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So, I needed to build a semi-spaceframe. I ordered tens of metres of 25x25mm and 25x50mm box plus 25mm and 50mm angle.
The handbrake is from, er......a box of anonymous spares. Battery mounted above the passenger's feet.
The picture below shows a problems that I will be tackling shortly. I have used standard engine and gearbox mounts.....bot look at the angle of the top of the rocker cover.
The final pic shows the dash area taking shape.
I have dispensed with the Herald pedals - the offset was wrong for the new floor - and I am using a Midget pedal box with remote reservoirs.
Sometimes you have to maintain morale.......temporary fit....for fun.
Floor off to check alignment with the chassis......
Getting there.....it's the things like lugs to hold the battery and loads of other fittings that took time.
Spaceframe rolled off prior to painting. It's effing heavy as you'd imagine and I have no assistance in the woods.
This isn't a move to smaller wheels - just a solution to moving the blasted thing.
A coat of rust treatment yesterday.......
And, today, a coat of Rustoleum primer.......
The frame will be green.....for a change.
Next jobs........fibreglass the floors.....ali panel the spaceframe (I'm looking forward to that)......get the engine level (lower)......hang the exhaust.....fit the propshaft.........re-fit the floor.....add the spaceframe..........
Some inspiring work there on the sub-frame. I am building a Miglia and will need to get around to sorting mine out, and will refer back to yours for ideas.
And I thought I had made life difficult for myself.
Jokes aside, your car is going to be very special when it is finished.
Whilst my Frankenstein Hillbilly internal framework is also pretty substantial, at least it came in two parts.
( Although, even lifting just the rear section was a serious effort if done single handed. )
So if you want to arrange a "Space frame lifting/re-fitting party" in the woods, just let me know, as you are only an hour (or so) from me.
No doubting your engineering quality and execution what a beautiful frame, but as the man said in the film Jaws "If think we are going to need a bigger boat" but in your case "I think you are going to need a bigger engine"!
No doubting your engineering quality and execution what a beautiful frame, but as the man said in the film Jaws "If think we are going to need a bigger boat" but in your case "I think you are going to need a bigger engine"!
How about a V8
The current engine is "new" and is +60 thou (it all helps). It has the Mk3 Spitfire cam plus the Dellorto and a 4-2-1 straight through exhaust......but like you I am mildly concerned (especially with a 3.89 diff and slightly larger wheels).
One of the ways that I have made things harder for myself is to ensure that the body will be easily removable once the car is finished so that working on it can be enjoyable (one of the many reasons that I like older cars).
This might just persuade me to swap-in a little Mazda unit and box......but I need to finish it first.
The current engine is "new" and is +60 thou (it all helps). It has the Mk3 Spitfire cam plus the Dellorto and a 4-2-1 straight through exhaust......but like you I am mildly concerned (especially with a 3.89 diff and slightly larger wheels).
One of the ways that I have made things harder for myself is to ensure that the body will be easily removable once the car is finished so that working on it can be enjoyable (one of the many reasons that I like older cars).
This might just persuade me to swap-in a little Mazda unit and box......but I need to finish it first.
Oxford
was said in jest, the car is beautiful and as you say if all that quality safety and longevity requires more power at a latter date you have the basis there to accommodate of whole rang of options
I race an XJS with a friend and our moto is for every 1kg shed in weight is 1HP added
The last one was a 1.8i (140bhp) this is a 1.6i (125bhp) but there are externally the same units. I also have the original radiator.
Why not drop in for a cuppa and have a look-see
)
