John is back - more photos

Couldn't get these to display on my last post!!

John is back!!!

Finally got back in the workshop this weekend. John and his family came to stay and John and I spent most of Saturday working on the car, with high hopes of actually getting it onto 2 wheels. I set to work finishing suspension brackets and re-doing some welds on the wishbones, while John began to fabricate the structure at the front where the front suspension will attach. The front progressed well and finished up with about half of it tacked into place. At the rear however, things were a bit difficult. Having attached the lower wishbone on one side, it became apparent that the intended location of the top mount was not feasible. After much thought, the difficult decision to remove one of the chassis tubes was made.
We were always aware when we changed from Rover mechanicals to the Ford engine, that we would probably have to move something, however, it was still difficult cutting away what was actually quite a tricky tube to cut to size. Once this was done, the top mount was tacked on and the strut bolted into place temporarily. When we tried to compress the strut, it didn’t move and the whole car lifted.

Again, much head scratching ensued with the conclusion that as the strut has been at full extension on the stops oaf a while, maybe it has a bit of ‘stiction’ and may need a technical tap to free it. Unfortunately we had to call it quits at this point and return to 2 wives and five kids........Can’t wait to get back in the workshop again!

I'm supposed to be enjoying this!

Finally got back in the workshop last night. The reason for the delay? Partly grotty cold, the rest see here http://www.totalkitcar.com/tested.php#1136

Anyway, finished the second suspension bracket last night and went to weld up the first. First weld went OK, but was disturbed during the second. Re-welded it but it had a few pin holes in it, so ground it back to check it - didn't look too bad. Then went to weld the other side of the joints. First the wire got stuck to the tip. Freed it, then the wire stuck again and tripped the power. Removed the tip and tried to replace it but couldn't get the new tip on. Also, the welder is now not operating, so I must have blown a fuse somewhere. I hope it is not worse! I won't be getting much done for a while now as I am moving house this weekend. By the time I've finished that, John will be back in the country and I can look forward to a weekend of mechanical mayhem while respective other halves and kids get together!

A Car is Born............NOT

For those of you in the UK, one of the Discovery Channels is repeating the' A Race Car is Born' Series in which TV Vet Mark Evans makes a Westfield. In last nights episode, we were treated to Mark 'Smug Git' Evans opening the next box of brand new bits to assemble another part of his car, followed by him saying to camera 'and look what we've achieved in just four days'. Full of inspiration I went to the workshop determined to make real progress. 2 hours later I had made 1 sodding bracket. Ok, it was a particularly tricky shape, but I didn't even get time to weld it! And I've got to make one for the other side as well. With a house move looming, my glacial progress doesn't bode well, although for now the 'car' will remain in the workshop where it is. Still, Birthday approaches and offers of money to buy bits mean that I can treat myself to a couple of M12 fine pitch female rose joints!!!

Las week I ground off all the bird s*** welds on the wishbone and re-did it using advice from the ever helpful Locostbuilders. Much better, but still a little inconsistent - but someone more experienced than I said that they looked 'plenty strong enough'. Both bottom wishbones are now made, hance the work above on the brackets. When these are made, and I have my birthday 'treat', the car will be sort of on two wheels at least!!!

More rear suspension

Drilled the second set of arms tonight, then welded in the inserts. These were then welded to the plates - hurray, one wishbone complete. The welding isn't the neatest - some bits went really well, others look messy, but there is excellent penetration and they seem v.strong!

More rear suspension

Spent Monday evening cutting and drilling another plate for the other side of the suspension, and cutting another two suspension arms. Next will be to weld the rod-ends into these arms, then it'll be time to assemble the two wishbones. Unsuprisingly, Tuesday being Valentines day, I thought it prudent to spend the evening at home! Would be bitter irony to have anniversary of divorce on Valentines! It is now Wednesday, divorce succesfully avoided, I hope to do some more work tomorrow as I'm away at the weekend again. I have noticed that the site visitor count has hit 2000!! Thanks for looking everyone and keep watching!

More rear suspension

Spent Monday evening cutting and drilling another plate for the other side of the suspension, and cutting another two suspension arms. Next will be to weld the rod-ends into these arms, then it'll be time to assemble the two wishbones. Unsuprisingly, Tuesday being Valentines day, I thought it prudent to spend the evening at home! Would be bitter irony to have anniversary of divorce on Valentines! It is now Wednesday, divorce succesfully avoided, I hope to do some more work tomorrow as I'm away at the weekend again. I have noticed that the site visitor count has hit 2000!! Thanks for looking everyone and keep watching!