build photos

[cameronfurnival]

Just uploading a few photos to flikr - hope this works!!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37267850@N08/

If it doesnt - I hope someone will tell me what I'm doing wrong! :-)

[b_caswell]

Re: build photos

Hi Cameron, Im sure someone will tell you what to do my only info is the forum will only take pics upto a certain size look forward to seeing pics

[keith_h]

Re: build photos

Just a few thoughts. Have you checked the height at the top of the plenum? I had to cut a hole in the bonnet and make a neat little power bulge out of fibreglass. If you want details on how - it was in an old copy of Pitstop but I can remember most of it. You can make it out in the photo.

Think about getting your windscreen roll over frame chromed - expensive but worth it. Think about putting an inspection hatch into the bulkhead so that you can get at the top of the pedals easily if and when your clutch cable snaps (it probably will one day and it is a right pain in the **** to do from inside the car once you have completed the build). If you haven't already done it think about installing a right angle speedo take=off as used on Caterhams. It saves having to worry about cutting holes in the bodywork and routing the cable through he inside of the car or other tortuous routes.

[keith_h]

Re: build photos

Photo didn't go (too big) - here's another try

[Mike]

Re: build photos

Cameron

I like the steering column bearing - where did you source it from?
regards
Mike

[cameronfurnival]

Re: build photos

Thanks Keith for those comments - just at the right time too! I usually find I do a bit then someone says - oh no you should have tried .... :-)
Mike the bearing is from Bearing Boys and cost £9ish. Its good and solid, I filed the plastic bush just a few thou and its a really tight fit, then there are grub screws too - absoutely rock solid but turns beautifully.
Keith - are you going to Stoneleigh?

[keith_h]

Re: build photos

I've just taken another look at your photos and it doesn't look like you have a removeable windscreen surround which would make it extremely expensive to chrome it!! With any luck I will be at Stoneleigh. I am intrigued with the 4.5" ground clearance and the plenum fitting under the bonnet. What size wheels do you have?

[cameronfurnival]

Re: build photos

it is a removable windscreen but I am trying to make it flush! just to be a bit awkward!
14" wheels fromthe donor sierra at the moment - and as for it all fitting under the bonnet - maybe I'm being optimistic!!! I am hoping to find a set of nice cossie wheels (BBS style)

[keith_h]

Re: build photos

Something else for you to consider. If your kit doesn't already provide for taking the engine side panels off with the inner wings in situe, I would recommend chopping the side panels so that you can. It is a pain to get to parts of the engine bay once the build is complete unless you are prepared to remove the outer then inner wings.

[cameronfurnival]

Re: build photos

something like a piano hinge along the side?

[keith_h]

Re: build photos

Another thing to put on the list of things to look at at Stoneleigh I think

[cameronfurnival]

Re: build photos

absolutely - I am intending to arrive at the show with a tape measure, camera and a scribe to take notes :-)

Am currently pondering the alternator brackets - have bought a tiny wee alternator from a forklift truck (40A) and am making brackets to wedge it in. New clutch cable should be here in a day or two, then its on to the exhaust! sounds easy if you say it quick!

I would love to know how come there are so many of these cars on the road - mine is not being exactly easy to build! Its a testament to ingenuity and trenacity that any of them get finished! Is there a list of models anywhere? The Merlin owners club have a nice spreadhseet on their website with who owns what, model, modifications, colour etc.

[keith_h]

Re: build photos

Another thing you might like to consider. The whole of the exhaust system is supported by one bush positioned after the silencer box. Every time you gun the engine (and don't you try and say you won't!!) it twists on the engine mounts. Twice over time, mine eventually cracked the base of the manifold where the silencer front pipe joined it. I decided to get a short piece of flexible stainless exhaust welded to the end of the manifold and enlarged the hole in the engine bay side so that it is well clear. Once again, there are usually folks at Stoneleigh selling such stuff - not cheap but well worth it in my book. Re the alternator bracket, I took an angle grinder to the one from my Sierra GLS donor and took away the bit that supported the Power steering compressor which then enabled me to get the donor alternator in. Re the build difficulty, stick with it. I can't remember the number of times I shut the garage door on mine through frustration but dogged persistence got me there in the end (and you wont believe the size of the smile on your face and the thrill of driving it for the first time)

[cameronfurnival]

Re: build photos

I'm sure you are right keith - that day seems ever so distant though! Good idea about the flexible coupling i will definitley do that. My alternator (the ford one) was going to come through the side of the engine bay by about an inch - the new ones spindle length is of course different! Yet another 'little' job to work around. Will post more flikr pics this weekend if I get it sorted! Cheers for the support and advice!

[jon_cox]

Re: build photos

Cameron,
Just a note here. i have just looked at your latest pics. The fuel tank could cause you a problem that way round. It is the filler. If you have your way then you end up with a very short and low filler cap. When you turn right with a decent level of fuel on board it will try and escape. The marina based roadster that also uses the escort tank was built with the filler on the drivers side and the tank positioned as far to the passenger side as possible