Thanks for all the tips folks - was tough fitting it on my own but got the job done.
Did a quick video after for my dad to show him how I'm getting on...\\
WhatsApp Video 2018-03-30 at 15.37.53 by
couerdelion2013, on Flickr
Thanks for all the tips folks - was tough fitting it on my own but got the job done.
Did a quick video after I'd finished, for my dad, to show him how I'm getting on...
WhatsApp Video 2018-03-30 at 15.37.53 by
couerdelion2013, on Flickr
Not yet - I know that I'll need them when I put the centre part of the bonnet in but it holds without it for now.
Not the best of days working on the car...
Decided to tackle the dash.
Made a beautiful template and measured everything up perfectly. Checked, rechecked and checked again.
Then carefully cut 4 holes perfectly into the dash. Holesaw was slightly smaller than needed but decided I could file it out to right size.
Same again for the big dials. This time hole saw was perfect size. Two beautiful holes cut...
Offered up the Speedo to check and it fell through. Vibrations had made hole too big. Shit.
Checked smaller holes and they fit perfect. Decided to trial fit gauges to check. Oil temp, oil pressure, water temp, fuel and bollox, the clock. 5 dials. 4 holes.
C'est la vie. Nothing that cant be fixed.
Pain in the ass though!
Amazing how quickly time can pass and nothing gets done. Nothing with the car anyway. Main reasons for doing very little in the last 12 months was finishing off a degree and doing an Ironman. Both in the bag so ready to start again.
Managed to get back up to the unit last weekend to find out it had been broken into and a few things stolen - my bikes and tools so about 5k's worth altogether. I had been up a week before to drop some stuff off so it was recent enough. Still, nothing that cant be replaced.
All the car stuff is still there and I'll be making a go at getting a fair bit done over Christmas. Plan is to get there this weekend and sit down and make a list of everything that needs completing and go again.
Brackets to fit seats are done so they may even get fitted this weekend after I put the new carpet in. I'll try and get dashboard reglassed over Christmas - needs to be done at home really where its dry and warm and then I'll line someone up to do the electrics in the early new year.
Then I'm starting another masters and I've entered another Ironman so who knows what else will get done.
Hi
They were from
http://etbinstruments.com/
They are not shown on the website and are a special order - I emailed them and asked about ordering the DNA 250 gauges.
They were 895 + vat.
Still not had chance to do much but have been picking up a few things to keep me interested.
Rear window - MGB GT rear screen obtained - got one with the rear heating element - might end up going with lexan though / still thinking about the bigger window option....
Foglights - got Marchal ones - will need some restoring but love the look of them.
Wing mirrors - bought some from GT Classiche - no longer on their site so can't show till they arrive - they looked pretty good on the photos though.
Dashboard is ready to be cut - I'll be measuring and marking and double checking 3-4 times this time!
The wider, more 250 one?
Can I ask how much?
I'd advise anyone who is thinking of building a kit car whilst studying a BSc and then a MSc not to bother!
Finally handed in my thesis and successfully defended it today (I hope!) - so back to the build!
I've not been up to even see the car in a while so having to read my own thread to work out where I am.
First job is going to be getting the seats in. Oder the metal I need to fabricate mounts and going to get them done asap. I'm not even worried about going for sliding - I always have the seat back as far as it goes so no need. Yes, might be a problem if I sell on. But c'est la vie for now.
Interesting developments in the world of replicas I see, but this was never going to be an attempt to look the same - will likely get some badges made that "recreate the spirit".
Other than that - expect lots of questions as I try to remember what the chuff I was doing and struggle to find posts I read before.
I'm 99% positive I have - I'm hoping to get up to the unit this weekend so will let you know for definite. From memory they were in good condition.
I'm writing this to give me some motivation as there's no actual updates.
It's nearly 5 years since I started this thread and still dont have a 250 SWB to show for it. About 6 months ago I accepted an offer on the unfinished project but that all went quiet and to be honest, I'm kinda glad it did. I hate not finishing things and selling it unfinished would have been a regret as I dont think I'd start a kitcar project again (famous last words!).
I do have a ton of excuses but really just need to get on with it. I think it was JaguarTVR that said about picking the jobs off one by one and it's a very good plan.
How do you eat an elephant? One mouthful at a time.
I've been browsing here again last couple of days picking up bits of inspiration. Been on the grassbank site and made a list of parts to order when I get paid at the end of the month (it's a pain the UK not being in the EU anymore!). Bonnet Sill Locators, Gear Stick. Luggage Shelf Trim, Door Cards, Door Tops, Arm Rest... Do I go for the handbrake conversion?... Will I be kicking myself if I dont do the rear screen?
I read through my own thread last night and found I'd bought wing mirrors that I didnt recall!
Going to head up to the unit this weekend and make a big long list of all the jobs to be done. The main problem with doing very little for nigh on four years is that I've no idea where I was with parts of the project. As for working out all the wiring... I knew I should have labeled it all and stored the photos somewhere I could remember.
Plan is for a road trip in September 2023 - a few mountain passes, some french wine and cheese. There will be plenty of pictures and updates coming over the next few months (I promise this time!) and I'll be asking a ton of questions.
Thanks, Geoff - yeah that's what I was thinking. Just a real pain to get one to Ireland (duties + vat). Might have to wait till I'm over at Christmas and get everything else sorted (except paint) before then.
Assuming though that I need to replace the 'parcel shelf' too if I upgrade - I know it comes in the kit
I think I'm in the 0.1% who look at the handbrake straight away. I'm still not sure what I'm doing with the centre tunnel yet either though. The handbrake isnt on my must-have list... more a would like to have. It also comes down to that I arent trying to pass it off as a copy so is it needed? Damn , I'm so indecisive.
The rear window is expensive but makes the car look that much better. That'll take a chunk out of next years bonus.
So the problem with leaving my car untouched in a damp storage container for 4 years is that the metal work I’d done is tarnished quite badly. The rollcage needs removing, rubbing down and repainting, the windows are just rusty and even some of the clocks (where they weren’t covered back up completely) are tarnished but at least that’s just the back of them so wont be seen.
Took the clocks and other metal work (mirrors, fuel cap etc) out of the unit and have them stored at home now. Also brought the dashboard and that will be job number 1.
This is the finish I’m aiming for -
https://www.mgexp.com/article/how-to-get-a-good-wrinkle-paint-finish.103
I'm back... so prepare for lots of stupid questions. Probably the slowest build in 250 history...
For those who have fitted a new dashboard...
How have you fitted the new GRP to the existing dashboard?
I've cut the old one, then the new one fits spot on onto the remaining dashboard it so is it just a case of gluing? Screwing too?
So... back at it today and nothing more than clearing up the unit so I can get on with the job and walk around the vehicle - I've worked out how to add photos too as I think they add to a thread.
The issue with not touching anything in 5+ years, and leaving them in a damp unit is that things don't stay shiny.
The window frames for example...
Can't see too much from this angle but some of the bolts in the engine bays are rather orange coloured
The roll cage was hammerited but isn't looking great
Chairs are looking mouldy (it does just wipe off) - and the adhesive in the box has a best before of 2017
More of the window frame and just the amount of general dust on the vehicle
All the interior panels, discarded Nubodi dashboard and steel wheels... plus the back end / roof.
(Yes I know it's still a mess, but trying not to bin anything till I 100% know what I might still need!)
This is the inspiration for the dash
And the current status...
It is actually sitting in the old cut up dashboard ready to be joined, just cant tell from the angle.
If anyone else is using Google Photos and wants to know how to link...
Copy the photos into an new Album on Google Photos.
Enable Link Sharing.
Open the photo in chrome, full screen and right click on "Copy image address".
The append ".jpg" onto the end of that copied address when pasting between the "[IMG][/IMG]" tags