Chris's new build of an MX5 based car

[CTWV50]

Got a good 8 hrs in the garage, many of which were spent swearing at the welder, but progress was made!

[CTWV50]

We took it of the table once the FF was in place and took it for a test drive round the front garden!

[skov]

Nice start

Not sure about your donor though, you might find it a bit underpowered

[CTWV50]

Originally Posted by skov

Nice start

Not sure about your donor though, you might find it a bit underpowered

Cheers skov, yes I may boost the power with an engine at some point, child labour although cheap is probably illegal! Got my liner changed but it hasn't made much difference which is good to know I suppose, just means I have no excuses for crappy welds!

Been spending most of my time measuring, "Just off out to the garage for a bit of a measure dear!" You really do spend 90% of the time measuring. Couldn't figure how I was going to get an accurate 17˚ rake to the SB1s so I got out my protractor and spent 20 minutes making a template out of 3mm steel plate, also I have found computer hard drive magnets are excellent for holding the steels in place whilst tack welding. Got SB2 in place too and before moving on I fully welded all 3 in place and dressed the welds I have yet to fit the second inner pair of SB1s.

Even though I fully welded the BR frame, welding in the uprights caused the back of the BR frame to lift by 3mm so I had to spend some time using weld heat on the underside to bring it back down again.

Still enjoying the process. Which is why i wanted to do this project, driving it will just be a bonus.

[CTWV50]

Pretty much at book figure 4.9 chassis stage but fully welded and today just picked up a 5kg reel or welding wire for £13.99 from halfords (rrp £19.99) as it had no bar code. Bonus! Needing another bottle of gas soon.

So glad I fully welded the bottom frame early on, the build table has sagged quite significantly with this heat.

[CTWV50]

Yesterday I sat in the Chassis on the driveway, I positioned myself in the back corner of the chassis (no tunnel obviously) and well, my right arm will be outside the vehicle, Can't imagine doing 100mph and being able to touch the ground, seems wierd!!

This morning I started cutting out the seat runner mounts from the mazda, straight through the fuel and brake lines, doh! Thinking of using the mounts in the build with the mx runners, I've noticed that the mx-5 has very similar cabin dimensions (length wise) to the haynes!!

[vmax1974]

Looking good so far bud will be rolling b4 long keep up the good work

[CTWV50]

Originally Posted by vmax1974

Looking good so far bud will be rolling b4 long keep up the good work

Cheers mate. Hope to have it rolling before the winter.

[CTWV50]

Got my VIN through the post today from the Preston DVLA office with plenty of information on kit car registration! Looks like this office might know what it's doing. My tranny tunnel is tacked in and seat back rails in place. Guess I better get on with the diff cage soon.

[CTWV50]

I have a wheel fitted hurrah!