roman944

I just checked again, and even at the highest tension point, the strut hole doesn't line up with the hole on the alternator

then, the hole on this strut, and the bolt that goes into it, are MUCH bigger then the hole on the alternator

and, my strut is like frozen solid, I can't undo either of the 2 nuts or even break it loose



what are my options? buy this new strut and then look for a bolt that would fit? how do I go about this "bushing" ?

very surprised that I couldn't find anything on this earlier, and that people that sell these kits don't mention that there are a few extra items needed to fit their kit to the early car

shiners780

Dude, congrats on getting it fired up! Sorry I didn't PM you back last week, I had an eye problem (long story) and couldn't have made it over there anyway.

Anyway, if you need a new alternator strut I have a brand new spare, you're welcome to it if you're in a hurry, then just replace once your order comes in.

I can shoot over this week, now that I can see again, to give you a hand if needed. Let me know.

roman944

Hi Jim, no problem at all

I'll try and "sink" mine in stuff and see if it breaks loose, if not, I may just take you up on that!

how is your new ride doing?

shiners780

KMart has Prestone Dex Cool for $12 with a $7 mail in rebate right now. Mix 50/50 w/ distilled water.
Great, just returned from a drive.

roman944

oh nice, there is FLA SCCA autocross this weekend, though I'm not sure if its at RIT or SEAD

glad you are doing good too!

bonus12

A+ Comment!

roman944

I've got some 3/8" x 1 1/2" x 24" bar stock left over from where I made adapters for the seats

I could pull the alternator to the point where the belt is really tight, take the measurement, and cut the bar to size, then drill a couple of holes

save me some $$$, time

Van

I just posted this picture in the turbo section because of the sway bar view...

I spotted the alternator link and thought of you!




For the turn buckle, remember that one side is reverse threaded... What I do is take 2 open ended wrenches, put on on the lock nut and put one on the turn buckle right next to it, then squeeze the wrenches together like scissors. If it's really tough, use a large pair of channel lock pliers to squeeze the wrenches. Or put it on the ground and use a hammer on one wrench.

Make sure you pay attention to the left handed thread and turn the correct way!

roman944

a little too late for that, it got broken already, lol

I see that your's has the piece that I had in mind - just make like a small adapter plate with 2 holes, I think this would work

it will keep the alternator in place etc

shiners780

How will you adjust the tension on the belt?

roman944

we'll pull the alternator until the belt is tight

then measure out how long the bar needs to be and where the holes should be

... maybe ... ?

Van

well, at the very least, make a slot in your bar so you can make it tighter in the future after the belt has stretched a little...

roman944

yuppers, this would be my "ghetto rigged" little project?

so you think it would work?

shiners780

Maybe, but I have my doubts. Better use some real grippy washers with some bite to them.

Why not just use the tensioner strut with a smaller bolt, stick a spacer in the end.

roman944

I'm not sure where to find a bushing/spacer of this size, Jim

I think it COULD work, Van is right, I would probably have to make a small slot - in case I need a little adjustment

I haven't made up my mind yet, I could try this idea first because I have the bar stock laying around anyways ... the idea behind both parts is pretty much the same anyways