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Will have some next week hopefully Danny. It has gone straight to the engine Doctor!!! Well, if the truth be told, the guy who transported it for me is doing the engine so it stayed at his place. He buys / sells / breaks / preps for track cars MX5's so knows them inside out. He was planning on starting the engine removal tomorrow so hoping to have it here at home next week sometime.
I think this could turn out to be a great investment.
Thanks mate. I think so too. The kit and chassis are solid, so get the engine sorted , front end back on and then it is 'finishing'. Interior etc that are all personal touches anyway.
I like em Maz. The bonnet is a completely different shape - it doesn't have the normal 250 bulge, and it fits well. In keeping with the back end too. I think I am going to continue the muscle car theme, it definitely won't be a 250 rep. Just need some inspiration! !!! I might give Chris a ring and see if he can remember the original idear of this one.
To be honest mate I can't remember. But from the 1 look over it I have had I think I will struggle with Mr MOT man over the fronts. VERY stretched tyres. I will have to have a proper look when it comes back from the engine Dr.
...I have already sourced a replacement low mileage engine, had a price for engine removal, clean and service gearbox, new clutch kit and release bearing, new master cylinder, cam belt and water pump, pressure wash engine bay and new engine in, all for £500. Didn't think that was too bad…
£500 sounds like a bargain to me.
What replacement engine did you decide on in the end?
306craig wrote:
...my drive is at quite a steep angle so not conducive to engine changing!…
I though my sloping driveway was bad, until I saw yours!
Went like for like Paul - 1600. My man had a low miles one available, and to be honest I want to turn this around quick and cheap, sell it and hopefully make a few quid into the bargain.
So it has finally arrived................... nearly 2 months after spotting it on Gumtree (other boot sale sites are available) this is how my drive currently looks -
New (2nd hand low miles) engine fitted, complete with new cam belt, new water pump, new clutch and release bearing, gear box serviced, new clutch master cylinder, engine serviced -
Bonnet shut lines are pretty good, (far better than my other build that is for DEINITE) -
Not sure if those rear indicators are going to keep Mr MOT happy? -
Steering column shroud is missing and there are electrics hanging out everywhere. All the varnish on the steering wheel, hand brake and gear lever needs renewing. Oh and the carpet is rotten -
Quarter light frames and window trims are shot -
Wheels and tyres are a mixed bag. Wheels are 16x9 AEZ genuine split rims with an off set of 40. Rear tyres are 225 / 50 with 50mm spacers and are spot on -
However the fronts are 215 / 40 on 25mm spacers, but are stretched way out. I am not sure what Mr MOT will say, any advice guys -
All in all though I am pretty happy. Bit of a bargain I think. Priority is getting No1 into paint (hopefully by then end of this month. Then get on with this one over the winter.
The Chrome Wrap I've tried won't go round compound curves , it doesn't stretch like other vinyl . I think there is some vinyl available in the USA but its very expensive , worth a look though!
The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 covers the legal aspect of stretched tyres.
Part II, Section C paragraph 27 is where you find the relevant clause -
Condition and maintenance of tyres
27.—(1) Save as provided in paragraphs (2), (3) and (4), a wheeled motor vehicle or trailer a wheel of which is fitted with a pneumatic tyre shall not be used on a road, if—
(a)the tyre is unsuitable having regard to the use to which the motor vehicle or trailer is being put or to the types of tyres fitted to its other wheels;
This compulsory regulation clearly states that a vehicle shall not be used on a road if it is fitted with any tyre which is unsuitable .
So, drive around with tyres that can be shown to be too narrow for the rim (this is an objective test as the tyre manufacturer will provide a report stating what size tyres are suitable for the rim fitted), and what's the worst that can happen?
You might get pulled over and prosecuted for a breach of the regulations. If prosecuted you'll probably get fined less than the price of a new tyre.
But, if you lose control of your car for any reason - blow out, mud on road, black ice etc. - you crash and someone dies, your vehicle will be pulled apart by a Police vehicle inspector. You will be prosecuted for causing death by dangerous driving because of the unsuitable tyres. You will be convicted. You will go to prison.
And they look stupid.
They also ruin the rims when they get kerbed.
I'd seriously think about changing the wheels and tyres for some that fit.
