This is a read-only archive of the old Madabout Kitcars forum. New posts and replies are no longer possible, but every thread is still here to browse and read.
Thanks for the valuable and practical "used in real life" input.
I think I will go down the compression strut route and then determine if and by how much I need to mod the bulkhead, can you tell me where you sourced your compression struts from.
Do I understand correctly from your comments that regardless of using compression struts you still felt the the need to modify the bulkhead.
Yes, regardless of the compression struts I needed to modify the bulkhead slightly as lengthwise the M20 is a bit of a squeeze in a Cabrio. The link below shows the mods to the bulkhead:
In hindsight it may not have been strictly necessary to cut and re-weld the bulkhead and I could have probably achieved sufficient clearances with simple panel beating of the bulkhead (although it may not have been as neat a job with my limited panel bashing skills!).
If you dont fancy the idea of modifying the bulkhead, then the other option may be to try and move the radiator forward a bit.
Thanks, looks like the best bet is to source the engine first and go from there for the bulkhead mods, Burton Power looks good and reasonable for the struts.
Thanks for your responses. As I mentioned earlier, I have all the papers and know the number of my engine but wanted to be able to point to it on the block.
Funnily enough my number is located in the same position as yours, Peter, but not as shown in the BMW reference quoted by you, John. The difference is only a few inches on opposite sides of the engine mount but it just goes to show that there are differences in parts one would expect to be identical.
Re the Cabrio ARB.
When I collected my Sportster kit in the dim and distant past the ARB brackets and bushes were out of stock. After months of waiting I was told that they could no longer source these parts and anyway the ARBs were not necessary so I got a credit note. I do not intend to find my own brackets and fit the ARBs. However, with the Sportster I have the option to change my mind!
Thanks for your responses. As I mentioned earlier, I have all the papers and know the number of my engine but wanted to be able to point to it on the block.
OK, I got your point now, you need to the prove its the engine you say it is. I would try gently running an old wood chisel across the surface with a little 3-in-1 oil. (Like as if you were sharpening the chisel on a stone). You should find the block comes up shinning leaving the 'crud' in the stamped numbers or as Robin suggests use some paint.
Your comment about the ARB brackets was the same as my experience with Marlin insisting it was not required on the Sportster. The latest wishbones do not have the location brackets welded on, so you can't fit one.
Which also reminds me, have you had you wishbones swapped under the recall notice issued by Marlin?
...peter