Classic Ferrari 365-GTC4 Restoration – Part 13

Ferrari Gearbox

The 5 speed gearbox on the 365 GTC/4 was built by Ferrari and was not a bought in unit. Each box has its own unique number:

Having rebuilt the engine, it seemed sensible to have the gearbox stripped and inspected, especially as 2ndgear was sometimes difficult to engage. Not knowing who to approach, I spoke with various contacts in the classic car field but without a great deal of success. 

One day I was driving to work on the M6 and decided to call at my engine rebuilder, Headshop UK in Warrington, and ask John if he could recommend a gearbox specialist. John told me that I needed to contact Young Paul at Selector Gearbox Center in Liverpool, John further added that Young Paul has been involved in the industry all his life and was trained by his father Old Paul who still owns and works in the business.  A meeting was arranged at Selector’s facility in Speke, Liverpool. The gearbox workshop area is small but is a hive of specialist activity. A Miura gearbox was being completed and I was pleased to have found a local workshop that ticked my boxes. 

The gearbox was duly delivered to Speke with the only condition that any fasteners required needed to be supplied by www.thomassmithfasteners.com   

Unlike most classic rebuild activities, Selector was able to start within a month which was a bonus.

The next visit was to view the stripped-down box and Young Paul produced a list of parts that are needed, see below, but this was not detailed enough. 

It was explained that more detail was needed to purchase the parts and that the 365 GTC 4 parts manual was required as it details all the unique part numbers that were used in the build process in 1971

TAV 23 details the parts used on the second gear shaft.

Some gears showed excessive wear and had to be replaced .

The identification process was not difficult but many of the original Ferrari part numbers have been superseded and it was challenging to detect the new numbers.

Once all the parts were sourced, the gearbox was rebuilt and is now stored waiting to be fitted into the car.

APPRENTICE VACANCY – STOREMAN/DRIVER


THOMAS SMITH FASTENERS (www.thomassmithfasteners.com) in Blantyre, G72 0JP, is a busy bolt and nut distributor and due to expansion are looking to employ an Apprentice who will eventually learn all aspects of the business.

You will assist in serving at the Trade Counter, making up customer orders plus receiving and checking goods in. Similarly, you will be involved with despatching goods being sent out by Carrier/Courier.

Some tasks involve heavy lifting, and a good understanding of verbal and written English is essential.

Good computer skills are an advantage but training on the company software will be given. Formal educational qualifications and a clean driving licence is an advantage.

We have a very small turnover of staff and there is excellent potential for advancement into the Sales Office.

Hours: Monday to Friday; 8.30am to 5.00pm (30 minutes lunch).  40 hours per week.

Rate of Pay: Competitive depending on experience.

Apply for an Application form to Sheila Park, Branch Manager; sheila.park@thomassmithfasteners.com

Tel: 01698 826464

Classic Ferrari 365-GTC4 Restoration – Part 12

Much work has taken place on the engine at Headshop UK (https://www.head-shop-uk.co.uk/car-engine-reconditioning-services

The main assembly has continued smoothly.

All fasteners required were provided by https://www.thomassmithfasteners.com/

with the specials and non-standards made within the group at our onsite workshop who re-engineered the studs and bolts to the specification required. 

The flywheel bolts produced by our factory are visible in the picture below

The fly wheel bolts seen above were all manufactured in our factory.

The image below shows John, the boss, at Headshop UK working on the oil/water pump which is in a combined casting on this F 101 AC 001 Ferrari engine. 

It was the failure of this pump which prompted the re-build when the oil and water was found to be mixed in the sump. Restoration experts claimed that it could be a cracked block or at the best a failed head gasket. John has proved his worth by finding the problem and arranging a cost-effective solution to fix this pump. The repair required a good clean, along with new bearings as the originals had disintegrated, and a replacement gasket and seal set.

The engine rebuild continued without too many issues apart from a challenge posed by the distributor. Ferrari engine specialists wanted a lot of money and local distributor experts were not prepared to face the challenges that a V12 distributor might throw at them.

John and his team were not fazed, and proceeded to ultrasonic clean and replace parts with the standard dizzy kit and a new rotor arm and cap. The distributor was calibrated in house with their Sun machine.

Soon after the engine rebuild was complete and it is time for testing the engine on Headshop UK’s dyno:

The engine is now in storage waiting for the rest of the car. 

Supporting our key workers – Fastener supply continues at TSF

Supporting our Key Workers

With many of our customers still open for business, we recognise the importance of our role in the supply chain, and we are working tirelessly to make sure we continue delivering to you the products and services you need, when you need them.

In recent open letters, the UK Business Secretary, Alok Sharma, has praised supply chain members to the Manufacturing sector – we are one of them. On behalf of the Government, he asked for our ongoing and continuous support in the supply of business-critical products to the NHS and to companies operating in Critical National Infrastructure sectors. 

Some of the Key Sectors we are servicing during these difficult times are:-
NHS
Construction
Energy (Oil & Gas, Renewables, Nuclear)
Defence
Transport
Repair & maintenance
Food & drink

We continue with business as usual, therefore, we are in a great position to meet whatever requirements you might have.

As we continue to navigate through these difficult times, we would like to reassure you that, whilst we are open for business, we have adopted numerous measures to keep our employees, suppliers, and customers, safe.

On behalf of the Thomas Smith Fasteners team please take care, stay safe, and thank you for your continued support.

BSF Classic Car Kits added to Online Shop

Many of our valued customers are classic car enthusiasts. After listening to customer requests, we have added BSF assorted fastener kits for classic car restoration to our online shop.

These are useful mixed packs of BSF Zinc Plated bolts, nuts and washers that are commonly used in classic car restoration for many manufacturers / models, including:

  • Morgan 4/4, F Series
  • Alvis 12/40, 12/50
  • Austin A30-A35
  • Triumph

Our assorted fastener packs come in a handy case and the range can be viewed here.

We are always updating and adding to our range. We listen to our customers – if there’s anything you’d like added, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help!

BSF Bolts and Nuts for Heritage Rail

heritage rail fasteners

We were delighted to receive an order from Fairbourne Railway for BSF bolts and nuts.

The fasteners are being used on their locomotive “Tony”.

The Fairbourne Railway has been running from Fairbourne village to the mouth of the Mawddach Estuary, connecting with the ferry to Barmouth for over 100 years. It started as a two foot gauge horse-drawn tramway which was then converted to a 15 inch gauge railway in 1916. The line in 1984 was completely re built to a 12.25 inch gauge.

New Assorted Kits added to Online Shop – Stainless Socket Screws

mixed kits of stainless steel socket cap screws

Due to popular demand, we have now introduced mixed kits of stainless steel socket cap screws, nuts and washers to our range, which are now listed on our online shop.

stainless socket cap screws mixed packs

Socket screws are also commonly known as allen bolts – a hexagon driving bit or allen key is used to tighten the screw.

A2 stainless steel offers commercial level corrosion resistance and a decorative appearance. Stainless steel socket cap screws are used in many sectors, from food and beverage industries to automotive. Our mixed packs are perfect for vehicle enthusiasts, as stainless socket cap screws are found in many popular cars and motorcycles.

The kits start from 105 pcs to 540 pcs and are packed in a durable case.

We offer a huge range of mixed fastener packs. If you can’t find what you need, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

Job Vacancy in Fastener Distribution – Fastener Team Member

Our sister company Boka Bolt Supplies, based in Runcorn, has a vacancy for an enthusiastic and capable person to join the team. You will need a good academic background, a keen interest in engineering coupled with an excellent personality, good communication and computer competence skills.

The job covers all aspects of the business which will include Sales, Purchasing, Stock Control, Warehouse, Van Driving.

Training will be given as required but a background in the fastener or engineering trade is an advantage.

Pay is according to your experience and capability.

Please apply for an application form to:

Richard Garton
Boka Bolts (a division of Garton Ltd)
10 Cormorant Drive
Picow Farm Rd,
Runcorn WA7 4UD

or apply via email at sales@bokabolts.co.uk