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Passed this morning at Shrewsbury, 1st time. I'm elated!
Thanks to everyone who contributed advice along the way.
Stewart at Shrewsbury was the nicest examiner you could hope to meet. Used to build his own race cars, has built a locost, and is now restoring a westfield. He was helpful and pragmatic.
Opened it up a bit in the 60 odd miles on the way home (between the showers...ugh...no weather gear). Had it on the limiter a couple of times
Tell you what - you don't half run out of speedlimit fast. Overtaking is an absolute delight - the noise as the VTEC kicks in is quite addictive.
I wanted to get some photos during SVA, but apparently after some discovery channel scandal VOSA have placed a ban on it. I stopped in a layby for one sunny shot:
Before sprinting back to the car and burning rubber before a couple of caravans came past.
If that looks like smoke from the engine vents, that's because it is ... but only from the exhaust wrap which is still cooking.
You'll note there's still quite a bit of bodywork finishing to do - planning to have this sorted over the next month or two prior to a full paint job. Just really wanted it on the road! Been at DVLA this afternoon with all the docs. Inspection Wednesday morning (once I work out how to get the car there - they won't let you drive it unlike to SVA!).
I see two seats...... can I book a passenger ride for Saturday!!?!
I don't see why not! As it's my first track experience (I don't think indoor karting counts...) it may be a bit pedestrian through the curves. The straight line punch makes you grin though
Time consuming rather than difficult. I used a cardboard template to give the general shape then cut them out of polyurethane foam. Stuck them to the bodywork with hotmelt glue then sanded to shape. Ground out the gelcoat around the perimeter then laminated them (just 2 layers of 450grm seemed sufficient). Still remains to fill and flat the final shape. Took probably 20 hours or so up until now, but it was my first time with proper GRP work.
I was concerned too about how to match the sides. But then I thought - from no position can you actually see both sides at the same time....so as long as they are pretty close, you'd never tell. Front and rear elevations need to look pretty symmetrical is all.
I needed to cut away some small amounts of the existing arches, mostly to improve tyre clearance at the shoulder.
I don't see why not! As it's my first track experience (I don't think indoor karting counts...) it may be a bit pedestrian through the curves. The straight line punch makes you grin though
Excellent - whatever speed you go at (within reason), will give me a motivating punch! That said, you'll no doubt start out slowly and learning the limits, then before you know it, you'll be going as hard as you can!
Saturday should be great fun (just as long as nothing gives out on my car to jeopardise getting home!).
Been at DVLA this afternoon with all the docs. Inspection Wednesday morning (once I work out how to get the car there - they won't let you drive it unlike to SVA!).
Richard
Hi Richard.
My local DVLA office said it was ok to drive it to the inspection and back. They said if I get pulled over, show them the dvla letter with the appointment.
My local DVLA office said it was ok to drive it to the inspection and back. They said if I get pulled over, show them the dvla letter with the appointment.
Seems like different advise in different areas.
I think DVLA and VOSA both seem to do their own thing to quite a large degree! Anyway, I took it to DVLA this morning on the back of a wagon, and now have a set of number plates to my name!
All set for the epic drive down to Llandow - Welsh marches, brecon beacons... 5am start...
... but only from the exhaust wrap which is still cooking.