges at the auto parts store trying to get a correct length serpentine belt and I'm still not there.

[Old Iron]

Originally Posted by bob w

It's embarrassing, three exchanges at the auto parts store trying to get a correct length serpentine belt and I'm still not there.

Don't let that bother you, three trips is about average for a serpentine belt.
It took me 7 trips to the store to get the right one for the A/C unit I put in a '48 Chevy pickup here a while back
I bet someone else could give us guidelines on how to get the right one on the first or second trip.

[Bamamav]

Easy way to get the correct serpentine belt, or at least get close---

Get the longest old belt you can find. Cut in two. Then, drill one hole in one end, on the other end, drill a series of holes spaced out 1/2" and mark a line across the belt with a yellow or white paint pen at each hole. Use a 1/4" bolt and nut to fasten the two belt ends together.

To measure, route the belt around the pulleys, making sure the rotation of each is correct. It helps if you can take the pressure off the tensioner and hold it at about the halfway point { if it's a spring tensioner} . Then take the belt ends, have your bolt through the single hole end, and stretch the other end as tight as you can by hand and push the bolt through the closest hole you can, shorter is usually better if you have 1/2 tensioner travel as the belt will stretch a bit. Put the nut on the bolt, then remove the complete belt. Then, measure with a tape from the end of the belt with the bolt to the nearest cross line on the other end. You can add or subtract a 1/4" or so if needed to get a standard length belt that is in stock, the tensioner will make up the difference.

[bob w]

I used a hockey skate lace but it was way off. Your method would be good Bamamav, except I didn't have an old belt. Anyhoo, what you see here is my 4th attempt. I was trying to fit it in on the passenger side. Nothing worked. Here are tabs welded to the frame on the driver's side and it seems to be okay. The engine is solid mounted so dimensions shouldn't change. I have a fair amount of fore and aft adjustment so the belt should ride correctly.
I painted the white circles on the doors so my grandson Matthew can paint some turkey heads in them. Sorta like the example shown (clipart).

[bob w]

Okay, this is how I balance wheels. First remove all the wheel bearing grease from one front wheel breaing set. Clean the spindle too. Add a small amount of light oil like sewing machine oil. Put the drum on and tighten very carefully, No play but not tight. Spin the wheel and where it stops, place a mark on the top of the tire. Repeat 4 or more times until a pattern develops. See the white marks in the first pic. That is the lightest area. I tape 1 ounce of peel and stick weights on and spin the wheel several times, making minor adjustments in weight and placement. When the wheel spinning results in random stops, meaning the weighted portion can stop anywhere, I figure it's balanced.
I did the dragster this way and it goes through the traps "hands free" at 118 mph.

[Old Iron]

I figured this is how you was doing the balance job, it works well.

[bob w]

Originally Posted by Old Iron

I figured this is how you was doing the balance job, it works well.

OI, with your building experience, I figure you've seen and done most everything.

[bob w]

I'm auditioning turkeys for door art. I did this one. I'm betting my grandson Matthew can do better.

[Torchie]

Nice start on the door art.😎😎😎
I like the wheel balancing tip as well.
I’m all for keeping it simple.
Torchie

[bob w]

More small jobs keep popping up. Packed the wheel bearings, Set the toe in. See the measurement tool I made. Mounted the overflow bottle. Made a water inlet for the block. And other stuff I don't remember.
It's been hot and humid and I don't last long each day.