What's this I see?
Discussion
Anthony get some practice in then enter an event, exactly as you've described, the peeps are ace, the timing screen adds so much,,,,, it's a real buzz being against an accurate clock, you get your top speed down the straight also, good fun. I've been to loads of events there, the old Mg's etc really cool cars and perfect for the little place. It's very spectator friendly, you can hear where drivers lift etc, it's not easy to be real quick there without really hanging it out and taking all the risks.
I was there with my old jag and the chaps organising the event said I could have entered, only me in class,,,,, I'd have won a trophy, lol lol lol
I was there with my old jag and the chaps organising the event said I could have entered, only me in class,,,,, I'd have won a trophy, lol lol lol
Today built up this little lot, I have to say it looks simple but I had to disconnect anti roll bar as I'd not centred it, only realised after I'd finished, had to disconnect both ends loosen bracket bolts and yank the bar more central, I have a shock that won't adjust so took that off and still the adjuster ring won't budge, smacked it lubed it and it just seems solid. I'll take it to my mates garage and find a bigger hammer. I dont like these shocks one bit, rue the day I bought them.
I have to say assembling the suspension has no joy in it, just pain and shouting.
I don't want to do it again in a hurry. Saying that I've been on a huge learning curve so I'm sure I'd be more confident in the future.
The steering arm and linkages had me really stressed, I'd made a few marks but by f
k could I find them, luckily I had a couple left and sort of guessed! I'd not dropped the steering wheel and getting it back together was a fight, loosened rack bolts and lifted rack forward enough to get the splines lined up. Not easy I'm getting fed up with doing it in on axle stands, my body aches and it's just not cricket!
Anyway Brands hatch tomorrow so a day to forget the hastle of these f
king Tvr's. It feels like I've been building the Titanic. I've never actually done any of this before, coal mining seems a better job. I've been around cars and tinkered for years but this is a biggie! I'm just a bit flat, I've wanted to do all of it myself but another pair of hands holding stuff up would make it much easier to assemble.
Anyway I should be more positive I think I've cracked the back of it now, put some brakes on and I'm seeing a finish line.
Thanks Cossers
Anyway I should be more positive I think I've cracked the back of it now, put some brakes on and I'm seeing a finish line.
Thanks Cossers
N/s lower seat belt mounting bolt, I re tapped thread and fitted bolt wks ago.
Other pics show plenty of copper grease applied, oh and plenty of rubber mallet marks, getting the wishbones in with the thrust washers in place took diligence to say the least.
Edited by Alun450 on Friday 2nd May 22:09
Another sunny day so carried on building up the brakes incl braided lines o/s shock, drop links and track rod ends all tighned up. Steering moves from lock to lock with no tight spots so all seems well. Camber is roughly in the right position but as soon as it's running it will be driven about a mile to my friends garage for a full geo set up. I can't wait to do that part. We have corner wieghts and a flat floor and full alighnment equipment so should be able to get it pretty close. I might use the Famous M Smith to set it up one day but that's for the future.
Also added a few cable ties to tidy up a few pipes and electrics, nipped up anything I could see and finally installed Y piece.
What a nightmare of a job, I had to undo all manifold bolts on N/S to get enough movement to get clamps on Y piece but eventually got them to mate up nicely.
It was getting dark when I'd finished so pics are naff but as soon as the car is mobile I'll get it in the sun and get better detail.
As this is a very home made job it's hardly perfect but it's built properly I'll say that.
Hammerite is Garbage and after so much effort it was a mistake to use it, it is very very brittle! I'm going to use anti stone chip at some point.
I'm feeling rather pleased but bushwhacked.
Also added a few cable ties to tidy up a few pipes and electrics, nipped up anything I could see and finally installed Y piece.
What a nightmare of a job, I had to undo all manifold bolts on N/S to get enough movement to get clamps on Y piece but eventually got them to mate up nicely.
It was getting dark when I'd finished so pics are naff but as soon as the car is mobile I'll get it in the sun and get better detail.
As this is a very home made job it's hardly perfect but it's built properly I'll say that.
Hammerite is Garbage and after so much effort it was a mistake to use it, it is very very brittle! I'm going to use anti stone chip at some point.
I'm feeling rather pleased but bushwhacked.
About a week Brett! My other Y piece slowly bronzed off as I put the miles on but as it's baby ass smooth and you put a bit of polish over them and they still shine.
I only really did it because I like using the grinder. Doing the full exhaust was bonkers but it was quite easy so no worries.
I only really did it because I like using the grinder. Doing the full exhaust was bonkers but it was quite easy so no worries.
Your more than capable by the look of your work so far Brett. I've got a program of things to do and a lovely big set of brakes will be added at some point but it's way down the list at the moment. I've got to collect a Mazda race car first thing tomorrow so I better get some zeds.Later gents.
Thanks for your comments Dave.
Blow me, stone the crows, would you Adam and Eve it,
Today I faffed and fretted about making small adjustments and fitted fuel pump bracket and exhaust. Nice.
Filled up power steering bottle and water system, connected battery and cat resistor,faffed about with my dodgy stepper motor, hooked up my ecu mate and turned the key.
Fired up instantly, fantastic, ran engine until up to temp and fans kicked in.
No idle so removed stepper and sprayed some WD onto it as I operated in / out with ecumate
Bloody eck it now ticks over perfect.
Rotated steering wheel back and fro and topped up steering bottle.
Ran the engine again for about twenty minutes with no drama's. Plenty of smoke from polish drying on Exhausts and a little dribble from lower rad hose, nipped up and it's all bone dry.
Just waiting for it to cool enough to check water level, heater is nice and hot.
I'm not sure but I may have a slight manifold leak but I didn't tighten them up much so I'll nip them again when cold and see what it sounds like.
Just brakes to bleed next, fit some seats and wheels and go for a drive.
Maybe tomorrow if I have time.
Exhausts going all colours already. It's cool or what.
For the guys who have offered moral support and advice I thank you.
It's much more work than I thought but well worth it.
I think I've probably spent about 3 wks working on it if I was doing a working wk. I had lots of delays forgetting stuff like lock tight etc stuck wishbone bushes and plenty more but im pretty happy with the results.
It's working clean not polished like a freak, I really like the just off gleaming look, used sort of thing. More honest looking.
Anyway that's about it. I'll add a few more pics when it's rolling for history sakes.
Alun
Blow me, stone the crows, would you Adam and Eve it,
Today I faffed and fretted about making small adjustments and fitted fuel pump bracket and exhaust. Nice.
Filled up power steering bottle and water system, connected battery and cat resistor,faffed about with my dodgy stepper motor, hooked up my ecu mate and turned the key.
Fired up instantly, fantastic, ran engine until up to temp and fans kicked in.
No idle so removed stepper and sprayed some WD onto it as I operated in / out with ecumate
Bloody eck it now ticks over perfect.
Rotated steering wheel back and fro and topped up steering bottle.
Ran the engine again for about twenty minutes with no drama's. Plenty of smoke from polish drying on Exhausts and a little dribble from lower rad hose, nipped up and it's all bone dry.
Just waiting for it to cool enough to check water level, heater is nice and hot.
I'm not sure but I may have a slight manifold leak but I didn't tighten them up much so I'll nip them again when cold and see what it sounds like.
Just brakes to bleed next, fit some seats and wheels and go for a drive.
Maybe tomorrow if I have time.
Exhausts going all colours already. It's cool or what.
For the guys who have offered moral support and advice I thank you.
It's much more work than I thought but well worth it.
I think I've probably spent about 3 wks working on it if I was doing a working wk. I had lots of delays forgetting stuff like lock tight etc stuck wishbone bushes and plenty more but im pretty happy with the results.
It's working clean not polished like a freak, I really like the just off gleaming look, used sort of thing. More honest looking.
Anyway that's about it. I'll add a few more pics when it's rolling for history sakes.
Alun
It's been really tuff on stands, putting the exhaust on was I nightmare but it's all done now, so Alls well that ends well.
I better not speak to soon, I get the feeling I'll have to bleed the master cylinder, I really hope not.
I have to say about a month ago I'd decided my car was crap but now she's the car I wanted all along.
I'd encourage anyone of us to do it but you need the right tools and def mechanical skills. It's getting hose clips positioned so when other things go in there you can still get at them, stuff like that, I've had to really think about it. I've. Ads a hinders adjustments, put stuff in then out again, spent ages fitting pipes just right and cleaned everything every time I've got it oily.
I didn't use gloves so my hands are a butchered mess, cuts and bruises etc, my back today seems pitted by the concrete and I've pulled a muscle.
It was'nt all plain sailing but these things never are I suppose.
Just having it running this evening, now I understand it all, it feels so much more personal and glorious.
Driving it knowing I've helped it's life cycle will be hugely rewarding.
I better not speak to soon, I get the feeling I'll have to bleed the master cylinder, I really hope not.
I have to say about a month ago I'd decided my car was crap but now she's the car I wanted all along.
I'd encourage anyone of us to do it but you need the right tools and def mechanical skills. It's getting hose clips positioned so when other things go in there you can still get at them, stuff like that, I've had to really think about it. I've. Ads a hinders adjustments, put stuff in then out again, spent ages fitting pipes just right and cleaned everything every time I've got it oily.
I didn't use gloves so my hands are a butchered mess, cuts and bruises etc, my back today seems pitted by the concrete and I've pulled a muscle.
It was'nt all plain sailing but these things never are I suppose.
Just having it running this evening, now I understand it all, it feels so much more personal and glorious.
Driving it knowing I've helped it's life cycle will be hugely rewarding.
Finally my cars on four wheels.
Another wks delay before finally finishing off.
Ran a full litre of Dot5.1 brake fluid through lines and bleed all four brakes.
I used a vacuum pump a mate lent me. It was very good, sucking fluid through as opposed to pushing it.
Solid pedal etc.
Installed rear drop links and anti roll bar,,,,, fitted wheels then after what seems like months dropped it off the stands.
Haven't put seats in yet but still drove it back and forth and tested the brakes and steering.
So far so good, bit more fettling and a test drive direct to my mates garage for a full geo and corner weighting session, oh and maybe an mot! I'm only going to turn the car around and do the rear now, maybe a drive will convince me to drive it!
Oh after removing pre cats the car seems to pop more on overrun, just gets better.
She lives again.
Another wks delay before finally finishing off.
Ran a full litre of Dot5.1 brake fluid through lines and bleed all four brakes.
I used a vacuum pump a mate lent me. It was very good, sucking fluid through as opposed to pushing it.
Solid pedal etc.
Installed rear drop links and anti roll bar,,,,, fitted wheels then after what seems like months dropped it off the stands.
Haven't put seats in yet but still drove it back and forth and tested the brakes and steering.
So far so good, bit more fettling and a test drive direct to my mates garage for a full geo and corner weighting session, oh and maybe an mot! I'm only going to turn the car around and do the rear now, maybe a drive will convince me to drive it!
Oh after removing pre cats the car seems to pop more on overrun, just gets better.
She lives again.
Thanks Anthony. A5/A38, even easier. I'll get back to you re Curb!
Dazzee, hi mate, I'd buffed most of the polish off so not much smoke.
I've gone back to a Catted Y and I love the sound!??! I'm getting old or something!
The moral of this tale is a Tvr is not rocket science and if a bloke with Halfords tools and a book and Pistonheads and a rough idea what to do can do it..........
My biggest gain has been the depth of understanding and feel for the car, I had a good look at the rear end,,,,,,,, bring it on!
I dunno I've done all this work for about 400 quid, I'll actually tot it up at some point. Other than my time and stuff I had to replace/re furb it's cheap as chips.
I now have a service due on the re built engine( warranty) which will cost more! Doh.
Anyway I'm sure I will have teething problems but once it's all geo'd up and cleaned properly I'll post a few pics and a costing list.
Thanks for any support,advice,motivation you boys have offered and I for one can say it really helps when your upto you arm pits in cable ties. Many regards Al
Dazzee, hi mate, I'd buffed most of the polish off so not much smoke.
I've gone back to a Catted Y and I love the sound!??! I'm getting old or something!
The moral of this tale is a Tvr is not rocket science and if a bloke with Halfords tools and a book and Pistonheads and a rough idea what to do can do it..........
My biggest gain has been the depth of understanding and feel for the car, I had a good look at the rear end,,,,,,,, bring it on!
I dunno I've done all this work for about 400 quid, I'll actually tot it up at some point. Other than my time and stuff I had to replace/re furb it's cheap as chips.
I now have a service due on the re built engine( warranty) which will cost more! Doh.
Anyway I'm sure I will have teething problems but once it's all geo'd up and cleaned properly I'll post a few pics and a costing list.
Thanks for any support,advice,motivation you boys have offered and I for one can say it really helps when your upto you arm pits in cable ties. Many regards Al
Tyre tread I get your gist,we'll see.
Couldn't help my self today and so went round the block a number of times stopping to re check everything's tight and no leaks,
Then went for a twenty min run on the lanes, it's so much better, no clunks or noises, engine is smooth and fast.
I actually drove my own car that I built for the first time in my life! Mad crazy fab feeling,
It's a momentous day for me and I'm really pleased with the neutral steering etc. My old spirit level ain't bad!
It felt good straight away ( straight out the box) so to speak, even hit 3 figures and proper heated the brakes.
I can hardly believe it so tomorrow another day at the garage to set it up and I'll have a very pleasing drink in the evening to celebrate.
The only decision I have now is do I drive it or carry on working in it. I enjoy both hugely but today driving my handy work felt the best drive ever! If my rear wishbones looked as good as the fronts it would be better again!!!!! The rear upper wishbones are rusting badly! Here I go again!
Anyway I'm gonna glow with pride for a few hrs at least.
Couldn't help my self today and so went round the block a number of times stopping to re check everything's tight and no leaks,
Then went for a twenty min run on the lanes, it's so much better, no clunks or noises, engine is smooth and fast.
I actually drove my own car that I built for the first time in my life! Mad crazy fab feeling,
It's a momentous day for me and I'm really pleased with the neutral steering etc. My old spirit level ain't bad!
It felt good straight away ( straight out the box) so to speak, even hit 3 figures and proper heated the brakes.
I can hardly believe it so tomorrow another day at the garage to set it up and I'll have a very pleasing drink in the evening to celebrate.
The only decision I have now is do I drive it or carry on working in it. I enjoy both hugely but today driving my handy work felt the best drive ever! If my rear wishbones looked as good as the fronts it would be better again!!!!! The rear upper wishbones are rusting badly! Here I go again!
Anyway I'm gonna glow with pride for a few hrs at least.
JWzed, cheers it's been very rewarding.So this morning I was all set to take it for an mot and geo set up then noticed a small puddle of steering fluid on the ground, pinion seal is leaking, I can only surmise all the tapping to pull steering linkage apart has damaged it.
Had no choice but to remove rack so now I have to get it repaired or try to replace the pinion seal.
Tvr for you.
I'm so glad I had a drive last night, motivated me enough to spent the day removing everything again.
Had no choice but to remove rack so now I have to get it repaired or try to replace the pinion seal.
Tvr for you.
I'm so glad I had a drive last night, motivated me enough to spent the day removing everything again.
Don't laugh but I did it with a spirit level and my eye! The idea was to get it neutral so then I'd drive it to a mates place and do a full geo. I was well impressed how straight it drove considering.
The new bushes and joints feel very nice, really direct steering and really smooth, so to then discover the rack leaking, I've been running the car on stands, then a number of drives around and all the time taking the steering from lock to lock etc. it took a week to show a leak.
When I disconnected rod ends so rack is free I turned steering wheel and it's very light and no tight spots so I'm not sure what's happened. It's been fine until I've disturbed it?
It's taken the shine off what was otherwise a very economical tidy up.
My car won't just accept maintaining it,,,,, it wants diamond rings and gold dust sprinkling on the fecker. I've had an expensive woman or two but this is ridiculous. Thank fk she's a good ride at the end if it all. bd car.
The new bushes and joints feel very nice, really direct steering and really smooth, so to then discover the rack leaking, I've been running the car on stands, then a number of drives around and all the time taking the steering from lock to lock etc. it took a week to show a leak.
When I disconnected rod ends so rack is free I turned steering wheel and it's very light and no tight spots so I'm not sure what's happened. It's been fine until I've disturbed it?
It's taken the shine off what was otherwise a very economical tidy up.
My car won't just accept maintaining it,,,,, it wants diamond rings and gold dust sprinkling on the fecker. I've had an expensive woman or two but this is ridiculous. Thank f
k she's a good ride at the end if it all. bd car. Hi Anthony, with my driving the car needs to be perfect!!!!
What a pain, the suns shinning and I was going to tax her today.
Hey I'm going to come to Curborough on Thursday, I'll be the lap timer. No driving just a chance to say hello and see some good machinery.
I've got to pick my mate up from E Mids airport at midnight so I might aswell make a day of it.
Let's hope it's dry.
What a pain, the suns shinning and I was going to tax her today.
Hey I'm going to come to Curborough on Thursday, I'll be the lap timer. No driving just a chance to say hello and see some good machinery.
I've got to pick my mate up from E Mids airport at midnight so I might aswell make a day of it.
Let's hope it's dry.
Today removed oil seal from PS rack pinion.
Something that bugged me was not painting the inner bodywork around radiator area when I first stripped her out so today I did it. Also painted inside the radiator opening, it used to annoy me that if you looked inside the opening from the front of the car you could see dulled paint and over spray. I'd had a re spray and that was the remains of it!
I know I've posted the PS pic on another thread but this is my memory of the work so I can remember what and when etc. Alun.
One good point is,,,,,,,, I remember the nut and bolt sizes to everything now I've took it apart twice!!!
Power Steering I'll seal
If my rack repair works then I'm glad I've now painted that up. I used spray cans and a brush. Plenty of masking tape etc.
Also re painted horn and bracket.
Rewarding day after feeling very fed up first thing.
Something that bugged me was not painting the inner bodywork around radiator area when I first stripped her out so today I did it. Also painted inside the radiator opening, it used to annoy me that if you looked inside the opening from the front of the car you could see dulled paint and over spray. I'd had a re spray and that was the remains of it!
I know I've posted the PS pic on another thread but this is my memory of the work so I can remember what and when etc. Alun.
One good point is,,,,,,,, I remember the nut and bolt sizes to everything now I've took it apart twice!!!
Power Steering I'll seal
If my rack repair works then I'm glad I've now painted that up. I used spray cans and a brush. Plenty of masking tape etc.
Also re painted horn and bracket.
Rewarding day after feeling very fed up first thing.
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