David's Build Thread

[Davidbolam]

OMG vinyl stripes! That's "nearly finished" type stuff! :) I started back again with mine after new year, and have been thinking about grill mesh and front indicators. Does the mesh have to be automotive specific or not. Where did you get yours' from?

Indicators and mesh look good.:cool:

Good to see you have started making progress again. My wife keeps saying it look nearly finished but I've still got over 30 jobs to do. Some of them aren't straight forward either.

I had thought about mounting the indicators under the headlamps but I'm ok with the extensions. Will probably leave it like that after iva as well. They could easily be shortened if needed.

David

[twinturbo]

I only have one job left on mine to get it ready for IVA.
















Finish it.

[SeriesLandy]

Opinion ? is there any reason pre IVA not to fit them under the headlight by some means as opposed to the extension on the nosecone.

The problem with the under headlights is the angles of visibility. It's the 80deg outward angle (viewing from the kerb) that is the problem as the wheel is in the way. You still need to extend them forwards to get around this.
My attempt but it looks very temporary so I don't know if it will be ok or not.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7417/11758874954_36bafabc31_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/serieslandy/11758874954/)
Front carbon indicator pod (http://www.flickr.com/photos/serieslandy/11758874954/) by Series1Landy (http://www.flickr.com/people/serieslandy/), on Flickr

[flyerncle]

Looks like the extension route then .:rolleyes:

[jason 82]

First class job on the interior Dave. That looks like it has just come out of the factory ! Changing the subject, does anybody recognise the headlights on the haynes roadster featured in complete kit car magazine in the latest edition ? It was a 2 part feature on a scratch build haynes. The headlights look really different, in a good way. Wouldn't mind a set of those. I don't think it was a car from this forum, I don't recognise it, he gives a bodykit manufacturer a little kick about quality. He has a changed the bulk head ever so slightly to allow the Zetec unit to be set a little further back, build quality looks tidy enough, but the engine really needs some tlc. It looks like it has just been lifted straight out of a focus & dropped straight into the bay. I thought that he would have at least painted the rocker cover as it's a feature car ?:eek: :D

[Davidbolam]

First class job on the interior Dave. That looks like it has just come out of the factory ! Changing the subject, does anybody recognise the headlights on the haynes roadster featured in complete kit car magazine in the latest edition ? It was a 2 part feature on a scratch build haynes. The headlights look really different, in a good way. Wouldn't mind a set of those. I don't think it was a car from this forum, I don't recognise it, he gives a bodykit manufacturer a little kick about quality. He has a changed the bulk head ever so slightly to allow the Zetec unit to be set a little further back, build quality looks tidy enough, but the engine really needs some tlc. It looks like it has just been lifted straight out of a focus & dropped straight into the bay. I thought that he would have at least painted the rocker cover as it's a feature car ?:eek: :D

I was wondering about those lights as the may solve the indicator problem!

I'm sure the builder is a forum member as they would have bought the bodykit off spud or Nathan.

David

[PorkChop]

It's baz-r's car in CKC magazine; SVC, Europa or CBS will likely sell those headlights.

[TSM Locost]

This looks like the headlights, http://www.s-v-c.co.uk/product/hella-oval-headlights.

[Davidbolam]

Tonight I spent a bit of time making my dashboard. It just needs to be fitted into the car. The bolts are being reached by some black dome headed bolts as soon as they arrive from ebay.

I will eventually put in a carbon fibre dash as soon as someone makes one wide enough with the radius on the bottom.

I'm almost happy with the result. I wasn't going to use the padding underneath but when I measured my radius I was slightly under the 19mm so don't want to risk it at iva.

Here is a photo.....


http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3731/12093309685_8b8e7cf28e_c.jpg

I will post a photo of it in place and that will be the interior finished apart from the harnesses (not enough in piggy bank / car fund) at moment for those.

David

[Davidbolam]

Here is a picture of what the car looks like so far.....

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5478/12117684415_9354f29758_c.jpg

David

[K4KEV]

It's defo bin Tango'd Dave:D :D

[CTWV50]

Nearly there David, well done, looks like you will be no. 2 finished, where did you get your roll bar made?:)

[Davidbolam]

Nearly there David, well done, looks like you will be no. 2 finished, where did you get your roll bar made?:)

The roll bar was from Nathan at nts. The rear stays were done by my mate (bought the tube off ebay)

David

[Davidbolam]

Everything has been going brilliantly with my build over the last few weeks. My list seems to be getting smaller and smaller...... However tonight I have cam to the conclusion I may need to buy some new seat runners.

I bought 2 pairs of these about a year ago http://www.kitpartsdirect.com/products.php/store/85/c1/443/c2/4058/w/Universal_Runners and there is so much movement in the seats I cannot ever see them pass the iva. I am therefore looking for an alternative...

Has anyone else had similar problems with these runners?

I'm therefore thinking my runners are duff so happy for any suggestions. Do you thing it would be ok to weld the so they don't move?

David

[skov]

I used those, and was worried about the amount of play in them too!
IVA man clearly wasn't as concerned and didn't even mention it :cool:

[Davidbolam]

I used those, and was worried about the amount of play in them too!
IVA man clearly wasn't as concerned and didn't even mention it :cool:

Cheers, I went back out in the garage last night and had another look. The driver side one is not too bad. The passenger side though had actually failed. There are some nylon inserts that have fallen out. I am going to weld the passenger side one as it doesn't need to slide forwards and backwards.

David

[flyerncle]

Fiat Punto could be made to fit and most small cars have split runners where the adjuster bar could be cut and joined for the width of the Haynes.

[CTWV50]

We need to see some more pictures David.:) Is it done yet?

[Davidbolam]

I've finished the wiring to the back lights now. Lots of crimping later and all my light flash in the correct sequence! I also put my roadster sticker on the rear panel. Here is a photo.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3696/13194120495_881183614c_c.jpg
I'm not sure if I mentioned this earlier but I put my harnesses in which I ordered from prima Motorsport. Titan 4 point items. They are really nice, wide and had a good aero style buckle.

More photos to follow.

[CTWV50]

Ooo, that looks good!:)

[Davidbolam]

Here is the photo of my seat belts mentioned before.

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2764/13199633215_867c75cee0_c.jpg

David

[CTWV50]

You know Dave your car is really coming together now, and looks really good. I notice your not giving too much away with your shots. Love the belts, they goreally well with the colour scheme.

[twinturbo]

Comming on very well.

TT

[skov]

Looking good David. Love the stripes :D
Have you booked your IVA yet?

[flyerncle]

Love the title on the belts :eek:

[Davidbolam]

Looking good David. Love the stripes :D
Have you booked your IVA yet?

I haven't booked the IVA yet.

I am hoping to be 100% finished soon and will post some photos online.

Im still finding little niggly bits to do.

I dont want to spend the money on the IVA until im sure it will pass 1st time!

One area I have been looking at is the length of my handbrake cables. everyone elses seem shorter than mine? Min are so long they extend over the diff arms but everyone elses seem to stop short. I may need to re-rout them around thr driveshaft like Johnos

[Davidbolam]

Here is a link to a walk around of my car... So far.

Please ignore my wonky reverse light


http://youtu.be/4CTmo9jDKlM

[Stot]

Looking good. What rear view mirror is that? I'd love one like that in chrome.

Cheers
Stot

[Davidbolam]

Looking good. What rear view mirror is that? I'd love one like that in chrome.

Cheers
Stot

It's from CBS

David

[Davidbolam]

It's been a while since I posted anything to my thread.

As it does everything was coming together nicely and then I noticed that the bellows on my steering rack were permanently touching the wishbones! A bit of a bummer I thought as surely when I bought the kit this bit should have been a simple bolt on job. I looked a chris' build and he had placed aluminium plates under the rack to lift it a little.

Very generously he sent me enough aluminium froc so I could do the same.

After a quick dismantle and rebuild everything now clears nicely. By lifting the rack though this did cause the steering rack to fouls the heater pipes. When I was installing my radiator I was paranoid that it would be too high so I put this in as low as possible. To solve this I bought some 1" billet aluminium and salted it to the existing radiator mounts. This has lifted it so there's lots of clearance. The radiator is in a much better position as its more in the airflow for the big hold at the front!

Now to fit the cycle wings. I'm sure this will come with its complications!

David

[CTWV50]

I must of had my rack on and off 10 times before getting it right. What's salting?:)

[Davidbolam]

I spent a bit of time this evening starting to fit my cycle wings. All was going well until I noticed the cable on my drill had become damaged near the handle. When I went to put it down it shorted and made a very big flash. Luckily I didn't blow my bollocks off as that what the cable was near about 10 seconds earlier when I was drilling my bracket. I had a closer look and the cable had snapped. It's a cheap argos drill 9.99 that had drilled all of the holes for my car but I'm still a bit peeved as the cable shouldn't snap like that. I might complain to see if I can get my money back.

I now need to buy a drill to drill 2 holes lol

[rpjg1975]

Always the way! I had an old landrover years ago and had to cut off the bolts that held the door hinges on....sure enough my grinder shit itself with one hinge still attached!

[flyerncle]

I was using a leccy drill in the yard one day and the dog (9 stone German Sheperd) sniffed it and jumped 6 ft in the air all four paws.

It toowas live !

Dog survived never went near drill again.

The other half always used to coil up the laptop power lead,I said "the cable will snap if you keep doing that" two weeks later it blew a hole in the carpet .

[Davidbolam]

As the weather is improving i'm going to start at looking to see if I can get my hands on a trailer for a few days. I want to take it somewhere wher I can give it some shakedown testing to see if anything falls off etc..

I will then need to put a few IVA trims on then should be done (after a nice polish or two)

David

[Davidbolam]

I spent a bit more time working on my car yesterday. I have now fully fitted the cycle wings and also fixed the issue with the steering rack fouling the wishbones.

I decided to invert the brake switch as I had it placed so that it was on the top of the tee. I thought this was a potential spot to trap air so moved it so the switch is under the tee. I rewired everything back in and for some my rear brake lights stopped working (as well as the horn). The annoying thing is is didn't know if they had been working before I had moved the switch. I had a good study of the electrical wiring diagram and after a good hour of un-assembling my car (I should have put the fuse box in a easier to locate position) realised I had a blown fuse. The fuse that had been put in was the incorrect rating. Maybee when i had been out having a little spin earlier in the day they blew. All fixed now and the car is back in one peice.

The next issue I noticed is.... when i was driving it the car has developed a misfire. I changed the HT leads and this made no change. Next stage will be the plugs (even though they are fiarly new), coil pack and possible lambda sensor.

I only took the car out of the garage to take some nice pictures to put on here and it turned into a whole days worth of tinkering!!

David

[Stot]

I spent a bit more time working on my car yesterday. I have now fully fitted the cycle wings and also fixed the issue with the steering rack fouling the wishbones.

I decided to invert the brake switch as I had it placed so that it was on the top of the tee. I thought this was a potential spot to trap air so moved it so the switch is under the tee. I rewired everything back in and for some my rear brake lights stopped working (as well as the horn). The annoying thing is is didn't know if they had been working before I had moved the switch. I had a good study of the electrical wiring diagram and after a good hour of un-assembling my car (I should have put the fuse box in a easier to locate position) realised I had a blown fuse. The fuse that had been put in was the incorrect rating. Maybee when i had been out having a little spin earlier in the day they blew. All fixed now and the car is back in one peice.

The next issue I noticed is.... when i was driving it the car has developed a misfire. I changed the HT leads and this made no change. Next stage will be the plugs (even though they are fiarly new), coil pack and possible lambda sensor.

I only took the car out of the garage to take some nice pictures to put on here and it turned into a whole days worth of tinkering!!

David

I have a 1.6 coil pack I'm not using if you need one. I put COP on mine so its just going spare.

Cheers
Stot

[Davidbolam]

I have a 1.6 coil pack I'm not using if you need one. I put COP on mine so its just going spare.

Cheers
Stot

That would be great. Can you drop me a pm with how much you want and I will sort it ASAP

David

[Davidbolam]

As I am doing the last couple of jobs (still).

I have been wondering how to tighten the headlights without disconnecting them.

My solution was to buy a 21mm diesel injector socket and chop out a chunk. It took some chopping with my hack saw but here is the finished result.

I also had a delivery of 4 new tyres this morning. Toyo proxies which I managed to get the whole set new from ebay for £160 delivered!

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5570/14466030924_cfce566f1c.jpg

I have also carried out a noise test and my car is within the limits without having to put any restrictions in the exhaust.

I am hoping to book send my paperwork off this week for iva!

David

[voucht]

Hi David,
You car looks really splendid, no doubts your inspector well be pleased with it :) .
I have a question: how did you do or where did you by the material to make the 2 black stripes on your bodywork? I'd like to do the same kind of things on mine, but I don't know if there is another way than painting them (which I'd like to avoid)? Any supplier address, etc., you could give or recommend please?
Also, I will need to have these stripes made in a special colour (which I have the RAL number for). Do you think this is possible?
Thanks you.

[flyerncle]

Check out 9800 mactac vinyl Sylvain,its what they use to wrap cars etc it has a good life span outside and they do RAL colours.

Decide the width you need and make a block with a scalpel in it to cut it straight.

[Davidbolam]

Hi David,
You car looks really splendid, no doubts your inspector well be pleased with it :) .
I have a question: how did you do or where did you by the material to make the 2 black stripes on your bodywork? I'd like to do the same kind of things on mine, but I don't know if there is another way than painting them (which I'd like to avoid)? Any supplier address, etc., you could give or recommend please?
Also, I will need to have these stripes made in a special colour (which I have the RAL number for). Do you think this is possible?
Thanks you.

Hi Sylvain,

If you look on ebay and type in matt black vinyl stripes there are lots of companies offering precut lengths which you just need to stick on. with the help of youtube videos! there are lots of different widths available. mine are 50mm each

thanks for the kind words about the car

David

[voucht]

Thanks for the tips Paul and David. I just watched a couple of videos on you tube about this vinyl wrapping, and yes, it looks exactly like what I need. Now I'll have to try to fond this product locally, otherwise I can still order the stripes from the UK.
Thanks a lot :)

[K4KEV]

Hi Syl ....the stuff I used was just cheapo off ebay and as for cutting stripes the back of most vinyls have 1cm square grid on so it is very easy to cut straight lines with just a pair of scissors.

[Davidbolam]

Here is a quick video. I have sorted the steering out now

http://youtu.be/LtuXQyAF3pk

David

[CTWV50]

Looks great, bet you're itching to get it on the road.

[robj]

that's some good work, nice vid.

[NeilW]

Car looks really nice mate.

[Davidbolam]

I sent my forms for my iva last week. Received an email on Monday to say they have sent the paperwork to a different department so I'm just waiting for them to get in touch to book a date..

David

[SeriesLandy]

It's the actual test centre that gives you the date.
I recieved an email to say it had been processed and later that day got a call.

Also I paid for the test 2 days after reciept of the docs but recieved the email 16 days after recieving them.
I'm sure it will be different but it's a guide.

Have you applied for the v55/5 online? Mine took 2 weeks to turn up and you can't download it.

[Davidbolam]

It's the actual test centre that gives you the date.
I recieved an email to say it had been processed and later that day got a call.

Also I paid for the test 2 days after reciept of the docs but recieved the email 16 days after recieving them.
I'm sure it will be different but it's a guide.

Have you applied for the v55/5 online? Mine took 2 weeks to turn up and you can't download it.

Thanks for reminding me. I have just ordered them now

David

[Davidbolam]

Well my iva date has arrived. 9.00am tomorrow in newcastle.

Fingers crossed

David

[K4KEV]

Good luck Dave, would be cool to have a first time pass and at least Alistair (tester)knows what a haynes looks like:D and you have not got far to drive

[voucht]

I wish you the best of luck David :)

[skov]

best of luck mate!

[Davidbolam]

Good luck Dave, would be cool to have a first time pass and at least Alistair (tester)knows what a haynes looks like:D and you have not got far to drive

He phoned me earlier to see if I had any questions. Looks like I might get wet lol. He. Seemed like a sound chap

Thanks for the good luck messages!

David

[vmax1974]

good luck david hope it all goes well will have to have a ride in yours too when you get on the road :D

[garyt]

good luck tomorrow hope all goes well for you

[rpjg1975]

Good luck for the test....I know there will be lots of crossed fingers!

[K4KEV]

Howay Dave ....ya should be back by now ....what was it.... howay man:mad:

[skov]

Must be taking the long route home :D

[Davidbolam]

Just got back. 1st time pass! What a relief. Good fun as well. Videos to follow

David

[skov]

Well done that man!!!

[Davidbolam]

Here is a photo of the car after I got back. The car sailed through the test which was great. Slight problem with the handbrake which I adjusted whilst it was on the rollers and now it's fine.

The car felt really nice on the road and handled very nicely. Now to deal with Swansea. Hopefully have my registration before Xmas lol

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3899/14738782097_c709ce4984.jpg

And my 700th post! The car weighed in at 600kg exactly with a full tank of fuel so must be around 560 empty with is good for me.

[davedew]

Well done Dave, its a great feeling when it passes.
I expect you were grinning from ear to ear. I know I was.

Get those forms of to DVLA ASAP, and there might still be some good weather left when you get your reg number through.

[CTWV50]

Just back off my hols, great news to arrive home to. Brilliant, well done Dave. :) You must feel like you're on top of the world.

[K4KEV]

hey up lad ....nice one.... did he have anything to say about the car? hurry up and get dvla sorted and we can meet up for a hoon. Well pleased for you mate that IS an achievement getting a first timer.

[Stot]

Well done David, Looks great.

Cheers
Stot

[flyerncle]

Nice one !

[robj]

well done on the pass

[SeriesLandy]

Welcome to the first time pass club. Did you find the test wasn't as bad as you imagined?

Get your docs off ASAP, I went with the minimal approach as to receipts and sent the manual as well, just in case.

Mine took 3 weeks to get sorted but it felt like an eternity.
If you need any help with docs shoot me a pm.

Also take a copy of your mac cert, as you won't get it back and if they loose it your stuffed.

[Dualist]

Well done, looks really good.

[Eddy]

Congratulations David!

[Jimmyd]

Congratulations, you must be a well happy chappy.


J

[mgglep]

Nice one David

[thailoz]

Great news well done and a great build ,hope you have many years fun in her:D

[vmax1974]

Well done david first time pass too
Gotta get my build going again very jealous

[gaz05]

Well done. Got mine at Carlisle Next Thursday. Newcastle was my second choice.

[garyt]

congrats and well done, gives us all a boost seeing you get it
gary

[voucht]

Congrats David, I'm very happy for you, that's really great! :)

[TheArf]

Congratulations on a first time pass

Arfon

[Davidbolam]

Well as the dvla are still sitting on my paperwork....... I though I would do a couple of mods while I'm waiting.

The first one is I have installed a fire extinguisher. Only a small one but It may help me out in the future.

The next one is I always wanted a carbon fibre dashboard. I ordered one the other week online form the company who took over from gts tuning. I was worried that I may never receive the item after looking at some of the feedback on here about the previous owners some time ago. I think he is now building gt40 kits!

Anyway it turned up. And I fitted it tonight. I'm really pleased with it and in my new found mission to "add lightness" it is 1kg lighter than my aluminium one. This means I'm down to 572kg!


http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5557/15054097459_d361d7712d_c.jpg

[flyerncle]

Looks nice,dont fit the tax disc holder just yet,you might not need it.
From October you will no longer get a tax disc but still have to tax it.

[vmax1974]

Looks nice,dont fit the tax disc holder just yet,you might not need it.
From October you will no longer get a tax disc but still have to tax it.

bit of a bugger really cause he wont be able to sell it either :(

[Davidbolam]

If I get my tax disc this month (looking like a waste of money at the moment for september) I was thinking about keeping it intact without cutting it out as there will probably some collectors in the future looking for a last edition!!

I spoke to the DVLA this morning and after another 30 minutes wait. They should get to my application by Thursday or Friday.... Its a good job the weather is bad!

David

[flyerncle]

You have a point there David,shame they cant get their act together.

[Davidbolam]

You have a point there David,shame they cant get their act together.

I received a call from the dvla today. They have started processing my application and initially rejected it as the vin number was not shown on the invoice from Saturn sports cars. After I reminded the lady that the vin number was actually issued by the dvla she said that it was ok. She is going to request a number (age related j) and a tax disc and I should have this by next week. Bit longer than I had wished but as long as I get it I will be a happy bunny.

David

[flyerncle]

Progress ?:rolleyes:

[CTWV50]

The dvla sound like a right bunch of f**kw*ts. Read some other stuff recently about them and kit car applications and I don't think they know their arse from
their elbow. Sorry for being so sweary but I'm dreading trying to be tactful with these numbnuts.

[Davidbolam]

I took my car for n epic spin up the Northumberland Coast on Sunday mornings. I would say some of the best driving roads with views of lots of nice castles and sea. All was going really well. The alternator belt had been a bit squeaky for a couple of days and then snapped. Bit of a b*mmer as this also turns the water pump. The first I realised was when I thought there was misty rain but it turned out to be my coolant! I pulled over, the temperature was really gig and there was steam coming from my engine. ( not the expansion bottle )

Hopefully the head is ok as there was still plenty of water in but fingers crossed. If it ain't the head then I might need to replace one of the hoses or a core plug or something. Failing that I will buy a replacement engine on eBay for 50p

My son pointed out that the car looked like. Space ship with all the ste coming from underneath the dash, engine and through all the gaps!

David

[rpjg1975]

That's a real bugger David, hope it doesn't turn out to be too bad!!!:eek:

[flyerncle]

If you do pull the head off bring it down and I will skim it.;)

[Stot]

I must admit that overheating is one thing im paranoid about. I keep an eye on the guage all the time. I think its because my last kit suffered from it.

Cheers
Stot

[Davidbolam]

If you do pull the head off bring it down and I will skim it.;)

Cheers Paul

I am due to get my new alternator belt tomorrow so will fit it and see what damage there has been. I'm interested in where the steam was coming from though

David

[flyerncle]

You might find a split hose by the sound of it,if you used the old ones.

Once mine is done the warning lights will be in wind deflector on the scuttle.

[Davidbolam]

You might find a split hose by the sound of it,if you used the old ones.

Once mine is done the warning lights will be in wind deflector on the scuttle.

That's a good idea. A winter mod for me I think. The silicone pipes that I used going into the idle control valve were very cheap and flimsy so it's probably them that has gone. They have no reinforcement in them

[flyerncle]

Something nice and easy would be nice.......:(

[Davidbolam]

I found a small pipe under the throttle body and it had a small hole in it. Luckily a piece of 8mm fuel hose fitted perfectly!

I've ran it for about 30 mins and all seems fine

David

[rpjg1975]

Good find :D

[flyerncle]

Nice one !;)

[dubzter]

Just read through your entire thread, lovely build and one I will be referring back to once I start building.

[Davidbolam]

I actually took my car out for a spin the other weekend. Bit chilly but wasn't too wet and no salt on the road.

I received my build plaque through the post the other week but it doesn't really fit the "look of my build" so I had a look on the internet to see if I could have my own done caterham style.

Here it is. Let me know what you think. If you like it I can give you the web address of where I got it from.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7477/15849505380_94ae82fba3_c.jpg

[Davidbolam]

I have been looking for an aeroscreen for ages. I did buy a one from here that needed a bit of work. I believe it was a gillham second and I unwrapped it and threw it straight in the bin. (Waste of £25)

I was looking at ebay the other day and there was a race aeroscreen designed for a caterham so I put in a bid and got it for £5.70.

Anyway it turned up tonight and it's a really nice fit. It needs a bit of a polish but looks nice on the car. Let's hope it actually deflects the air!

Here is a link. Flickr seem to have changed their website so I cannot get the http.farm code for it.......

https://flic.kr/p/qYYaEy

[flyerncle]

You will be fitting a heater next :p

Something neat and tidy down the side of the of the scuttle will help too.

[CTWV50]

I have been looking for an aeroscreen for ages. I did buy a one from here that needed a bit of work. I believe it was a gillham second and I unwrapped it and threw it straight in the bin. (Waste of £25)

I was looking at ebay the other day and there was a race aeroscreen designed for a caterham so I put in a bid and got it for £5.70.

Anyway it turned up tonight and it's a really nice fit. It needs a bit of a polish but looks nice on the car. Let's hope it actually deflects the air!

Here is a link. Flickr seem to have changed their website so I cannot get the http.farm code for it.......

https://flic.kr/p/qYYaEy

Good find.:)

[Davidbolam]

Good find.:)

I fitted the aeroscreen and took the car for a quick blast yesterday and it seemed to work!

My next project which I am going to start tomorrow evening is a boot space so I have some where to store my waterproof!

[Davidbolam]

Boot is all fitted now

My next question is.....

When I take the car for a drive the level of the coolant goes up and doesn't go back down again. If I then bleed the system of air it goes back down.

The system is not loosing any coolant

I have the expansion bottle plumbed into where the heater matrix used to be. I have used a t piece and the connection has the same size outlet going to the expansion bottle as the feed going back into the engine. Could this be the problem?

[CTWV50]

Mine's the same. I think the bottle allows the expansion of the fluid to push the air from the bottle but the bottle doesn't allow any air back in maybe due to the water covering the air outlet when it expands. Not sure?!?:confused:

[Davidbolam]

Mine's the same. I think the bottle allows the expansion of the fluid to push the air from the bottle but the bottle doesn't allow any air back in maybe due to the water covering the air outlet when it expands. Not sure?!?:confused:

I think skov has the same problem

David

[flyerncle]

Normally the cap should allow air in and out as the system cools,if you have to bleed it its possible air is in the system because of the way its plumbed in and usually the header tank feeds the bottom hose.

Most japs have a separate tank so the rad is all ways full of coolant and the rad top has a pipe to the tank and that fills rad as engine cools and coolant contracts.

[CTWV50]

OK I think I know what's happening. We have installed the header tank on the wrong side of the thermostat. So the thermostat opens when warm, traps the water in the header tank when it closes and doesn't let it back down after cooling as it has closed. Maybe?

[CTWV50]

Useful link that I'm still reading.

http://www.miata.net/garage/CoolingSystemProblems.html

[Davidbolam]

I get air trapped in front of the thermostat as this is higher than the radiator. It is slightly lower than the expansion bottle.

I have a bleed screw here to help get the air out.

I was thinking about moving my header connection to just in front of the thermostat.

Paul: do you think it would be better to connect it to the bottom hose?

David

[Numplumb]

The radiator I'm using is a Polo rad which doesn't have a cap is this the rad overs are using?
I haven't started mine up yet I have mine connected the same as you Guy's so I expect mine is going to do the same.
Regards Mick

[Davidbolam]

The radiator I'm using is a Polo rad which doesn't have a cap is this the rad overs are using?
I haven't started mine up yet I have mine connected the same as you Guy's so I expect mine is going to do the same.
Regards Mick

I have used the same radiator

David

[Numplumb]

That's good then I used a Polo expansion bottle with the bottom connection tee into heater hose connection and top connection taken to top of rad does that sound okay?
Regards Mick.

[CTWV50]

I think a bottle feed to the top hose that goes from the front of the engine to the rad would duplicate the factory system best.

[Numplumb]

Not sure what you mean if you are talking about the top pipe from the expansion bottle this joins the rad next to the top hose so taking it to the top hose would be the same, if you mean the bottom connection of the expansion bottle this would be going up hill to the top hose I think so it would not want to fill the system.
Regards Mick.

[CTWV50]

I hope this image makes it clearer. So rather than taking the bottom header tank feed to the heater hoses. Take it over to the top hose I have marked with a red line.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7652/16581239659_d88bdaa46e_o.jpg

[Numplumb]

I will have a look and see if I can do that but I don't think that there is room to fit the tank higher than the rad
Regards Mick.

[Davidbolam]

I will have a look and see if I can do that but I don't think that there is room to fit the tank higher than the rad
Regards Mick.

I am going to keep my header tank on the scuttle and run a pipe to the point marked on the diagram above

I have checked the heights and the header tank is 2 inches higher than the thermostat

David

[flyerncle]

The car I built for Teamtrain used all the old Ginetta parts for the cooling system,basically a Zetec engine,header tank feed to bottom hose and top hose to thermostat housing and return pipe in top hose to header tank above water level and no cooling fan at the time,ran hot but no problems as Zetec engines do run warm.

I think its just the way you have it routed David that could be the problem,cant remember exactly the way a thermo syphon system works but the idea is that it cools the water (obviously) as it goes through the rad from top to bottom or vice versa if you get what I mean and wrong routing will cause you grief.

[Davidbolam]

I am going to keep my header tank on the scuttle and run a pipe to the point marked on the diagram above

I have checked the heights and the header tank is 2 inches higher than the thermostat

David

I did my mods as described above. I ran the engine the allow it to warm up. I didn't put the cap on the coolant bottle. After about 5 minutes there was a surge of coolant that overflowed out of the top of the bottle. Is this from the thermostat opening expelling air ? Anyone got any ideas?

Thanks

David

[Numplumb]

Have you read the link Chris put up? there is a mentioning there about venting and overflowing.
Regards Mick.

[flyerncle]

The system is meant to run under pressure to hold the water against the cylinder walls otherwise the water will boil away from the hottest point's,cylinder walls and cyl head,so not having the cap on will allow it to boil.

Air will cause the same problem as there is no heat transfer to cool it.

[Davidbolam]

The system is meant to run under pressure to hold the water against the cylinder walls otherwise the water will boil away from the hottest point's,cylinder walls and cyl head,so not having the cap on will allow it to boil.

Air will cause the same problem as there is no heat transfer to cool it.

Thanks

I think the best thing will be for me to take it our fun a spin this evening (with 10 jumpers on)

Ps have you been doing much flying lately? I went for a trip in a warrior the other week - stags shaw mast to Hexham the coast and back along the Tyne with my mate and son. Very very bumpy but good fun. It's gote thinking about selling the roadster to start a home build kit plane!

[CTWV50]

It's gote thinking about selling the roadster to start a home build kit plane!

WHAT!:eek: You must be a serial project person like me.:cool:

[flyerncle]

Dual chk Friday morning 25 mins,Sunday 1hr 25 to Sherburn,1hr around Sherburn and 1hr 10 back to NCL in Warrior so Yes just a little.

Keep the car !!!!!

Was going to fly along the wall the other week but inversion had it covered and vis to low so flew up towards Otterburn then east and back down the coast.

Fly In at Eshott soon.

[CTWV50]

Dual chk Friday morning 25 mins,Sunday 1hr 25 to Sherburn,1hr around Sherburn and 1hr 10 back to NCL in Warrior so Yes just a little.

Keep the car !!!!!

Was going to fly along the wall the other week but inversion had it covered and vis to low so flew up towards Otterburn then east and back down the coast.

Fly In at Eshott soon.

Are you two in the RAF?

[flyerncle]

No,I manage a garage in north east. :cool:

[CTWV50]

No,I manage a garage in north east. :cool:

Cool, what do you fly? A picture would be useful. I've always wanted to get into microlights as there is a club and landing sight very near and I see them up there every weekend (weather permitting) in the summer. Have to wait till the kids have grown up though.:rolleyes:

[flyerncle]

Piper Warrior PA28/Cessna 152/172 Piper commanche twin engine,all good clean (expensive)fun.

Where abouts are you ?

[CTWV50]

Formby near southport seems people really like flying around here. There's Woodvale airbase too a lot of flight training goes on there and then every summer all the planes for the Southport air show fly over head and some land at wood vale so the air is pretty busy around here. Best thing is seeing a lancaster bomber fly over with a couple of spit fires accompanying. Got goosebumps just typing that. :D I'll take a look at your plane later.

[CTWV50]

Oh yes we see them a lot doing flight training from Woodvale, I think.

[flyerncle]

They do the sunderland air show,have been in the air behind Lanc,Spit and Hurriacane and landed after them,awsome sight.

The climb out from runway 25 is in view of my house and even the 4 year old granddaughter know the planes from there.

Get yourself up there.

[CTWV50]

Get yourself up there.

One day, when I get bored of living! lol

[JasonL]

We should do a fly in. I fly Warriors out of Wellesbourne. They do a mean fry up if you're ever in the area. :)

They have a Vulcan that's pretty impressive too. They did a fast taxi at the weekend
http://www.xm655.com/about.php
http://evergreen.zenfolio.com/p862318446#h17f716a3

Looked into aircraft kits before I decided to go with my build and decided it was a too expensive. If you were closer, I'd say we could team up!

J

[Davidbolam]

I took my car for a spin around the twisty roads next my my house and around Newcastle airport. Part way during my adventure I managed to tag along with 3 other sevens. After following them I now know how fasty car will go around bends!! I really still should check my suspension alignment soon !

David

[Davidbolam]

Tonight I installed one of these to my build....

http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/performance/shift-lights-rev-limiters/omex-shift-light-pro

I was finding it hard to look at the Rev counter in the middle of the car with all the wind, noise and being generally flung around. The omex is more accurate than the mx5 gauges as well.

Now I can look ahead and wait till I get flashed.

I didn't pay that much though. I won a second hand one on ebay for £15!!!

David

[CTWV50]

That's a nice price! I couldn't drive mine fast without hitting the Rev limiter constantly. They make a big difference when tackling the twisty bits at high revs. I'd say it's almost a must have bit of kit on such quick reving cars.

This is the one I got.

http://www.digital-speedos.co.uk/4-level-race-shift-light-129-p.asp