New project car, kit car newb
Discussion
So I won this....
Not sure where to start......only got y/day and got home and not done much dismantling yet and not hear it run even
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kit-Car-Single-Seater-V...
Original pic as since removed
I think just about everything needs checking........almost everything is project/ mock up in nature, or possibly a bit rusty. siezed.....a bit of a discarded project I think of a previous decade.
........may be needing some help.......and a fair bit of time ! maybe an engine check over too ?
May need a few drinks to settle into the idea....like happened to get me to buy it
Not sure where to start......only got y/day and got home and not done much dismantling yet and not hear it run even
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kit-Car-Single-Seater-V...
Original pic as since removed
I think just about everything needs checking........almost everything is project/ mock up in nature, or possibly a bit rusty. siezed.....a bit of a discarded project I think of a previous decade.
........may be needing some help.......and a fair bit of time ! maybe an engine check over too ?
May need a few drinks to settle into the idea....like happened to get me to buy it
Edited by daytonavrs on Sunday 6th September 11:10
Fair enough, I'm pretty happy despite that its not the very best powerplant.
I might see how it goes, if it works, I can always look at substituting another engine?
Its my first real kitcar let alone, that its a BEC / kitcar
( having had a stint away from bikes, its kind of a spiritual return for me to excitement of a bike motor although dampened a bit with the extra weight I'm not used to).
Will have to try and lose some weight from me - and the car ! Which may be where losing the current bodywork in favour of original RF86 may come in.
Its meant to have had some sump preparation but I am looking to verify that, along with many other things
I might see how it goes, if it works, I can always look at substituting another engine?
Its my first real kitcar let alone, that its a BEC / kitcar
( having had a stint away from bikes, its kind of a spiritual return for me to excitement of a bike motor although dampened a bit with the extra weight I'm not used to).
Will have to try and lose some weight from me - and the car ! Which may be where losing the current bodywork in favour of original RF86 may come in.
Its meant to have had some sump preparation but I am looking to verify that, along with many other things
The RF86 original is growing on me and I'm likening to fairings made up for its original body now, and may reintroduce its heritage,
I'm looking for RF86 panels now and had some priced up, £1400 the lot I think it was, haven't seen any battered or used ones yet.
I'm actually starting to really like the chassis, I think I was looking beyond the nasty fairings and actually must have been the images seeing beneath to its skeleton that convinced me to buy
I'm starting to think this was lucked out purchase, I would never have dreamed of thinking I could own something with a race chassis for this kind of money, let alone with a engine already. Happy days. Not underestimating amount of work to even feel its ok for me to track yet though.
I'm looking for RF86 panels now and had some priced up, £1400 the lot I think it was, haven't seen any battered or used ones yet.
I'm actually starting to really like the chassis, I think I was looking beyond the nasty fairings and actually must have been the images seeing beneath to its skeleton that convinced me to buy
I'm starting to think this was lucked out purchase, I would never have dreamed of thinking I could own something with a race chassis for this kind of money, let alone with a engine already. Happy days. Not underestimating amount of work to even feel its ok for me to track yet though.
Pretty ! Mine wont ever quite look like because modifications but I think it can be 95% closer to what it originally looked like.
http://www.racingclassifieds.com.au/index.php?page...
http://www.racingclassifieds.com.au/index.php?page...
BIt more fun on van diemen rf86 chassis no 1086
Its horrid outside, the kind of typical average beautiful British day. Global warming eh !
So had all the fairings off to get a feel for it, and see what kind of shocking state its in and to concrete some ideas I have about progressing.
So my feelings
1/ I have 2 choices live with the existing plastics or ditch and go for originals ( on plus side, at least its fully kitted out bodykit ! )
If I wanted to go back to rf86 I feel I may struggle to homologize the chassis with what its now been done to it, esp the position of engine and the rad sticking out on one side how its mounted to its "new underfloor" that fits within the existing shell - but wouldnt if I went back to original.
Not wanting to be too critical about the previous bodywork but I would give my spleen for it to look more like the original RF86 I just prefer its original look. That would sacrifice the front and rear wing though that don't belong on original car.
But as well as looks there is some weight saving, extra GRP support body underneath, thos "big" kit must weight a bit more, bits of wood for supports etc, support brackets etc?
Plus its ugly when its all off too. As nature intended so to speak. I think I'd even run it more naked just until I'm comfortable with the car running well too.
But If I tried to go original its going to cost a pretty penny >£1k - unless I try and use as a learning vehicle for fabricating fibreglass and moulds myself.....literally in at the deep end.
I don't know, both directions don't worry me too much. I'd be interested in the feelings of others about the fairings in case I'm going off on one.
2/ not sure what to do with the switchgear off the bike ? Need to have some new panel under the digi dash to mount some stuff, that isnt too heavy but structurally solid for that kind of stuff.
3/ road legal ness, I think due to 1/ and my thoughts on weight saving and making her more a track special that this will go out the window
4/ tidying up, dont think this is going to be the hardest thing to worry about.
5/ safety and comfort, aiming to get either GRP or carbon seat in there with harness, half the harness is missing so needs one anyway. 4 point ?
in date or not ? There is loose stuff everywhere on the steering which works, but wouldn't dare use it yet, needs methodical
I think one of the clamping nuts +bolts is missing on the steering rack for instance.....turns but you wouldnt risk your life on it.
Needs a good setup.
6/ running, this was the key mission to get everything off so I could have a poke about, mechanicals look ok, seems to have oil on the dip etc and water in rad.
However it was a bit of a fail to keep started, I got a bit of life out momentarily where she sounded like a real bike engine but couldnt mantain
Good news though at least trying to start and NOT siezed which was my initial concern you never know what you have, but definitely needs some setup/tuning etc. Calling the Bike doctor !
Its horrid outside, the kind of typical average beautiful British day. Global warming eh !
So had all the fairings off to get a feel for it, and see what kind of shocking state its in and to concrete some ideas I have about progressing.
So my feelings
1/ I have 2 choices live with the existing plastics or ditch and go for originals ( on plus side, at least its fully kitted out bodykit ! )
If I wanted to go back to rf86 I feel I may struggle to homologize the chassis with what its now been done to it, esp the position of engine and the rad sticking out on one side how its mounted to its "new underfloor" that fits within the existing shell - but wouldnt if I went back to original.
Not wanting to be too critical about the previous bodywork but I would give my spleen for it to look more like the original RF86 I just prefer its original look. That would sacrifice the front and rear wing though that don't belong on original car.
But as well as looks there is some weight saving, extra GRP support body underneath, thos "big" kit must weight a bit more, bits of wood for supports etc, support brackets etc?
Plus its ugly when its all off too. As nature intended so to speak. I think I'd even run it more naked just until I'm comfortable with the car running well too.
But If I tried to go original its going to cost a pretty penny >£1k - unless I try and use as a learning vehicle for fabricating fibreglass and moulds myself.....literally in at the deep end.
I don't know, both directions don't worry me too much. I'd be interested in the feelings of others about the fairings in case I'm going off on one.
2/ not sure what to do with the switchgear off the bike ? Need to have some new panel under the digi dash to mount some stuff, that isnt too heavy but structurally solid for that kind of stuff.
3/ road legal ness, I think due to 1/ and my thoughts on weight saving and making her more a track special that this will go out the window
4/ tidying up, dont think this is going to be the hardest thing to worry about.
5/ safety and comfort, aiming to get either GRP or carbon seat in there with harness, half the harness is missing so needs one anyway. 4 point ?
in date or not ? There is loose stuff everywhere on the steering which works, but wouldn't dare use it yet, needs methodical
I think one of the clamping nuts +bolts is missing on the steering rack for instance.....turns but you wouldnt risk your life on it.
Needs a good setup.
6/ running, this was the key mission to get everything off so I could have a poke about, mechanicals look ok, seems to have oil on the dip etc and water in rad.
However it was a bit of a fail to keep started, I got a bit of life out momentarily where she sounded like a real bike engine but couldnt mantain
Good news though at least trying to start and NOT siezed which was my initial concern you never know what you have, but definitely needs some setup/tuning etc. Calling the Bike doctor !
Its still an unholy mess and all I have done so far is clean out the fuel and the carbs, but got it started at least
Small steps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRmFJpNk1YE
Small steps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRmFJpNk1YE
Thanks for the last 2 posts, have hit of a bit brick road of my own involvement (lack of experience in this detail of mechanics) and very well may be looking to farm out some work to pros...electrics for instance. and other servicing
Realistic that road car this is not, was thinking occasional permitted track special things, then might get bored eventually and lump in for something a bit more everydayer/7 style perhaps but fair to give it a chance first.
Realistic that road car this is not, was thinking occasional permitted track special things, then might get bored eventually and lump in for something a bit more everydayer/7 style perhaps but fair to give it a chance first.
dhutch said:
No quite sure what you are meaning here.
I would have a look at your options and get a firm idea of what is you want to do, else espically if you farm out the work, it could become a very expensive road to knowhere.
Do you mean
- Trackdays; access to racing tracks, mixed run-what-you-brung cars, driving quickly but not racing.
- Autosolo/autotesting; tight carpark based timed runs between cones, in a class against other specials.
- Sprinting and Hill climbing; one-direction high speed timed runs on suitable tracks/circuits.
- Circuit racing; wheel-to-wheel racing on track, with similar types of car.
What if any driving experience do you have? Have you done trackday before? Budget?
Daniel
Yes - Experienced a number of trackdays, perforamce days, RWYB, bike track days etc. Probably in the region of about 10 instances of varied types, either as driver/rider or a passenger for a few of them.I would have a look at your options and get a firm idea of what is you want to do, else espically if you farm out the work, it could become a very expensive road to knowhere.
Do you mean
- Trackdays; access to racing tracks, mixed run-what-you-brung cars, driving quickly but not racing.
- Autosolo/autotesting; tight carpark based timed runs between cones, in a class against other specials.
- Sprinting and Hill climbing; one-direction high speed timed runs on suitable tracks/circuits.
- Circuit racing; wheel-to-wheel racing on track, with similar types of car.
What if any driving experience do you have? Have you done trackday before? Budget?
Daniel
No past experience of sprints, climbs or real racing, not to say I couldn't get into it more though inspired by this.
Just plans would to be prove it running to start with, first a santapod probably, then a single seater trackday ?
I suppose in reality at the amateur end I'd have been better getting some BEC twin seater that would suite the cheap and frequent trackdays and road legal but on the plus side, this is more purposeful isn't it?
And its only for fun......I have plenty other cars for everyday kind of driving that aren't slow.
I don't have any budget.
Having spent bugger all on the vehicle I'm not afraid to spend a little, although the tightfisted side of me wants to keep it in line with how much I got it for and keep the costs to only minimal hundreds and thousands, not tens of ( could just get a RF86 working for that). I was originally looking at the more road legal BECs though without any plan, but wasn't keen on spending IRO £10 on a toy (missus etc) so actually felt it worked out amazingly well to get an ex formula car with the amount gone into this for a few grand and that it was meant to be ( I wouldn't normally have the balls to bid on something like this so left field but something made me do it ).
Realistically aware that replaceing the panels unless I wait out and try and get a used set, could stretch to over a grand though, and not sure where I stand with the engine
Though actually just sorting garage access, towing and tow tranport is going to cost me extra- maybe around £1k alone assuming I do some of the fitting work ( fit towbar, refitting garage doors ) although that can have its uses beyond this and was planning to sort the doors as roundtuit for a while
Started recently but a bit rough clearly needing some tweaks ,
now situation gone back a bit in that currently not able to start it so something is out of kilter not sure if its electrics, wiring or what, but at least its not siezed on starting. Hopefully doesn't need engine pulling apart rebuilding.
Edited by daytonavrs on Wednesday 26th February 19:08
Edited by daytonavrs on Wednesday 26th February 19:11
I saw this so had that in mind for its "limited" potential uses when i could use it when I mentioned "special trackdays"
though not sure with its current condition if it will be up for any of these dates progress depending.
https://www.javelintrackdays.co.uk/trackdays/Formu...
though not sure with its current condition if it will be up for any of these dates progress depending.
https://www.javelintrackdays.co.uk/trackdays/Formu...
I don't have right now but imagine if someone just took bike loom, switchgear etc and basically fitted it loosely spliced, i.e. far from finished but enough to prove working.
Its basically been test fit but in no way complete......I don't have comprehensive pics sorry.
That said, it has started at least once so proving the basics are there ( lights also come on etc, but actually, thinking I should probably remove those?)
Also quite keen to retro-RF86 the bodywork but speaking to Dermot on that, if he can help. His main advice was "get rid of it!" though lol
I'm a bit more persistant than that.....if it really really winds me the wrong way ( its getting there but I'm still optomistic ) then I might take his advice. I've never owned anything remotely like this and for the money
Other stuff:
Got some doors for my oversized ( bigger than single garage) coming and will be sorting the towbar fitting. Either diy or professional but my first quote for fitting with specific wiring based on mobile fitting came in about £700, wasn't too keen on that but also not keen on the bypass relay with it being relative modern car ( I would ideally want to use my old Fabia, but the mk1 vRS was never type approved ..... joke when the 1.4 and even 3 cylinder 1.2 are no doubt approved.....some nonsense about them not liking the bumper). But the trouble is insurance and all that.
Another issue I have the garage really filled a little bit with crap Got several 1000 x 2000ad comics to shift ....
did recently sell 2 MGF seats that were original part fabric for the ones I'd upgraded to full leather so getting there.....I'm sure as soon as I have the double doors on the garage then I'll feel more secure, having a place for it to call home and dry rather than worn tarpaulins. I'm not too bad with house hoarding but tend to use the garage for anything I think might remotely come in useful in future......sometimes pays sometimes not....
Its basically been test fit but in no way complete......I don't have comprehensive pics sorry.
That said, it has started at least once so proving the basics are there ( lights also come on etc, but actually, thinking I should probably remove those?)
Also quite keen to retro-RF86 the bodywork but speaking to Dermot on that, if he can help. His main advice was "get rid of it!" though
lolI'm a bit more persistant than that.....if it really really winds me the wrong way ( its getting there but I'm still optomistic ) then I might take his advice. I've never owned anything remotely like this and for the money
Other stuff:
Got some doors for my oversized ( bigger than single garage) coming and will be sorting the towbar fitting. Either diy or professional but my first quote for fitting with specific wiring based on mobile fitting came in about £700, wasn't too keen on that but also not keen on the bypass relay with it being relative modern car ( I would ideally want to use my old Fabia, but the mk1 vRS was never type approved ..... joke when the 1.4 and even 3 cylinder 1.2 are no doubt approved.....some nonsense about them not liking the bumper). But the trouble is insurance and all that.
Another issue I have the garage really filled a little bit with crap
Got several 1000 x 2000ad comics to shift ....did recently sell 2 MGF seats that were original part fabric for the ones I'd upgraded to full leather so getting there.....I'm sure as soon as I have the double doors on the garage then I'll feel more secure, having a place for it to call home and dry rather than worn tarpaulins. I'm not too bad with house hoarding but tend to use the garage for anything I think might remotely come in useful in future......sometimes pays sometimes not....
I'm going to replace the massive wheels with some genuine 13" and very tempted to remove all the existing bodywork for something more purposed to the car
Im struggling with starting, its almost catching with tiniest amount of throttle but any choke and repeatedly attempting to start is leading to just backfiring.
Just getting too many backfires at the moment so something is way off
I tried measuring volts on the input side of one of the coil sides today it seemed to be only reading about 1v while cranking (the other side did similar but at one point closer up to 11v)
Haven't done a resistance on both coils yet......
Battery is good.
Looked at fueling, i've introduced guage that I found amongst the spares suggesting its about 2psi if thats to be trusted so doesn't look like its fuel.
(Could be the carbs i've adjusted all the screws to 2 turns at the moment I think the standard it 2 and a half)> I did get it started ok
Also may I ask Is the consensus I should definitely pull off all lights, indicators, brakelights etc attempted on this car?
I just don't have any confidence at the moment.
I've contacted a few people I think I may seek for help, just having the engine starting and idleing would be a nice target.
Be far easier if I can get a mobile bike engine mechanic who knows his stuff.
I'm also getting a nice lot of blackbird spares for the sum of £200 reduced from AB spares who are clearing a load of good cbr1100x spares, why not.
Im struggling with starting, its almost catching with tiniest amount of throttle but any choke and repeatedly attempting to start is leading to just backfiring.
Just getting too many backfires at the moment so something is way off
I tried measuring volts on the input side of one of the coil sides today it seemed to be only reading about 1v while cranking (the other side did similar but at one point closer up to 11v)
Haven't done a resistance on both coils yet......
Battery is good.
Looked at fueling, i've introduced guage that I found amongst the spares suggesting its about 2psi if thats to be trusted so doesn't look like its fuel.
(Could be the carbs i've adjusted all the screws to 2 turns at the moment I think the standard it 2 and a half)> I did get it started ok
Also may I ask Is the consensus I should definitely pull off all lights, indicators, brakelights etc attempted on this car?
I just don't have any confidence at the moment.
I've contacted a few people I think I may seek for help, just having the engine starting and idleing would be a nice target.
Be far easier if I can get a mobile bike engine mechanic who knows his stuff.
I'm also getting a nice lot of blackbird spares for the sum of £200 reduced from AB spares who are clearing a load of good cbr1100x spares, why not.
I prefer the route and idea of going semi-historic with it, keeping engine work as a lot has gone into that but less misty about the lectrics and body which is bastardised to fit.
May use it needs must where needed, they will work, but already got hold of 2 original panels thanks to Dermot, still needing quite a few but a good start.
As mentioned going to pick up a sizeable amount of engine spares, effectively spare engine for £200, typo'd earlier it was AB performance
(who I might end up consulting for help, need a chat with them but they seem to do similar).
May use it needs must where needed, they will work, but already got hold of 2 original panels thanks to Dermot, still needing quite a few but a good start.
As mentioned going to pick up a sizeable amount of engine spares, effectively spare engine for £200, typo'd earlier it was AB performance
(who I might end up consulting for help, need a chat with them but they seem to do similar).
Now acquired the more original/ size 13s wheels
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Formula-Ford-FF1600-Wel...
Also acquired 2 panels from Dermot, so on its way to originality/ less chunkiness.
So far the centre bodywork before the nose panel and a rear panel.
( At very least will still be needing nose, cockpit l/r, the tail/engine cover, and also a screen to start to look anything like original/ semi complete)
Also a nice used pair of double doors collected. Pricely sum of £30! Though paying someone probably considerably more to assist me to fit them.
Going to AB this weekend to get the engine "backup spares" so may have a chat to see if they have any interest in helping.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Formula-Ford-FF1600-Wel...
Also acquired 2 panels from Dermot, so on its way to originality/ less chunkiness.
So far the centre bodywork before the nose panel and a rear panel.
( At very least will still be needing nose, cockpit l/r, the tail/engine cover, and also a screen to start to look anything like original/ semi complete)
Also a nice used pair of double doors collected. Pricely sum of £30! Though paying someone probably considerably more to assist me to fit them.
Going to AB this weekend to get the engine "backup spares" so may have a chat to see if they have any interest in helping.
Also ordered a cheap fireblade style fuel pump
- Despite having a psi gauge along with the spares and it suggests about 2psi after much repeated advice going to sling the "facet" mini pump style thing and try with a blade style pump.
Interesting to see if this helps sort out the starting and running to be more consistent
Had suggestions to remove all the stuff so I can have the frame holes/mods welder up and powder coated but this is pretty intimidating for me, I would have to log all the progress done so far, literally removing the engine too.....I suppose at least that way it will be sorted perfectly ?
- Despite having a psi gauge along with the spares and it suggests about 2psi after much repeated advice going to sling the "facet" mini pump style thing and try with a blade style pump.
Interesting to see if this helps sort out the starting and running to be more consistent
Had suggestions to remove all the stuff so I can have the frame holes/mods welder up and powder coated but this is pretty intimidating for me, I would have to log all the progress done so far, literally removing the engine too.....I suppose at least that way it will be sorted perfectly ?
Gassing Station | Kit Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff