TH 400 Kick down and Idle solenoid brackets

[parkbrau]

O.K. I'm stumped.
Some facts:
69 L78 with original carb and Intake manifold.
OEM kick down bracket.
Re-produced Idle Solenoid bracket I got from Bob H @ Camaros.com, I was in the hunt for that rare bracket and he had one on the shelf. But it was made by a guy who did a few of them years ago. It looks dead on, compared to others I have seen pics of. But I can't put it side to side with an OEM bracket to see if there is a difference/flaw.

The Problem:
Both brackets/solenoid plungers do not line up with the throttle rod bracket. They are almost a half inch away from being in the proper position in order to function as designed. The kick down bracket will only mount in the hole designed for the L35-L35, it will not slide under the carb base and carb body due to clearance. Carb was restored by Eric and I contacted him and he assured me all is correct regarding the carb and its brackets.


I contacted the Tech Dept. of BBBenny and he sent me pics of his survivor L78 set up and mine just does not seem the same. Attached are a few pics of my dilemma. Those of you with the same set up and or corporate knowledge, could you please give me advice as to how I can fix this? Any and all advice is appreciated. John

[firstgenaddict]

How much are you missing the hole by? .0125?
Have you tried flattening the area which appears raised by the hole using a vice? Or retaining in a vice and using a brass drift and hammer to flatten? It may get you a little more clearance, otherwise I would grab a chainsaw file and elongate the hole slightly, the retaining nut with washer will cover the additional area of the hole.

[parkbrau]

Yes. I need about .0125. And my solution is as you recommend. Get a rat´s tail file and work a bit at a time. The other issue with the Kickdown bracket is similar. I just need to file the bottom side of the bracket until it will slide in place. When the carb was rebuilt, the base was milled down, and that took away that small gap needed to get the kickdown bracket and vacuum pipe in place. Bottom line...problem solved. Now onto the fuel lines and Y block. I have bought 3 different sets of lines and not one set is the same as the other. But I will say this, the set from Fine Lines WWW.SSTUBES.COM in Ohio, fits the best.

[WorkinProgress]

The extra hole for the Q-Jet carb on the kickdown bracket is sheered off originally between the holes. That way you are able to use that bracket on a Holley Carb.

As far as the idle solenoid bracket, I bought one from Bob H. about 10 years ago. Ended returning it as it did not match the original on my car. Wasn't even close.

- Warren

[parkbrau]

That makes sense that the extra hole is sheered off. I have not seen that area on original set ups to compare. The Pics I asked for earlier I didn't mention I needed a pic of how it mounted. I will look into that. I will bet you a Dr. Pepper I have that bracket you returned, as he mentioned he has had it on the shelf for a few years. I can make it work, but for the money I paid I would have expected something more close.

[dvss1]

I have these if it helps.

[dmarr35]

I somehow figured it out I will send you pic tomarrow when I am with the Engine.

[dmarr35]

[parkbrau]

Thanks! That shows the extra hole is sheared off. And I’m confident the vacuum pipe will fit there as well.

[firstgenaddict]

One thing I have found with stainless lines(which are harder than mild steel) is I needed to "lap" the fittings together so they would form a concentric seal.
Prior to assembling on the engine I put each male fitting in the female block or female fitting and lightly tightened it, spun the tube around in the fitting, then lightly tightened again, spin in fitting, then repeat with each joint location including on the fuel pump.

The 45deg double flares do not seem to be very flat or concentric on the sealing V.