Reserve Winch

Engine

When the club originally obtained this winch, it was fitted with the Oldsmobile 455 engine that is now fitted to the Skybrid winch. The 455 was removed when the crankshaft broke. It was replaced with an Oldmsobile 403, which though wasn't as powerful as the 455, proved to be a good winch engine. Unfortunately, this engine threw a con rod, and so was replaced with a Pontiac 400 (The club's winches are both fitted with GM TH400 which are available with two different bell housing patterns - Chevy style (five bolts) and BOP (Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac) style - 6 bolts. This means that the club tends to use Oldsmobile and Pontiac engines (we haven't tried Buicks yet!). Click on this for more data on the Pontiac 400.

Chassis

The bare chassis was designed by James Hunniman and built by a local contractor. Suspension, wheels and tow bar were obtained from other sources. The total cost of the project was £xxxx. At the same time the gas tank was replaced and fitted with a solenoid operated gas cut off valve. The original front fibre glass moulding was replaced with a protective grill and a new engine cover manufactured.