Wot Chris2cv said with knobs!

Possibly a stick with a small magnet for retrieving bolts..? Tho trying to avoid it sticking to the block etc when poking it after the stray bolt can be a touch trying...

I tried and tried but the bolt sort of slotted itself down like a key, so the thread was sticking out loose but the head was too big to get out - it was surely a puzzle so quicker to pull the flywheel.

Just stopped for lunch (bloody juice, now 8 days) but about to start putting the engine back in the car - gearbox is attached

Busy day today. Firstly I put back the flywheel, torqued it down and bent over the locking tabs. Installed the new clutch plate and centred it while tightening the clutch housing. All went fine.

Pulled over the gear box and slid it straight on. The engine now looks even bigger.



I had to disassemble the front of the car again, so off with the bonnet, grill and bumper. Lights were taken off as well as the cross member. An hour or so of preparation. Car looks like it did months ago now



It is so heavy, even to slide around on its stand. So out comes the engine hoist.



Engine was then hoisted in taking care to wiggle the driveshafts on as they were the only thing to get caught. The rear engine mount slid into the box and I lined up the side mounts (with the help of my wife) and then dropped it in.



In with the cross member and the angle supports - they were quite tough to get in, specially tightening the bolts but after an hour or so it was all bolted in.



Starting to build up the engine with the accessories - got the gas pedal working perfectly but I need to get another choke cable as mine seems to have bent along the way and is not running smooth. Managed to connect up the starter cable and tried it for fun - first time the engine has turned over on its own since 1972



Bolted on the water pump and installed the new alternator with new fan belt. Starting to look like an engine now. It is also very very big

So on with the gear linkages. I had a couple of problems, one being the power steering motor fouling the changer so I will need to reposition this somehow. Secondly I had not realised the adjustment for neutral. So even though the changer was in the centre and wiggling side to side, the one gar was not exactly in neutral so not allowing the other side to work. After a few hours of tinkering I got it going fine.



Then onwards with the engine accessories - the carb went on quickly and all connected up. I managed to fix the choke cable and it is all greased up and works perfectly. Alternator installed now but I think I may need to fabricate a new extension bracket as it is just on the limit of being tight enough for the fan belt.

Installed the first section of "original" exhaust having had it repaired where it had cracked near the lower bracket. I also taped it with heat shield to try and prevent some of the heat near the alternator.



Spark plug cable all made up (I bought the cable and ends separately so I could get them the right lengths) Fuel pump back in place with fuel pipe and inline filter installed.
The original oil filler cap has come up a treat with the polishing wheel - I am so glad I picked that up at Retro Mobile.



I have put on the cooling fan and just placed the radiator to make sure everything fits OK. I also installed the water temperature sensor into the top hose and routed the cable.



Put on the heater tube, again just to make sure it fits. I will take it off again when I start trying to turn the engine over.



I filled the gearbox up with oil and fitted the sump plug to the engine sump (if not I knew I would forget later ) And lastly I have put on the second long pipe of the exhaust. Again it is a little bent and dented form the previous owner but I intend to replace the exhaust in about a year or so (for stainless)

What about putting on a shorter fanbelt? Save you the hassle of fabricating an extension bracket.

I suppose I could, but I would have to find a suitable one and pay for it.

I have the metal already for the bracket... but I might get away with it once I start the engine.

EDIT - just a thought on your question. This is a 12 volt conversion so the standard fan belt would normally have it the dynamo. So the alternator has a slightly smaller pulley to spin faster. I am about 1cm short I think so hence the fabrication option as it is a new system.

I love the way the fuel line weaves its way between the HT leads and two plug caps, superb French cavalier attitude to safety!

Well it actually started - 1st time since 1972.

Fantastic work! Like the nice slipping fan belt whine.......

Awesome!