Custom throttle linkage completed

[19stang66]

So I finally got the motivation to do something this weekend. After realigning my hood and installing the hood pins I decided to make a custom throttle linkage. I got the directions from this site, http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2004/08/ThrottleLinkage/index.php. I didn't follow their directions exactly though. Instruction #6 says to cut the brake line to length. I thought it was a bit early to cut the brake line since I didn't have the rod measured to my desired length. So I did #6 last. I also used 3 grades of steel wool to polish the brake line and heim joints. Trust me, if you want the assembly to look great without painting go the steel wool route. I also plan to clear coat the assembly so it won't rust. I noticed a big improvement in acceleration and feedback without any sloppiness from this new linkage compared to the other one I had. Totally worth the $20 I spent on everything!

The Supplies

Close up of step washers and spherical rod end.

Close up on NAPA part #'s.

Before and after steel wool.

I used the chrome step washers the article suggested, but I bought them off ebay. Much, much cheaper.

This rubber washer was already there from my old linkage. I found two washers in my garage to stiffen this particular assembly.

Where it attaches to "bell crank" arm

 

[19stang66]

A little more info. My carb is a 4160 Holley and this is where I got the stepped chrome washers:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...STRK:MEWN:IT&viewitem=&item=150103233713&rd=1
When that link becomes dead you can just search under carb bushing or carb link bushings and something should show up. Also if you don't like ebay you can get them here, http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=MRG-1512&N=700+115&autoview=sku or search under carb bushing on the Summit Racing site. You have to buy two of them because there is only one in each package. Two bushings come in a package but only one will work.

Also I couldn't for the life of me find those self tapping screws with the rubber and metal washers on them. That is why I decided to get the stepped bushings. I also had to special order the spherical rod ends from NAPA and they were the most expensive part even with the big discount I got. And the rod ends are fine threads so you will need a fine threaded rod and hex nuts, they also state this in the material list on the Ford Muscle website I posted earlier.

 

[Opentracker]

Nice work. Every car with a carb. should have two return springs. These are from Summit Racing - $8pr. Cheap insurance .

 

[HistoricMustang]

Nice work. Every car with a carb. should have two return springs. These are from Summit Racing - $8pr. Cheap insurance .

Yes John, and I would rather have my springs mounted off the intake and keep it away from ANY possible interference with throttle linkage or air cleaner.

Also, before heading down the highway with any new linkage check for interference with air cleaner once it has been installed.

This is the same basic unit I had on the track car and the design originally came from the NASCAR set ups.

HistoricMustang

 

[Rusty67]

Yes John, and I would rather have my springs mounted off the intake and keep it away from ANY possible interference with throttle linkage or air cleaner.

Also, before heading down the highway with any new linkage check for interference with air cleaner once it has been installed.

This is the same basic unit I had on the track car and the design originally came from the NASCAR set ups.

HistoricMustang

I agree. The spring should be facing the other direction.

 

[19stang66]

I read that in the article about the two return springs. The way mine is setup now is from when I got it from the PO. Where should my springs attach?? I didn't see anywhere on the intake manifold. It's cool to know I have something NASCAR inspired on my car. Thanks guys.

 

[Rusty67]

When I put my intake on I put a bracket on one of the bolts behind the carb on the drivers side and hooked the spring to that.