Mx5 mk3 build

[metal matt]

Hi guys I'm starting my build again after about 4 years of my chassis sat in my garage with no time to do it as I have a young family. Thing are getting on now and I'm starting my build again after a long wight. I built the chassis on the ford Sierra but with not a lot of them around any more I was going to use the mx5. Any way iv seen a mark 3 mx5 in my local scrap yard and was wondering if anyone as used the mk3. If anyone has any tips or info would be grate or do I stay away from it

Cheers

[TalonMotorFabrication]

You might want to google a few images of the MK3 diff as I think it can be mounted from the top, if you remove the stubby cast ali arms it is effectively hung by 4 bolts. Although you will still need to make a SOLID mount for the nose of the diff that bolts to SB4. If you still have your chassis set up for the Sierra diff a section of 3-5mm plate welded to the under side of RS11+12 would be the way I would go with it.

http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/talonmotorsport/mCZzRujMGT871rU62y87m8g.jpg (http://s812.photobucket.com/user/talonmotorsport/media/mCZzRujMGT871rU62y87m8g.jpg.html)

http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/talonmotorsport/mYkzQuuRiDwQD_i1WozppXg.jpg (http://s812.photobucket.com/user/talonmotorsport/media/mYkzQuuRiDwQD_i1WozppXg.jpg.html)

[metal matt]

Iv been looking at the diff witch look easy enough to mount but what about the rear wishbone and hubs

[TalonMotorFabrication]

I would start with the top wishbone as the top lug of the upright is off set to one side,mount the bottom of the coilover to so it sits on the side over the half shaft. Put a pair of bush tubes and polybushes either side of the coilover and bolt through the whole lot then run your 'arms' back to the suspension brackets.

[metal matt]

well iv done it gone for the mx5 mk3 rear end and mounted the diff and all the wishbone straight of the rear subframe so now i have got fully ajustable tracking all round

[dubzter]

well iv done it gone for the mx5 mk3 rear end and mounted the diff and all the wishbone straight of the rear subframe so now i have got fully ajustable tracking all round

So are you using the bones from the donor and not manufactured bones?

[skov]

We're going to need some pics of that!

[metal matt]

I'll get some up ASAP for you to have a look at
And yes I had to use the bones from the mk3 because of the complex shape of the hub but on the plus side I have hot some massive brakes on the back now

[metal matt]

hi gents try this for some pics i think iv done it right



https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[skov]

Nice work :cool:
Didn't realise just how different the Mk3 suspension was!

[dubzter]

that is different, so the top "control arms" aren't connected to each other then?

[metal matt]

No and all the wishbone have ball joints on the end where they connect up to the hub also the mounting point for the shocks is on the hub so there will be some more design changes to make for mounting the shocks


All good fun

[CTWV50]

Nice work :cool:
Didn't realise just how different the Mk3 suspension was!

Me neither! where do the damper mount?

[CTWV50]

No and all the wishbone have ball joints on the end where they connect up to the hub also the mounting point for the shocks is on the hub so there will be some more design changes to make for mounting the shocks


All good fun

Oh! Nice work!

[CTWV50]

Wow that looks like it's going to work really well!

http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/images/arm5_1.jpg

[metal matt]

it was good fun tring to get it all set up right but i got there in the end

[K4KEV]

Nowt like a bit of innovation ....keep it up MM:)

[CTWV50]

I almost want to build another car straight after this one to try a mk3 back end out! :rolleyes:



I said "almost"!!:eek:

[Dualist]

Great bit of fab work mate :cool:

[metal matt]

Quick update all was going Well finished all the welding on the chassis cleaned it all up ready to paint then the wife has broke her anckle 2 weeks ago so it's on hold yet again for a while but I will try to sneak into the garage when I can

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

well a quick up date. not much happening at the moment with the wifes broken ankle and all the house work to be doing but i did manage to find some time over the weekend to give the chassis a coat of primer and start with the top coat so not to much longer and the build will trully start happy days

[metal matt]

Well made a bit of progress over the last week managed to finish painting the chassis so the build can really start. Iv ordered all the aluminium and toll delivery and iv made and fitted the floor today so a shed load of drilling holes later and a shed load of pop riveting my hands are a bit worse for wairs but it's all worth it

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[TheArf]

Tidy job of the floor, what thickness of ally did you use

Arfon

[metal matt]

I used 2mm on the floor and it feel's good and stiff

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

well got a bit done last night iv finished fixing the alloy sheet to the back pannal and i got home to find my engine and gearbox sat on a pallet so put them together and fitted it into the chassis :D more so to keep it out the way for a while as i dont have to much room:(

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

well its been a while since iv had time to work on my car 6weeks as I'm working night shift at work on a shut down any way the plus side is iv been able to spend a bit and buy some bits for my car :D and I managed to spend some time on it today as I had the night of last night but back in tonight. So iv fitted and mounted the rad but together my nice new peddle box from OBP and done some panel work around the tunnel. Iv got a couple more weeks to go on night before back to normal but by the end I will be buying the body work but the wife doesn't know that yet :D



https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

Well Iv finished my night shift work on Friday morning thats the shutdown over with at last. Anyway I had a nice family day on Saturday and the wife was kind enough to let me go out and play in the garage today so my build is back on and I should start making some good progress. Anyway I'v cut all my alloy sheeting for my fuel tank today now I just need to arrange for a mate of mine to come over and weld it up for me with a few bears of corse and I had a little bit more time on my hands so iv started to run the rear brake lines. Fidley work but it will keep me buzy from this week

[metal matt]

way hay

well that was a well spent launch brake as iv ordered my bodywork should be with me in about 4 weeks just in time for my Christmas brake :D :D :D



https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[wylliezx9r]

Who did you order the bodywork off ?

[metal matt]

I ordered it from Eqinox in the end cost a little bit more but from what iv seen they are better quality

[wylliezx9r]

That's the choice I would have made if I could turn back time.

[metal matt]

well I managed to spent some time out in the garage this week end in between watching the rugby and F1. Any way iv managed to run my brake line out to all 4 corners and as iv got my body work coming in about 3 weeks now iv made a start and finished with stripping down the engine to a bare block ill give it a clean tonight and all the other bits to give it a nice lick of paint and rebuild ready for when my body work arrives.

[metal matt]

Well spent a bit of time out in the garage over the week nights and cleaned and painted the engine bloke, rocker cover and attachments (I hate cleaning what a pain) and managed to find a little time this evening to bolt it all up and back onto the head and I must say I'm well happy the way it turned out. Onto the air intake manifold now looking forward to see it all finished and dressed

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

Managed to spend some time in the garage Sunday night to clean and paint some of my parts and managed to bolt them back onto the engine last night and I'm well happy with the result so far:D



https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[skov]

Looking good :cool:
Am I missing something though, or is that a late Mk2 engine you're using?

[metal matt]

You are right it's out of a 2004 mk2.5 the mk3 engines were stupid money so I went for what I got instead thinking about putting a turbo on after IVA but haven't desided yet I'll wait to see what it goes like first

[skov]

Glad I'm not going mad!
Should be pretty quick without the turbo :cool:

[metal matt]

Well that was a nice surprise sat down having my diner with the family and a knock at the door delivery driver and it turned out to be my body work that has turned up a week early can't be bad:D . Haven't had time to have a proper look at it yet only a quick look whilst trying to put it safe in the garage and it all looks good so far:D got to go to the kids christmas concert tonight might get a better look at it if I get back early enough if I'm luck. :rolleyes:

[metal matt]

Well didn't spend any time in the garage this weekend hoping to go in tonight but I did manage to put my engine back into the chassis out of the way and roughly put some body work on to get a look

Starting to look like a car:D can't wait to be driving it but that is a long way of yet


https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

Well little up date with the few hour i'v been aloud to go into the garage over the Christmas brake and a good afternoon today I have managed to get all the aluminium bady work on and the back and it is starting to look like a car

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

well little up date. Not much time spent on the car since xmas Gutted only a hour or so hear and there as yet again I'm working loads of hour in work on a big project but iv managed to fix down my scuttle iv started to play with the wiring loom and I pick up my now welded together fuel tank so I might give the wiring a miss for a bit and fit the tank and do the fuel system

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

well that was a good start to my day lightened my wallet in work just ordered all the parts to build my exhaust, well I hope I have. Something for the weekend if I'm not working

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

well guess what I managed to spend a couple of hours in the garage yesterday afternoon. modified my mx5 exhaust header to pick up my bit ( quiet happy with the way that turned out) and started to run the pipe down the side of the car. Tonight I plan on making my tail pipe and then onto grinding my welds down and start to polish it up to a mirror finish. The silencer is just sat there for now to make it easier to polish then when its all polished up ill weld the 3 peace together then ill just have the welds to polish on the silencer

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[Badger]

Tidy job on the exhaust there mate, but I have to ask - did you weld new mild steel onto the old cast iron? If so you may end up with cracking at the joint.
Also your engine looks proper nice all cleaned up, I must confess I looked at the state of mine and just settled for a bit of a scraping!

[metal matt]

The manifold is steel and it welded together nice I cleaned up the ends first. The 2-1 is 2 pease of pressed steel to make the side with a seem down the middle to make it complete

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[Badger]

Ah, bang on - should have thought it would have been cast steel instead :) As I said it's a tidy job mate, gonna have to start on mine soon and I aint looking forwards to it!

[metal matt]

Well so far thats 1 hour grinding and sanding down the welds and about 2 1/2 hours polishing and that is the front half up to the silencer done next is the tail pipe grind and polish that weld before I weld the two peaces to the silencer

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

Well couple more hour in the garage tonight and I'm getting there with my exhaust. I'v ordered a sports cat witch I'm hoping will turn up tomorrow but I'm not sure were to put it. Just after the elbow coming out the body work or closer to the silencer decisions :rolleyes:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

well I must of been a good boy or the missis is in a good mood that is now 3 school nights out in the garage in a row in one week I wonder if I could keep it up :rolleyes:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[dubzter]

well I must of been a good boy or the missis is in a good mood that is now 3 school nights out in the garage in a row in one week I wonder if I could keep it up :rolleyes:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

Hope my missus is as understanding when I get started. Good work.

[metal matt]

Whoops parted with a bit of cash on my lunch brake. I bought my new wheels for the car :D but I haven't told the missus yet:o

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

well she knows now when the delivery turned up yesterday so I unwrapped 2 last night a stuck on the back and I'm well happy :D but because my rear end if of the MK3 witch is must be slightly wider I now need to make my rear arches wider by 40mm :(

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

That's another night in the play pen and my exhaust is finished and all bolted up now onto the next job

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[Stot]

That's another night in the play pen and my exhaust is finished and all bolted up now onto the next job

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

Who made the pipes and backbox for you? they fit great. Im looking at a new system in 2.5" and want a full stainless one really.

Cheers
Stot

[metal matt]

Cheers stot I made it myself I bought all the parts loose from exhaust supply uk the cat from turborev and about 15 hours of hard graft to make it by welding the peaces then grinding down the welds and polishing I'm hoping that after I have thrashed it around a bit that it will blue up a bit I'll have to get a finished photo up

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

well iv not updated for a while but I hate electrics :confused: but iv fixed my fuel tank down and last night I was trying to make a banal to fit over my diff but my battery went flat on my drill to find out I had a problem with my charger then I went on to blowing it up. Woop's :eek: any way I'm on stop with that and iv bought a new charger.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

Been a while with no up dates but i'v finished my fuel system and started playing with the wiring loom. Iv mounted my battery with an isolation switch and I'v had trouble trying to get my engine to turn over but with a bit of digging it turns out that I didn't have a starter interlock switch. So I Looped that and see fired up straight away what a result well happy:D my cooling hoses a bits should be arriving tomorrow so that is my next job

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

well I must say iv had a good weekend. the engine is starting on the key and running really nice :D The cooling water is all done might change a few things but its ok for now, and iv got to run it hot to see if my fan kicks in. Also as you may know I'm not to keen on electrics but iv got my front indicators working and my head light so not to far away from tidying up the wiring in the engine bay


https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[garyt]

hi well done just got mine running this weekend too wiring looks like spaghetti on steroids though , not my fave job but needs must... anyway I know how chuffed I was so well done again

[metal matt]

Deffenatly now that feeling smile from ear to ear I just need to get a video up now. I seen your video looking good and I know what you mean about the electrics :confused: but I'm slowly getting there

[CTWV50]

Well done matt, big milestone getting it running!

[metal matt]

cheers Chris my next milestone is to get it on its wheels and out the garage to take some proper photos and congrats on getting your through the IVA cracking story bet you cant wait to get out on the road.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[CTWV50]

cheers Chris my next milestone is to get it on its wheels and out the garage to take some proper photos and congrats on getting your through the IVA cracking story bet you cant wait to get out on the road.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

Thanks, I'M DOING A GOOD JOB OF KEEPING BUSY (oops caps) doing some dash wiring to while away the hours. :rolleyes: A week, maybe two, and I should be on the road.:D

[metal matt]

Finally got a Video of my car running hope this works for my firsts attempt of this

https://youtu.be/cBIe8yulbSk

[garyt]

Great to see the video evidence :)
Seems so refined compared to mine:) no seriously its looking and sounding great. Really spurs you on. Congrats again

[metal matt]

Well its been a few weeks since iv updated but I have been busy. the wiring is 90% complete all the lights are working just needs a bit more tidying up under the dash and a couple of switches. Iv also got my bonnet scope painted and attached to the bonnet and painted and my job over the last week and weekend has been making my dash, it just needs a few more finishing touches.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[Davidbolam]

Well its been a few weeks since iv updated but I have been busy. the wiring is 90% complete all the lights are working just needs a bit more tidying up under the dash and a couple of switches. Iv also got my bonnet scope painted and attached to the bonnet and painted and my job over the last week and weekend has been making my dash, it just needs a few more finishing touches.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/


Your build looks very nice! Are you using AGM panels?

Can I ask where you got you scoop from?

David

[metal matt]

Cheers David My body work is from Equinox with alloy sides and my bonnet scope is from a cobra but I would of liked a bigger scope but I couldn't find one at the time so I might change it if the future after IVA if I find one

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

Well I'm at stoneleigh and Iv got my seat what next to buy could get a bit expensive :D

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/17177669480/


https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[CTWV50]

Nice seats....:) What are they?

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8689/17190209188_0b2b4290f4_b.jpg

[rpjg1975]

Good fit :D

[metal matt]

These are the seats I bought at stoneligh on Sunday. They are oddesy 2 and made by intatrim they were in hall 1 opposite the nice candy red cobra. I sat in them and just had to get them as they were so comfortable . They are also real leather not vinyl.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

Well time for a little up date. Been doing a few little bits and bobs to finish a few little thing but my biggest thing is Iv started to carpet the cockpit and what a difference it makes. It's starting to look like a finished car not a box full a tool and it is coming together well happy just can't wait to get it on the road.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[Stot]

These are the seats I bought at stoneligh on Sunday. They are oddesy 2 and made by intatrim they were in hall 1 opposite the nice candy red cobra. I sat in them and just had to get them as they were so comfortable . They are also real leather not vinyl.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

No expense spared!

I have leather Intatrim seats too. :D

Cheers
Stot

[metal matt]

No expense spared!

I have leather Intatrim seats too.

Cheers

cheers stot

I wish I could say no expense spared I could spend all the time but I have a wife that is trying to stop me from spending its just a good job she doesn't really know how much iv spent so for :D

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

Hi everyone. Iv not disappeared I have been busy doing stuff.. iv tidied up under the dash board iv also been prepping my front wishbones and got them painted and fitted the driver side last night hopefully get the passenger side on tonight then iv got to try and resist putting it onto the floor for a little bit longer as I want to do a few more jobs whilst it is at a nice height to work on but we will see :D

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

Well Iv finally got all 4 wheel on and it's looking grate well I happy can't wait to get it on the floor now few more jobs first.

http://https://flic.kr/p/t5juow

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[TheArf]

Tidy looking wheels there mate

Arfon

[metal matt]

Wow that is the car on the floor one step closer to being on the road but I still have loads to do :D

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/shares/8d0jx7


https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[garyt]

hi looking good just watch the repeater position with them on the scuttle, looks like your making good progress

[metal matt]

cheers
I am in doubt about the indicators on the scuttle where they are I might need to get some longer ones

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[CTWV50]

cheers
I am in doubt about the indicators on the scuttle where they are I might need to get some longer ones

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

Yes if your tester is on the ball he will fail them on angles of disability to the rear, best to have them on the rear or edge of the front arches or in the edges of the rear arches.

See my thread on exactly this issue....

http://www.haynes.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=98094&postcount=419

edit:

I have these for sale with the resistor blocks if you're interested, pain in the arse but removable and only a 4mm hole needs drilling.

http://www.haynes.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=98147&postcount=431

[metal matt]

Thanks for that Chris I just had a look through the IVA manual and I get what your saying now it is the view from looking over the rear wheel arch with the 5dec.

next one is but might sound a bit stupid how do I put photos up as ever time I try it keeps saying my file is to big exceeds the 19.5kb

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

Right it has been a very long time since my last up date and with the site play up over the weekend I thought I better get one in quickly. Any way my build is still going even thou I had my first night in the garage last night for 2weeks. one week out the garage to keep the misses happy then a nice weeks holiday. Any way I had to modify my rear wheel arches and make then wider. I put them back on and then decided to paint all the aluminium panels witch was going to be an after IVA but I'm glad I done it because I'm well happy with the way it turned out. currently making some trim peace's to go around the cockpit to give it a nice finish.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

Well time for a little up date. I had some go intentions to spend the day in the garage yesterday. so I started my first 2 hours by giving the garage a good clean had some launch then the missis was feeling a bit ill so I ended up looking after the kids for the afternoon but I did make it back in in the evening so I've made some nice aluminium finishing trims and I've also made my bake cover / boot lid. I doesn't sound like much but all the finishing bits seem to take forever.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[garyt]

looks good, :)
I know what you mean all I seem to be doing is little fiddly jobs just now and I keep finding more mmmm ...... like when you see someones boot cover and think "I hadn't even thought about that !" :)
keep up the good work

[norton]

Hi Matt, Your car is looking superb, I'm quite envious!

Could I enquire please what headlights you've used please?

[metal matt]

Hi Matt, Your car is looking superb, I'm quite envious!

Could I enquire please what headlights you've used please?

Thanks for the comments I suppose I get a bit of encouragement from everyone on here. The head light I got from CBS I had a look on there site but they don't seam to have them at the moment. I cant quite remember how much I paid.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

Well time for a little up date. Not much happened lately but I have finish modifying my rear arches and they are now fitted back on as a finish item (hope I don't need to take them off again). I'm still not too sure about what I have done so I might change them after my IVA but It might grow on me..so also started to rewire the lights but then my back gave in so ill do the other side tonight.




https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[NeilW]

I quite like the rear arches. Looks like you have done a nice tidy job there.

[metal matt]

well time for a little update.
I've finished or started and finished my front wheel arch brackets and mounted my arches. Just got one arch left to put some edging trim on quite a fiddle job to get them looking the same from one side to another. spent a few hours in the garage yesterday and made a cover box and mounted my fuse box and brake reservoir in it looks ok. connected my last brake lines to the peddles just need to get some brake fluid on the way home tonight and I will try to bleed my bakes. one thing I am thinking of doing is to mount my side repeaters on the front arches for the IVA angle thing and also mount my front indictors on the top of the arches but not sure what to do there yet.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[Ianr]

well time for a little update.
one thing I am thinking of doing is to mount my side repeaters on the front arches for the IVA angle thing and also mount my front indictors on the top of the arches but not sure what to do there yet.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

Thats what I am doing Matt. I have some stick on LED types from CBS for the repeater on the outer edge of the wing and a pair of surface mount ones for the main indicator at the front of the wing. I've tried turning full lock both ways and checking the 80deg 45deg angles for IVA and they work fine

[metal matt]

Well little up date.
Whilst working on my roadster last week bleeding my brakes I kept looking at my dash which I covered in vinyl. The vinyl looks ok but it kept pealing of the bottom radius. One of my After IVA things was going to be to Carbon skin the dash but last week I thought sod it I'm doing it now and bought some materials. So I spent my time in the garage over the weekend skinning my dash and polished it up last night re dressed it and sort of put it back into the car and I must say looks much better and I'm glad I done it now and not after. One thing I did do whilst connecting the hazards up I brushed one of the terminals fiddling around and blow something somewhere but my fuses haven't blown. Random and cant find where so my indicators are not working now and the hazards.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

Well I must say it has been quiet on my build for the last 2 mouths ( work commitments ). Any way I have spent a few hours in the garage over the Christmas brake not as much a I would like but maybe some more time today hopefully. Any way I'm trying to get it finished by the end of March so I can go for IVA then try and get to stoneliegh with it. That the plan anyway.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[garyt]

its good to get something done even when it doesn't seem like much I'm secretly hoping to be ready for iva @ march / april time too, I've been lucky in that I've been able to get a fair bit done over the hols.
Did you get your indicators / hazards all working again?
Keep up the good work

[metal matt]

Yep my hazards are all working but I'm still not sure as I need to make some changes for positioning them

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[garyt]

yes in your pictures you have your repeaters on the scuttle, some have failed with them here due to the viewing angle being blocked by the rear arches, I put my repeaters on the outside edge of the front arches.
Are your front ones far enough out ( in from the outside edge) ? I am hoping my front indicators are visible at the required side angle , I've tried to measure the angle and check and " I think they are ok " so we will have to see on that one :) I mounted mine on the widest part of the nosecone
By the way I like how you did your roll bar,

[metal matt]

I'm thinking of putting a turbo on mine after but I'm not sure to go turbo or supercharge. What is the charger from?

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

I think my front indicators are to far in and I'm thinking about putting them on the front wheel arches and my side repeaters are to low to see over the rear archers. I don't know weather to move them up or put them on the Side of the front arches as well.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[garyt]

hi your front ones can you not measure how far out they need to come and then make some extensions, (westfield do longer ones the same as yours for their widebody) this would save you having holes from where they are now if you move them, repeaters "probably" have to go on the edge of the front arch

[metal matt]

Well little update spend some time in the garage this week and hopfully this weekend but I have made the top of the tunnel and carbon skinned it well happy and also made the alloy trim and polished them.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

So didn't spend any time in the garage this week but did manages a few hours today as I had the day off. So I managed to finely get my tunnel covered and I'm well happy I with it now to start all the loose end and get them done.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[Rosco]

Looking real smart now mate, it's a real tidy build! Have you got your IVA booked yet?

[metal matt]

Cheer Rosco.
No I haven't book it yet going to apply for it at the end of February for the test end of March that is what I'm planning and working towards.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

Well little up date.
Iv managed to spend some time over the week end in the garage and sorted a few things and found a few gremlins. The seats are now bolted in with the harnesses. The drive seat is on sliders and the passenger is just bolted down. Iv also put some hinges on my boot lid and fitted some locks just need to Put something under Neath for them to catch against. The gremlins are from the indicators they were once working and I started to fit the side repeaters onto the front arches went to try them and nothing fuses are ok and iv now narrowed it down to the flasher box. Think I blow it up some how when trying to get my hazards to work. On the plus side my to do list is getting sorter.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[garyt]

hi glad your getting on are your indicators / repeaters all bulb or led or a mix?
Mine were a mix so I used a flasher unit from cbs that does both or I have some unused ballast resistors here if you want foc
My list is getting shorter too and took the car from house to a big car park on sat morning , it showed up a couple of issues and its going to the local garage in 3 weeks for a shakedown, emmisions, brakes, light aim.
Keep up the good work

[metal matt]

Cheers Gary.
I did see you went out for a spin looking good. My indicators are all bulbs I haven't check them but might be good to check. There is no click from the flasher box so that is why I'm thinking that is the problem.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

Right iv had a little time in the garage over the weekend sorted a few issues out so I'm glad about that. That means my to do list is getting smaller. Iv also took the car out on the road for the first time even if it was to turn it around into the garage I think it still count. Most of this weeks work will be to make a few supporting brackets for the engine bay and give that a clean up.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[martin62]

Hi Metal Matt hope to get working on my car after a few years break.Can you give me the name of the place you got the parts for your exhaust box and tail pipe

[metal matt]

Hi Martin
I got my parts from uk exhaust parts http://exhaustpartsuk.com and I got my CAT from eBay

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[martin62]

How well does the box work at keeping noise down as its sealed (not re-packable) and did you buy or make the tailpipe yourself. Any pics of how you mounted it.Aidan

[metal matt]

I think the box is ok little vid of it running https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBIe8yulbSk. I bought the tail pipe as a straight peace then welded a bend to the end of it then ground the weld down and polished it up. the rear mount I welded a tab on underneath the exhaust to avoid sharp edges and another coming out from under the car with a rubber mount.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

A little vid of my first drive https://youtu.be/f6QzcI-LtZw

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[martin62]

Thanks for the videos I will get one ordered up not too loud.Aidan

[metal matt]

well little up date ticked a few more thing of on my to do list and finished filling in my IVA application form just got a few thing I would to do before I post it of. The thing I want to do before posting is try and get my engine light to go out so I need to find out the codes from the ECU sort them out then I will be happy to post it of.

Got to keep pushing now I'm on the last hurdle.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[norton]

Well done, your cars a stunner and I hope you have a smooth test especially with summer just around the corner. That's a nice daydream, those first journeys in the sun!

[garyt]

good to hear it, You can put an available from date on the forms this then gives you a deadline to aim at :)
It really is a great incentive spring on the way

[metal matt]

Well spend a few hours in the garage over the weekend and got a few little jobs done and finished. I made a list of some parts needed to finish of a few thing and got them ordered up this morning. The mane thing is the
"to do list" is getting shorter. The IVA forms are all filled in and in an envelope ready to go I just cant bring myself to putting it in the post yet but in reality I should get the ball rolling.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[garyt]

go on do it:) :) they are processing fairly quickly just now before the spring rush I guess

[metal matt]

I'm going too. Decided on my way into work that on my way home ill get some stamps and it is going straight into the post box. :(

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

Well I have gone and done it my IVA papers are in the post so I better get on with finishing the last few things. The post man has also been today with my last few thing so I've got an evening planed in the garage. I only had a "what have you bought now" from the wife as I walked in from work. I just got to tell here about the £450 that I'll end up paying out some time soon :(

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[garyt]

good work that man, they will soon be in touch and appear to be very efficient so far !!!! I know that contradicts some experiances but the whole process has been pretty quick so far and that was posting the application as well.
Good luck with those little jobs..... and the best of british with telling your good lady (mine was away in America :) )

[metal matt]

awch that hurt just paid the £450 for my IVA

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[Rosco]

Oh god, be worth it when you pass first time though!

[garyt]

yeah it hurt a wee bit but your on your way now :)

[metal matt]

Well that is that my IVA is now booked. So now to get those last few bit finished and keep going through the car in checking mode just to make sure I don't miss anything.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[garyt]

good luck :)

[metal matt]

So had a bit of time over the week end playing with the car and sorted a few things out and crossed of the to do list. Had the car out on the drive and set the tracking up (ish) took it for a drive down the street to check a few thing like the brakes, any odd noises and self centring steering which didn't happen so any advice on that would be grate. Also took a few updated pics of the car nearly finished.

http://http://locostbuilders.co.uk/upload/2IMG_9786.JPG

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

little walk around Vid of the car nearly ready for IVA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyzwd3k_H-w&feature=youtu.be

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[garyout]

Looking good looking good ☺

Fingers crossed for test mate

Garf

[Davidbolam]

So had a bit of time over the week end playing with the car and sorted a few things out and crossed of the to do list. Had the car out on the drive and set the tracking up (ish) took it for a drive down the street to check a few thing like the brakes, any odd noises and self centring steering which didn't happen so any advice on that would be grate. Also took a few updated pics of the car nearly finished.

http://http://locostbuilders.co.uk/upload/2IMG_9786.JPG

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

I was worried about the self entering for my test but the examiner put the car to full lock and booted it to make sure it centred a bit. You can always add a bit of toe out as well.

David

[alga]

self centring steering which didn't happen so any advice on that would be grate.

The IVA requirement is "When the vehicle is driven at speeds above 10mph, there must be a degree of steering “self centring” evident." You can't really check it on a narrow residential street. On my Haynes, when driving down the street at 10-20 mph, and wiggling the wheel left and right a bit, self-centering is pretty weak, especially on semi-slick tyres. But when coming out a drifting hairpin on full lock I can release the steering wheel for it to unwind. So, even though self centering weaker than on production cars, it's there.

[SeriesLandy]

You can lower the tyre pressure to help self centring. I think mine were about 14psi

[metal matt]

So looking through my car last week doing my checks I realised I forgot about my horn I had mounted it but never got it working. Woops. So spent the weekend going backwards before I could go forward. Had to strip the dash back out then couldn't find the horn relay, no where to be found. So found a redundant relay that I missed when stripping bits of the loom and re wired it all working now then put it back together again. So now back to Keep on checking and giving it a good clean before my IVA.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[garyt]

oops yes I know that feeling, I went over and over the car, still at least you found it now.

[metal matt]

So the car is finished bar a good clean up before IVA. Had another look at the tracking and the self centering this afternoon and it turned out the tracking was well out. Whoops. When I set it the first time well tried to the youngest doughter jumped it and turned the wheel and I thought it I put it back to centre. Turned out it wasn't. Any way re set it all took it for a drive down the roads and it now "shows sings of self centering".

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

Ok si if had the week of work this week but the wife gave me the freedom to have a me day. So I spent most of today giving the car a good clean and another going over. I think the IVA nerves are starting to settle in now. I've only got to put a little tool kit together now them I'm all ready for Friday. 2 more sleeps to go :confused:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[garyout]

Good luck mate car is looking great

Garf

[SeriesLandy]

Good luck with your test tomorrow

[K4KEV]

Good luck bud, hope you get a 1st timer

[SteveH1]

Good luck 😄

[vmax1974]

Best of luck fingers are crossed

[Rosco]

good luck mate, cant wait to hear you have passed later!

[metal matt]

Thank for the support but I've got some bad news. I had a fail today but it was silly little things that won't take much to fix. I will post up a full report over on the IVA bit shortly.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[vmax1974]

Thats a shame but its often a fail first time round

[K4KEV]

ger'em sorted and straight back in

[garyt]

hi , just catching up , gutted that you failed mate and I see your retest is next Friday good luck with that, I'm still waiting for my reg to come (very impatiently)
any problems with deciphering the v5/55 phone kits and rebuilds very helpful lady who talked me through it

[metal matt]

So passed and got my IVA certificate I've just finished filling in the paper work and all the bits go go with it I just need to make a excuse to get pop out to put it all in the post the roll on for the next 3 week

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[norton]

Well done, must be a great feeling! Summer is just around the corner too!

[metal matt]

So iv now past the IVA and the paper work for registering it to get a Reg number is now in the post so the count down has started. It will be the longest 3 + 2 weeks ever.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[norton]

Now the fun starts!

Did you construct your rear and side panels from sheet ally?

[metal matt]

yep the back and sides are alloy. I put a slight curve in the back panel in the very early days when I built my chassis. I didn't fancy having a straight flat back so I had not chose of having a fiberglass rear tub.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

So iv had a little play with some build pics and making a little video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ba85kM-WODM

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[SteveH1]

Well done getting through the iva
Of you dont mind could you tell me if you have rails on your seats and if so could you tell me the distance from rear seat back where you welded in the supports for the rails
If it not too much trouble
Thanks

[norton]

Did you make the side panels in one piece?

[garyt]

like the video , I am impressed

[metal matt]

SteveH
No problem. I went out and had a quick measure and from the front edge of the seat back to the centre of the fists rail is 200mm and then 280mm to the centre of the front rail. My passenger seat is bolted down to the rails and the driver seat is on slides.

Norton
My sides are almost one peace Alloy if you have a look at my pics the ones dated the 15th may ish you can just make out that its one peace all the way down the car side and a little peace over the rear wheels arch. With the wheel arch on it is only leaving a small seam that looks ok.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[SteveH1]

SteveH
No problem. I went out and had a quick measure and from the front edge of the seat back to the centre of the fists rail is 200mm and then 280mm to the centre of the front rail. My passenger seat is bolted down to the rails and the driver seat is on slides.

Norton
My sides are almost one peace Alloy if you have a look at my pics the ones dated the 15th may ish you can just make out that its one peace all the way down the car side and a little peace over the rear wheels arch. With the wheel arch on it is only leaving a small seam that looks ok.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

Thank you 👍

[metal matt]

So I'm already starting to get withdrawal symptoms from working on my car so I went out and took the rocker cover off and started to clean it up to re paint it. During the build and from when I painted it about 18 months ago it has got marks all over it chips and dust and I had a small oil leak and they have all be bothering me. So as iv got a bit of time waiting for my papers I thought now is the time.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[SteveH1]

Another question if i may
How did you join the bonnet to the nose cone and how did hinge it all.

[metal matt]

My body work came from Equinox and the nose cone and bonnet have a returned flange witch made it very easy to bolt together. For the hinges I use some Stainless steel one and bolted them to the under side of the nose cone and to the front chassis rail. All in all it works well.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[SteveH1]

Cheers thanks

[metal matt]

So I couldn't resist any more. I just got of the phone from the DLVA and the paper work is going through and it is apparently "up stairs" with the licencing department to give a Reg number and should be back tomorrow. Anyway my next question was can I ring up on Friday to have my number and he said yes it should be there by then to give out. Happy days I might be on the road this weekend fingers crossed.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[TheArf]

There was someone on here the other day saying that he had an email with the reg number on it and his local plate maker accepted this, hopefully you will be able to do the same, good luck

Arfon

[metal matt]

ye that was GaryT and I'm hoping the same

[norton]

I am Jacks raging jealousy.

[Ianr]

Is your dash from equinox? I am in the process of making one that looks the same as yours (but not as good).
Well done getting to where you are, I am very envious :)

[metal matt]

Is your dash from equinox? I am in the process of making one that looks the same as yours (but not as good).
Well done getting to where you are, I am very envious

No my dash is a home brew job. I'm thinking of keeping it as is for now and changing it moding it over the winter.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

Oh happy day's :D. Just got off the phone from the DVLA my reg number is on it's way in the post and she just gave it to me over the phone. So getting some plate's on the way home from work later then out for a spin :D look out

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[vmax1974]

Did she email the reg number to you too

enjoy your blast out

[Rosco]

wicked! what time shall i put the kettle on for you tomorrow? :D

Oh happy day's :D. Just got off the phone from the DVLA my reg number is on it's way in the post and she just gave it to me over the phone. So getting some plate's on the way home from work later then out for a spin :D look out

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[garyt]

nice one, Enjoy :)
don't forget the video .... haha revenge is sweet :)

[metal matt]

Cheers guys.
I cant wait to finish work at 3.30. But on the other hand I cant complain to much little under 2 weeks from the DVLA now that's not to bad.

Garyt no probs the go pro is ready and waiting to go.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

So had a little spin yesterday after work and was good fun. Any way the video has finally loaded up nothing special. I migh get a bit more creative as time goes by.

https://youtu.be/o-c5o40hs3I
https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[TheArf]

Congratulations on a great build, I started watching the video and then I thought I know that road, the summer before last we spent two glorious weeks at freshwater east in our caravan and the weather was glorious and we are planning to return there next summer (2017).
Again congratulations on a great build

Arfon

[Rosco]

Looks sweet mate, so gelous!!

[metal matt]

Cheers chaps. I can't wait to get out in it again for a nice long drive.

Arfon. Yep your right I only live 10 minutes away from freshwater east. There is loads of beaches around and I looking forward to having a nice drive out to them to get some pics as a back drop.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[garyt]

just watched the video , bet that felt great and your son loved it too.
Enjoy, you deserve it and have fun. Here's to many sunny days ahead.

[metal matt]

Same to you to Gary. And yes it was grate and I plan on getting out as much as I can. You enjoy your to and drive safe.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[metal matt]

So iv been diving my Haynes to work and enjoying every bit of it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEZj70shJ40

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[garyout]

Looking good mate well done I'm totally jealous :)

Videos are great and watching yours and Garyt's will spur me on to find that time to get on with mine, I have just changed jobs so no more shifts just mon to fri so that's a start and just the hard ship of going to auz for three weeks tomorrow to see Mrs family :)

Gary

[garyt]

watched the trip to work , Looks good :)

[metal matt]

Cheers gents. Well that make 3 day out of 3 day going to work in my roadster and loving ever drive.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[Rosco]

How's the car going mate?

[metal matt]

Absolutely brilliant. I'm enjoying every time I get in it. Iv taken it to work 4 time out of 5 this week today is raining Gutted.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEZj70shJ40
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-c5o40hs3I

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[garyt]

haha we have had it the other way round so I have her out today :)

[metal matt]

So iv been on the road for a month now and having a blast.

https://youtu.be/rcPoQVunzvo

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124541083@N02/

[garyt]

awesome video, far more creative , great roads and glad your enjoying her :)

[chris_smith]

Hi Matt, just been going through your build pics it looks like a really tidy build, but id like to know what trim you used for the tunnel? many thanks
chris

[metal matt]

Hi Matt, just been going through your build pics it looks like a really tidy build, but id like to know what trim you used for the tunnel? many thanks
chris

Hi Chris.
The trim along the tunnel is 1.5 mm thick aluminium. I had some left over bits during my build so I cut them into 40mm strips and folded them over some 1" box. Them I re marked them and trimmed them back. Once that was done I then sanded the sharp edges down to a nice radius and wet and dry to a smooth even finish they a lot of hare work polishing. I then fixed them down to the chassis with some counter sunk m4 bolts This also passed the IVA for all the radius test. Hope that helps.

[Eternal]

Hiya! Awesome build!

What are the spec of the parts used for your exhaust trying to workout what parts to get from exhaustpartsuk for my build. like size and length of tail pipe ect. Thanks!