Hello,
I have been a bit absent on here lately and at meets, a combination of work and personal commitments and the Cyclone failing its MOT have meant I haven't been out much, but the kit car obsession / insanity continues....
The 356 is complete and now for sale, details will be in CKC at the end of August. Time for a new project...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/356%20front_zpsak2djiuy.jpg)
And that new project is this...!
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/Mobile%20Uploads/3397D411-AE2C-4E46-9939-E75E76F18647_zpsyjulr64x.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/Mobile%20Uploads/1E2BB720-C177-4779-9C43-C419216CE8F6_zps32tepdvf.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/Mobile%20Uploads/746F65CB-4DAD-489A-9A4E-88D477552455_zpskhuphrmf.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/Mobile%20Uploads/A6994ABE-51A6-418F-8988-5E2ACCF27D6F_zpsrbzrfawt.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/Mobile%20Uploads/730DB954-A156-4582-B96C-6B2C75BDCFEA_zps606n4hz7.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/Mobile%20Uploads/709CB0DD-BB3E-4D67-8D20-A1507B9F481E_zpsssmqemea.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/Mobile%20Uploads/80D42417-CF78-4557-A441-118B5C634315_zpssddbgjv7.jpg)
It is a Raffo Belva. It is in a state having been in a workshop fire and then impounded for 6 months covered in water during investigations, but it is a car that I drove a few years back and missed out on buying at the time as I couldn't afford it, fast forward 7 years and it is now mine! Lots to do, it is a complete unknown and so I plan to strip it and start again. It also has some bespoke cast front uprights, one of which i found had sheared and so I am going to have to look at changing the front suspension for a more common upright I think. One for Track Developments probably. I also plan to make a few styling changes to the back end, and 'productionise' the quality a bit. Engine and gearbox is likely to be a ford ST170, I had planned an ecoboost install but home built installs that work properly appear thin on the ground and it seems less than straight forward. Unless anyone knows otherwise?
I now have a workshop in which I can do all this rather than a single garage and so hopefully I can make some progress. One other thing is that I now have most of the original GRP tooling for the bodyshell that I managed to rescue from a trip to the crusher in the same week I found the car, and so should be able to make replacement panels, although with only 7 ever built the market is somewhat limited!
I just need to find some time and money now.... ::)
Oh and the Cyclone should hopefully have a new MOT in the next few weeks.
I watched one of those on ebay last week. That,s a coincidence if there are only 7. It was a yellow (or maybe lime green?) one. Bid up to 9,401. looks absolutely stunning. Can't wait to see it finished.
Quote from: sanzomat on 03, August, 2015, 01:44:38 PM
I watched one of those on ebay last week. That,s a coincidence if there are only 7. It was a yellow (or maybe lime green?) one. Bid up to 9,401. looks absolutely stunning. Can't wait to see it finished.
Stunning and with gullwing doors!! I watch every car that goes through ebay kit car section and yet I managed to miss that yellow Raffo Belva!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CCC - your 356 is just gorgeous 8) 8) 8)
Where are you listing it for sale??
James congratulations on some real lookers there - never average always gorgeous
Ian
Very nice mate. 8)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RAFFO-BELVA-KIT-CAR-KITCAR-SPORTS-CAR-/201391458947?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2ee3ddca83&nma=true&si=vAcfmLqB8h8lfM%252BepEUb62PwjYM%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RAFFO-BELVA-KIT-CAR-KITCAR-SPORTS-CAR-/201391458947?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2ee3ddca83&nma=true&si=vAcfmLqB8h8lfM%252BepEUb62PwjYM%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557)
Here it was...
Your headlight mods will improve the front end lots. Doesn't quite look right on this one.
Very pretty :)
Thanks for all the replies gents, I wasn't even expecting a response most people seem to think it is ugly but I love it. I have the moulds if any one seriously wants one! I'm really looking forward to getting stuck in.
356 is about to be advertised, not sure where yet, but a 6 page advert in CKC can't be a bad start. Ian stent has been really supportive and I can't speak highly enough of him and Adam.
The 356 is truly magnificent - a wonderful build. If the new one ends up even close you will have turned out another cracking creation. Looking forward to photos and words during the transformation process.
Cheers Adrian
I think you will have people queueing up for the 356 CCC 8)
Hi just to say that i am the buyer of the yello Raffo sold on ebay. Not collected car yet Tony
Should look fantastic when finished CCC, really like the shape 8)
Excellent Tony, look forward to hearing more about it.
Blimey, jeremy has just signed up so now not only do we have several cyclones we seem to have 50% of the Belva's too!
Don't forget we got the only Ratbag as well :o ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: benchmark51 on 04, August, 2015, 03:22:17 PM
Don't forget we got the only Ratbag as well :o ;D ;D ;D
True :) hope all going well.
Quote from: mr tone on 04, August, 2015, 11:15:45 AM
Hi just to say that i am the buyer of the yello Raffo sold on ebay. Not collected car yet Tony
On second thoughts, the headlights look great on that one!!! Welcome aboard - I really want to see it in the flesh - stunning!
Such a cool looking car :P
8)
Nah, still waiting for a cluch cable. Got manflue as well. :(
Looks like I might be seeing more of you now Tony not just at Llandow every year. 8)
Great looking car, can't wait to see it 8)
Hi picked up Raffo today. very pleased as first time i have seen car. To me it looks great. Wil post pics soon Tony
A few things to sort, hopefully won't be too bad.
(http://s12.postimg.org/j02qrgkw9/DSC_0414.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/j02qrgkw9/)
(http://s12.postimg.org/hmb3w5lmx/DSC_0415.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/hmb3w5lmx/)
I love the look of that, and..... it's got gullwing doors!!!! 8) 8) 8) 8)
Impressed 8)
Ian
I really like that mate. 8)
Looks good tony, a lot better state than mine!
I know the sources for most of the parts on the car now so give me a shout if you need any help or info. Jez also knows these things inside out as his videos show.
James
Thanks James will need help for sure,be intouch soon Tony
Nice one Tony 8)
Looks great, lovely shape and curves! Look forward to seeing it all restored :D
Raffo went through MOT and gearchanger fixed. Car
now taxed so next job tracking. Going for first drive tonight
(http://s15.postimg.org/qxbssi2nr/DSC_0418.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/qxbssi2nr/)
Lovely car. Take it easy tonight!!
Looking great 8)
Can't wait to see it mate. :)
How did the run go? Bet you had a big grin across your face ;)
8)
Tracking really bad,tramline on any surface so off to get it 4 wheeled set up plus its so low . think it will be great when i get all the small details sorted,remote locking ,new mirrors etc Tony
Have you considered taking it to Dave Gallop (camber dave)? He's the daddy on that stuff!
Well done getting it back on the road Tony, min is lagging somewhat behind;
(http://s7.postimg.org/4mzdr8r5z/image.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/4mzdr8r5z/)
(http://s7.postimg.org/ncmru8uiv/image.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/ncmru8uiv/)
Hi Garage doing tracking want to change front ball joints before doing setup. Car passed mot but slight ware. Would you know what ball joints were used? Tried Metro but not correct thanks Tony
I do. If they are original they are a lada believe it or not! I hav a part number I can post up tonight.
Thanks James a part number would be good. Would like to have a talk sometime Tony
Tony,
Just checking my notes, apparently track rod end should be sierra, and one of the balljoints in from a lada niva ( suggests possibly 1200) but I don't know if that is the upper or lower and I don't have a number for it as I thought I did.
I suspect the top ball joint is possibly ford transit as many other kits, although this is just a hunch looking at mine, which suggests lada balljoint may be lower one? I did a quick Google search but not found anything conclusive. I have attached a picture of what I have at the moment although it is possible mine is non- original as it has had new wishbones made recently.
I have plans to redesign the front and rear wishbones and uprights over the winter to swap to a more contemporary off the shelf upright. For reference the front uprights take saab 900 or 9000 hubs and bearings.
I hope that is of some use... If not that conclusive. I do have used spare bottom balljoints somewhere which might come in useful to take to a motor factor to identify? You are welcome to borrow them if you need them.
Where are you?
(http://s14.postimg.org/4mqiksmul/image.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/4mqiksmul/)
Thanks James for information, should be able to sort things now. will keep intouch. I live in Forest of Dean but could bring car to see you when sorted also might need to borrow track ends Tony
Hi Guys
If you are referring to a screw in joint like the ones used on the MGF and Metro (M34 x 1.5mm 13mm cone)
Rover also used one on the 1974 to 82 Princess
Quinton Hazel no QSJ 716S or similar. 16mm Cone - no other info - sorry.
Some Lada's used a 2 bolt lower ball joint QSJ 1111S (13mm Cone)
This is visually similar to the maxi one (QSJ 1602S - 16mm Cone) used on lots of kitcars
The Mk 1 Cavalier also had one as a top joint QSJ 755S (13.5mm Cone)
I have a catalogue of these so if you need a browse come on over.
Regards
Dave
Thanks Dave for info,hope to bring car to you once get it safe to drive. Tony (yellow Stuart Taylor)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/Mobile%20Uploads/36C0FA0A-7CFE-4719-84FC-5BB52E48402E_zpsbpskxt36.jpg)
So the first real day in the garage in the new project. Have done a basic strip down and clean up to assess what is what. It was actually in pretty good shape prior to the workshop fire it seems. Have cleaned every inch of the chassis and given it a protective coating for the time being on the bits I can get to.
Next job involved remove the 'roof' from the bodywork. The workshop roof had melted and dropped onto the GRP on most of the front of the car. It appeared to be bitumen based, but not knowing exactly what it was I got a proper respirator and with a combination of mild heat chisel and 55 sanding pads on the DA, I finally got the bodywork clear of most of it. I have a few small sections to finish by hand following which it will get a thorough degrease and clean before a blow over with high build primer to seal the areas of filler and give me a base to work from.
It might not look it but this is progress and I'm excited at the next stages!
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/Mobile%20Uploads/1F64E6F6-8109-4FBE-9B70-BB77A1A0D40A_zpshx3ssoco.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/Mobile%20Uploads/9E7F3640-E09E-437E-B511-53C6FF34664F_zps4n90avtq.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/Mobile%20Uploads/16E97288-6E81-473C-964F-B054480D6189_zps1fdra1bs.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/Mobile%20Uploads/7C072190-E2D1-44A4-B9BE-AA0E52E816E2_zpsrfxfx6me.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/Mobile%20Uploads/36C0FA0A-7CFE-4719-84FC-5BB52E48402E_zpsbpskxt36.jpg)
Looking good mate. Once that first coat goes on you will see all the bits you missed & need redoing. :)
Thanks Colin .... :)
I feels lovely and smooth but am fully expecting it to look like a lion bar as soon as paint goes on.
Another trip around the car filling and blocking, ready for a primer coat to hopefully seal it all up. Looking forward to it all being one colour, even if it will be beige.
I want to get it all uniform so I can get a good look at the shape before I start cutting and modifying :o
Final prep and paint will be by a body shop, I know my limits.
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/E9B61AFF-7FC2-466A-8162-E44F3BE7C0A9_zps6elwoove.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/43058298-8BB8-4030-8201-90C225BA387D_zpsseivbn5j.jpg)
So after lots of sanding, masking and generally horrible work, I managed to get enough time to give the entire car two coats of high build primer. It is good to see it one colour again, even if it is beige! I'm really impressed with the paint, all sourced from Car Paint Warehouse in Brislington.
Now it is all sealed at least I have a base to work from. On the agenda is s revised back end and new lights and a few more body tweaks.
Next job is potentially engine and gearbox out in preparation for a change in running gear to something a bit more potent :)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/9810ED1F-156D-416F-B91C-D810598BF88F_zpsooqw2nkv.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/F59E8A04-6853-43BF-86AF-8B2819E67BD9_zpsaoeay02r.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/F8BD598B-A587-4870-A9E9-8D279983CD61_zpsmne4mii6.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/7E2ECA53-6DEA-4B3B-8A25-0C2962A77D04_zpsxk4866hd.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/F5E512AE-8C52-4D26-BD61-00971C314CF4_zpsbsotmgm3.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/B7946B24-DDB8-4DF8-B0BF-814261B81D40_zpsrpfkuefd.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/F8BD598B-A587-4870-A9E9-8D279983CD61_zpsmne4mii6.jpg)
That's starting to look fantastic :P All that hard work is really paying off. Looking forward to seeing the finished car ;D
8)
Quote from: Bulldog Bri on 03, October, 2015, 08:06:16 PM
Looking forward to seeing the finished car ;D
8)
Me too...!
Cheers Bri.
Even in that colour it really shows off the beautiful shape of the car. It's gonna be a stunner!!
Agree - going to be stunning. Those headlight mods really bring it up to date too. Thoughts on colour? Orange like the speedster?
Great attention to detail. All that hard work is really paying off. Good luck with the next steps.
Cheers Adrian
James - how did the sale of your lovely 356 go in the end???
That is looking better now. 8)
We really are captured on camera constantly in this day and age. My car snapped in better times on google street view in Holland!
https://www.google.nl/maps/@52.9467037,6.238043,3a,75y,213.81h,68.82t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sgJH3d21438wxqm4hRLnlpg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
How long have you been searching through international google maps looking for your car? Did you see mine anywhere on your travels?
The weather is very changeable around those parts - in the time it took the google camera car to move to the next frame a load of snow had fallen and they had quickly put the kit cars away!
Ha! ha! I don't get out much...
The guy I bought it from sent it to me, was previously exported to Holland before I repatriated it.
356 sale is a bit if an issue, it sold but the misses managed to lose the back end - at low speed apparently- and clip a gate between the sale and it being collected.... In process of fixing it...
Quote from: CC Cyclone on 06, October, 2015, 07:00:48 PM
Ha! ha! I don't get out much...
The guy I bought it from sent it to me, was previously exported to Holland before I repatriated it.
356 sale is a bit if an issue, it sold but the misses managed to lose the back end - at low speed apparently- and clip a gate between the sale and it being collected.... In process of fixing it...
OUCH!!!! :o
That was good of him to send you that. 8)
So I managed a couple of hours in the garage at dawn this morning before everyone got out of bed!
The plan was to strip the ancillaries off the engine in preparation for lift out later on. Things didn't quite go as planed due to some horrors I found before I started. Now I'm not really one to preach or advise people how to do things but this should be a good lesson for anyone buying a second hand kit car.
This car had been undergoing restoration before it was involved in a workshop fire and so lots of new plumbing, wiring, brake lines had previously been fitted. My plan was to re-use most of it... Until this morning.
A quick inspection before I started and my eye was drawn to the brand new wiring that had been cable tied to the chassis rails and a big chunk that had already worn through to the copper wire as it had incredibly been tie wrapped with a section of the wiring passing through the coil of the left rear damper. On closer inspection it got worse, much worse. The wiring generally was badly routed and touching anything and everything passing through bulkheads without grommets, clipped to fuel lines, the best one was the crank sensor wire passing through the drive belt next to the alternator! I have stripped the lot out and found damage in other places too.
I then noticed that the new fuel hoses passed through a web in the engine mount and were tie wrapped to the aluminium hot water coolant hose for a length of about four feet! Low pressure hose also had been installed for a fuel injected engine, it just goes on and on. Did I mention the brake line clipped to an exaust mount touching the manifold and straight coolant hoses installed with 90degree kinks?
Anyway, worth checking second hand kits to establish none of the above apply. It's terrifying really. Am now stripping it to bare chassis just to check for other horrors.
Today's pile of junk removed:
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/44600CD8-DF70-4AA5-AD16-ED80170A9146_zpslrgqxszx.jpg)
Not much left now:
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/347AE869-2A2A-4A87-AE29-28C31CAC67AA_zpsjjjjtffr.jpg)
Onwards and upwards.
Up early and you still wont sleep tonight thinking about it.
It is hard to image how bad workmanship can be sometimes so much so that you don't go looking for anything that bad.
I am sure when you have done with it it will be perfect James.
Good luck in the house of horrors.
Ian
H James i am finding that the steering is getting better with use after a run out today. Strange to drive but i will get there,polarised sunglasses held with the screen reflections i found .Tony
(http://s9.postimg.org/woqa7qfor/DSC_0417.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/woqa7qfor/)
CC Cyclone - At least by ripping it all out and starting again you'll know its been done right (or at least know where to look if it goes wrong 'cos you'll know where you bodged it ;)
Was that refurb being done in any kind of professional capacity or just a hapless amateur with more enthusiasm than skill. I can't claim to be an expert but I'll generally try to research the right way to do things before I make a mess of stuff but some things should be simple common sense.
Well, I don't know who carried out what to be honest but yes it was being restored professionally.
Good to see you are using the car Tony, have you taken the side screens out?
No they are back now,planning on fixing door locks next do you know what they come off. Tony
Quote from: mr tone on 11, October, 2015, 09:13:43 PM
No they are back now,planning on fixing door locks next do you know what they come off. Tony
It is one of the unknowns although the ones fitted to my car where different to yours. It was suggested the solenoids were from tvr griffith, but I don't know what the pin and latch were from. It looks to me like an adapted bonnet catch from something? I don't know how they got around two stage latching for SVA?
If you find anything or numbers do let me know? Here is what was fitted to mine, if you zoom in you can get a bit of detail which look a bit different to yours I think?
(https://b-a.d-cd.net/61a093u-960.jpg)
So I crept out of the house at 6am and managed three hours on the car this morning. It is quite an enjoyable feeling working when it is dark and everyone is asleep.
Anyway, time to make a start on the back end body mods. The lights on this car had been removed and glassfibred over before I got it and rather than remake the old four rear lights I have been mulling over something a bit more contemporary.
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/F8BD598B-A587-4870-A9E9-8D279983CD61_zpsbwzkkq5y.jpg)
The first cut is the deepest etc...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/789AC0A3-D6BE-445A-96A4-10EF44C8F5AC_zpswya1zult.jpg)
No turning back now. After a lot of measuring trimming and grinding the surround is almost sunken into the rear quarter now. The plan is to get a snug fit and then GRP it in position and then fill and prep. Can you guess what car it came from?
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/D5C32E90-452D-45BA-8D4B-04CC4F92BA57_zpspndva7sm.jpg)
It looks a bit odd at the moment as it is not fully flushed in, still a bit more trimming to get it in the right place. Am pleased with it though, it looks better than I had anticipated in the flesh from all angles. Just need to find some time to get on with it more regularly.
Could be VW Beetle rear lights, just a guess ::)
8)
Alfa Mito?
Looking good by the way - that was a very brave cut!
Quote from: CC Cyclone on 12, October, 2015, 01:13:24 PM
Quote from: mr tone on 11, October, 2015, 09:13:43 PM
No they are back now,planning on fixing door locks next do you know what they come off. Tony
It is one of the unknowns although the ones fitted to my car where different to yours. It was suggested the solenoids were from tvr griffith, but I don't know what the pin and latch were from. It looks to me like an adapted bonnet catch from something? I don't know how they got around two stage latching for SVA?
If you find anything or numbers do let me know? Here is what was fitted to mine, if you zoom in you can get a bit of detail which look a bit different to yours I think?
(https://b-a.d-cd.net/61a093u-960.jpg)
I knew I'd seen this car before somewhere! ;D ;D :-*
(http://s15.postimg.org/6mfxv792v/2014092721294995159.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/6mfxv792v/)
Mark 1 Cortina lenses would look great!
Quote from: sanzomat on 24, October, 2015, 04:36:46 PM
Alfa Mito?
Give that man a fish! Hoping they will suit it well. I have cut down the light surround to try and blend it into the body, on first look it should be ok.
The only good thing about having very limited hours in the garage is that you don't hesitate and just get on with it. I could have quite easily spent a day worrying and working up to it.
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/A6BE3C95-5E2F-448C-B978-0A18FF4DDEE9_zpshxkgqyc5.jpg)
The car has been around a bit in its former life, this was a photo in 2007 for the CKC feature.
Nice one James. I do think the Gromit is a perfect likeness though. :)
I missed the Grommit pic... but can't argue really!
I reckon the Alfa Mito rear lights will be a perfect match for the curves. Glad you did lots of measuring first :)
I managed another couple of hours at dawn this morning, it is a bit like extreme kit car building against the clock. Anyway, a couple more hours cutting and trimming and I have got to this point:
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/7E82D323-2527-46A0-990A-63BB897D639D_zpss2jpzibe.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/987ACCBE-5077-4AF5-88E6-BCCB8453EF81_zps08wxd5jb.jpg)
There is an inner wing behind the light that I need to trim in order that I can get the fitting in and have a look at it fitted which is really annoying as I ran out of time!
I have never done any GRP work before and so I now need to read up on how to glass them in place and then fill and profile the front join.
Lots to learn.
I managed a quick mock-up with the light to check things are heading in the right direction. It seems incredibly difficult to get bits from cars to fit on different cars these days without them looking awkward. This is a good example, as although the light appears circular it is an oval shape and the light lens surface is irregularly convex in two directions with compound curves. Gone are the days of flat round lights it seems.
Anyway, after a bit more cutting the light is in for a trial fit. It needs some more trimming to get it to sit in the correct position but it is looking promising enough for me to try and bond the housing in permanently which will be the next job.
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/46654136-1418-468A-AFC7-210E2E598D06_zpsggyb7tta.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/FD6359F2-FFCC-405F-A370-A68A7BFE3164_zpsgpvlz4uh.jpg)
They look good to me mate. :)
They look as though they were made for the car. Nice.
Very nice. Think they are prefect for the car ;D
8)
6am saw me creeping out of the house again for a couple of hours in the garage.
After a bit of helpful advice from other members I got the rear light pod in the right place and then packed the joint with fibreglass paste. Pretty horrible stuff but quite easy to work with once you get the hang of it. Which I did just as I finished of course! Not quite the neat job I had planned but the main thing is it has gone off and is rock hard. I will tidy it up a bit now and add a bit more for strength but dare I say quite an easy job really.
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/59E1F356-A98A-4EE5-8F7F-0A3731700C76_zps26onsfoi.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/648714B6-8F79-4898-82FD-C9E69942108E_zpst9gjcint.jpg)
When it was going off I took lots of measurements to mirror the rear light hole for the other side. The only thing I concluded, after much head scratching is that the car is not symmetrical to the tune of 15mm across the back! I therefore ditched the ruler and made a template to make the light sit in the same relationship with the boot lid and wing edge on both sides. I marked it up for cutting and looked at it for a long time and I am pretty confident it is in the right place. Will try and find time to look at it again tomorrow just to be sure.
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/69FA1549-A834-4757-B982-3D56A65CB94B_zpsvzdju8w7.jpg)
I then quickly found time to cut out the mesh from the back of the bootlid and prep and prime the panel. I will need to get it hung in the right place to finish the work to the rear once the lights are in. Someone has modified this panel
Previously and screwed up the lines of the bulge a bit and fixing it might be beyond my skill. I'm sure a bodyshop can probably right it quite easily though when I get to that stage.
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/8B1DADD2-4CC0-4BB9-AA2D-A38A46E970B0_zpsxxkde1qc.jpg)
Much kudos to you James, I admire anyone who takes on stuff like this. I wish I was that talented.
I have a good background in engineering myself and hence all I would say to your statement "When it was going off I took lots of measurements to mirror the rear light hole for the other side. The only thing I concluded, after much head scratching is that the car is not symmetrical to the tune of 15mm across the back! I therefore ditched the ruler and made a template to make the light sit in the same relationship with the boot lid and wing edge on both sides. I marked it up for cutting and looked at it for a long time and I am pretty confident it is in the right place" - is.... if you can, find someone whose opinion you truly value based on their skill with this sort of thing (cars, engineering, bodywork, art and craft, eye for detail etc) and get their 2nd opinion before you decide. Doing that has saved my bacon many a time!! And it has also confirmed many, many, many times (of course!) that I was right!! ;D
Nice to have your mind put at ease either way.
I don't know where you are but I am sure there are many in this club that would love to give their opinion!!! ha ha!!
loving your updates James. :)
I look forward to every entry and update with keen interest.
It's like waiting for your comic to drop through the letter box when you were younger.
Hope you can keep it up.
Quote from: Brandy Barrel on 15, November, 2015, 07:40:45 PM
I look forward to every entry and update with keen interest.
It's like waiting for your comic to drop through the letter box when you were younger
OMG (as they say these days) I had forgotten about that thrill!!!! Now you mention it I can recall getting totally over excited awaiting my Beano or Dandy, though Whizzer and Chips was my fave by miles. Ah, happy days!
It is so easy to forget the thrill of simple things as we get older and times 'move on' (if you can call it that), I'd be happy to be 9 or 10 again and doing all the naughty things I used to get into trouble for tbh ;D
Very kind words chaps, I suffer with a real lack of time to work on the car due to having a lot on my plate, but it will be seen through to the end, it might just take some time.
Will update as often as I can but I am learning new skills as I go as I'm no pro and so do feel free to pitch in if anyone thinks I'm going about things the wrong way or has any advice.
Cheers.
QuoteI'm no pro
Really? Goodness you are modest!
Ian
So not a lot to report over the last few weeks but I have moved house and now have a nice double garage to move the car to so I can hopefully get more regular work done at home. The downside is, although well built generally, the garage needs some work doing to make it water tight and comfortable to work in, which is what I am up to at the moment.
The b@stards I bought the house from left the place in a real state I spent a weekend running backwards and forwards to the tip clearing all the useful crap they left me in the garage. I thought I was finally done and so climbed up in the rafters to have a look at the state of the roof only to find a little gem safely tucked up behind the purlin. A bit Not work safe this one:
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/6D88A19E-EA60-4BF0-B112-D52260EB613C_zpsdzc6nogn.jpg)
It is in pristine condition and I am guessing late 80s vintage :D
/ apologies if this is inappropriate for the forum but made me chuckle :)
Some vintage copies of Mayfair, Penthouse etc fetch very good money on ebay (So I am told!!). Worth checking that one out I'd say?
Ummmm, I think that one may have had a little too much use to be of much value :o ;D
I wonder what happened to the free poster???
It is still in there!
I might wait until antiques roadshow is in town and ask Fiona Bruce what she thinks.
It was in mint condition, I bent it getting it out of the rafters.
How much do you want for it? I think that may be my ex on the front! ;D ;D ;D
I rather like the feature story. 40 year old 40 inch!
It reminds me that they come in three phases.
Melons, pears and then Onions :D
Phase 1 and 2 are self explanatory.
The onion phase is very time you see them raw they make you want to cry! Hahaha
Can't beat a good ol' square rigger. :o ;D
Quote from: benchmark51 on 13, December, 2015, 06:47:51 AM
Can't beat a good ol' square rigger. :o ;D
I have no idea what that even means Dave!
So I have been just beavering away in my new garage getting it ready to move the car. I now have a watertight double garage, painted white internally, nice grey smooth floor, workbench, radio, lighting and plug sockets everywhere - I feel positively spoiled considering where I have built kit cars in the past.
In preparation for the move I realised that I needed something to make the front end of the car mobile as it is missing it's front suspension uprights. Having looked around at numerous trollies with a wheelbase wide enough to roll up the trailer ramps I was a bit shocked at the price. Having done a bit more research I therefore decided to make my own.
The plan was to make a trolley to sit the front chassis tails on that I could ratchet the car down onto and then drag the front end up the ramps onto the trailer. And do it on a budget.
So, I bought some 100x50mm tube, but two lengths at 400mm and one at 1200mm and fired up the welder. Except it didn't work having been sat for a couple of years. It is a Sealey gasless mig for small jobs - not ideal I know but reliable if you know it's limitations.
So having serviced the welder I set about knocking something up:
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/48D2EFC9-8F14-4BFB-8F96-6508AD060A35_zpsup6nt9u4.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/B1453F7A-770C-4E18-BB9A-86C7D7DB1DA2_zpstxodqko1.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/5ED698E0-D633-4706-8796-9F9511DF5BCF_zps2mtn3fmk.jpg)
The castors are weighted to 600kg per four and so hopefully should do the job.
I welded some small angle iron to locate the chassis rails and will glue some thin foam in this area to protect the powder coating.
Total cost £38 and I am sure you could do it cheaper with a bit more shopping around.
I have been working on another project as a sideline while garage work has been going on. I found out that zetec engine that is in the car has had a few internal mods and is pretty much now as new and so I am going to run it in the car for the time being and see what it produces. I have therefore been looking at induction and come up with this:
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/748637A3-CE63-4C79-BA70-A6E3F80A1419_zpscm1dz5wn.jpg)
GSXR tb's on a zetec pattern manifold. It is now pretty much finished and ready to bolt on. Am planning a throttle linkage mod to make the linkage opening a bit more progressive to smooth out the fuelling a bit.
The filters are temporary to keep things clean, will be fitted an itg or similar. Now will keep my eye out for an ecu coming up, have used dta and emerald in the past but the prices have rocketed. Had a bad experience with mega squirt and so will keep my eyes peeled for a bargain....
Not much of an update but hopefully progress will pick up in a couple of weeks once the garage doors get fitted and I can move the car nearer home.
It looks the business mate. I hope it all works well. :)
Great garage mate and good work on the trolley 8)
So i managed a little bit of work today:
Did a bit of forming of part of the revised rear in insulation foam to have a look at the shape. A quick rough mock up to see what it looks
Like in 3D. When I am happy i have got the right shape the plan is to use a lost foam GRP lay up to make the bits and then stick them to the car, cut through the old panels at the back and then lay up more GRP to bind the two. I will then need to fill and prep the outside for paint. A lot of work...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/73E85D6D-B62B-4383-81BA-5CD42E6BFD0C_zpsonoooywo.jpg)
Also in a departure from the norm this car is having door handles rather than a button. Some nice door handles though and so a quick mock up on one of my doors to test shape and fit
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/361F68B6-60C2-4322-A66E-7243C9FB64C3_zpsgrgptq1m.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/658D30A2-8FAA-4317-9E5C-FB4A919F4EEB_zps2nitcect.jpg)
I want to fit them flush into the door surface and so more GRP work to mount them will be needed.
Good to see some more progress with this one, partly because I'm itching to see it finished and partly because we need to get it onto a new page so we don't have to look at your barn find mag each time we scroll down for the new post!
;D
Somehow I can see this thread covering a few pages, should be well worth it though 8)
Quote from: sanzomat on 13, February, 2016, 09:56:28 PM
Good to see some more progress with this one, partly because I'm itching to see it finished and partly because we need to get it onto a new page so we don't have to look at your barn find mag each time we scroll down for the new post!
Everytime I see that mag I swear I've seen it before! I'm old enough to probably remember it when it was actually on the shelves at the local newsagents, the woman on it looks REALLY familiar too! (has it gone off the page yet?)
There we go, that's the most useful thing I've done all day! ;D
Works of art (trolley, bike carbs/TBs and rear light).
Keep up the great work and labour of love.
Cheers Adrian
Well we are off the page so well done chaps :)
The gaffer is right though, the speed this is going the Internet will run out of pages before it is completed :(
Well my hinges for the bootlid arrived this morning except the are huge and won't fit. So back to the drawing board there then.
I really need to find an old fashioned car breakers where i can walk around and have a look at hinges and various small items on many cars at once so i can find bits that work, browsing ebay and the inevitable time and money wasted with parts that are not quite right is a becoming a bit of a pain.
The only one I know of still operating like this is huge and near gatwick airport, a bit of trek for few odd bits and a mooch around though :(
Where are you based and do you have a piccy of the hinges you bought. Dave
Quote from: benchmark51 on 15, February, 2016, 11:49:31 AM
Where are you based and do you have a piccy of the hinges you bought. Dave
Will get you a photo Dave - have you potentially got a use for them? Am in Castle Combe.
Possibly, I have an idea rattling around in my head :-X
There is a scrapyard near me that might be useful to you (Warmley)
Not a massive amount to report, car is now on the deck ready for an imminent move home. It was good to get it down to road height and check the body mods still look ok, I had been a bit worried about doing them with car up in the air:
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/7E9CF280-BF53-4533-BD0F-7ACF77C2A740_zpsvgdlg4lm.jpg)
Have found some hinges for the boot that seem to work ok and so that problem is solved too hopefully. A few bump stops on order to get it all set up properly before I tackle the rear lip on the boot.
In other news I realised that 'Kermit' as he is affectionately known in our house has not seen the light of day since stoneleigh last year. I did try to take it for an MOT but it refused to start and has been under cover since. Anyway a service and first turn of the key had it purring again. Roll on sunny days...
The Raffo Belva is looking good already. Good to hear Kermit again - perhaps rivetting.
Did you get kermit's brake problem fixed?
Regards
Ian
I was wondering the same thing Ian.
Yes and no. I rebuilt the caliper and got some balance back in the front brakes but they are still not where they should be. New calipers discs and pads is on the spring to do list. Need something a bit more up to the job on track as Llandow revealed.
Do you know if it is a common problem with the car or just your setup? I have recently gone through the brake setup on the v-storm as mine was completely wrong for the car
The Belva is looking great but there is something about the rear that is troubling me, I can't quite put my finger on it but there is a certain lack of symetry? ;)
Thank god for you sanzomat, I had been struggling to put my finger on it..... :D
Quote from: sanzomat on 07, March, 2016, 01:53:37 PM
The Belva is looking great but there is something about the rear that is troubling me, I can't quite put my finger on it but there is a certain lack of symetry? ;)
It looks like one half of one of those 'spot the difference' competition pictures that used to be commonplace years ago.
Quote from: CC Cyclone on 06, March, 2016, 06:12:52 PM
In other news I realised that 'Kermit' as he is affectionately known in our house has not seen the light of day since stoneleigh last year. I did try to take it for an MOT but it refused to start and has been under cover since. Anyway a service and first turn of the key had it purring again. Roll on sunny days...
Nice reminder, I haven't seen a Cyclone for months. Oh yes, and I own one!! ::) :-[ :'( :D
What seemed like the first day of Spring? I have on the road most of the day and spotted a black Robin Hood, a blue and black Westfield, another 7 gunning it towards Bradford on Avon, a white fury with blue stripes, a red caterham, it seems everyone has been out today. And so have I, but unfortunately driving an enormous recovery truck! Time to get the project and the Cyclone home to my new garage where I can hopefully pick up the pace a bit.
So 7am saw the first proper Spring sunrise through the mist and the Belva saw the light of day for the first time in 7 months! The trolley worked and got the car mobile. Once outside it reminds you just how small the thing really is:
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/0ECEFA51-0FB4-41F5-9A80-FF1E5EFC1C38_zpsk96ts8in.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/1AB9B400-0B87-4E06-ABDF-709A8DAB2D38_zpsyhvbaurf.jpg)
On the truck with lots of straps as the trolley did like to roll around in every direction:
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/A32F722D-8EA4-449D-A74A-8B74A56448CB_zpspk2zodec.jpg)
The fun started when I got home and found the truck was only 50mm narrower than the walls of my driveway, the driveway which has quite a severe gradient and is off a major road. Anyway, no photos of the next bit but after much sweating and swearing it is safely tucked up in the new garage. And 'Kermit' is now sat next to it too after another trip.
I'm having a beer :)
Good to hear James. The amount of times I'm near Combe these days I will have to pop in & see it in the flesh. :)
Quote from: CC Cyclone on 12, March, 2016, 07:39:07 PM
What seemed like the first day of Spring? I have on the road most of the day and spotted a black Robin Hood, a blue and black Westfield, another 7 gunning it towards Bradford on Avon, a white fury with blue stripes, a red caterham, it seems everyone has been out today. And so have I, but unfortunately driving an enormous recovery truck! Time to get the project and the Cyclone home to my new garage where I can hopefully pick up the pace a bit.
Colin said he might pop in and see you in the flesh as he is often in Combe. So that suggests you are around Combe. So it might of been me you saw in the Black Hood. I popped along to see Lucky Ed and Steve FHO as I am only in Chippenham. Had my little boy with me.
Yeah, I was unloading the cyclone and said hello as you went past. That was me!
James I am so sorry....If I only knew I would have stopped for a chat. Next time.
Do you use Circuit Motors for the MOT, I always do and Paul is going to tune my timing up on his rolling road when my MOT is due in April.
Good to hear you are getting properly settled into your new home
Ian
Quote from: Moleman on 12, March, 2016, 07:50:29 PM
Good to hear James. The amount of times I'm near Combe these days I will have to pop in & see it in the flesh. :)
You are more than welcome, kettle will be on. All being well I will walk over on Friday and say hello, providing work allows.
Quote from: CC Cyclone on 14, March, 2016, 08:55:21 PM
Quote from: Moleman on 12, March, 2016, 07:50:29 PM
Good to hear James. The amount of times I'm near Combe these days I will have to pop in & see it in the flesh. :)
You are more than welcome, kettle will be on. All being well I will walk over on Friday and say hello, providing work allows.
When Colin says he will pop in to see it James, what he relly means is he is planning a big 'off' at Camp Corner, totalling a few cones along the way and ending up in your garden so he may as well have a cuppa while he's there!
Yes so if you find a yellow westy in your garden then the new mod's didn't go well. ???
Please feel free to pop over James & bring your helmet. 8)
I know Sanzomat was becoming concerned and so I managed to find a couple of hours to restore symmetry to the back end this afternoon. Well that's not actually true as I set up laser lines and found the back end is out of symmetry by circa 20mm! So I set it by a combination of measuring and by eye. Fingers crossed it looks right at the moment. A lot of buggering about but ready for bonding in and finishing.
I said in a previous post that the first cut is the deepest, well it transpires that the second cut is the hardest as you have to match the first. I had been putting it off as you may have gathered.
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/6052347E-C454-4F35-A08D-2D2B753DD5A4_zpsclzuni4g.jpg)
Separately, with all the talk of ST170s I happened to be browsing eBay and made a very very cheeky offer after a couple of sherries the other night, only for it to be accepted! 6 months MOT pretty mint condition actually but a knackered fuel pump module it seems. New one on order and the fingers crossed a fairly decent car for quite a bit less than the cost of the annual road tax for it!
Plan is, providing all is well to use as much of it as I can, including aircon, central locking, alarm, all the bits most kits don't need. Seems to make financial sense at that price.
A bit of mission creep developing on this project...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/A5ACC379-92B0-47B8-9F69-31A39771A530_zpsk70arqia.jpg)
I'm the white Fury with blue stripes....where was I and where are you...near castle combe?
Great progress - good to see that balance has been returned to the Raffo. I can sleep at night again knowing that!
Quote from: Parks on 28, March, 2016, 08:17:08 AM
I'm the white Fury with blue stripes....where was I and where are you...near castle combe?
Am near Castle Combe circuit. I remember spotting you somewhere about on my travels
The other week but can't quite recall where. I have also seen a blue fury with white stripes funnily enough.
Managed to bond the light housing in this afternoon and this time got the catalyst ratio a bit better and so it has already set rock hard. Managed a bit more mocking up on the back end.
Also welding some brackets to the chassis to take my new bootlid hinges as need to mount and gap it before I can finish the wing.
Getting a bit miffed with splatter and slag from the gasless mig and so am tempted to invest in a gas mig when funds permit for the little use it would get, although I seem to be welding more than I ever have at the minute, No pictures of the bracket welding therefore as I haven't had time to clean them up yet!
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/3EBBB89D-055A-4164-9C61-BE325E58EC44_zpsjnk9sdrf.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/8D4B7E3D-241A-4296-A121-ED41EE1A8C72_zpszthfrpit.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/91FD0601-64EF-4AE4-9D6E-C9F004E4B2C3_zpsy3dc554q.jpg)
I can see this being a very, VERY pretty car when completed 8)
Let's hope so, it is hard work making it up as you go along...
I was up in Castle combe yesterday got there just as everyone was leaving.... I did buy a mirror from Merlin though so not a wasted journey. Maybe next time I can pop in and say hello and look at the new project!
Quote from: Parks on 29, March, 2016, 09:57:04 AM
I was up in Castle combe yesterday got there just as everyone was leaving.... I did buy a mirror from Merlin though so not a wasted journey. Maybe next time I can pop in and say hello and look at the new project!
Yes, a real problem at Castle Combe yesterday, local flooding meant they abandoned the meeting, but not until 1pm when all hell broke loose locally with teams and spectators all trying to get out. The highlight was some bright spark deciding to turn his 7.5 tonne motorhome around on my front water logged lawn. We had words.
You are welcome any time. Bring your overalls there is lots to do ;D
So the saga of the rear boot hinges continues. I have built several kit cars and I cannot recall a challenge so simple that has proved so difficult. The car originally used surface mounted external imp hinges on the bootlid, which were fine but I thought if I was going to the trouble of modifying the rest of the car I may aswell use some concealed hinges. Three different hinge purchases later and due to a combination of limited room above the engine, the weather channels, seals, geometry etc non of the buggers would fit.
I spent a full day cutting and re-welding a set last weekend only to find the throw of the boot as it opened meant very little access to the engine bay when open. Not ideal.
And so I measured everything and drew the cross section through the body and within 5 mins had a drawing of the perfect hinge. I ordered some bits of metal in the week and set about fabricating a pair of hinges, mounts etc this morning. I have made them in three parts, fully adjustable in every direction, i spent ages making sure the welds were neat and everything was square and looking good. I realised that I had missed one small weld before painting and so migged the bit I missed, just as the phone rang. After I got off the phone - spam call- I turned around and picked said bracket up with a good grip straight off the welding table:
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/844A7968-7B14-4BE7-B2B8-289D2A97CB44_zpsjmcxi6vp.jpg)
Man down. I hate f&*cking hinges! :(
Ouch! Hope its not too bad. These hinges better be good to invest that much pain in them :o
Distractions are dangerous indeed :(
Ow!, Hope it's not your drinking hand.
Quote from: benchmark51 on 11, April, 2016, 02:25:55 PM
Ow!, Hope it's not your drinking hand.
Showing your age Dave, if you were 25 you'd be worried about losing the use of that hand but for an entirely different reason!! :o :o
Quote from: benchmark51 on 11, April, 2016, 02:25:55 PM
Ow!, Hope it's not your drinking hand.
Don't worry Dave, I'm soldiering on...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/jamesg20/8EEB6052-733F-4E99-BC94-0579E248D294_zpsn3jhznts.jpg)
Thankfully I am over 25...
Epic Thread this - keep it going. Fell in love with this car many years ago, I thought the project went belly up before any were made - beyond the prototype. Will you make it to Stoneleigh?
Hi, hoping to be at Stoneleigh in the Cyclone on Sunday providing I can get an MOT in time. Do come and say hello. Would love to have a look at your modified car.
Has there been any progress on the Raffo Belva build since 2016.
Ed
Its still on-going.. Can't wait to see it when its complete.. A lot of hours has gone into it.. 8)
Is C C Cyclone still on this forum?
Ed
The Cyclone is ;D James sold it to Mike and Mike sold it to me in May 2017..
Fullpint
Thanks for the reply. I am really interested in the raffo Belva that C C Cyclone was restoring and wanted to have a chat to him about it.
Regards
Ed
Ed, I do have his number somewhere!!!
Drop me a text on 07840628300 and when I find it I will pass it on Ed..