Friday, August 13, 2010

VIN Request

Just a quick note, I rang the DVLA today to start the registration process going. They'll be sending me a Vehical Identification Number (VIN, aka chassis number) and a form pack to fill in.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Build Day 224.....Front Ride Height and Cat

Next on the list was the front ride height. It really needs to be around 6" from ground to the chassis rails, but with the shocks and springs I had, I could only manage 4".
I got some new longer and stronger springs and fitted them today, along with some longer shocks I had spare. Result, 6" - perfect!
I then moved on to the exhaust. Finally put it together for good, including the catalytic converter.
Also, I've made a start on all the bits of rubber trim etc for all the sharp edges. This will continue after I order further load of trim bits.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Build Day 223.....More Painting and Electrics

So, now finished the painting of the nose and scuttle. However, I'll have to wait two weeks or so for it to harden off before I can flat them down and polished up. Once done, they can finally be fitted for good.
Also cracked on with outstanding electrical issues. Fixed the run-on problem. Also resolved an issue with the fog light where it would come on without the dip headlights.
I'm pleased to say, that's about it with the electrics now, except for when I fit the front lights (after the nose cone is ready).
However, it's not all good news. I've been running the engine a bit while resolving the electric issues and have discovered it's now leaking oil. Not yet 100% sure where from - need to look at this further, but I just hope I don't have to start stripping down the engine :(

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Build Day 222.....Painting and Electrics

Took off the nose cone and scuttle and prepped for painting. Managed to do some of the primer coats, but ran out of paint. I have some more now, so will continue tomorrow with the rest of the primer and the top coats.
In between coats, I also looked into the electrical issue of the car continuing to run after you switch off the ignition. Took a while to track down, but turns out it was due to the way I wired up the charge light. I'll fix it tomorrow while I wait for paint to dry.

Monday, August 09, 2010

Build Day 221.....Bonnet Scoop

Had a break from the car on Sunday (had to sort the garden), but got back to work on it today. Concentrated on fabricating and fitting a bulge or scoop over the raised engine parts. Decided in the end to go with a scoop, as this will also allow ducting of cold air over the engine to the air filter. Here it is done:


Not 100% sure I like it :( but it may grow on me. If not, I can always re-work it once the car is on the road. There will be some black trim over the front edge so it's not just sharp metal.
Also, here is a pic of the passenger foot plate I made on Saturday:

Saturday, August 07, 2010

Build Day 220.....Front Grill, Mirrors and Passenger Foot Plate

Another productive day. I've made the front grill (out of an old bird cage) and set up it's mountings. I also positioned and drilled the mountings for the rear view and wing mirrors. These will be finally fitted once the scuttle is painted.
Finally, I've made up a foot plate for the passenger. This is to stop them being able to touch the charge cooler, which might get quite hot.

Friday, August 06, 2010

Build Day 219.....Rear Panel and Tunnel Top

So, today I finished the rear panel and fuel filler assembly. This is all now fitted:


Also made and fitted the transmission tunnel top. Will need a little further work, though, in adding some trim to the edges and some gaiters for the gear stick and handbrake:


Thursday, August 05, 2010

Build Day 218.....Start of the big push

I've decided to take some time off work to try and finish this car once and for all! So, I have the rest of this week and all next week, so I'm starting the big push to the end.
Today, I've been working on finishing the top rear panel and petrol filler assembly. Almost done, just a couple of coats of paint on the underneath to go and I can fit it. Will post some pics when it's done.