https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttl-kF8Rbuo
Take a look at this video, a stunning car in aluminium, no paint !
Another mile stone today, the car now starts and drives !!
I can now refit the front end and get on with the finishing touches. The end of January for completion and MOT looks to be in site !
I'll probably start a " Part 2 " thread with the finishing touches through to completion and getting on the road. Lots of photos and a video or two !
I've seen that first video before, there are a couple of replica's in that collection. I like the second vid with the track action, I haven't seen that one. One thing they all have in common is that they are heavily restored with plush interiors and magnificent paintwork etc. I'd love to see an unrestored example that was just a racing car, having done a couple of 24 hour races. I don't think there are any though and its a shame. I can create that look with my car if it goes to plan.
Listening to those cars I think I have nailed it with the exhaust sound, that's a big plus !
I will put my car on a weigh bridge when I've finished it. With the space frame chassis I believe it will be lighter than an original TR.
Now that I've established that mechanically everything works I'll be refitting the front body work. One little job I've completed today is to design and manufacture a reliable throttle linkage for the 38 DGAS carb. The offerings online in most cases leave a lot to be desired, too flimsy and pulling the cable at funny angles. This one is 3mm and 5mm plate, the end result should be reliable as the cable is pulled straight at all throttle openings. This is also backed up with a hefty return spring which is must in my books. I once had a Rover V8 jam open at maximum revs, its no joke !
Tonight I managed to get the front end back on. I'm in the process of fixing it all down for the last time. By the end of the week I hope to have the doors refitted and gapped up along with a few tidy up jobs on the rear section. There is a little more panelling to do but nothing too taxing.
Photos to follow ! Not done much today other than the return edges of the scuttle panel in the cockpit. I've also spent a bit of time on the front wings and nose getting a respectable finish on the aluminium surface. Coarse wire wool followed by green scotch bright. Its coming up a lovely smooth satin silver.
I've had the rear end off to complete a few little jobs. I've made the rear exhaust supports and welded them into position. Just about ready to refit the rear end now. I'll then be able to complete the inner arches and the aluminium panel work in the boot area. The rear lights, number plate light are ready to fit and connect up. Getting close !
The rear end is now back on for the final time. The rear lights are fitted, just sorting the final position for the indicators. Part of the internal panel work is done, the inner arches will be done in situ.
I want to make a start on the dash, fit the instruments,switches and start getting the wiring connected up over the next few days.
Give me 10 minutes Paul L , I'll go in the garage and get a picture just for you !
You said at the start of this thread you wouldn't hound me for updates ! Lol
Here's a quick look...…. Sorry its not the best photo I've taken !
Thanks for the kind comments !
The flash photo doesn't do it justice, it looks far better in the flesh ! By the end of next week I hope to have the interior largely complete and the dash fitted. I'll get it outside and take some decent photo's, weather permitting. Fitted the rear indicators in the vents, the reflectors supplied with the car are fitted between the vents and number plate recess.
I've been getting on with the aluminium panel work. The bulk head is now sealed between the engine bay and the drivers compartment. Also fabricating the inner rear arches and fitting into position along with boxed in sections between the chassis and lower part of the doors.
Still making panel sections, looks like I'll be buying a third sheet of 2m x1m ali sheet to complete it all ! I've got the seats back from the trim shop today, a really smart job, far better than my first efforts ! I'll post some more photo's by the end of the week.
A couple of recent photo's here. I'm still not sure about the rear indicators. I might go with larger units fully inside the slot. I'm really pleased with the way the exhausts have turned out, full megaphone effect like the original !
I'm really trying to keep it looking authentic. I did buy two sets of wheels, these centre laced style really set the car off well.
This isn't so much kit car but a bespoke one off with a coach built body by Giordanengo.
You are well informed JJMCD, that was the fate of my example. It will only be a short while before the Ferrari 400 cars are hugely collectable in their own right and will be restored.
From my point of view this has been a great project and for me the number one thing is the hand crafted body which sets it apart from anything else out there and is unique in its own right. The running gear and chassis are a well proven formula and is easy to live with whilst entertaining and fun to drive.
The little indicator units are Fiat X19 side repeaters, they are also marked. I need to check the requirements for fog and reversing lights regards the MOT.
I've had a quick look and as my car is 2007 I'll be fitting fog and reverse lights. No problem to install as I've only just started on the wiring.
Not much done this weekend but here are a couple more photo's.
Firstly the seats offered up.
Details around the door hinge.
Panel work of the near side sill / step.
I've also completed the rear inner arches on the near side. I made templates for every panel so that should speed up the off side work.
This week will see the remaining inner panels completed along with the dash and instruments fitment.