M&W 550 Overhaul...

alfacat · Post by **alfacat** » Fri Nov 13, 2020 2:59 pm

Thanks Guys
Sadly what was originally intended as a quick fun, summmer sports car fix, looks to be turning into a project, at a less than ideal time (my industry is on its knees). I guess it's time to sit back and enjoy the journey if not the actual drive.
Let's face it, this is a first world problem!

All the best

alfacat · Post by **alfacat** » Tue Nov 24, 2020 10:36 am

Currently feeling a lot more positive about my 'rep', this is in no small part due to it making it's way to Mike Bainbridge for some much needed attention.
Funny how a chat with someone who knows their 'stuff' can restore your general mood!
I also got my first look at its new pedal set (forgot to take a pic) and they look rather special.

By the next post I should have a drivable Spyder with gears, brakes and a clutch I can get my foot on!

All the best
Ian

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alfacat · Post by **alfacat** » Wed Dec 02, 2020 11:35 am

Morning All
The problem with time off/furlow is that you start to over think decisions that made sence at the time.
With that in mind and given the fact that I was a little concerned with how close the rear tyres are to the clamshell, I've decided to go for some rather nice CSP 'Wide 5' drums...

So two of the above will replaced the rather conveluted arrangement of bits below.
This has to be a good thing!

In the mean time the real work moves on at Mike's.

All the best
Ian F.

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sladey · Post by **sladey** » Wed Dec 02, 2020 12:45 pm

alfacat · Post by **alfacat** » Fri Dec 04, 2020 10:51 am

Morning All
Just a cheeky post, first the missing new pedal set pic...

Second, the CB Performance 'drum covers' have made their way across the Pond.
We all like shinny stuff in the post now don't we!

Also (and far more importantly) this overhaul looks like it's about to take a different path....
More news once things are finalised!
Have a great weekend folks.

All the best
Ian F.

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Hugo 356 · Post by **Hugo 356** » Fri Dec 04, 2020 8:07 pm

So you can use the skins over the new drum brakes? Drums should save a bit of un-sprung weight and feel a bit more 'period'

alfacat · Post by **alfacat** » Fri Dec 04, 2020 8:25 pm

Luckily my earlier plans left me with a pair of 10mm spacer rings that will stand the skin clear of the new drums.
I’m rather chuffed about that.

All the best
Ian F

alfacat · Post by **alfacat** » Tue Dec 08, 2020 3:23 pm

ALL CHANGE!
After a good look under my car and a few long chats between Mike Bainbridge and Paul Foreman, Mike and me, then Paul and me!
We've come to the conclusion that in order to turn my 'rep' into the car I really want, it needs to go on a little rest & recuperation trip down south.
It's not what I had originally planned, but given the state of the brakes, suspension, shift linkage, chassis and electrics, the whole bloody thing except the bodywork in fact, the logic of doing all the work in one hit (in the long run) is a 'real no brainer'!
Truth be told, I'm rather excited about the whole idea!

Watch this space for more news as it happens...

All the best
Ian F.

PS, Big thanks to Mike and Paul for all their work, help and advice so far.

alfacat · Post by **alfacat** » Thu Jan 28, 2021 1:05 pm

Hi All
Well it's my first post of the year and once again my Spyder is back in what is becoming it's natural habitat (on a trailer).
Off we goes to Kent to start it's major refurbisment.

As alway more news here as it happens...

All the best
Ian F.

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alfacat · Post by **alfacat** » Sun Feb 28, 2021 4:42 pm

Hi Guys
Time for an update, my car is safe & sound down in Kent and the strip down is now well under way.
Paul Foreman who is doing all the hard work tells me “it's not the worst one he’s seen” but I think it’s safe to say it not the best either!