Y Winch

Introduction

The Y winch is based on the chassis of a Tost 04 model winch. This had been purchased from the RAFGSA, mounted on the back of a bus chassis. For history, and details of the trailer chassis build, LPG system, etc, see the old page which detailed the work done Reserve Winch This winch suffered a catastrophic axle failure in late 2014. Since then some club members had spent a lot of time rebuilding the winch to use the large diameter Skylaunch drums, and made a full cab, etc. After failures with the club's other winch, it was decided that this winch needed to be finished ASAP - hence was sent to Skylaunch for them to finish the work in Autumn 2019. It was received back at Rivar Hill and commissioned in January 2020.

Work Done By Skylaunch - Aug-Dec 2019

• Made new engine & transmission mounts to correctly install club-supplied Chevy 454 engine & TH400 short tailshaft transmission.
• Fabricate and powdercoated a second cable drum. Supplied a second roller box and fabricated mounts for this
• Finished fabricating drum covers and fabricated additional guards, cables guides, substantial mudguards, etc
• Added window frames to the cab structure, added steel sheeting, door latches, battery mounts, vent windows, glazed the cab, etc.
• Created drum-stop system to prevent cable run-off when each side's drum is engaged.
• Installed their Throttle Stop Control Panel system with hydraulic brake levers, etc.
• Installed club-supplied starter motor, supplied Alternator, wired this all in to the engine, etc.
• Fitted new HT lead set, new Distributor Cap (large HEI type), Rotor Arm.
• Had the propshaft rebuilt. Supplied and modified to fit Skylaunch style exhaust manifold/silencer systems.
• Water radiator was modified and pressure tested. Mechanical fan added to front of engine, replacement short Chevy water pump installed, electric fan added to front of radiator. Thermostatic switch added into top hose. 180 deg F high-flow thermostat fitted to engine.
• Fitted used but good condition oil cooler and fan assembly and new hoses.
• Engineered new single lever system to operate the cable guillotines.
• Supplied & installed used but good condition 425 gas carburettor, Impco evaporator and solenoid.
• etc, etc...

Specifications

• Blue Powdercoat / paint: RAL5002 (Ultramarine Blue)
• Yellow Powdercoat / paint: RAL1003 (Signal Yellow)
• Engine Chevy 454 Big block - see separate page for details
• Transmission: Chevy bellhousing, short (4") tailshaft. Purchased by club from Skylaunch in April 2019 for use in the Skybrid/ X winch. Was used in that from April 2019 to August 2019.
• Fanbelt Spec: XPA 1250

Spares

• New starter motor in cardboard box in red container (note - this is specific to te Chevy, will not fit the Oldsmobile, or vice versa)