The 'E' Type Forum

It seems strange to me that the lobes on the reaction plate have holes of greater diameter than the 1/2 inch bolts that secure it to the chassis. Obviously something to do with how the reaction plate works. But when tightened up those bolt heads are not neatly pressing on the lobes as that depends on the alignment of the plate to the chassis and to the engine frames, the action of the torsion bars, etc.
Can anyone enlighten me, please?

Thanks, Geoff

After market or original parts...?.... to be honest iv never looked too close....just bolted it up....however there needs to be some give to get the bolts in place but they should tighten up flush...Steve

Original parts, well the bolts are new but the correct diameter

They’re usually a good fit. Are you sure you don’t have M12 bolts by accident?

Hello Andrew, correct bolts, not M12. I’d say the fit is not as snug as a normal bolt through a fitting, but not flapping loose. The project car’s reaction plate fit is the same. I’m not worried, just interested. Thanks for the responses.

Geoff

Hi Geoff....you can use shim stock....very thin in various thicknesses steel cut to size to create a sleeve.....Steve

Geoff Wrote:

I’d say the fit is not as snug as a normal bolt through a fitting, but not flapping loose.

Hello Geoff,
The bolts are a reasonable fit in the holes in the chassis rails, through which they pass, and the reaction plate is positively located with the engine frames, via the spigot on the tear drop shaped lug than has the internal spline. Accordingly, the fit of the bolt in the tube that's welded to the reaction plate is not all that important.

I agree that it would have been nicer to have a better fit, but it has no bearing on the operation of the torsion bars.

Regards,
Bill

Bill, thank you, that helps a lot and I can now finish tightening things up.
Geoff