Prop shaft questions please

[Tommy in Tampa]

OK, I gotta get into race trim for Celina.
So I need a little info please.
What is the correct name and size of the tool that is used to get the prop shafts off the transmission? What are those oddball bolts called? :012:
and
after I do get them off I need to replace the ujoints.
Could someone please give me a part number for the ujoints.
Gordon's imports are out of stock for a month.
Thanks in advance, Tommy racin' in Tampa

 

[DavidC]

Tommy, they are M8 Star. Last time I was over there the Sears Craftsman store had the right wrench.

If the bolts are mangled here is a trick. Early Amphicars used the same bolt to hold the rear brake backplate on but they aren't needed there, ordinary hex head are fine, so take to ones from the backplate for the props (where you can't use hex head as they touch the UJ yokes).

Sorry, no idea about the UJ, although I know someone in the past mention an alternative that works.

David C

 

[Ken Chambers]

Tommy,

Sears has the tool you need. It's an 8mm Triple Square socket bit (12
points).

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00992050000P?vName=Tools&keyword=8mm+triple

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00994124000P?vName=Tools&keyword=8mm+triple

Like David said the prop flanges require those 12 point socket screws
because of limited clearance. The heads on regular hex head socket
screws are too deep and will contact the U-joint yokes. Hugh should
stock them or try auto parts stores since they're used on some
European cars.

A little info on the bolts:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple_Square_screws


RE: prop shaft U-joints, I'm also looking for them. They appear to be
22mm x 58mm, made out of Unobtainium as far as I can tell. Anyone
have any leads?


Ken Chambers, CA
'64 Red



On Mar 13, 2008, at 1:37 PM, Tommy in Tampa wrote:

> OK, I gotta get into race trim for Celina.
> So I need a little info please.
> What is the correct name and size of the tool that is used to get
> the prop shafts off the transmission? What are those oddball bolts
> called?
> and
> after I do get them off I need to replace the ujoints.
> Could someone please give me a part number for the ujoints.
> Gordon's imports are out of stock for a month.
> Thanks in advance, Tommy racin' in Tampa
>
>

 

[robertb]

> OK, I gotta get into race trim for Celina.
> So I need a little info please.
> What is the correct name and size of the tool that is used
> to get the prop shafts off the transmission? What are
> those oddball bolts called? and
> after I do get them off I need to replace the ujoints.
> Could someone please give me a part number for the
> ujoints. Gordon's imports are out of stock for a month.
> Thanks in advance, Tommy racin' in Tampa
>
>
>

</blockquote></BODY>


Hi Tommy

Robertb bowers26@enter.net

The tool your talking about is considered a specialty tool
for constant velocity vw joint socket and manifold bolt made
by
mac tools. Part # sc89 If you can't find the tool I can
order it
and send it to you. I've had one in my tool box for years.
It is the perfect fit. When you reassemble make sure the
threads
are clean and apply silicone to the threads for easy
removal.

 

[PeterP]

I was able to find the tool on the "weird tools" rack at my local NAPA.

 

[amphigr66n]

Hi All: it's also called an 8mm spline tool, vw's and opels use them, found mine at the local 'bug shop' for about $7. They have those odd instrument bulbs cheap also.

PeterP <> wrote: I was able to find the tool on the "weird tools" rack at my local NAPA.

 

[Ron Green]

I bought a tool at NAPA from the counter guy for a few dollars.

Regarding the u-joints do a search of the Yahoo achieves or Bilgeys site as there used to be a universal parts replacement list someone put together and they might be listed there? Also Gord may have them as he has a lot of bearings however he is leaving for Florida this weekend.

 

[goobcarla]

The easiest and I think the best way to repair axle shafts, prop shafts or plain old drive shafts is to contact your friendly, local drive shaft repair store! Here in central NY, Fleet Pride is the only way to go. They actually measure and machine if need be to get the right fit and it's much safer than installing a new joint with a bench vise and 3 pound club! You get a safe and balanced shaft in return for your investment.

Just my 2 cents (oh, and 40 years of restoration experience)
Gary.
---- Ron Green <> wrote:

 

[Ken Chambers]

I agree getting driveshafts and propshafts modified may be necessary
if there are no better options. But when a direct U-joint replacement
is available they're easy to install and everything remains original.
A simple U-joint press like this one is inexpensive and works quite
well:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=38335

Trouble is Amphicar chose sizes that are not standard today.
Driveshaft U-joints have been successfully obtained by member John
Friese. So John, can you help out with the propshaft U-joints?

Ken Chambers, CA
'64 Red


On Mar 14, 2008, at 5:37 AM, goobcarla wrote:

> The easiest and I think the best way to repair axle shafts, prop
> shafts or plain old drive shafts is to contact your friendly, local
> drive shaft repair store! Here in central NY, Fleet Pride is the
> only way to go. They actually measure and machine if need be to get
> the right fit and it's much safer than installing a new joint with a
> bench vise and 3 pound club! You get a safe and balanced shaft in
> return for your investment.
>
> Just my 2 cents (oh, and 40 years of restoration experience)
> Gary.

 

[Midwest Amphicar]

A couple of years ago. I was working on a Mazda RX7. Non replaceable u joints. They looked familiar. Prop shaft U joints worked! I called John Bevins to help look, now that We had a "real" car to search under. Low and behold a u joint maker made a repair kit for these cars. I just called John to get ok to share this number. Available from local auto parts Car Quest 1-0430.:dft012:
Later Dave the Wave

 

[amphigr66n]

Hi: What year Mazda RX7?

Midwest Amphicar <> wrote: A couple of years ago. I was working on a Mazda RX7. Non replaceable u joints. They looked familiar. Prop shaft U joints worked! I called John Bevins to help look, now that We had a "real" car to search under. Low and behold a u joint maker made a repair kit for these cars. I just called John to get ok to share this number. Available from local auto parts Car Quest 1-0430.
Later Dave the Wave

 

[Tommy in Tampa]

Thanks guys for all the input.
I took the shafts to Mikes Drive Lines. Made some instant friends as soon as they found out it was for an Amphicar. Everyone was interested for sure. Should be rebuilt and balanced on Monday. I will let everyone know the results.
The tool for those crazy 12 point bolts that hold the prop shafts to the water transmission is called "A 8 MM Spline bit" I got a whole set with 10 bits for $12.95 from Wholesale Tool. There part number is #6036-0680. They were a correct fit.
So thanks again, David, Dave, Ken, Ron and everyone else. What a great group this is, just ask a question and you get a world wide response.