1987 3.2 Carrera Backdate project - Sladeys hotrod

[sladey]

You've still got 3 months or so let, you never know.

Are you changing those oils lines too?

What oil lines?

[DustyM]

You've still got 3 months or so let, you never know.

Are you changing those oils lines too?

What oil lines?

These crusty looking ones!

[Nige]

Yes those, shiny suspension stuff and you've missed the important bits!

[sladey]

Well the answer is no - they aren't as bad as they look -they aren't that old. Also if I add any more jobs it'll never get finished

[dragonfly]

Can you (or anyone else) recommend a good source for longer wheel studs?

Got mine from type911

Ta v much

[sladey]

Quieter weekend but thought I'd record it here



This may not look like progress and I know it's blotchier than when I sprayed in primer the other week but believe me it's now a LOT better. I basically had to fill and sand, fill and sand, again and again.

On my new arches I'd got a bit of undulation you could only feel with your hands, so after a bit more filler I went at it with some coarse paper to get the shape right first, it was easier after that. A couple of other bits had revealed metal high spots, so they got tapped down with a hammer before another thin skim

Eventually by Saturday evening I reckoned I'd just about got it right. Rather than go to a big mask and spray job, I just rattle-canned some etch primer over the patchwork quilt. Checking it this morning it looked pretty good and only took about half an hour to sort out the final few defects. I'm happy with the shape now.

I reckon I can leave that side now until respray time - the whole car will want rubbing down at that stage and some primer filler will also be involved.

So now we're moving onto stage 2 (OK maybe that should be stage 22), - I'm dropping the engine next weekend ready for suspension top strengthening gussets (always hated that word), satin black engine bay, and a trip up to the sage of the Lakes to stem the Torrey Canyon

[johnM]

Hi Mark

What a great update. Not too long ago your car looked quite bad. Now it's looking really solid. A cracking achievement.

What day are you at mikes? I might pop in.

[sladey]

I'm hoping for Saturday 26th April - just waiting to hear that's Okay with Mike. I'm just bringing the engine up (obvs!). I need to take it out now though because Im having some help with the sills on the drivers side and once he's got it jacked up for that I won't be able to drop the engine. Be good to see you again.

[jury]

Those arches do look good

[markm]

Thats looks bloody fantastic, well done Mark

[johnM]

I'm hoping for Saturday 26th April - just waiting to hear that's Okay with Mike. I'm just bringing the engine up (obvs!). I need to take it out now though because Im having some help with the sills on the drivers side and once he's got it jacked up for that I won't be able to drop the engine. Be good to see you again.

Back at work then, it does seem to get in the way.

[sladey]

I'm hoping for Saturday 26th April - just waiting to hear that's Okay with Mike. I'm just bringing the engine up (obvs!). I need to take it out now though because Im having some help with the sills on the drivers side and once he's got it jacked up for that I won't be able to drop the engine. Be good to see you again.

Back at work then, it does seem to get in the way.

Shame

Tim's coming up with me as well - bringing his gearbox

[sladey]

Since last time I started the engine up (once the smoke had subsided from the horn! - the battery earth strap wasn't earthing properly) and turned the car around. it was amazing what a buzz it gave just being able to drive the car into the street and back int o the garage again - it became a car once more instead of a 'project'

Dropped the engine last week-end and got it up onto Tim's stand (thanks Tim)
and then stripped it ready for taking up to Mike's



Yesterday I picked up one of Nick's Carbon Bonnets

It's really cool and VERY light. A nice fit as well - the front isn't fixed down in this pic. It looks like it will take the origin under-bonnet light as well, which is nice



Last night I started clearing space for the strengthening brackets to be welded on at the top of the rear suspension


Nervous about welding near fuel lines but will take all possible precautions.

[sladey]

A bit of a delay but I've been on holiday.

Welded on the strengthening gussets


Used the ones bought from elephant racing for the main braces - you can't see it that clearly but there is a piece welded onto the wheel well first. Also added an additional support in the corner - copied from Barry

With the engine out I took the opportunity to tidy up the engine bay - removed the wiring for the rear window wiper and the under bonnet light. Oh and painted it black which I believe is correct for a 72 car

[hot66]

think you should paint the strengthening gussets a contrasting colour