Hello world!
I just turned 89 and I have a large cache of JetFire stuff including a complete engine built by Ken Duttweiler with an updated, ceramic ball-bearing turbo and a custom fuel injection system. I’m not going to give the engine away but everything else is up for grabs. I live in Meridian, ID, next to Boise.
If interested, send me an email at bkturbox@aol.com. You will need a pickup and some strong help.
Bob Keller
Cooling is a major problem with Jetfires. I have two and found the real “culprit” in both was the copper core radiator which does not like working with an aluminum block and the accompanying electrolisis that comes with it! Dissassembling the cores from both vehicles disclosed that a good third of the core was completely blocked with what appears to be aluminum oxide (product of electrolysis). Replace your radiator with an aluminum unit and wave the cooling problems goodbye.
Still on the hunt for a good used unit but I did talk to Rock Valley and they quoted me approx. $1100 for a custom built stainless tank with a suitable fuel pump in the tank for my custom EFI system. Their phone is: 800-344-1934. Lead time: about 4 weeks.
Yeah, I’m familiar with the coating route. There are a couple of sources listed in Hemmings which claim to “guarantee” the success of their particular process. I tried one, and to their credit after starting their internal cleaning process prior to coating, called and said “no way, this tank is too “holey” to save”. That’s when I posted my plea. I’ve had a couple of responses from forum people that have put me in touch with a couple of owners who are parting out their “63 – currently waiting for pics and/or more info. Also got a response from Rock Valley (RVRODDIN@aol.com)- they said if I send them the old tank they would fab one to fit. Haven’t called them to check cost but will soon.
OK – See what you ’63 Jetfire gurus can tell me about This:
I’m in the middle of a total restore of said vehicle and am now trying to get the transmission squared away. I’ve been involved with 3 different cars and they all have the so-called SlimJim auto tranny which is a 3-speed with the terrible 1st to 2nd shift ratio.
I have 2 of these ubits in unknown condition and have just taken them to an acknowledged reman source for exam and reman as necessary. I thought I would be helpful to the reman guy and so I copied the entire transmission section (Section 3, F-85) out of the manual and sent it to him. I also read this section and realized it did NOT cover the SlimJim and instead covered a more conventional 4-speed Hydramatic! I would love to have the 4-speed unit in my car but I can’t find one anywhere – was this just a goof in the manual or are there 4-speed Hydramatics that fit the 215 actually out there?
Yeah, they are encapsolated and have a tubular core. Will check Steele – I’m getting their “complete” rubber seal package for my ’63 from them anyway – wonder if it’s included. (Hasn’t arrived yet.) Thanks for help.
bkturbox
