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Getting bored waiting on Mike and subframe but thats just me being impatient. its only been a few weeks since the kit was ordered, but in my mind I want to have the body on and in place before winter so I can spend this winter on the interior and external trims.
Got a great deal on the Hubs and spinners but have found them to be the short type.
The add did not say for 13" wheels only. I have 15" which need the longer hubs. Not to worry that all part of doing your own build, making mistakes and making them good. So they will be back on ebay soon and replacements ordered.
Chassis looks nice and fresh. The short splined hubs are a lot cheaper than the long ones but like you say, will only take the 13" wires. It's a common mistake which has also been made by the seller of the Miglia that's ending this evening on ebay.
Hope you get your frame in good time, that's an exciting part of the build when you have a working 'moon rover'.
With the chassis on hold till I get my subframe, its time to look at the electrics and wiring of the engine.
Ok I have this race prepared Redtop engine with a BMW E36 five speed box.
I need to get them cleaned and joined together and tested ready to drop onto my extended chassis.
A few days off this week, rain is forecast so no reason to go driving.
Anyone ever done this combination?
I had intended to use a ford type 9 box but the racing boys are grabbing them off ebay for stupid money.
This should do the trick at a fraction of the cost and the bell housing matches without ordering from racing specialist.
Pics to follow
Yes Towed, I'm really pleased with the final look of the rolling chassis. Only wish I had given the extension more thought previously. All is not lost, I will set up my engine and gearbox ready this week. I also have to build the engine mounts, reshape a standard exhaust to compensate for the front wheel drive engine being used as a rear wheel drive unit.
All been done before so I'm not creating anything new, but using the best ideas of whats been done previously.
The roof of my lockup is filled with wire, stainless steel exhaust units, the walls have ECU units and wires, steering columns, lots of everything.
The good thing is I've been buying lots of bits on Ebay for the past nine months so I have most of what I need, just have to put it all together.
With regards chassis modifications such as welding major structures on or modifying wheelbases etc. it isnt allowed by the strict rules of the current DVLA system. minimal body mount modification is about your lot , no shortening of outriggers or similar , as the confusing regs state ..
My unofficial view on this at the moment would be .... DVLA are currently treating this whole not thought through area of car construction in their recent changes , as only a paperwork exercise ....so , if you are planning on registering a potentially awkward one , do it now !! before this changes.
So after a long absence, when other projects were completed, my tools being stolen again, then there was Covid 19 lock down, I am back with my build.
This time I have replaced my Spitfire Chassis with a Vitesse Chassis which had been dry stored for thirty years. In great condition as my picture will show.
I had to exchange all my previously renovated parts in order to get this great chassis so the strip down, clean and replace worn out areas has begun.
Hi Carib,
Great to read that you’re resuming your build. It would be great to have another Miglia thread on the forum. I agree with MrT, the longer chassis will improve the look of the car.
Looking forward to following the progress of your build.
Been trying to keep the build moving while I have some time. Its nearly Easter and the covers need to come off my other motor for the MOTs. So some more pics
Where is the year going. Didn't seem that long that I re started my build but its been 3 very quick moths.
So an update:
New thoughts on the engine and have obtained a MX5 Donor. Yes change in direction but should have as much power going to the wheels.
Stripped most of the Donor, including some of the trans tunnel.
All wiring loom with ECU, and of course the gearbox.
Hope the rear end can keep up or there may be another rethink.
Really enjoying this stage. Engine is in good condition generally, no smoke when tested prior to its removal.
General overhaul; New Cam belt, Water pump, Cam front seals, rust area cleaned sealed and repainted. Cam covers all replaced, used ones, cleaned and repainted.
Have tried to upload pics of current position with build but having no success. Could be my location as I am overseas on holiday.
Back next week so will upload.
Just spent some time looking and reading Deni's build and it seems so different to mine.
My subframe has very different structure, I assume Deni built his?
A couple of things which is now holding up my build. Due to my lack of welding experience I have been totally dependant on Kevin my classic car Guru. He has been very ill since Covid and is just getting back on his feet. Also I am using a MX5 engine and gearbox. I am using this waiting period to dry fit and position the engine combination onto my Vitesse chassis. I think I am almost there , will post the pictures soon as I work out how , or when I am home after my holiday.
My kit has been collected from Dan at OldNo7, so floor panel have been dropped onto the chassis just before I left for my break and I look forward to some input from you guys, to avoid the Noddy driving position, I feel that is so critical with this kit, along with the stance of the car generally.
Once the engine and gearbox are fitted I think my progress will be quicker.
HELP !!!!
Can anyone help with my pictures posting? Also some picture format uploads on some of the other threads I can't open? I have tried both my PC and Apple laptops. Do I need to switch on an extension? HELP !!!!!
Always look great right out of the mould !
MX5 engine is a good choice these days, cheap to source and bullet proof !
Should go well in the light Triumph chassis.
Have to pop round and take a look some time !