MadaboutKitcars

Paul, you are getting really close!!! Here is a page of some speculative fonts and graphics for your Triumph Swordfish. I tried to pick fonts that would be 60s sports car-ish... ;-) Easy enough to vinyl cut or even 3D print raised/beveled letters (at least the 3D modeling part from the font). This is my small thanks for capturing my imagination with your build. ... link is not showing...right click and following the link does.

Froggyman - Cheers, I am very relieved to have traced the problem to the original fuse box.

As, after all the time I spent testing the loom in my bedroom, I would have been gutted if that was the problem.



So even though it is a bit of extra work, it will give me a lot more confidence when driving the car.
( As I was beginning to fear that I wouldn't be able to make it to the MOT station, let alone Norfolk. )

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Slickshod - Thanks.

I know this build had taken a LONG time to reach this stage, but the MOT is definitely in sight.

I just need to stay focussed on ticking off the last few jobs and doing them properly.

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Fwingo - Hopefully, I've managed to get the link to work…



Thanks for putting the time and effort into do that for me, I really appreciate it.

I have wondered about putting the Swordfish name on the car, or just keep people guessing.

Using a Triumph motorcycle logo has always been on the cards.

At one point I was thinking about using this font, to match the 1500 badge I have on my dash.



Thankfully, there will be plenty of time to make these decisions after the MOT.

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Monday - Part 1:
Spent the morning on domestic chores & the early afternoon on some real work & dropping my youngest daughter around to her friend's.

So it was mid afternoon before I could get outside to the car and the driveway was a hot place to work.

The engine fires up first time today.

Although when I reversed it back across my driveway, the oil leaking from the gearbox is plain to see.



So before I fix the gearbox cover back into position, I will need to tighten all the bolts in here and hope for the best.
( As it is the fact the oil is dripping on the exhaust pipe that is the real problem. )



Note: Just like Oxford's build, mine could do with a wash too.

Then it was time to jack the car up to tackle the underside.

As soon as I started on the rear end, the car started to slide down the driveway a bit.



Eventually, I had 3 wheels supported.







And the front passenger side was supported under the chassis.



As the front wheel just wants to hang down when the rest of the car is lifted up.



Note: This arrangement is much stronger & stable than it looks.

End of Part 1…

Monday - Part 2:
There now follows a series of rubbish photos trying to show the areas I needed to work on.

Behind the body shell side extension.



The panels joining the body shell to the internal framework.





And the join between the lowered floor pans and the front footwells.
( This needs to be done on both sides. )




Before I started I removed the bottom bonnet strap bracket.



And masked off the holes.



Then I removed the bonnet locating pin as well.



Finally a load of dust sheets were put in place.



I used a combination of my belt sander, dremmel look-a-like and sand paper to tidy everything up.

Which was very hot and dirty work.

Eventually I could mask a few bits off and get some etch primer on.

Again, the photos are not great.







I just needed to keep reminding myself this is the underside of the car.

So it doesn't need to be smooth, just tidy enough for the MOT tester to see it is complete.

With a bit of luck, I will be able to get the first coat of Tetroseal on this tomorrow.

End of Part 2…

Monday - Part 3:
One last job for the day was to wrap up my temporary wiring blocks.



Now I know the side light problem stems from the fuse box, I don't need to touch these again.

At some point I will come back and wire in some proper connections, but this will do for the MOT.





Did I mention the car could do with a wash?

Until next time, take care, Paul.

Limited Tuesday - Part 1:
One of those days with great weather outside, but too many other things competing for car time...

Masked off the bottom edge of the driver's side.



This only covers a small area, as it is only the join between the two floors that needs painting on this side.

Whereas, the passenger side needs painting from that join, all the way along to the body shell extension on the front.



Slapping on the Tetroseal was the usual messy job, although for the first time I did manage to get some in my (limited) hair.

Not sure why I keep trying to take photos under the car as they are never great, but here goes…

The join on the driver's side.



The plywood panels.



The body shell extension (you can just see the masking tape above the locating pin hole).



These were taken after the first coat went on and I did apply a second coat later on.

Even though it is hard to get a decent photo, the underside of the car is now fully sealed.



I really hope this will give a good first impression to the MOT tester.

I did some more tidying up work along the front loom.

I wrapped the indicator connectors on both sides.



And replaced the temporary ties with proper zip ties.



Leaving the passenger side looking like this.



And the driver's side, looking like this.



This still leaves enough slack for the wires when the bonnet is closed.



End of Part 1…

Limited Tuesday - Part 2:
I also found the length of hose I had put to one side for the battery box drain.
( Excuse the dust everywhere. )





But I can't trim it to the right length and zip tie it out of the way just yet...

As I need to double check the front tyre clearance and I can't turn the wheel with the car jacked up.

Before JY Classic fixed my clutch master cylinder, a small amount of hydraulic fuel had leaked onto the front footwell.

So I sanded that all down, although this was quite tricky to reach.



And got a coat of etch primer on it.



I must confess the heat is still taking too much out of me, so that was it for today.

The good news is that I managed to tick off some more jobs from the MOT "To Do" list.

Until next time, take care, Paul.

Hectic Wednesday – Part 1:
I only had the start of the day to play with, but still squeezed quite a bit in.

The fuse box I’ve ordered has 4 blade fuses compared to the original 3 glass fuses.

So I have a cunning plan, but this is a long story.

You may remember that my first fan speed switch kept blowing fuses before finally melting.
( The switch was meant to convert a single speed fan into a multiple speed one. )

In addition, my original ignition switch wiring broke just after I fixed the steering bush problems.

Unfortunately, the new ignition wiring connection plug didn’t match the plug on the loom.

So I ended up fitting 2 x 2 pin connectors instead (as I had ordered them in error for the lighting).

The only good thing that came out of all this extra work is that I now had the radio feed wire from the ignition.
( I had cut out all the wiring associated with the radio when thinning out the loom. )

So my plan is to use the radio feed as the power source for the fan speed switch via the fuse box.

I added the pin connector to a spare piece of wire.



Now, once again, I must apologise for the run of rubbish photos that follows, taken while working upside down in a dark space.

I then connect the pin to the connecting block that joins to the ignition wiring.




As before, now I know the fuse box is the problems, I can wrap up all the connectors in this area.




The used of silver electrical tape over the black wrap makes this look a bit of a mess in a bad photo.



Fitting the new fan switch turned out to be a bit long winded…

I figured the old outer switch would be fine where it was, as new switch looked the same.



This is the new switch.



But when I fitted the new lever, it didn’t line up with the markings.



So I removed everything and fitted both parts of the new switch.



Note:
Despite the 3 speed settings, the fan will work on a simple on/off basis on the first setting.

End of Part 1…

Hectic Wednesday – Part 2:
The next job was to take care of the original fan switch wiring.
( This had been taped to cardboard so it wouldn’t short out. )



Of these three wires, I just need one as the line out to the fan.

So the other two wires (earth & the original power) were sealed off.





Before being tucked away with the rest of the loom behind the dash.

This meant that, until the fuse box arrived, I was finished with wiring for a while.

So I gave the front foot wells a coat of Tetroseal.





I decided to cover the bulkhead fixing bolts while I was at it.



I then went around the body shell to touch up the etch primer for the last time before the MOT.

This included the boot lid.



The area around the boot opening.



The outer headlight rims.



Note:
These can’t be fitted until after the MOT guy has adjusted the headlight beams.
But I thought I’d bring them along to the MOT, so I should show me I was going to fit them.

I also cleaned up the Tetroseal smudge from the cockpit side.



As well as preparing the car for its first MOT, today was also about tidying up too.
Because my uncle is coming over from America and will be here on Saturday.
Whilst it would be good if my uncle could see the car looking its best.
I am also under strict instructions to remove all tools and parts from the porch & dining room.
Recently, I’ve also been storing parts in the passenger side of the cockpit and the boot too.
So today was a chance to combine tidying up with dressing up.

With everything removed from the boot, I could fit the lid & lock it ready for the MOT.



End of Part 2…

Hectic Wednesday – Part 3:
I cut some cardboard to protect the seat bases.



And just rested both seats in place.



I refitted the bonnet strap and locating pin on the passenger side.



I peeled off the protective cover from the front number plate.
( Although it took a lot of cleaning to remove the sticky mess before it looked like this.)



At which point I could finally move the car out of the way…





So I could wash down the driveway for the umpteenth time.



After I had finished washing the drive I looked up the road to where the car was parked.



It really is very small / low compared to everything else in my street.

I then put it back on the driveway facing forwards.



Before hanging out of a bedroom window for my “drone” shot.
( Which would work better if the sun wasn’t shining. )



In a great bit of timing, no sooner had I put the covers on when the postman arrived bearing gifts…



All the connectors have also turned up too, but I was in full tidy up mode by now.
( But fitting this will be at the top of my “To Do” list. )

There then followed a LOT of journeys to the back of the garden carrying stuff.
( With everything being shoved into the Summer House & Shed for now. )

I have a big work meeting tomorrow, but not sure if I’m needed on Friday as well.

So I may not be able to work on the car for a few days now.

Unfortunately, the MOT “To Do” list does seem to be growing every time I tick one job off.

However, every time I see what this car has finally turned into is a great boost to morale.

So until next time, take care, Paul.

Your time and great effort is now paying off. Looks fantastic!

Looks good Paul
Only you (and us following on here) know the work that have brought you to this point.
MOT and then paint.

You can start thinking of a trip to Norfolk in 2017.

Built on the Drive! god knows the frustration over the years with ice, show, wind and rain. Not only is it complete but looks bloody brilliant well done!

This is the money shot.....



Looking great, Paul. Well done.

Molleur, Roadster, Charman.tech & Oxford - Thanks for all the positive comments gentlemen, it means a lot.

Roadster - The current plan is:
- MOT
- A series of confidence building "shake down" runs, increasing the distance travelled each time
- Drive to Norfolk as soon as it can be arranged
- Work out when to start the final body work preparation for paint
- Then paint, although that is likely to be when the warm weather returns in 2017

Charman.tech - Build on the drive by an accountant!

Oxford - I'll re-take that 'drone' shot before the sun hits the driveway next time.

Hopefully, that way, shade all over will allow the bonnet tear drop to stand out a bit more.

Although, this was my personal favourite from the last batch of photos.



I think even something as simple as seeing the front number plate in place makes it look more complete.

But a couple of things really struck me as I looked on from a distance:
- The first was that there appeared to be a 1950s race car parked in my street.
- But the second, and most amazing thing, was that I actually built it!

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Next Steps:
I have some follow up "real work" today following yesterday's meeting & today's weather forecast is wet.

Tomorrow, I get to show my uncle the progress I've made since the last time he was over here.

So maybe on Sunday I can start work on the following jobs:
- Wire up & fit new fuse box
- Try to stop the gearbox oil leaks
- Fit the gearbox cover
- Make / modify the "bridge" from gearbox cover to hand brake panel
- Fix the seats into position
- Fit the seat belts

Hmmm, that little lot may take me a while.

But if not Sunday, then at some point next week.

Until then, take care, Paul.

solenoid



I had a brand new solenoid fail!

Christ you never said you were an accountant!

Yes, mine was brand new too - my original one exploded sending a shower of sparks into the spray of fuel pi$$ing out of the carbs the first time I tried to start my donor.

The new one lasted about two weeks before constantly sticking. It wasn't a weak earth or loose connection because if you hit it with a hammer it would work for a while before sticking again. Bloody crap.

Didn't you put two and two together?

Then you obviously haven't been reading properly...I suggest going back to page one and write down how many times being an accountant is mentioned....naughty boy...get cracking

Wharfedale - Welcome to my build thread.

< Touch Wood > The new solenoid that came with my donor seems to be working OK.

Mr T - Even I know that sparks & petrol are not a good combination.

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Charman.tech - If it helps, I'm a management accountant, rather than an auditing type accountant.

And you could say my car was built by a professional…

It is just a shame that the profession wasn't car mechanic.

Froggyman -

RedRatBike: - I dread to think of anyone going back to Page 1 of this thread and reading it through!

As, whilst I may have demonstrated that anyone can build a kit car, I wouldn't recommend my approach.

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Saturday:
My uncle, mum, sister and her children are all coming over later today for the 'Summer' BBQ we had planned.

Although, based on the weather forecast, I might be cooking outside in the wind & rain, while everyone else sits indoors.

The good news is that I might have some spare car time next week when the good weather returns.

Until then, take care, Paul.

I did some short University courses at Bristol and Exeter a few years back and one of them was called 'Management Accounting for Non-Accountants'.

I was a bit worried that I'd struggle because maths isn't my best subject. Luckily for me the course director soon made it clear that accountancy has nothing to do with maths - in business there's never a mathematical relationship between the income of a company and the income of its directors, or the income of the directors and the amount of tax they don't pay, for example (just ask Phil Green and the BHS workforce).

No, it was a bit of a revelation for me when I realised that management accounting isn't a branch of maths, it's actually a form of creative writing.

Similarly, and luckily for you Paul, engineering ability is only a small part of building a Sammio. Getting your car from where you started to where you are now has taken far more creativity and artistic vision than mechanical skill.

Now put down your 'Going Forward in Tax Avoidance' reference book until a few days before the tax return deadline (you can always scribble a few random but vaguely plausible figures on the back of a fag packet at the last minute after all) and go and finish your car.

I agree Paul , the ''in the street'' picture looks great ....she sits very nicely amongst the 'normals' ... well done , genuinely well done ....

Mr T - Don't get me started on "tax avoidance", it is one of my pet hates & certainly not how I make a living.

So quickly returning to the car build…

Without doubt, one of my biggest build challenges was simply figuring out the best way to put this whole big jigsaw puzzle together.

As every time I found a solution to one issue, there would be a knock impact on a different part of the build to consider.

Which is why I've always appreciated all the help/advice/comments/suggestions/encouragement I've got from the forum.

Even if the last few jobs take me a while, at least I know the car will finally be on the road soon(ish).

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Lancelot Link - Thanks Gary.

With all the changes I was making, I really thought my car was going to end up looking like the "in-bred, hillbilly cousin" of the Sammio family.

But it really has turned out much better than I could ever have expected.

The body work is still a bit rough in places, but all of that will be taken care of when I start prepping for paint.

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Saturday:
We had a great family BBQ yesterday, even if everyone stayed inside to eat:
- The high point was a break in the weather long enough for me to take off the covers & start the engine for everyone to have a look.
- The low point was a short burst of hail stones arriving just as I was turning everything on the grill over, leaving me looking like a drowned rat.

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I'll be back later today if I get the chance to make some more progress.

Cheers, Paul.

Short Sunday Session - Part 1:
Managed to squeeze a bit of car time in today…

Initially, the weather wasn't looking too good, so I only unwrapped a section of the car.



Used a torch to help me see what I was doing, as I tackled the old fuse box.



Pulled out all the old connections.



Then fitted new connections, using a mixture of 'normal' & 'piggy back' connections.



Everything was looking good until I tried to connect these to the fuse box…

The normal connectors went in fine.



But the piggy back ones couldn't be pushed fully over the fuse box blades.



Plus, there were too many multiple wire connections going into the fuse box.



So I had no choice but to cut off all the multiple wire connections connectors and start again.

This time, re-wiring them into a single connector like so.



I then spent ages trying to work out the best location for fitting the fusebox to the bulkhead.

In the end, one of the battery box walls was going to work well, so I removed the rest of the car covers and removed the battery.



Put the bolt heads in from the battery box side.



So the bolt threads would be in the cockpit side. (Excuse the poor photo.)



The fuse box could then be fixed into place.



End of Part 1…

Short Sunday Session - Part 2:
The battery could then be re-fitted.



I worked out a rough route for the wires.



Before taping them together.



Note: While I was sorting out the fuse box, I also set up the return "live" wire for the fan switch.

This was taped to the live "radio" feed I'd previously prepared.



By the time I'd finished wrapping everything, it was all looking pretty tidy.





The back of the fan switch was then connected:
- The bottom wire goes to the fan itself.
- The top wire goes to the live radio feed, via the fuse box.



Then it was the moment of truth, would the engine fire up&#8230;

Thankfully, it did and I was a very happy bunny.

I then turned the car around.



I tested the fan switch, which now comes on position "I" and it is definitely blowing out air.

As the engine was not fully up to temperature I didn't get a chance to see it hot air would be blown out.

So that is something I need to test another day, along with the front side lights, which I completely forgot to check.

Right, I am supposed to be doing something else, so I'd better go&#8230;

Until next time, take care, Paul.