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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.

(nearly) new build about to start!

9 Dec 2011, 11:11pm
The build manual CD I got was a collection of photos and a Word doc. The instructions aren't as much help as the info you get on this forum. There are no diagrams or specifics about what torques or fasteners to use and a lot of the info seems to relate to the older ford based kit.

You're just as well to sit back, look at all the bits you have and take it from there, posting questions here if you're stuck.
10 Dec 2011, 8:35am
Thanks for the kind offer Peter, I think that is what I have already (I was being a bit simplistic!). I agree with you Ian, I will unpack everything and then throw myself on the collective mercy of this forum! Thanks in advance to you all....
22 Jan 2012, 4:28pm
OK well I have started! I have decided to start with the pedal box which I will modify following the advice from Mike and others. First off I have made an adaptor to allow the clutch MC to be fitted - I had the same problem as GOO in that the pedal box was not designed for the MC I have, some angle and tube sorted this out but I will need to source a clevis to connect to the pedal. I have also cut out the first access hatch to help get at stuff. None of this has been as precise as I would like but I am just getting back into using my hands and will improve.
This burst of enthusiasm also co-incides with me having to spend the whole of February in Canada for work - damn! Never mind, it will give me thinking time! John ps pics to follow when I work out how - just changed for Photobucket to Flikr...
22 Jan 2012, 4:37pm
Here are some pics:

errr....watch this space, they're coming/
22 Jan 2012, 6:24pm
This is how to post pics on this site, it was supplied by Peterux from a previous post, lots of us have trouble posting pics until enlightened :-

In Flickr....
Click the 'Share' button...
then click the the 'Grab the HTML/BBCode'
then click the 'BBCode' radio button...and select the size you want.
then copy and paste the code in the box into your Madabout message box.

This creates a picture that people can click and go to your Flickr site. You can edit the code to remove the text if you want to after you've pasted it in the Madabout message box.

You can test it works by trying 'Preview Post' in Madabout
22 Jan 2012, 6:50pm
Dennis you are a gem! thanks a lot. I cahnged to Flikr because everyone said that it was easier and indeed, when you know how, it IS!!! Also, I didnt realise about the "preview" feature because I use the quick reply a lot.

Thanks for the help - John
22 Jan 2012, 6:55pm
I will make up a cover plate for the access panel and rivnut it on but I am still pondering on edge sealing. Whether to use a stick on neoprene on the cover plate or to find some sort of edging for the hole which would also remove the sharp edge.
22 Jan 2012, 9:47pm
Hi John,
it's good to see you've started your build!

That looks like a hefty old clutch master cylinder your using?
I think you'll need to line it up at the same angle as the e30 BMW version...


Clutch Master cylinder by marlinpeter, on Flickr

...peter
23 Jan 2012, 1:51pm
Peter, actually you raise a good point! The history is that I did not source this MC. It was with the parts I bought .... Hmmm. I will check it! John
28 Jan 2012, 9:24am
I will do some work on identifying the clutch MC and let you know. I think alignment will be ok as long as I am careful.

One more in my series of stupid questions! What paint do is best to use to touch up the black powder coat when it is necessary?

John
28 Jan 2012, 9:32am
Paint

Hammerite black satin spray is a good match,and durable.
28 Jan 2012, 6:26pm
Jeremy,

I got some and it is excellent! Thanks - John
30 Jan 2012, 6:22pm
Progress!

Well, I have achieved today, not a lot but progress none the less. I am "working from home" prior to departing for Canada for a month so into the garage! I have finished the cover plate for the access hole I cut it is attached with 4mm rivnuts with some neoprene strip to cushion it. Needs painting etc but I think it looks fine. I have cut an identical cover for the other side which has not had the hole cut out yet.


cover plate finished by oldpropuk, on Flickr

I also managed to finish the brake master cylinder/servo assembly and fitting. I used M* machine screws to attache the MC in the end, the countersink for an M10 head is huge. This is a 20mm diameter Cortina MC so it will be interesting to see how it works when I get it plumbed!


Cortina MC fitted by oldpropuk, on Flickr


brake MC fitted by oldpropuk, on Flickr

Sorry about the poor quality, Iphone camera is good but only in good light! - John
30 Jan 2012, 8:30pm
Looking good!
It will be interesting to see how the Cortina MC peforms, it looks identical!
Working in a cold garage will be good practise for your Canadian trip!!
5 Feb 2012, 2:43pm
Well,

Thats it! Off to Canada tomorrow so the Marlin is on hold. Managed to recondition both of the rear calipers this weekend. Both of the front ones had the bleed valves already broken off. I have never had any luck removing broken bleed screws in the past and have tried several methods so I guess on my return I will look for some recon ones outright or to buy some used ones and recon them myself. Bleed valves/screws/nipples are one of my pet gripes actually. They are universally underengineered. Manuafcturers know that once a car gets older, maintenance slips and these little bu**ers will seize solid.
Next tasks are to finish off the pedal box, then finish the suspension fitting and add the brakes.
Oh well, hopefully it will be warmer when I return in March! John
5 Feb 2012, 3:52pm
John, try Bigg Red for bleed screws. I had a new set when I re-built my calipers with their kit and they only cost a few quid each
5 Feb 2012, 10:59pm
Morris, thanks for that. I got my seal kits from them, I actually didn't know that they did the bleed screws - obvious now you mention it!
6 Feb 2012, 11:14am
I would send one of your old bleed screws to them to match up though. the ones they initially sent me, though their data said it matched the donor car, were too big so I had to send one off. either that or the measurments
11 Mar 2012, 10:27am
More progress and HELP!!!

Hi all, back from Canada for a bit and am making steady progress, pictures to follow later today when I take some!

I have completed the clutch MC assemble and am really pleased with it. The pedal box is offered up so that I can get on with plumbing the copper piping.

One of the big problems I have is that, having bought this kit as a collection of parts (i didnt strip the donor) I am having a big issue with finding/identifying bits. I suspect there will be many more cries for help on this subject!

One issue I have at the moment is with the diff which I am just about to fit. I have found all the Marlin brackets and worked out where they go, there are no bolts but I can sort that. The large circular rubber mounting is puzzling me. It has already been fitted (not by me) and is new but it has an oval hole not a round one. I can see some logic in that but in what orientation should it be fitted? The Bentley manual shows a round hole but does indicate that the mounting needs to be orientated in a particular way. Mine does not look like theirs.
I think it is ok as it is. The long axis of the hole is horisontal and the bush has a sort of "arrow" shape which is pointing (more or less) straight up.
Does this sound right?
[IMG]http://
IMG_0571[1] by oldpropuk, on Flickr[/IMG]

Thanks for the help - John
11 Mar 2012, 11:11am
IIRC John, I put mine in with the arrow pointing upward - So I think you'll be OK with it as it is.

Hang on...

Here you go:

11 Mar 2012, 12:32pm
Thanks Jason,

Yes it seems logical doesnt it! The trouble is, the more you think about these things the more doubts start to creep in! - John