Carb windows... how to do/recommendations?

[bugnut68]

Just wondering how folks go about modifying your engine bays for carb adjustment/spark plug access holes/windows?  I've seen some cars with such access points, but have never had occasion to ask about how the owners went about creating them.

Also, quick question about safety harnesses: can they be used without a roll cage by connecting them to the stock seat belt points, or is this a bad idea?  Just wondering.

[Hotrodvw]

I can send you pics on mine.....  IMO, if they're not already cut, I wouldn't do it.   

[Neil Davies]

I would, but only done properly. I've got holes cut in the side of my '68, and it does help, but not as much as having the whole back end quick release, which it will be getting eventually. If you want to do the holes properly, look here: http://cal-look.no/lounge/index.php/topic,3850.120.html for Danny Gabbard's method. Very clean.

[Neil Davies]

Danny's ad in the classifieds: http://cal-look.no/lounge/index.php/topic,12502.0.html

[Lids]

i made a cardboard template, drew round it and cut a big hole.  Didn't bother filling the hole.  Will see what its like.

[bugnut68]

Is one large hole preferable to two individual holes big enough to use a screwdriver to get to the mixture screws?  I suppose I could use rubber stoppers or something to plug them when access is not needed, and to help seal the engine bay.

[Zach Gomulka]

What carbs are you running? We didn't put access panels on AssHull's car, and even with IDA's you can still get in there, but it is very very tricky! The motor in there now has a doghouse shroud with the heater ducts removed, but the motor that is going in the car for good has the early 40hp shroud which will make access much, much easier.

[Lids]

depends on the size of your fingers/hand and manifolds.

I'm using deano short manifolds and cannot get at the plugs, or plug wires so had to have big hole in the side.

In fact because of the welding to the manifolds I had to install them without the carbs and then bolt them on afterwards!

[bugnut68]

Hey Zach, I'll be running 45 DRLA Dellortos.  Plan on installing a 36horsepower style doghouse shroud, too, but that won't help with access to the mixture screws (on outside of carbs).  I'm prepared to have to remove carbs and manifolds to change plugs, if the need be.

[bugnut68]

Danny's ad in the classifieds: http://cal-look.no/lounge/index.php/topic,12502.0.html

That is beautiful work, right there... and probably way too nice for my bucket of feces '70 Bug...

[Andy]

I run Dellortos on my car, I just drilled two small holes each side to adjust the mixture screws, it works fine. Use some rubber grommets if you want to keep dirt out of the engine bay.

[jick]

have a look at the how-to page on Hookys website for the hi-pacs that he sells....

http://www.hookyspanelshop.com/

whether you use his (as i did, and very nice they are too)  or make your own version which wouldn't be hard if you have the time, it gives a good idea of whats involved.

i reckon for a fairly easy days work its the kind of thing you could really end up regretting if you dont do it.

cheers...Jick

oh..this might be useful....on my hookys access panels i've put the rubber seals that are a push fit on the the rear side 1/4 windows flange if you're using pop-outs onto the stainless covers so that they make a nice watertight seal on the inner wing.     does that make sense?

[Bryan67]

This is how I do them. Nothing fancy but functional.


I use a 4" hole saw and a cut off wheel. Then use nutserts for the screws and some aluminum for the covers. Works just fine.

[Harry/FDK]

Same here. Nothing fancy.

[Zach Gomulka]

Hey Zach, I'll be running 45 DRLA Dellortos.  Plan on installing a 36horsepower style doghouse shroud, too, but that won't help with access to the mixture screws (on outside of carbs).  I'm prepared to have to remove carbs and manifolds to change plugs, if the need be.

With that set up, I wouldn't bother. Granted, access won't be what I'd call easy, but it won't be too bad.

[bugnut68]

Hey Zach, I'll be running 45 DRLA Dellortos.  Plan on installing a 36horsepower style doghouse shroud, too, but that won't help with access to the mixture screws (on outside of carbs).  I'm prepared to have to remove carbs and manifolds to change plugs, if the need be.

With that set up, I wouldn't bother. Granted, access won't be what I'd call easy, but it won't be too bad.

I may just do a couple holes (small) on each side for mixture screw access.  I don't mind pulling the carbs to change plugs... as long as I don't wind up doing it terribly often.  Lol.

[Hotrodvw]

The PO of my car cut mine out, did kind of a shotty job at that.  he just made some sheet metal panels to cover them, and used sheet metal screws......which stripped out.
I recently opened them up a touch, more to strighten the lines and make it look more proportional.  I used aluminum flat bar and made frame works for them.  I'll then drill and tap the outer frame for button head screws and fasten new panels to them.