Built vs Bought
Discussion
Poop!
For some reason unlike my old Uno 60S this one has Fiat Panda "I like to seize solid if I'm left for a few weeks" aluminium calipers. Solves the mystery of why the pedal does not move at all but also is a massive pain in the faff because I would need new hubs and bearings to fit anything I have kept in my shed. That and the wishbones being miraculous means I will not be able to make it on track this month. Realistically the track day on October 25th is out as well.
I'm already thinking "long term" and considering bodywork and paint options.
No spiders or snails were knowingly harmed while working on the Uno and were rehomed.
For some reason unlike my old Uno 60S this one has Fiat Panda "I like to seize solid if I'm left for a few weeks" aluminium calipers. Solves the mystery of why the pedal does not move at all but also is a massive pain in the faff because I would need new hubs and bearings to fit anything I have kept in my shed. That and the wishbones being miraculous means I will not be able to make it on track this month. Realistically the track day on October 25th is out as well.
I'm already thinking "long term" and considering bodywork and paint options.
No spiders or snails were knowingly harmed while working on the Uno and were rehomed.
All summer my local tyre fitters have worked on a Sunday. Not today. Meh.
So I got started on something else.
I never noticed the boot floor was bent before.
The rear valance was 3cm further in the middle but the tailgate slam panel was unaffected. Poor thing must have had a rough previous life.
So I cut it out anyway...
...just to see if the exhaust rubber was perished.
Not really.
I trimmed the plate ready to fit...
...so long as I don't endanger the manifold it should be fine.
And I have a boot floor repair panel for an Uno turbo that's being restored.
On the topic of manifolds. I got an email from Optima...
[url]
|https://thumbsnap.com/KDqMeLJy[/url
Yowzers!
The last ones were £30 each.
I have ordered some 6mm mild steel plate and I will make them myself.
So I got started on something else.
I never noticed the boot floor was bent before.
The rear valance was 3cm further in the middle but the tailgate slam panel was unaffected. Poor thing must have had a rough previous life.
So I cut it out anyway...
...just to see if the exhaust rubber was perished.
Not really.
I trimmed the plate ready to fit...
...so long as I don't endanger the manifold it should be fine.
And I have a boot floor repair panel for an Uno turbo that's being restored.
On the topic of manifolds. I got an email from Optima...
[url]
|https://thumbsnap.com/KDqMeLJy[/urlYowzers!
The last ones were £30 each.
I have ordered some 6mm mild steel plate and I will make them myself.
Today didn't go according to plan.
I was supposed to get home from work, sleep until around lunch time and set about taking the Uno 60S engine and gearbox out of the car.
Instead I was woken up before nine by some rev' limiter bouncing Darwinist outside. Okay before nine isn't an unreasonable time of the day to be a complete tool; how was it supposed to know there was a shift worker in the house they were outside?
Anyway today's plans were scuppered, due to my lack of sleep extracting the Uno engine today would have involved more swearing than my neighbors deserve.
So...
...I got the tyres fitted and test fitted the Stilo wheels.
Just like the Momo Ferrari wheels I had on my Uno Turbo they needed a 10mm spacer to clear the rear arm by 8mm and only just fit inside the arches.
A 10mm spacer was required up front as well to clear the suspension but the original bolts were long enough this end.
I have a set of 20mm longer bolts from fitting Uno Turbo wheels to my Panda and the spacers were pre-drilled to fit the hubs using the disc bolts.
My longer bolts were too long due to the Uno Turbo wheels being much thicker than the Stilo Steels and the original bolts too short at the rear so I used Mk2 Punto bolts that were 12mm longer than the original 60S ones. I'll get a complete set of those when I fit the wheels the final time.
For those of you who aren't aware of my previous adventures (with parody)...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8Y7te7boDk
...I have applied the same principal here...
...to get a rough idea how the car will look 60mm lower.
Then I got bored.
Does anyone want 350g or plastic washers?
I have a track day spec' bumper now.
I'm going to try and have a nap before work.
I was supposed to get home from work, sleep until around lunch time and set about taking the Uno 60S engine and gearbox out of the car.
Instead I was woken up before nine by some rev' limiter bouncing Darwinist outside. Okay before nine isn't an unreasonable time of the day to be a complete tool; how was it supposed to know there was a shift worker in the house they were outside?
Anyway today's plans were scuppered, due to my lack of sleep extracting the Uno engine today would have involved more swearing than my neighbors deserve.
So...
...I got the tyres fitted and test fitted the Stilo wheels.
Just like the Momo Ferrari wheels I had on my Uno Turbo they needed a 10mm spacer to clear the rear arm by 8mm and only just fit inside the arches.
A 10mm spacer was required up front as well to clear the suspension but the original bolts were long enough this end.
I have a set of 20mm longer bolts from fitting Uno Turbo wheels to my Panda and the spacers were pre-drilled to fit the hubs using the disc bolts.
My longer bolts were too long due to the Uno Turbo wheels being much thicker than the Stilo Steels and the original bolts too short at the rear so I used Mk2 Punto bolts that were 12mm longer than the original 60S ones. I'll get a complete set of those when I fit the wheels the final time.
For those of you who aren't aware of my previous adventures (with parody)...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8Y7te7boDk
...I have applied the same principal here...
...to get a rough idea how the car will look 60mm lower.
Then I got bored.
Does anyone want 350g or plastic washers?
I have a track day spec' bumper now.
I'm going to try and have a nap before work.
Well. I was woken this morning around half ten by neighbors doing some DIY. So almost four hours sleep out of seventy two. Meh.
Sleep deprived, but not exhausted...
...yet.
I'll trim it tomorrow to fit the engine rather than the gasket so there's more subject metal to weld the four branches to.
Sleep deprived, but not exhausted...
...yet.
I'll trim it tomorrow to fit the engine rather than the gasket so there's more subject metal to weld the four branches to.
Quite an eventful day today.
You know you've done a decent job making the back of the car lighter if this happens when you lift from the front subframe.
First off was the exhaust. Now I fancied doing a Paul Hogan...
"That's not an exhaust...
...that an exhaust!"
...but there are people who get out of bed extra early to be offended by nothing so I won't bother.
As I had the plastic arch liner out I pushed out the dent the go-pro mount failed to before.
At a little over 1.4 kilos each they will not be going back on either. One of the YouTube tuning channels I can't remember which one did a test session with a car on a track. Setting a lap time removing weight and setting another lap. Each Kilo worked out about 0.057 seconds quicker with no other modifications so the arch liners are a tenth!!!
Here's a top tip for you. While the liners are out you can use the bumper brace bar to support your caliper.
When playing with a wet box it's a good idea to tackle the plug side first. That way when you pull out the shaft it will lube the plug making it easier to screw.
Make sure you have a bucket handy so you don't make a mess.
Uno radiator out and Idea one test nowhere near fitted...
...but the Punto GT one I had in my shed looks to be a winner.
Front bumper modification is not as extreme as the rear as I only need to increase air flow to the radiator. More holes would mean more drag.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izFWzC2coPI
The Uno bonnet doesn't have the frontal drop of the Cinquecento so to keep things legal (looking) I mounted the original plate slightly lower.
The engine dropped out even though I forgot one of the heater matrix pipes and broke the plastic "T" piece. Never mind I'll work out how to plumb it all in later.
You know you've done a decent job making the back of the car lighter if this happens when you lift from the front subframe.
First off was the exhaust. Now I fancied doing a Paul Hogan...
"That's not an exhaust...
...that an exhaust!"
...but there are people who get out of bed extra early to be offended by nothing so I won't bother.
As I had the plastic arch liner out I pushed out the dent the go-pro mount failed to before.
At a little over 1.4 kilos each they will not be going back on either. One of the YouTube tuning channels I can't remember which one did a test session with a car on a track. Setting a lap time removing weight and setting another lap. Each Kilo worked out about 0.057 seconds quicker with no other modifications so the arch liners are a tenth!!!
Here's a top tip for you. While the liners are out you can use the bumper brace bar to support your caliper.
When playing with a wet box it's a good idea to tackle the plug side first. That way when you pull out the shaft it will lube the plug making it easier to screw.
Make sure you have a bucket handy so you don't make a mess.
Uno radiator out and Idea one test nowhere near fitted...
...but the Punto GT one I had in my shed looks to be a winner.
Front bumper modification is not as extreme as the rear as I only need to increase air flow to the radiator. More holes would mean more drag.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izFWzC2coPI
The Uno bonnet doesn't have the frontal drop of the Cinquecento so to keep things legal (looking) I mounted the original plate slightly lower.
The engine dropped out even though I forgot one of the heater matrix pipes and broke the plastic "T" piece. Never mind I'll work out how to plumb it all in later.
Bit of an update.
Both inlet and exhaust base plates are done...
...who needs laser cutters anyway?
Engine mount bolts straight on.
The Idea rear gearbox mount needed the Uno rubber bush to fit the car.
But the front gearbox mount is where I get to have some fun. Bracket for the box...
...so I can either weld or weld bolts and drill holes to the Uno mount once I trial fit the engine.
This would have been done today or tomorrow but my night shift didn't end until eleven this morning and I'm doing day shift tomorrow due to a scheduling balls up.
Just as well I have a back up plan for next Tuesday eh?
Both inlet and exhaust base plates are done...
...who needs laser cutters anyway?
Engine mount bolts straight on.
The Idea rear gearbox mount needed the Uno rubber bush to fit the car.
But the front gearbox mount is where I get to have some fun. Bracket for the box...
...so I can either weld or weld bolts and drill holes to the Uno mount once I trial fit the engine.
This would have been done today or tomorrow but my night shift didn't end until eleven this morning and I'm doing day shift tomorrow due to a scheduling balls up.
Just as well I have a back up plan for next Tuesday eh?
I decided not to take the back up Schumacher to the track day Tuesday. Feeling a bit down I picked myself up and did some welding.
Some fabricating...
...and a happy dance when it actually fitted.
Engine mounted.
Plenty or room for a t-jet in there.
I couldn't find a spirit level so had to improvise.
Some fabricating...
...and a happy dance when it actually fitted.
Engine mounted.
Plenty or room for a t-jet in there.
I couldn't find a spirit level so had to improvise.
After an epic day yesterday getting the engine mounted....
....today...
....I made a left foot rest.
I also fed the gear selector cables to the box...
...but the are a tad short for the Uno floor so I will make the hole bigger and fold up a lip to weld the mounting plate to in the morning.
....today...
....I made a left foot rest.
I also fed the gear selector cables to the box...
...but the are a tad short for the Uno floor so I will make the hole bigger and fold up a lip to weld the mounting plate to in the morning.
Last time I painted a car violet and yellow volcanic ash made the paint look flat.
Now I'm thinking about getting my spray gun out of hibernation...
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6198659/I...
Now I'm thinking about getting my spray gun out of hibernation...
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6198659/I...
This morning things got a bit shifty...
...so now I have all the gears from the Idea.
This afternoon I know the Daily Mail says there are fifty two different types of i-fold but I made a man-ifold...
...and it fits.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4UqMyldS7Q
...so now I have all the gears from the Idea.
This afternoon I know the Daily Mail says there are fifty two different types of i-fold but I made a man-ifold...
...and it fits.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4UqMyldS7Q
Hmmmmm...
Using the original Uno clutch cable to pull a lever that pushes the Idea clutch master cylinder could actually work.
Also the line to the cylinder with an unpaid job would barely need to be a few inches long.
Better than my usual yardstick...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5aiDuemgJ4
Using the original Uno clutch cable to pull a lever that pushes the Idea clutch master cylinder could actually work.
Also the line to the cylinder with an unpaid job would barely need to be a few inches long.
Better than my usual yardstick...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5aiDuemgJ4
So the plan for today was to finish the clutch hybrid idea but I managed to dump brake/clutch fluid all over the roof. Don't ask.
I washed the car, realised I needed a part that they don't sell on Sunday (at least locally) and set to another task.
Removed the sunroof. Only needed to dill two screws and grind one.
Cut the Idea roof section to fit, spot welded it in place...
...and to my shame I used black silicone sealant to seal the outside.
Ready for paint.
I washed the car, realised I needed a part that they don't sell on Sunday (at least locally) and set to another task.
Removed the sunroof. Only needed to dill two screws and grind one.
Cut the Idea roof section to fit, spot welded it in place...
...and to my shame I used black silicone sealant to seal the outside.
Ready for paint.
For personal reasons I will not be attending the track day on the 25th of this month. Instead the last track day is November 22nd. With any luck I will be able to go.
Maybe not in the Uno but I have a back up plan called...
"Operation Worms for ex-Girlfriends"
...because this...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5aiDuemgJ4
...has been my yardstick for years and what's coming next will test that stick to see how much it bends.
The first parts arrived today and I'm collecting the unfinished project car Saturday.
A set of carb' rubber for a Honda Blackbird.
Maybe not in the Uno but I have a back up plan called...
"Operation Worms for ex-Girlfriends"
...because this...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5aiDuemgJ4
...has been my yardstick for years and what's coming next will test that stick to see how much it bends.
The first parts arrived today and I'm collecting the unfinished project car Saturday.
A set of carb' rubber for a Honda Blackbird.
In the interest of balance other coloured birds are available. #EveryColourMatters
As unboxing is a thing...
I'm like totes super excitez to be like unboxing today. Like ya.
Cut the yellowy brown tape. Other tapes are available.
More tape removed. Like totes innit br-br-br-br-brap! Brap! Chair.
Like totally like a set of Mikuni 32mm carb's (from an XJ400, perfect size outlets for the inlet ports of the engine and an XJ400 will never go back on the road. Win-Win). Ya!
Here's a problem. Now Kleenex have stopped selling Man Size tissues I can't make a man-ifold because someone will undoubted be pre-offended by the suggestion.
So I'll have to make a personifold to keep the Daily Mail Mumsnet lot in order. #FathersNetTo
More unboxing an the eagle eyed of you would have noticed I hadn't put a flexipipe in my exhaust personifold. This was deliberate as it needs to be in line with the gap between the engine and subframe. I'll cut the pipe to match and weld this one in.
Also I will be replacing the brake bias box near the rear axle. I don't know if it's faulty but the brakes are seized solid, I have replaced the rear wheel cylinders, have the Idea calipers and a new master cylinder so it makes sense to fit a new bias box and replace any lines that look crap while I'm at it.
On the topic of brakes. As I'm sure diligent followers of this thread will recall my Uno has early Mk1 hubs with Panda style calipers and the Idea ones wouldn't fit.
To remedy this and solve another problem at the same time I picked this...
...solid Cinquecento Sporting up. This car comes with a set of Avo coilovers that should also fit my Uno and...
...a Honda Blackbird (others birds are available #EveryColourMatters ) engine where the passenger is supposed to go and a short prop'shaft feeding a Suzuki Super Carry axle on a four link suspension set up.
I am so tempted to finish this car but I would have to make a bulkhead (firewall) between the engine and driver, the loom is stripped to nothing and there are a load of bits missing from the engine and rest of the car.
I should in theory be able to use the bits I need and sell the rest for what the car owes me.
I'm like totes super excitez to be like unboxing today. Like ya.
Cut the yellowy brown tape. Other tapes are available.
- EveryColourMatters
More tape removed. Like totes innit br-br-br-br-brap! Brap! Chair.
Like totally like a set of Mikuni 32mm carb's (from an XJ400, perfect size outlets for the inlet ports of the engine and an XJ400 will never go back on the road. Win-Win). Ya!
Here's a problem. Now Kleenex have stopped selling Man Size tissues I can't make a man-ifold because someone will undoubted be pre-offended by the suggestion.
So I'll have to make a personifold to keep the Daily Mail Mumsnet lot in order. #FathersNetTo
More unboxing an the eagle eyed of you would have noticed I hadn't put a flexipipe in my exhaust personifold. This was deliberate as it needs to be in line with the gap between the engine and subframe. I'll cut the pipe to match and weld this one in.
Also I will be replacing the brake bias box near the rear axle. I don't know if it's faulty but the brakes are seized solid, I have replaced the rear wheel cylinders, have the Idea calipers and a new master cylinder so it makes sense to fit a new bias box and replace any lines that look crap while I'm at it.
On the topic of brakes. As I'm sure diligent followers of this thread will recall my Uno has early Mk1 hubs with Panda style calipers and the Idea ones wouldn't fit.
To remedy this and solve another problem at the same time I picked this...
...solid Cinquecento Sporting up. This car comes with a set of Avo coilovers that should also fit my Uno and...
...a Honda Blackbird (others birds are available #EveryColourMatters ) engine where the passenger is supposed to go and a short prop'shaft feeding a Suzuki Super Carry axle on a four link suspension set up.
I am so tempted to finish this car but I would have to make a bulkhead (firewall) between the engine and driver, the loom is stripped to nothing and there are a load of bits missing from the engine and rest of the car.
I should in theory be able to use the bits I need and sell the rest for what the car owes me.
Flexible hose and V-bands on the personifold and straight pipe.
You didn't think I was going back from the personifold to the rear section did you?
Perfectly placed between the engine and subframe.
Now the reason why I kept the old rear section. I need to duplicate it out of scrap two inch pipe from work.
Like so.
Another pair of V-bands to link the rear section to the straight pipe and...
...I'm done.
Well a couple of brackets once I have have new rubbers and a back box.
Oh crap! I have been offensive again. There are many different types of pipe available, straight pipe, gay pipe, lesbian pipe, bi pipe, trans pipe and however many different types of pipe there are according to the Daily Mail this week. All are equally as good as each other and I am not showing any kind of prejudice whatsoever.
You didn't think I was going back from the personifold to the rear section did you?
Perfectly placed between the engine and subframe.
Now the reason why I kept the old rear section. I need to duplicate it out of scrap two inch pipe from work.
Like so.
Another pair of V-bands to link the rear section to the straight pipe and...
...I'm done.
Well a couple of brackets once I have have new rubbers and a back box.
Oh crap! I have been offensive again. There are many different types of pipe available, straight pipe, gay pipe, lesbian pipe, bi pipe, trans pipe and however many different types of pipe there are according to the Daily Mail this week. All are equally as good as each other and I am not showing any kind of prejudice whatsoever.
- EveryPipeMatters
Yesterday I concentrated on my cars outy bits. Today I'm addressing the inny bits.
Blinky spec' C.A.D (cardboard aided design) template. Why only three? I probably need more fiber in my diet.
The reason I have XJ carbs is they were the closest to the manifold measurements. Yes I measured something first. :P
Using the cardboard template I cut sections from an old exhaust pipe.
To make these closer to the shape of the ports I had to cit a wedge off...
...and weld it back on inverted.
If you're wondering why I was confined to my shed. The weather kind of all happened at once. Thunder, lightning, rain, snow, sleet, hail and wind.
Finished. Sort of. I need to make a hole and weld in a pipe for the brake servo feed and weld a pipe for the water channel. One warped a tad but that's what grinders are for.
Blinky spec' C.A.D (cardboard aided design) template. Why only three? I probably need more fiber in my diet.
The reason I have XJ carbs is they were the closest to the manifold measurements. Yes I measured something first. :P
Using the cardboard template I cut sections from an old exhaust pipe.
To make these closer to the shape of the ports I had to cit a wedge off...
...and weld it back on inverted.
If you're wondering why I was confined to my shed. The weather kind of all happened at once. Thunder, lightning, rain, snow, sleet, hail and wind.
Finished. Sort of. I need to make a hole and weld in a pipe for the brake servo feed and weld a pipe for the water channel. One warped a tad but that's what grinders are for.
Forgive the lack of updates, it is a reflection of the lack of progress.
I have been made redundant and as such the last month has been hectic, covering extra shifts, sending off applications and CV's. My job ended November 30th and I got a new one today.
Training starts in February so I'll have plenty of time to catch up with things (in theory).
I'm binning the bike carb's in favor of a Weber from an X-1/9 five reasons.
1/ Control - jetting etc is far more adjustable and easier to get to.
2/ Sound - obviously.
3/ Standard looking.
4/ Easier to control on the road. Bike carb's are good for the tack and rally stages but can be a nightmare on the road.
5/ Fabrication and plumbing. Much less faff as I all will have to do is wire up a 5psi "tick" pump to the standard fuel line and use the original cables.
I still have a garden full of Cinquecento bits. Not had time to swap the front suspension over and the rear shocks aren't close to fitting (at the moment).
Until I get the suspension done I won't know how the car will sit. Until I know how she sits I won't know if I need the wider arches from the Cinquecento wings and rear arches.
The first charity track day for next season is March 26th. Not a "deadline" as such as I have other projects...
My Panda that I'm thinking of converting to run on electricity.
Another Panda that need new inner sills (probably outer sills and floor sections as well).
My 145 is back, fresh MOT but has a silly exhaust and cosmetic issues from the previous owner.
My Rover 620ti is for sale as 22-25mpg is terrible when you have a wage coming in let alone when you have redundancy to last a few months.
My GSXR250RR SP hasn't moved since I put her in my shed.
Oh and a little side project I'm chopping up a children's quad bike to add suspension and off road tyres to a mates mobility scooter so he can take his dogs for a walk.
...to occupy (distract) me.
Also I have all the parts to convert a Mk2 Punto into a van so I'm looking for a HGT to make into an HGT-V
...and I have been offered a very low mileage Mk1 Punto Sporting for £200 could be worth looking into.
I have been made redundant and as such the last month has been hectic, covering extra shifts, sending off applications and CV's. My job ended November 30th and I got a new one today.
Training starts in February so I'll have plenty of time to catch up with things (in theory).
I'm binning the bike carb's in favor of a Weber from an X-1/9 five reasons.
1/ Control - jetting etc is far more adjustable and easier to get to.
2/ Sound - obviously.
3/ Standard looking.
4/ Easier to control on the road. Bike carb's are good for the tack and rally stages but can be a nightmare on the road.
5/ Fabrication and plumbing. Much less faff as I all will have to do is wire up a 5psi "tick" pump to the standard fuel line and use the original cables.
I still have a garden full of Cinquecento bits. Not had time to swap the front suspension over and the rear shocks aren't close to fitting (at the moment).
Until I get the suspension done I won't know how the car will sit. Until I know how she sits I won't know if I need the wider arches from the Cinquecento wings and rear arches.
The first charity track day for next season is March 26th. Not a "deadline" as such as I have other projects...
My Panda that I'm thinking of converting to run on electricity.
Another Panda that need new inner sills (probably outer sills and floor sections as well).
My 145 is back, fresh MOT but has a silly exhaust and cosmetic issues from the previous owner.
My Rover 620ti is for sale as 22-25mpg is terrible when you have a wage coming in let alone when you have redundancy to last a few months.
My GSXR250RR SP hasn't moved since I put her in my shed.
Oh and a little side project I'm chopping up a children's quad bike to add suspension and off road tyres to a mates mobility scooter so he can take his dogs for a walk.
...to occupy (distract) me.
Also I have all the parts to convert a Mk2 Punto into a van so I'm looking for a HGT to make into an HGT-V
...and I have been offered a very low mileage Mk1 Punto Sporting for £200 could be worth looking into.
Punto Sporting side project.
I've been out in the mighty Rover again to pick up this nice Mk1 Punto Sporting 16V for £300.
The Punto needs a spot of welding and some consumables for MOT.
I think whoever cut that small chunk out was an optimist.
Not the worst inner sill damage I have seen.
Cleaned and cut out I'm feeling optimistic.
Bits of Idea roof cut and shaped to replace the inner structure I had removed.
Drilled the new sill section ready for spot welding. Worth noting that the factory spot welds are an inch and a half apart mine are two thirds of an inch.
This isn't my usual "filler free" standard but a damn sight better than previous repairs.
I've been out in the mighty Rover again to pick up this nice Mk1 Punto Sporting 16V for £300.
The Punto needs a spot of welding and some consumables for MOT.
I think whoever cut that small chunk out was an optimist.
Not the worst inner sill damage I have seen.
Cleaned and cut out I'm feeling optimistic.
Bits of Idea roof cut and shaped to replace the inner structure I had removed.
Drilled the new sill section ready for spot welding. Worth noting that the factory spot welds are an inch and a half apart mine are two thirds of an inch.
This isn't my usual "filler free" standard but a damn sight better than previous repairs.
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