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Hi both Pauls, Thanks for the good wishes, it's just a shame I don't have (or am not currently allowed) the time to play with it at the moment. Still, I suppose in the grand scheme of things 5 days isn't too long!
I'm only too glad to have it finally arrive as I was starting to despair.
So, Paul (A)
ps: I have ordered a few more bits and pieces and will post them up as and when they arrive
Hi Paul, Thanks for the offer but I don't really like the grille that Fiorano used to supply (they don't do them anymore but will supply the pattern if required). I'm not sure what I want for keeping the wind off yet but I'll keep your screens in mind.
Cheers,
Paul
I took advantage of the good weather today to upgrade the carport by laying some old plyboard on the floor rather than walk on gravel and have a general tidy up. I also cut up an old speedboat hull which may provide some "interesting" fibre glass parts for the Fiorano.
As you can see, the engine and gearbox are still sat on a pallet under the tarpaulin waiting for attention and the chassis is still waiting to be degreased.
My friend decided that security needed to be tightened up and promptly built a sentry box and provided a security guard! Those of you interested in the Second World War will, no doubt, have spotted that the sentry box is painted in Kriegsmarine colours
Well, I finally gave up on waiting to have the chassis steam cleaned and degreased it myself with good old, old-fashioned, Gunk. What a dirty job, but what a good job the Gunk did. Now all I need to do is find a day without rain so I can grit blast the chassis.
Like Car Photographer, I have been thinking of what to do about a grille. I quite like the mesh grille which he is considering but have also tried this. What do you think? I know it will make the aperture a little smaller, but nothing that can't be compensated for by using twin electric fans I think.
Hi Paul, I was thinking more of an aluminium surround which would bolt on to the back of the grille using the existing bolts for the slats and then bond it to the fibreglass of the front of the bodyshell. Perhaps also including some extra mesh like this.
I will be following your thread with interest. I'm looking for a project and I think the Firano T48 might fit the bill. Like you I've looked at building a 7 type kit but somehow none of them quite do it for me after having owned a Caterham. I fancy something which doesn't scream boy racer but has something with character about it. I've been looking at Morganesque 3 wheelers (JZR, Triking, etc) and Porsche Speedsters.
What I like about the Firano T48 is that it is Spitfire based and although loosely base on a Ferrari it could be one of a number from that era... oh and they look great!
I will be following your thread with interest. I'm looking for a project and I think the Firano T48 might fit the bill. Like you I've looked at building a 7 type kit but somehow none of them quite do it for me after having owned a Caterham. I fancy something which doesn't scream boy racer but has something with character about it. I've been looking at Morganesque 3 wheelers (JZR, Triking, etc) and Porsche Speedsters.
What I like about the Firano T48 is that it is Spitfire based and although loosely base on a Ferrari it could be one of a number from that era... oh and they look great!
Keep up the good work and I'll keep checking in.
Simon
Hi Simon,
Thanks for the encouraging words. I also had considered the 3 wheelers but, on balance, just thought that they didn't quite offer the opportunity for a little "spirited driving" should the mood or conditions require it. As you say, it could easily be an Alfa or any of the other Italian tuning houses from the post-war years and that's why I love it as I was born in 1950 so am also from the same era! At the moment, progress is slow as I have had a few medical problems, but I am on the mend and hope to get some welding done soon - despite what my wife says We are also going away on holiday in a couple of weeks so more unwanted delay. AARGH! I can honestly say that I think the T48 kit is of a good quality and that Mick (of Fiorano) is a nice guy to deal with and well worth a phone call to have a chat with about the kit build etc. I paid £10 for an e copy of the build manual to have a look at the kit construction plans etc before I made a decision and you get this back if you go ahead and buy the kit from him. The kit comes in small sub-packs which are all well wrapped and itemised on the outside of the packs to help identification and make the assembly order more obvious and easy and all in all I'm very pleased with it. You should also have a chat with Car Photographer as he (another Paul by the way) recently"finished" the build of his T48. See Fiorano T48 Build thread.
Good luck with whichever kit you choose and don't forget to start a build thread - if nothing else, it will help you maintain a bit of momentum.
Cheers,
Paul (A)
Still, I suppose in the grand scheme of things 5 days isn't too long!
, Paul (A) 
What a dirty job, but what a good job the Gunk did. Now all I need to do is find a day without rain so I can grit blast the chassis.
1grille 3b by paul ward, on Flickr[/IMG] 
We are also going away on holiday in a couple of weeks so more unwanted delay. AARGH! I can honestly say that I think the T48 kit is of a good quality and that Mick (of Fiorano) is a nice guy to deal with and well worth a phone call to have a chat with about the kit build etc. I paid £10 for an e copy of the build manual to have a look at the kit construction plans etc before I made a decision and you get this back if you go ahead and buy the kit from him. The kit comes in small sub-packs which are all well wrapped and itemised on the outside of the packs to help identification and make the assembly order more obvious and easy and all in all I'm very pleased with it. You should also have a chat with Car Photographer as he (another Paul by the way) recently"finished" the build of his T48. See Fiorano T48 Build thread.
