Final Helicoiling

[Dale Finch]

I just won an eBay bid for a 5/8-11 Helicoil Kit for doing the Cub Finals...I think I got a really good deal!! I am rebuilding a left final to swap out on my '55 and this will allow me to repair any problems I come across. (I am still checking the bolt holes out but am pretty sure I need at least one helicoiled)

My main reason for this post is in case any fellow NC Cubbers need their finals helicoiled, you are welcome to come over for a mini-fest or I might loan it out for the cost of the inserts you use. Boss loaned me his a while back and I REALLY appreciated it...thank you Boss!! (I know how risky it is to loan tools!) So, if anyone in the area wants to come play with your Cub, let me know! (Especially if you have used a fasthitch and can help me finish up installation!!!! )

Let's have another party!!

P.S. I also have the 3/8-?? which is a common bolt size (at least on the SA...e.g. oil pan and hydraulic manifold bolts), and the 3/4-10 which did my SA final.

[Rudi]

Dale:

Did you buy 2 of em? Remember you need a bottoming tap as well. How To Make A Bottoming Tap - Method # 2. You might want to contact the seller and see if you can get another one as part of the deal. Was it a complete set? Inserts, STI Tap, Drill bit and Install Tool?

[Dale Finch]

Oh right! I totally forgot the post about the bottoming tap! The kit I bought ($16.50 + $6 for shipping) is the "Master Kit" with the drill, tap, insertion tool and helicoils. I thought it was a pretty good deal. I think your suggestion is a good one...I will contact him and see if he has another tap. Otherwise I hope it is a size I can get locally. You don't know off hand what size it is, do you?

Thanks for reminding me! Hope you are enjoying your hibernation with all that snow!

[Winfield Dave]

Dale...check ebay for your bottoming tap...that's where I got mine.

[Bob McCarty]

Dale, the tap is a 5/8" STI. The STI indicates that it is for threaded inserts and is larger than a regular 5/8" tap. They make bottoming taps for inserts but they are harder to find than the tapered.

Bob

[Rudi]

Dale:

Also the bottoming taps are very pricey. The average price I have seen for 5/8" STI bottoming taps is in the $50.00 range. There may be cheaper ones out there but I never seem to find them. The price you paid for that master set is ridiculously cheap.. you really need to get another one. There is no way that you can get a bottoming tap for that price, but you surely can make one. If I can, you can. So see if it is available.

Keep us posted ok..

[tmays]

There is a guy with 5/8-11 sti bottoming tap on eBay for around $13. I did not have a good experience with him. I got my money back because he didn't have them. I'd be curious to know if he has them now. The bottoming tap you need is easily made from the tapered one.