Well there was a distinctly different vibe in the Mouland & Yates workshop today. A quick 'hello' and a cup of tea, and then it was back to the jobs they were on. A sense of urgency and purpose pervaded because there's a deadline that everyone is working to now. The cars first race (the Chateau Impney Hillclimb), is a little over eight weeks away. Nothing like a deadline to focus the mind! So we're now into the details, the snags, the little things that finish the car off or make it work. Here's a selection from today:
First up the workshop when I arrived. The bodywork has been gone over with a orbital sander and then scotch pad to flatten off the panels and put a decent dull to them.
Next up is Jefferey fitting the headlamps for the last time...
The last time we'll see the door mechanism as the skins will go on this coming week. Nice and strong, and light as a feather...
Venting the oil cooler has been a monumental effort, both from a design perspective but also in making that design work. I didn't want to vent the air to the underside of the car as it increases lift, so we've ducted it through the boot area and then vented it between the scuttle and the edge of the bonnet. Good if it works...
The bodywork has turned out to be massively stiff. We didn't plan on having to rely on the bodywork for torsional rigidity, that's taken car of by the chassis and roll cage, but it's nice to have the bodywork strong. This shot gives you an insight into why it's so stiff...
here's the finished clamshell for the rear, minus the liners. This has been a big bit of work but turned out beautifully...
[/url[URL=http://s881.photobucket.com/u ... .jpg[/img]]
Next up is Vic Mouland briefing Ian on how to remove the front bodywork. We hope we don't ever have to take it off, but just in case, it's only a matter of 10 bolts and a bit of giggling...
Thought you would like this. How to scuff up a perfectly good shiny panel!
Ian and Tom fitting the quarter panel for the last time (this time permanently) with filler cap, hose and breather all done...
The door latches have been a s*@t to make work. Here's a final shot of the latch and lock mechanism. Hats off to the M&Y team for making it all work...
The car will occasionally get driven on the road so needs to be road legal. Here's an insight into how much craftsmanship and experience goes into making the details work. 1950's VW/Porsche indicator mounts, fitted as though they were factory...
The guys at M&Y are as anal about the details as I am. Notice how the notch in the Dzus fasteners all follow the edge of the panel...
[/ur[URL=http://s881.photobucket.com/us ... .jpg[/img]l]
The rear quarter panel getting it's final fettle before being riveted in place and lining up perfectly with the clamshell...
All hands to the pump with just 13 working days till the car goes to Ian for fitting of engine and general fettling for our first race!
I thought this shot gave a great perspective on the car, plus it also gives a lovely view of the M&Y workshop and the rear of the Special, complete now with cut-out...
And finally, photographic evidence that I've had a hand in actually doing some coachwork. I only held the dolly for about 3 seconds while the rivet was tapped flush, but at least I can hand on heart now say I've been involved in the coachwork!
Next instalment will be the final from M&Y, in 3 weeks time...
![[/url[URL=http://s881.photobucket.com/u ... .jpg[/img]](%5B/url%5BURL=http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6971_zpsgxhg6ogc.jpg.html%5D%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6971_zpsgxhg6ogc.jpg%5B/img%5D){kind=link}
![[/ur[URL=http://s881.photobucket.com/us ... .jpg[/img]](%5B/ur%5BURL=http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6986_zpsksyrllrx.jpg.html%5D%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6986_zpsksyrllrx.jpg%5B/img%5D){kind=link}