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I really don't take enough pictures! So since the last post, what have I done... bought a load of stuff, spent a lot of time with a wire brush, made so much mess on the patio that I ended up buying a pressure washer out of guilt... I'm still waiting for my new shocks from Gaz although they should be just about ready I hope, with any luck they'll be here for next weekend. I painted up the rest of the bits, used up most of my Vactan and decided to try Deox Gel on some other stuff. It works amazingly but it's a real pain to use. However it really does work and I saw loads of actual shiny (pitted) steel where it removes the rust as opposed to neutralising/"converting" like Vactan. I experimented with citric acid baths as well and I think next time I do something like this, it's going to be a great big plastic tub and a load of citric acid! Works really well and costs hardly anything. So... pictures. Got the crossmember back on, and put one side back together. I'm not totally happy with the state of the brake discs, I'm currently trying to find someone with stock of discs, otherwise I think I will be getting them skimmed. Someone from here got in touch to let me know a friend of his locally can skim them, and I think I will take him up on it. I measured them and it looks like I've got about 1mm before they hit minimum so I reckon they should have another go in them. I've bent up some brake pipes which I didn't take pictures of, but I'm much happier with the fit. Previously the driver's side brake pipe had been fouling on something as it wasn't very well fitted to the crossmember and the track rod had been knocking it around after the car was lowered - maybe before even. Either way it now sits nice and close to the solid, non-moving parts of the car and is out of harm's way. I did both sides on the front, they aren't connected up to the junction yet but I'll get to that soon. The finish on the parts that I've refurbed is ok - I'm no expert and don't have loads of kit, but degreased, wire brushed, rust treated and hit with a load of hammerite, and underseal on the crossmember. They're much better off than they were before, anyway. 90% of the nuts and bolts going on are new for piece of mind, I found a kit for a sunbeam alpine which uses the same front end. I've also swapped out the stock spring cushions for Mustang II items which are going to drop the car around another inch... maybe inch and a half. I'm really hoping it's not too low as I won't want to be dismantling it to put the stock ones back in, but we'll see! Can't wait to get the shocks and get it back together. Once all this is done, hopefully pretty much as soon as the shocks are ready, Ill be trying to get to the bottom of the running issue.
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Great progress.
Don't worry about the pictures before and after are the important ones, there will always be something you wished you had taken a pic of, not point in feeling bad about it.
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You're quite right. Sometimes I should take more so I can put stuff back together though! I get there in the end. Couple more pictures, not much progress really but feels like a big milestone. Brake lines connected up at one end. Hard to get a decent picture but they fit really well, definitely won't be fouling on anything now. New shocks picked up this morning. Much better! Seem really nice quality for the price, went direct to Gaz with measurements etc from stock and requested a slightly shorter shock. Much better pricing than anywhere I've seen selling them also which was a bonus. Saw these on Mr Tiki's thread and thought they were amazing, had to get myself one. Matches my (gear) knob! Ordered a new set of bump stops today also. Got Friday off, so this weekend I should be able to get the rest of the suspension back together, track rods put together, shocks installed, finish connecting up the brake lines and bleed them and then maybe start trying to work out what's wrong with the engine/gearbox.
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retrolegends
Club Retro Rides Member
Winging it.....Since 1971.
Posts: 3,714
Club RR Member Number: 94
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Nice to see you making progress, love the key. 👍🏻
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1974 Hillman Avenger 1500DL1992 Volvo 240SE1975 Datsun Cherry 100a flying custard1965 Hillman SuperMinx Rock N Roller1974 Austin Allegrat Mk1 1.3SDL1980 Austin Allegro Mk3 1.3L1982 Austin Allegro Mk3 on banded steels2003 Saab 9-3 Convertible 220bhp TurboNutter1966 Morris Minor 1000 (Doris) 2019 Abarth 595C Turismo (not retro but awesome fun) www.facebook.com/DatsunCherry100a
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MR TIKI
Posted a lot
TIKI,style from a different angle!
Posts: 1,154
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Saw these on Mr Tiki's thread and thought they were amazing, had to get myself one. Matches my (gear) knob! I couldn't resist them either...….
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Boldly driving faster than a tin worm can wiggle.
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Well, she's back on her feet: Little bit lower at the front due to new spring pads, but I'm slightly concerned it might be a step too far. The wishbones are basically horizontal, maybe even slightly over, and I reckon I've got about half an inch gap between the bump stop and the ... thing the bump stop hits. I'm going to get a couple of pictures tomorrow and see what people think. Hopefully I can cut the bump stop down and run it like this because I like the look. I haven't driven it yet because a) no MOT (although I could probably sort that online now, but I do want to get a certificate. I don't really agree with the new MOT regs for classics) and b) haven't bled my brakes through yet. I did get the new pipes plumbed in though, will snap some pictures tomorrow, although I managed to lose a load of brake fluid all down the engine bay like a ****. I can do up any nut you want as long as it's not a brake pipe fitting, as soon as it's a brake pipe fitting I lose all motor control and start getting angry! Happy with the way the brake lines run though - they're totally out of the way of any fouling which was really bothering me before as soon as I noticed it. The track rod had obviously knocked/moved the old brake line and it had a kink in it. Also got myself an extra intermediate box the other day, and last night I swung past IKEA to get myself a cupboard. Trying to make as much use of the small space I have as possible, working out pretty well finally:
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very nice results. the ride height looks spot on to me...hope you can keep it that way too. Your Halfords boxes look just like our Sears ones over here...very nice and tidy garage space...looks nice. its hard to keep them clean, isnt it?!
JP
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I know its spelled Norman Luxury Yacht, but its pronounced Throat Wobbler Mangrove!
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very nice results. the ride height looks spot on to me...hope you can keep it that way too. Your Halfords boxes look just like our Sears ones over here...very nice and tidy garage space...looks nice. its hard to keep them clean, isnt it?! JP You should have seen it two weeks ago, it was shameful. The car was on four stands, so I was working on that little corner of bench and all my stuff was in the boot of the car, under the car, on the floor, in a pile on the bench. It was shocking, I was so glad yesterday when I could roll her out and tidy up! So I've just been for a drive. First point... very bouncy ride. Unsure at this point if it's because the adjustment on the shocks is too hard, or if it's bouncing off the bump stops. Feels like it's doing it at the rear also, so I will wind the shocks softer all round first. I set them to half way before fitting so I will back them off a couple of clicks each and see if there's any improvement. However apart from being on the bouncy side, it feels infinitely better with all the new stuff on, really happy. Feel like I'm close to finished with this part of the project. Not looking forward to trying to work out what's wrong with the engine/box, it's definitely not my strong suit at all. Just always fantasising about putting a new engine in it, although I know that's a big project and will probably be really hard! Dead set on a brake booster now, and definitely want to get new discs or get mine skimmed. Anything I have to pay for has to wait til next month now though! I'm happy also that I will at least be able to get her to one show which is really local to me and is a big one, so at least she'll get one outing this year
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Jun 10, 2018 10:40:06 GMT
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After a short test drive settled it in, I could see that the suspension is actually sitting on the bump stops: So I got them off and went at them with a hacksaw: Much more room now. I softened up the fronts half a turn, and took two clicks off the rears also, and it drives considerably better now. Only concern really is the wishbones have settled to over horizontal as you can see in the first picture, however it seems to drive ok so I will see how I go. I'm going to keep hold of the original, thicker spring pads in case I want to raise it in future.
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Jun 10, 2018 11:13:24 GMT
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This sounds all to familiar, as I recently rebuilt the front suspension on my truck...basically the same procedure, without the lowering features. Its amazing how much better things feel when all the suspension bushings, steering components, and all the other miscellaneous items are tight and back to spec.
For me, the confidence of having all new components is great for peace of mind too....
really looks good, hope you make it to the car show!
JP
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I know its spelled Norman Luxury Yacht, but its pronounced Throat Wobbler Mangrove!
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Jun 10, 2018 11:44:35 GMT
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Great to see this work as I'm about to dot he same, as you know.
And that is a seriously fine looking car.
Bookmarked!
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Jun 17, 2018 20:30:41 GMT
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Not much to report at the moment. I had a problem with it after I rebuilt the carbs, where it would stall when put in drive. I'm 99% adjusted that out now. It gets quite close, but doesn't stall. However it often really shunts into gear - especially reverse. Sometimes it's less bad. I think at this point it has slightly too much fluid in the box - I basically thought oh I'll top it up it's probably low, didn't engage brain and actually check it first as I was on autopilot, and it's reading over the top marker. One evening this week I will either drain (if there's a plug, I'm quite sure there isn't) or maybe use a giant syringe and a bit of clear hose to suck some out! I think I've finally got the kickdown cable where it needs to be - but I'm not sure if I could adjust this clunking into gear out. I've really tried, and haven't managed it. Possibly it could be the bands but honestly these auto boxes are pure magic to me. I have a very comprehensive manual and it basically blew my mind. I'm partly hoping it's due to the car being sat while it was at the bodyshop (for several months!) and then very very rare use since it's been back, so I'll take it for some short drives and see if it loosens up. Then I guess I will take it to a man because if I open it up I'll probably break it! If anyone's got any advice on a BW35 gearbox that's got very harsh engagement I'm all ears though! I've retrimmed four small panels in the quarters of the interior (no pics, obvs), got a couple more bits I'd like to do also. I'd really like to have a go at the front parcel shelf but it looks like it'll be a pig so I'll put that off for now. My fiancée's dad gave me some half moon headlight covers - I like them:
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Jun 22, 2018 21:56:51 GMT
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So I took a shortcut when I put the front end back together, and I shouldn't have! When I took it apart I broke what the manual calls the 'attachment plate', part 33 in this diagram: I undid it from the wrong end. It's nuts with a recess spot welded to a plate. I made up fresh plates: and thought I'd get away with JB weld to attach them. Nope! Not even close! Maybe I didn't do them up tight enough because I didn't want to bust the JB weld, maybe I forgot to nip them up properly once on, maybe I didn't grind it back enough before using the JB weld, most likely it just wasn't up to attaching scabby old nuts to the plate. Was on a little shakedown run the other day and it went south a bit, knocking when I braked, severe squealing, diving to the left, felt super ropey. First suspicion was the brake disc - reason being I couldn't find the bolts to put my disc back on (I only actually removed one as I realised it was unnecessary) and couldn't remember if they had washers. I used some bolts I had. After I put them back together I found the proper bolts and yes they do have spring washers. I will sort this this weekend though. Anyway - I got her home and when I jacked it up and took of the front wheels to check it out I saw it - the bolts holding on the kingpin for the top wishbone had worked themselves out close to half an inch! Cleaned them up and took them to a mate to weld them on properly. Threw a bit of paint on them yesterday and got them fitted up today. I was a bit worried that maybe the JB weld had allowed a bit of movement and maybe they weren't quite correctly spaced, but they fitted up great. Hoping to get her to a localish show on Sunday, the gearbox issue is still very much there but **** it, I've got recovery and planning on a new engine and box at the end of the year anyway!
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Oct 30, 2018 17:06:43 GMT
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So I haven't done much to this for a while, took her to a couple of shows and used her for camping: she made her way into a little tiny picture in Street Machine: which was nice, but on Sunday I bought this: Which is going to be my engine/gearbox donor. My Fiancée has just got a new job which she starts in a couple of weeks so she'll be giving her little company car back, she doesn't really know what she wants so we've grabbed this for her to use until the new year, then I can get started. Honestly have no idea wtf I'm doing but my normal tactic is just to get past the point of no return and work it out so I'm gonna do that! Should be a piece of cake right? Basic plan is to use the engine, auto box, radiator, hopefully brake master cylinder and servo, and if I can make them fit, the seats. Will probably be a pretty long term thing as we're getting married next year, but we'll see how it goes. I have some people who I can call on for advice and hopefully muscle, so hopefully I'll be ok!
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So this has been basically on hold for a while, been busy, skint, getting married in six weeks. The Mazda's been sitting at my sister's place, but they're having their drive redone and extended so the Mazda's been evicted. Fair enough as I've taken the **** with how long it's been there anyway! I've nowhere to store it, so I had to get the car back here and have the engine out ASAP. Never done it before, no one was available to help out really, so I got hold of a hoist and engine stand, bought a load leveller, and got cracking... One donor car: bad boy coilovers that I didn't even know it had, I could have been rolling deep! My busy weekend: One donor engine and box! Next steps... remove the loom etc from the Mazda, brake master cylinder also in case I can use it, instruments etc, then have it taken away. After that, I guess take a look at the engine, give it a bit of an overhaul, seals and belts and whatnot. It's done about 120k I think so it could probably do with one especially while it's out. Next steps after that.. no clue! So far out of my depth! One step at a time I guess!
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MiataMark
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 2,954
Club RR Member Number: 29
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Don't just scrap it there's money in MX5 parts, particularly front wings if they're undamaged. Those wheels would probably sell well as well.
Seems a shame to scrap what looks like an OK shell.
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1990 Mazda MX-52012 BMW 118i (170bhp) - white appliance 2011 Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4 2003 Land Rover Discovery II TD52007 Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon JTDm
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MiataMark
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 2,954
Club RR Member Number: 29
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This may seam a silly question but I cannot see it mentioned previously to do with the MX5 but it is a manual and not an auto? It seams a lousy car to have as an auto in as it's such a drivers car. My first experience of MX5's was driving rental MK1's in the US (North California) that were all autos. Not as good as a manual but still fun.
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1990 Mazda MX-52012 BMW 118i (170bhp) - white appliance 2011 Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4 2003 Land Rover Discovery II TD52007 Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon JTDm
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Don't just scrap it there's money in MX5 parts, particularly front wings if they're undamaged. Those wheels would probably sell well as well. Seems a shame to scrap what looks like an OK shell. Space is the issue, I don’t have anywhere to store it, especially without upsetting my neighbours by having half a car sitting around. I’m going to take as much as I can reasonably store before I have it collected though. The shells not horrendous but it’s quite scabby underneath, the sill rot has started in. Like they all do, it looks better in pictures!
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Once you have what you need put it on eBay it will go.
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Jul 14, 2019 23:12:32 GMT
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So the little Miata goes tomorrow.
I do agree it's a shame. However, we get married in about five weeks so we're quite busy, and we're putting an offer in on a house literally tomorrow morning, so with any luck we'll be getting busier! The MX5 is currently sat across the doors of ours and our brand new next-door neighbours' rear garages, and they've been great, so I don't want to long out the process of getting rid of it for the sake of a couple of hundred quid. Between listing it, dealing with people, organising for someone to come and fetch it, possibly being let down... the juice isn't worth the squeeze for me and I don't feel the car's good enough to worry too much about saving. It really does look better than it is in the pictures.
With the engine and gearbox in the garage, I already have to walk way round the back, pull the Minx out and then move the engine stand away from the access door from our garden, so honestly I'd just like it out of the way so it's hopefully getting collected by a scrap guy tomorrow.
I got part way through taking the front wings off when I saw how scabby they were at the bottom and abandoned it. The chassis is quite scabby as well, probably not past saving, but a bit manky. I've kept the sidelights because they were already off, and tremoved the headlight motors because they're small and probably worth a few quid each, the rest's going because of a lack of storage.
If we manage to lay hands on this house we're looking at, there'll be a definite stop in proceedings for a while, and then hopefully it'll be full steam ahead, because there's space to build a really nice size garage compare to what I'm used to, and loads of space to work!
Fingers crossed!
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