Transmission / Overdrive: T-10 tailshaft id

[StudeNorm]

I had a close look at the tranny in my '63 Avanti and it looks like it was rebuilt in 1984. There is a date stamp and shop ID stamp on the tailshaft adaptor plate. 20 3 84 and Toms 4X4... I have a problem with the speedo gear clamp not fitting so a makeshift clamp was installed. It leaks. Is there a way to see what tailshaft this is and how can I get a better seal without replacing the whole speedo cable assembly? And curious if anyone knows if Tom's 4X4 shop still exits in southern California, possibly around Gilroy? Sorry about the photo orientation...

[Alan]

There was a Tom's 4X4 shop on Paramount Blvd. in Paramount CA. That did rear ends and transmissions. They went out of business about 10 years ago. Take that floating clamp off and modify it so it works.

[SScopelli]

Did you put the correct O-ring on the speedo end? Should not mater how tight the clamp is if the O-ring is correct. Also, I did not think there is a clamp on the cable for a 4 speed, so is that the correct cable?

[StudeNorm]

This is how I received the car. The clamp might be salvageable if I remove it but would I not have to cut it? The leak is not big but it is annoying. I will look into using a different seal. The info about Tom's 4X4 is interesting. I can only trace my car back to when the previous to me owner bought it around 1985-6 and had it at an Avanti car meet in Washington State in '86. I have a picture of it from the fall '86 Avanti magazine. The original build sheet says it was shipped to Gilmor CA but I lose it after that. Thanks for the info and suggestions.

[spokejr]

They made that speedo drive 2 different ways. The one you have the "bullet" that slides into the transmission is integral with the cable. If you change rear axle ratios, you pull the bullet out and swap the gear on the other end of the bullet. The type I have uses a different bullet for each ratio and the cable threads into the bullet. Either unit will have a o-ring in a groove that holds the oil in once the bullet is pushed into place.

Release the clamp and pull the bullet, you'll see the problem. Be careful not to loose the gear as it will likely try to escape as soon as its end points down! Why they made that bodged up clamp, I'll never guess but the one floating on the cable should have done the job. Maybe the replacement unit isn't even pushing the bullet in deep enough to engage the o-ring?

[StudeNorm]

The speedo itself works but is out about 10% even with a 255/60R15 tire. I have a feeling SScopelli may be right about the cable. It looks like I might salvage it with a bit of diligent rotary-tool work to elongate the slot on the captive clamp just a bit then I will see about a new o-ring... Should be good to go. Still hoping to learn more about Avanti R-3803's whereabouts from 1963 until 1985 but I won't be holding my breath.

[firestoper 25]

63 Avanti wheel / tire data

I have a similar beast, 63 Avanti supercharged, 10 T 4 speed, 3.73 TT with Mopar cop wheels (it has had a VERY rough life), am interested in your tire / wheel combination. Can you post a photo and detail the wheel data? I have a super T 10 on the bench ready to replace the tired T 10 that came in the car. Thx Sherm Green Bay

[StudeNorm]

Here are a few pics for Firestopper.

The steel rims are MT 15X7, 4.25 offset on the rear and MT 15X6 with 3.25 offset up front. The Keystone Klassics are 15X7 with 3.75 offset on the rear and 15X6 on the front. I have 255/60 MT ET Street SS on the back set of steels and MT Sportsman SR 26X8 on the front. I have removed the Eagle GT's from the Klassics and mounted MT ET Street 235/60 on the rears and again 26X8 Sportsman's up front. I will try to get the speedo clamp altered today and let you know how it went.

[firestoper 25]

Rims and tires

[QUOTE=StudeNorm;1091716]Here are a few pics for Firestopper.

The steel rims are MT 15X7, 4.25 offset on the rear and MT 15X6 with 3.25 offset up front. The Keystone Klassics are 15X7 with 3.75 offset on the rear and 15X6 on the front. I have 255/60 MT ET Street SS on the back set of steels and MT Sportsman SR 26X8 on the front. I have removed the Eagle GT's from the Klassics and mounted MT ET Street 235/60 on the rears and again 26X8 Sportsman's up front.

Man that is what I am looking for...that last pic will make the Door County Porsche Club take note! I am having probs opening the PM but I get it. Regards Sherm / Green Bay

[StudeNorm]

So I ground the slot as far as I could and it allows me to use the captive clamp and get rid of that bucksheed stack of spacers but I really need to install the proper cable. Being the CASO that I am I will be looking for a REALLY GOOD DEAL for the proper unit. I think the pair of O-rings was used to bring the gears in line for proper engagement so I installed a new Buna rubber ring and clamped it down as is. The threads were partly stripped in the housing, hence the leaking gaskets, so I had to leave off the washer to engage fresh threads. All is well for now.