Well, despite having to go to Germany for a fortnight I returned to find that the elves had been in and completed some of the niggly little jobs in my absense - result! Martin had completed a crash course in wiring and relays had been fitted and everything now works. Indicators, hazards, main, dip, fog, horn, you name it. Unfortunately this means that this new stuff is a complete mystery to me so I need to go through it to see how it works as there's an awful lot of similar coloured cable ;) The oil pressure guage arrived and was fitted with the sender in a T-piece on the block. The problem of a brake light switch was solved (cheers Mart) with an in-line switch as fitted to Mini's. Finally got round to strapping the fuel tank down with some steel packing straps. Some over-ordered over-centre clips were put to good use keeping the boot lid down. Front tow hoop was fitted at last and finally, copious amounts of Autosol and polish made everything gleam. Karl came by to modify the bonnet for the new air filter hole (as twin-choke is bigger) and the car's almost done.
Well, the car's so close to being finished. Appearance wise it won't change much from these pics.
The end's in sight. With the expection of a few minor bits the car is ready to race! Will look for a track day soon to shake it down so I'm aiming to be at Snetterton on the 16th of September. Silverstone is a bit too soon (still need to take ARDS) and I'm away for Pembrey. Time to get a race licence!!!
Looks as if I'm going to have to start another Locost soon as the updates are getting a bit sparse! Anyway, finished off the very last bits this weekend so another couple of piccies for you. Firstly, I tackled the exhaust mounting. Luckily the workshop is next to a tyre and exhaust fitting bay so getting hold of the straps and clamp was easy. Free too! I had to use two straps to reach the chassis member which it's bolted to. The lower strap has a mounting strip which sits under the u-clamp. Next up was mirrors. As I've said before, the Eddie White mirrors didn't come with any mounting posts (which is frankly, crap) and Eddie assured me that I'd be able to get some. Not only is this nigh on impossible, but it's almost as much cash for a new set! So, after a discussion with Wallingford Raceparts (v.v.knowledgeable and helpful guys) I've decided to return the carbon fibre look-a-likes and get some Racetech items with convex glass. Whilst I was there, I asked whether they could help out with a sensor plate for the speedo (fits between prop and diff. flage). They'd looked into producing them a while ago but deemed it uneconomical so I need to design one, which is straightforward enough, then get a machine shop with a laser cutter to make me a couple. A setbuilder which I use in the course of business has access to one so I'll be making a call once I've worked out the number of teeth it needs (I'll explain later ;). Got the wheels back from the shot blaster. I did a deal with my brother to get 10 wheels done for a tenner each - bargain! These smooth silver hammerite alloys will replace the white versions currently on the car the pic shows only the rear wheel painted. VHT paint got the exhaust manifold sprayed (finally) and looks much better than the mild(ly rusting) steel.
Finally, I replaced the hoses from the brake reservoir to the master cylinder as they ran too close to the steering link (see pic.). After trying several 'leaky' solutions, I used some left over metal fuel pipe to make the tight 90 degree right angle out of the top of the master cylinder inlets with flexible piping to the reservoir. I'll eventually replace (or will I?) the system with a dual cylinder, biased system but funds are tight with an impending house move so I thought I'd save myself 100 quid and make do with the old one. It's pointless replacing it until I can get the car on the track and see how good/bad they are. Last up was the application of some stickers and the race number panels and I took the opportunity in the good weather to take a wallpaper resolution pic. of the car. Maybe it will give you all some inspiration during those 'tricky' parts of the build (mostly financial in my experience ;). Cheers.
Almost forgot! I made a grill (see pic) from a errr... grill!! Looks damn good too, just needed cutting down to fit the nosecone. That only leaves 2 jobs, fit a small aeroscreen (need some tinted perspex) and have the speedo drive plate made. Then it's off to the rolling road for a carb set-up and some track day time to shake it down. So very, very close....