So whilst my Tuscan2S is tucked up for 3 months before I send it back to str8six to put the new engine in, i thought i'd take the opportunity to tidy up a few bits and bobs, especially whilst there's room in the engine bay.
Nothing quite in the same league as MPETT's thread but I thought i'd share a few pics etc as I get along, and as always will probably have a few questions, some already below!!

Current list of work for str8six:
- New block, new pistons, and a full rebuild only re-using the crank (and rods if they're the newer type)
- Decat pipes
- Lightened flywheel
- New throttle cable
- Steering arm mod and full geo
- what's left of a 6k service, new MOT and tax

Stuff that i'm doing myself over the winter:
- New silicone hose kit
- New DS2500 pads: Anyone know which model number are the right ones for an S?
- New brake fluid, most likely RBF600
- Clean entire engine bay inc chassis
- Check/change battery clamp thingy
- Re apply all heatproof matting around the upper engine bay. Can I just pull the current stuff off, or just apply a new layer over the top? Current stuff isn't too bad but seems like a good time to do it:

- Find out why so much hot air is entering the cabin above the metal dash trim. Feels like there must be some of the protection missing behind the dash. It's coming through between the silver and the upper dashboard. Any ideas?


- Do the hinged bonnet mod as seen here: http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0... I'm getting some hinges made up locally, and probably a few spare sets as it'll be almost as cheap. Not quite decided whether i'll get gas struts or not. Having seen this video of one with struts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3D_f_JSgfo
I'm not sure I like the look of how much stress you could accidently put on when attempting to close it.

Going to be starting in a couple of weeks, as i've got to get my 205 running first so it can be sold to help pay for it all.

I think that diagnosis is correct, but am unsure what steps are necessary to fixing it. I'll have a look today when I'm in the workshop to see what's involved with gaining access to fix the hose.

Cheers,

Martin

Hi Mr Chips, may well be interested in a set of hinges if you are getting some specially made up at a good price? I have been scanning around for something suitable! Dont mind if you dont want the hassle though

Maybe a group buy would be worth doing on these? (if not im still interested )

Yes please that sounds fine to me put me down for a set - please take lots of pics when you do it if you dont mind...i like to do things like this myself and its always helfpul to have some help!!

Quick update on this as it seems winter is settling in quite quickly! I haven't done too much work on the Tuscan as i've been getting my 205 running, and luckily i've now sold it to another local PHer so hopefully i'll still see it around.

Here are the bonnet hinges i've had made. I've painted mine in black enamel paint. I'll pop the spares onto the classifieds although might keep 2 sets for me, just in case!





I've also bought some Gas struts are from SGS Engineering and seem really good quality.

One thing which I haven't bought yet is the aluminium heat shield. There's so much stuff around, but just a quick question if anyone knows... can you stick the new stuff over the top of the old? I'm guessing so long as there's a reasonable surface to adhere to then it would be fine but i'd be interested if anyone has actually fully replaced all of theirs, or just overlayed it?

Cheers
MrChips

Ditto, I would like you to do the lot if possible....Gordon

Hi All,

I'll be test fitting these on the weekend so will hold off putting the spares up until i've checked 100% that I don't need to put a minor bend into the longer of the plates that bolts to the bonnet.

For those that have expressed an interest on here then i'll put a set aside for you until I get them test fitted.

Cheers
Dave

I would be interested too

V.quick update on this following my trial fitting of the hinges. They would definitely benefit from a slight curve to the longer section in order to follow the bonnet so i'll be sorting that later in the week. It should make the fibreglass a bit simpler as it means keeping the additional layers the same thickness so it's a good move!

Likewise - thanks for keeping us informed.

(bloody passenger side w/screen washer jet has stopped...so, its either a melted tube or it's come off the T-piece...but such a b***ache to lift bonnet).
Nick