459 replies to this topic

[Daz1968]

Almost there now, bought a replica downton badge as that is spec I have copied with engine, Found some original 5 bolt bumpers that ideally need chrome plating but have fitted the one to the back for now as it does fit better than the repro bumpers, will get them plated over the winter, not the cheapest option but best long term I think. I painted screw heads etc on doors, bootlid and slam panel. 
need some new chrome trim for wheel arches when shops open up as this one is a bit tatty as original. Also need a new rocker cover gasket, the cork one is useless and leaks, going to try a silicon one, just needs a good clean and polish for now and the mats putting in, should get it on the road within 2 weeks, looking forward to that.

 

633FEB29-C409-4D1D-B7EA-9E890B0CC1CB by darren carr, on Flickr

 

3058F37C-41F9-47EF-BA6F-4CDD7BC556B7 by darren carr, on Flickr
 

C466384C-2A0D-4FAE-8C8A-63AD9F685CFE by darren carr, on Flickr

 

1B11B5E8-CD3A-4282-B0C5-2DE56BE6E1F1 by darren carr, on Flickr

[I hate Brian]

Great looking car excellent build 

[blacktulip]

I bet you can't wait to have a drive. Looks stunning as ever.

[johnR]

looks lovely. If you fancy a long trip the Downton Engineering Social club classic car show (heavily Minicentric as you would imagine) has been postponed to 22nd August.

[Lotusman33]

Wow, great job, it looks absolutely stunning with some nice Downton details
Dave

[Daz1968]

Well thanks, was a little worried about h4’s and ported head on a 998 even though downton used them, but took it out for first time today and other than a few adjustments to idle and ignition timing is running well, a little noisy due to filters but other than that is fine, the 7 inch brakes are ok and have minifins on the rear so braking is acceptable, steering is a little heavy but think it is due to 165 tyres compared to the crossplys on my mk1, 

only took it out for about half an hour but very pleased how it went after being out of action for so long, last time it was on the road was 1998, The gearbox is great being a 4 synchro unit compared to the cone synchro on my mk1, recliners are also comfortable. 
also fitted a period tax disc, I have also ordered one of the downton rear window stickers you have on yours but not arrived yet,

 

hopefully get it out a bit more next week, rain was a bit off putting today but at least the first run is over with so most of my fears are gone now.

​Tax by darren carr, on Flickr

[wingnut]

Congrats on the first run out,youve done a great job with this

[Bdshim]

Awesome!

[blacktulip]

Wow I bet that felt amazing. I thought I saw this for sale on ebay as there is one very similar on there at the moment.

[Daz1968]

Thanks, was an amazing feeling driving it after such a long time, luckily I had collected loads of nos parts over the years so most mechanical parts are original parts, Just need an sa12 coil now to replace the lucas gold one as it’s from the 80’s and it bothers me that it’s not period correct. They are just hard to find but one will turn up eventually. Just waiting on mini centre opening so I can get a few parts, still needs a little flatting on the paint but wanted to drive it first, may even get a show to go to before summer ends.

also need to get a spare wheel powder coated and my jack and wheel brace refurbed, but almost there now.

just looked at the one on eBay not to bad but to many parts are not correct for my liking, but a good basis to start from, 

Edited by Daz1968, 27 June 2020 - 11:42 PM.