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.
Paul, Charman.tech, Scottie22, Mickey1Mo, Marc F, and Triumph Special – thanks for the recent positive reactions. It does help to maintain morale. With Paul about to be the proud owner of an MOT certificate, I feel rather like that last Giant Tortoise…….
This weekend I attacked the aluminium panelling. I started with some paper templates.
I cut out the panels with a jigsaw, then started to hand-finish with a file.
For those where the cut-line was a little wavey, I clamped some steel strap and ran a power tool along the edge.
I have another six of the vertical panels cut but not fitted. I need to buy another sheet of ali to complete the front and rear bulkheads. All rather rewarding.
I am trying to achieve a panel a day. Images would be a little repetitive so this will be the final one until I have fixed them all. Another 500 rivets should arrive tomorrow.
All progress is good progress......
The spaceframe is currently stored vertically. This is the passenger side of the transmission tunnel. I am using plastic ends in places to tidy-up open box section. This allows access for Waxoyling. They aren't very period, but they will not be seen when everything that I have planned is in place.
If you go down to the woods today, you're sure of a big surprise......such as a Swordfish.
Paul's efforts have really been rewarded. The car looks even better in the flesh than in the one or two pics that he has posted over the last few years....... It also sounds great.
It handles and feels like an old car (rather than a kit) and it is so solid - all edges and panels are able to bear weight as you get in and out.
Paul and I had a very enjoyable real-time forum chat. At times it was like a counselling session....."Hello, my name is Paul and I built a Sammio."
I did get some therapy of my own, fitting a few more panels.
Just love those pepper-pot wheels. What is the stud patern and are they standard off another vehicle? I went to Goodwood at the week-end and saw something very similar on a Caterham Sprint
Cheers
Slarti
The wheels are BMW Mini steels. They are available very cheaply (£25 for four wheels and good Michelin tyres) as so money people swap them for alloys. They are 4 x 100 PCD.
The conversion was achieved by buying some nice aircraft-ali adaptors from the US.
They are beautiful, but they were not cheap. By the time I had paid the taxes due I was the wrong side of £200.
As soon as I fitted them I knew they were worth it. Before fitting I changed the standard Herald lugs for the larger MG / Land Rover lugs. They did need to be trimmed so as not to sit proud of the adaptor.
I have just had a look and they now appear to be available this side of the Atlantic -
Thanks for all the info on the wheels Oxford ...It's something I've been considering for some time ....wires or pepper-pot ?? I think wires can be quite heavy and I like the p/p wheels as they look very close to a racing Dunlop. I think that is the route I will take.
Cheers
Slarti
After a gap of a few weeks due to children going off to University and family visits, I managed to get a few hours in the woods today. It was time for Operation Front Bulkhead........
Trial fit after cutting, and then drilling of rivet holes......
A bit same old, same old, but all the panels are cut and most are fitted. Those that aren't will be when the frame is mated to the chassis.....next weekend. That will be a big step as I can then lay the brake lines, fit the dash and some electrics and then.......who knows. The moon buggy may move.
The overlaying centre panel is bolted (M4 stainless) to allow access in the future.
