508 replies to this topic

[Jamie_hail]

I also made up a plate on the dash rail and welded it in to sit my fuseboxes and distribution block. Again, not the neatest, but it's out of sight, and done properly, back to bare metal and etch primed all around too!

[Kam]

I like the way you play down your painting ability!!!! parcel shelf looks good!

[Jamie_hail]

Thanks Kam!

Well, a little bit more this evening - had a few minutes spare, so started on some wiring... Most important ones first, interior lights so I can see what I'm doing inside the car!

4, one metre long LED strips in the roof. Ones not working, so will replace it in the week, but the three remaining work perfectly. Light the car up really well!




Finished work on the hole in the wing too, cut out, patched, welded, sealed and painted! Good as new, just without the hole.



Getting a little bit closer to being all together now!



Getting exciting. Ordered my lower arms and tie bars, so she'll be rolling by wednesday, hopefully. Then I'll be ordering drive shafts, fuel pipe, and some stuff for the exhaust by the end of the week.

One thing left after that! Turn the key ;)

[herdy]

I'm astounded at how well you've got on, I've been coming back to this every couple of days to see how you've got on. Well done. I completely agree with Cam, you're a bit too modest about your painting ability, i hope it all goes well for tomorrow and that you get it started. Good Luck.

[SamMason]

Been watching your progress for a while, just haven't said anything

Might I say you're doing a brilliant job of that car - Its looking great! You really know what your about with it..

I love the strips of LEDs for interior lighting, might even pinch that idea myself when I get a project going


Keep it up, you'll be done in no time!

[Jamie_hail]

Bad mood today - phoned minisport to see where my tie bars and bottom arms were - not been in stock for over two years. So, the projects come to a halt while I wait for allspeed to make me up some arms. MS are ******* useless bastards. 'Scuse my french. Wont be progress for three weeks or so now due to lead times. ******* up my deadline of April. I'm off to the marines on the 28th of march, so this might aswell be taken over by someone who has the time to finish it. Any offers?

[KieranB]

maybe when i accasionally go home ill pop in and do a little bit :)

**** news bud, dont give up! at least try and get the end sitting in before you go, will make you feel much better

[Spud_133]

I've been reading this from a far! Don't let it get your head down mate! You've made excellent progress, and it will look stunning when it's done!

[Jamie_hail]

Little update to my dilemma - nice little chat with Allspeed, bottom arms and tie bars are being made up ASAP and will be to me by next week. Just awaiting a full refund from minisport now.

I'm going to spend some time tonight on the little bits and peices - make sure it's perfect for when the parts come - I need this on it's wheels and rolling as soon as I possibly can, so will be putting in plenty of hours before I go off for my training. I'll have enough leave, and eventually R&R to finish her!

[Jamie_hail]

Forgot to add - A HUGE thank you to everyone who's posting - the support really does mean a lot! Theres been plenty of moments when I've felt like giving up during the build, but seeing all the messages from you guys has been incredible! Thank you ALL!

[Duncy H]

Loving the work jamie, keep following you on here, t-f and facebook. It's awesome to see how it has come along. Can't wait to see you finish it :)

[Jamie_hail]

Cheers Duncan!

In important news? SHE ROLLS!

Tie bars and bottom arms came today, got them rough fitted. Need to take them off to adjust, but they're on and she can move - pics later!

[Jamie_hail]

Go on - who wants to see some IMPRESSIVE improvisation?

[KieranB]

Yes please


judging by some of the improvisation you've done so far, this "impressive improvisation" ought to be entertaining :)

[Jamie_hail]

Here goes then!

Tie bars and bottom arms arrived the other day, so I managed to get the shell rolling! (Before anybody comments, I know the tie bars need turned in towards the subframe! Shoved some old cv joints in the hubs for now so I could roll her.









She was looking a little dirty! (Cant complain, it's the only time I ever get to say that these days ;) )



Sat outside and cleaned all the dust and dirt off her.



Looks a lot better.

Anyway, today - I decided to test fit the engine (without rear mounts or anything, just a rough posistioning, so I can see how much more of the bulkhead needs cut for the manifold.
Cant afford an engine crane, this is on a tight budget after all - So I did it redneck style ;)

IMPROVISATION TIME














This is where it starts getting VERY close, and my precision digger driving skills come into play ;) Drive them day in day out, so I trusted myself to get the engine lined up perfectly!



Lowered it into place, and got the passenger side mount lined up perfectly without having to touch it! Shoved the bolt through to hold it in place, then lifted the engine again to pull it level.



Spot on!





I had to be centimetre perfect in the last few stages - I had less than an inch between the bucket and the roof of the car. A 7.5 tonne digger would of just crushed the roof without hesitation!







Marked up where I need to cut and make the bulkhead box! Thats tommorows job!






Just a couple of pictures as a little size comparison!






Good days work, and I didn't even break a sweat!


Now, need to try and source a rear engine mount for the engine, and the nuts for the passenger side mount! Kam, you got any lying around? Top Dollar waiting!


Redneck engine crane ;)