Bristol Kit Car Club and Forum - BKCC

Kit Car Tech Talk And Build Stories => Kit Car Builds - Click Here => Topic started by: chris61 on 09, February, 2014, 07:36:11 PM

Title: project short arse
Post by: chris61 on 09, February, 2014, 07:36:11 PM
Due to yellabelly being a good foot taller than me!
So it's been washed, seat runners fitted so I can reach the pedals, alternator replaced (found a brand new one I forgot I had)so charging is spot on. Added some water wetter as I do on anything I've got.
Can someone advise on tyre pressures please? Usually around 30psi. Is that ok in something so light?
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: 'The Gaffer' on 09, February, 2014, 07:57:53 PM
I would try 18psi cold on the front and 16psi cold on the rear and see how it feels. Each tyre will feel differently. Add a couple more if it feels sqidgy.
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: YellaBelly on 09, February, 2014, 09:47:40 PM
Blimey Chris, you don't hang about!! :D

I used to run the tyres at about 20psi all round mate, seemed fairly stable at that, but then I do weigh over 100kg!! (16+stone for the old buggers ;) )

Glad it was the alternator like I thought, nice easy fix.

Jan laughed when I told her you'd already put the seat runners in and had a drive lol! :D

I'm sure the car will keep on giving you a smile matey ;)
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: chris61 on 09, February, 2014, 09:56:24 PM
I drove it as soon as it came off the trailer pearched on the front of the seat like a child! ;D
Just given it a polish and wipe over.
Hopefully get the insurance/tax sorted in the next few days so I can see properly what this kit car lark is all about
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: Iancider on 09, February, 2014, 10:10:30 PM
10 out of 10 for enthusiasm Chris! 8)
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: Hairy Santa on 09, February, 2014, 10:36:47 PM
nice one - you will have fun  :D
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: chris61 on 09, February, 2014, 10:46:25 PM

(http://s4.postimg.org/sjhp4gy8p/IMAG0109.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/sjhp4gy8p/)
Two of my toys, one extreme to the other! Hairy Santa may recognise the pick up.
Just got to sort the Speedo out, insurance and tax, put fuel in and we're ready to rock
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: paintman on 10, February, 2014, 12:39:08 AM
I run 18 or 19psi, at 30psi your lose the back and or the front if it's slightly damp...... :o
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: benchmark51 on 10, February, 2014, 01:29:51 AM
I asked the rep from Toyo about tyre pressures for my locost
195/60/15, he suggested I start at 20psi all round. I have them at 22psi
at the moment, but haven't had much opportunity to try it yet.
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: Moleman on 10, February, 2014, 07:40:36 PM
On the road I run 18psi all round on 888's on cold tyres. When they warm up you will find the pressure's does increase which is fine. Though when on the track I do take the pressure back down to 18psi all round after they are nice & warm.  :D
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: Lucky Ed on 10, February, 2014, 08:05:20 PM
I run my Toyo T1R's at 18 psi on the road, but I use them on track days in the wet, and have found them so hard that they need to be dropped as low as 13 psi to get some flex in the carcass, then they'll grt warm enough to grip... a little ;D
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: Iancider on 11, February, 2014, 09:05:26 PM
Sounds like if you sneeze in each valve it will be good enough! ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: chris61 on 11, February, 2014, 09:49:20 PM
i'll start at 20psi and see how I goes. seat runners are going to have to come out again ::) the other half wants to drive it and shes only 5ft and the seat wont quite go far enough forward, but ive been given a free pass Saturday so i'll crack on then.
going to order a 'quick shift' linkage this weekend and looking out for a lsd, but think I may have to save a bit first.
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: chris61 on 16, February, 2014, 10:03:50 PM
had some time saturday, so popped the car up to my friends two poster ramp to redo the seats and have a good look round.
Seats done (still no far enough forward for the dwarf, sorry missus :D). Noticed a slight oil weep from the sump on the welds, so as im sure there was a spare one in the box of bits, i shall make a new shortened one this week.
Changed the oil and filter, ordered a fuel filter, set tyre pressures to 18psi. i also thought it would be wise to see if it would actually get out of the trading estate over the speed bumps!(bought it in on the trailer) i have to go a very wierd and wonderful way, creep over at an angle but it JUST gets out without catching!!! although not with a passenger i'd imagine!!
My little girl saw it for the first time saturday too, walked into the workshop, 'wow daddy's got a racing car!' then spent the next hour sat in it. so i think she approves! ;D
i'm also going to look into relocating the alternator as it got incredibly hot in a very short space of time being close to the manifold, not sure how yet, something to ponder over the week, as is the merc supercharger ive just been given.....
going to give the carb a strip and clean and possibly change to a manual choke as the auto choke is a bit irrattic and i want it simple and running smooth before dave at interpro has it on the rollers for tweeking.
Properly fallen for this car now!
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: Iancider on 16, February, 2014, 10:27:50 PM
Chris,

You don't hang about!  You could wrap the manifold to lower the heat output or put an aluminium polished sheet between the alternator and the manifold as long as it does not impede the airflow to cool the manifold.  A ducted air vent in the body or from the front of the car could help by blowing cool air over the alternator and then the manifold.  The best insulator for the manifold is Silicone Rubber coating but it is expensive.  Otherwise traditional exhaust bandage.

Ian
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: benchmark51 on 16, February, 2014, 10:32:30 PM
I remember a customer from years ago who had a Lotus Elan, she was vertically
challenged too. She had extension blocks on the pedals!
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: chris61 on 16, February, 2014, 10:38:33 PM
Quote from: Iancider on 16, February, 2014, 10:27:50 PM
Chris,

You don't hang about!  You could wrap the manifold to lower the heat output or put an aluminium polished sheet between the alternator and the manifold as long as it does not impede the airflow to cool the manifold.  A ducted air vent in the body or from the front of the car could help by blowing cool air over the alternator and then the manifold.  The best insulator for the manifold is Silicone Rubber coating but it is expensive.  Otherwise traditional exhaust bandage.

Ian
Im not risking losing any fine weather!lol
There is a heat shield wrapped with exhaust bandage, its probally no hotter than it would get anyway but its on my mind now lol.
i do want to change the bonnet fastners as due to me being a ham fisted prat, i slipped with a screwdriver and put a nic in the paint  >:( i think they're called dutz fastners? i know i you can get the same sort of thing for motorcycle fairings with a d ring so 'quick release' but they arent big enough. can anyone point me in the right direction to finding any please?
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: Moleman on 17, February, 2014, 07:46:51 PM
I'm not sure what type you have but try Car Build Solutions? I get there magazine as it's free but you could try their site?
http://www.carbuildersolutions.com/uk/
Hope this helps?   :)
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: Iancider on 17, February, 2014, 08:46:47 PM
Chris I think you mean Dzus (Quarter turn) fasteners - useful one to remember in a Scrabble game!

Here's their website for the range - many fastener companies stock them.  http://www.southco.com/en-au/product/hierarchy.html?hid=7345 (http://www.southco.com/en-au/product/hierarchy.html?hid=7345)  There are loads of other types available from Southco as well.  Any external over-centre latch could also solve you problem - I used the only rubber one on the market which you can find at Car-Builder Solutions.

Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: chris61 on 18, February, 2014, 12:52:31 AM
Thanks chaps I'll have a look.
Think my next job will be the sump as whilst building a tool box I noticed the locost has decided to lob it's oil on the floor... Didn't have time to look underneath so put a soak up mat down and will look tomorrow night
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: YellaBelly on 18, February, 2014, 07:50:22 AM
Well Chris, I think it's safe to say the car has got a good home! :D

I spent forever trying to stop that weep from the sump, but in the end I thought as it's a Pinto I would live with it ;)

Moving the alternator was another 'project' of mine, I made the bracket for the one on there now, and was going to get a smaller Denso type alternator and re-work the bracket to get it further away from the manifold. I still reckon the heat is what foobarred the original alternator.

Glad all your family approves and let's hope we get some decent weather so you can enjoy it.

Thanks again for looking after her mate ;) I still miss the old girl :(
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: chris61 on 20, February, 2014, 08:20:19 PM
Love my customers sometimes, just got a four branch manifold for £20 :P which just by eye will give a good inch more clearance from the alternator, so if I wrap manifold hopefully have minimum heat transfer. So better breathing and possibly sorted hot electrics for £20!
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: chris61 on 23, February, 2014, 08:46:16 PM

(http://s12.postimg.org/fxo3oa0wp/IMAG0126.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/fxo3oa0wp/)

(http://s1.postimg.org/qt4tovw97/IMAG0127.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/qt4tovw97/)

(http://s28.postimg.org/fmh28l7dl/IMAG0128.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/fmh28l7dl/)

Dropped the sump and rocker cover off today, decided that as the sump was coming off to be hot washed before welding the rocker cover should get the same treatment! Going to take another 5mm of the front of the sump as it's just proud of the chassis. I can't decide if the rocker cover will be painted or polished yet, might give the engine a lick of paint yet too, because I've just ordered a stainless bolt kit for the engine and new manifold studs for when I get around to fitting the manifold. Which tbh may not happen until next winter as it's going to take major surgery to get on so will probably get my mate martyn at infinity exhausts to do.
Just having a cuppa whist figuring out the best way of repositioning the alternator to give more airflow around it
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: Iancider on 23, February, 2014, 09:19:08 PM
Still impressed by the pace Chris.  The pictures are a little murky so I think you dripped some sweat on the lens!  ;D

Ian
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: chris61 on 23, February, 2014, 10:56:48 PM
probably oil on the lense! im too lazy to do anything that could induce sweating! :D I'm not going to get anywhere near it next weekend as I'm at toolfair from Friday afternoon so got to get a wriggle on!

Has anyone converted an auto choke webber to manual? is there anything that I need to know or just make bracket for a cable etc?
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: garry h on 24, February, 2014, 08:09:24 PM
Hi Chris I had an old manual weber and took the choke mechanism of it and done a straight swop for the auto one brought a new cable and wired it up seems to work well.Ill take a couple of pics and post them,hope this helps  :)

Garry
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: chris61 on 28, February, 2014, 12:07:38 AM
Quote from: garry h on 24, February, 2014, 08:09:24 PM
Hi Chris I had an old manual weber and took the choke mechanism of it and done a straight swop for the auto one brought a new cable and wired it up seems to work well.Ill take a couple of pics and post them,hope this helps  :)

Garry

Thanks gary I'd appreciate that
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: garry h on 01, March, 2014, 07:23:01 PM
Hi Chris hope these might be of some use
(http://s7.postimg.org/olbsm7e5j/002.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/olbsm7e5j/)

(http://s27.postimg.org/yhly2zjzj/003.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/yhly2zjzj/)

(http://s27.postimg.org/eyhctml7z/004.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/eyhctml7z/)

(http://s14.postimg.org/ctd95byfx/005.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/ctd95byfx/)

(http://s14.postimg.org/d7el4xijh/006_Copy.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/d7el4xijh/) 

Garry.
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: chris61 on 04, March, 2014, 10:14:20 PM
thanks gary!
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: chris61 on 08, March, 2014, 09:55:50 PM
Went to see Colin today!
The bigger offset fills the rear arches a bit better and I reckon they're about 1.5kg per wheel lighter which is another bonus!
(http://s22.postimg.org/t2k9kyyml/IMAG0191.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/t2k9kyyml/)

(http://s13.postimg.org/3oqkwk3df/IMAG0192.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/3oqkwk3df/)
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: Moleman on 09, March, 2014, 04:54:21 PM
Glad they fit ok Chris. They do fill the arches out nicely.  You didn't take long swapping them over.  :)
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: chris61 on 09, March, 2014, 09:37:16 PM
Exactly what I was hoping for tbh!
Right with this nice weather I'm wasting I've done a bit more tonight.
I've gone with the 'smear the living daylights out of the sump to seal it' method, as after a phone call earlier, I might have a new engine to fit over the winter :D
Given it a coat of metallic silver (what I had lying about) so it will show up any leaks easier. Gave the rocker cover a couple of coats of gloss black for good measure. Stainless rocker bolts should be here Monday. So I'll pop sump and rocker back on one night this week.
Air filter is drying after a good clean with k&ns finest. Gave the carb a good clean while the filter was off. I'll whip the screen off and refit the aero one in the week. I'll be insuring it 3rd week of this month so paperwork should turn up in time for taxing it at the end of the month!
(http://s27.postimg.org/7y6osanqn/IMAG0195.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/7y6osanqn/)

(http://s27.postimg.org/a5fityien/IMAG0194.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/a5fityien/)
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: chris61 on 07, April, 2014, 01:52:07 AM
Not been able to get near the car the last week or so, but spent a bit of time this evening on it. (just got in!) But now starts on the button, New plugs, leads dissy and a tweek of the timing has it running sweet as nut
Slight weep on the rocker cover so whipped it off and resealed, looks ok so far. Going to insure it tomorrow all being well.
I would like to raise the front ride height to level the car and help with speed bump clearance without upsetting the handling so looking forward to the track development's day.
Just looking at a solution for a sump guard. I'm thinking of some strips of nylon (or similar) attached to the chassis so the sump isn't the lowest piece so will hopefully lessen the chance of damaging it
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: YellaBelly on 07, April, 2014, 04:22:04 PM
Can't imagine why I was worried about her getting looked after Chris! Your getting stuck in there for sure :)

It's really good that you are giving her what she deserves, I just didn't have the time or the money to get it all sorted.

Can't wait to see how she looks when you've finished (not that they are ever finished ;) )

Keep up the good work mate ;)

:D
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: Iancider on 07, April, 2014, 11:24:46 PM
Sump guard Chris?

I was thinking with all of the speed-bumps and tank traps on the roads today maybe Mexican jumping suspension would be good! Just jump over anything.  ;D
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: chris61 on 08, April, 2014, 10:38:37 PM
Rocker cover still leaking, but I've worked out why  :D
It has a later, wide edged injection cover so the correct gasket for the engine is too thin edge to edge, so my friendly motorfactors will drop the wide edged gasket off tomorrow and hopefully that will sort it.
Had it running for about 30minutes so changed the oil again as I ran some flush through as there was traces of emulsified oil where it's been sat up for a while. Didn't get time to insure it so I'll try and fit it in tomorrow
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: chris61 on 13, April, 2014, 09:40:28 PM
After trying wider gasket, it leaked at another point along the cover.....
3hours and some 'special gasket goo' from a mate, I THINK I may have the only oil tight pinto!lol took it for a quick run around the yard to make sure everything is fine. Quick doughnut and she's just about ready.
Got some ramp time tomorrow night to make a sump guard/blocks and a final check.
Still need to do the Speedo and change a few fasteners but nothing that my sat nav and a flat blade can't overcome :D
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: chris61 on 13, April, 2014, 09:54:14 PM

(http://s9.postimg.org/4jk428m0r/1397422382240.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/4jk428m0r/)
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: Iancider on 15, April, 2014, 07:25:07 PM
Looks ready to go Chris - sunshine and open roads ahead!
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: Moleman on 15, April, 2014, 09:03:35 PM
Quote from: chris61 on 13, April, 2014, 09:40:28 PM
After trying wider gasket, it leaked at another point along the cover.....
3hours and some 'special gasket goo' from a mate, I THINK I may have the only oil tight pinto!lol took it for a quick run around the yard to make sure everything is fine. Quick doughnut and she's just about ready.

Don't eat too many doughnuts every time you accomplish your next stage or you won't fit in it by the time it's finished.  :P
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: chris61 on 15, April, 2014, 11:19:39 PM
Quote from: Moleman on 15, April, 2014, 09:03:35 PM
Quote from: chris61 on 13, April, 2014, 09:40:28 PM
After trying wider gasket, it leaked at another point along the cover.....
3hours and some 'special gasket goo' from a mate, I THINK I may have the only oil tight pinto!lol took it for a quick run around the yard to make sure everything is fine. Quick doughnut and she's just about ready.

Don't eat too many doughnuts every time you accomplish your next stage or you won't fit in it by the time it's finished.  :P

It's a 442, 4" wider, 4" longer and 2" taller so plenty of scope for doughnut consumption! Insured it yesterday, just got to get to the post office to tax it
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: YellaBelly on 16, April, 2014, 03:00:05 PM
Looking good Chris!  8)

Never thought I'd hear of a 'leak-free' Pinto though ;)

Don't forget, I went to  the Post Office in Chipping Sodbury, and they were happy to Tax based on the letter stating no MOT needed for 1st 3 years :), and I'm still looking for that sender, it must be in the lock-up somwehere when I can get at the boxes! ;)
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: chris61 on 16, April, 2014, 10:13:12 PM
I'm printing the insurance docs as we speak and getting all the paperwork together ready for Saturday morning as soon as they open! Then once I've done a clutch on a master I'll be heading out on the open road! I raised the front on the coilovers by 25mm which has helped the ground clearance and done a couple of speed bump tests and can get out of the unit with two people sat in it, got to plate to make a sump guard Saturday night aswell today.
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: peterw on 17, April, 2014, 03:48:37 AM
Got my Tax this year from the Post Office no problem, even though on the reminder it stated it needed an MOT as I've still got 18 months till the the first 3 years are up. I think now that the DVLA offices have closed, the Post Office have updated their systems as last year they couldn't do it with out a current MOT
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: peterw on 17, April, 2014, 03:49:59 AM
I've got a copy of that letter if you need it.
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: chris61 on 18, April, 2014, 08:51:11 PM
Quote from: peterw on 17, April, 2014, 03:49:59 AM
I've got a copy of that letter if you need it.

I've put the copy of the letter somewhere very safe....
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: Iancider on 18, April, 2014, 11:22:49 PM
QuoteI've put the copy of the letter somewhere very safe....

Too much information :o
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: chris61 on 18, April, 2014, 11:58:38 PM
Panic over I put it in my office desk drawer instead of lobbing it on the side as usual. Alarm set to be first in the post office
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: YellaBelly on 20, April, 2014, 11:19:19 AM
Well!!????!

You OTR chap? :D
Title: Re: project short arse
Post by: chris61 on 20, April, 2014, 11:25:55 PM
Quote from: YellaBelly on 20, April, 2014, 11:19:19 AM
Well!!????!

You OTR chap? :D
See my post in 'kit car discussion' :D in the excitement I forgot to mention the sump guard I knocked up
(http://s4.postimg.org/4uuqtxtg9/IMAG0272.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/4uuqtxtg9/)

(http://s2.postimg.org/km529micl/IMAG0273.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/km529micl/)