Oxford build

[Paul L]

Oxford - Good to see an update.

Although I always thought the way you used the original Herald floors was a good idea, so what changed?

Good luck, Paul.

[oxford1360]

Paul - I just couldn't get a seat to sit low enough. The lowest point was actually quite narrow and I was playing around with all sorts of compromises. Once I decided to make new floors I thought I may as well go the whole hog and make the bulkhead. It has been quite rewarding even if I got myself into a fix with the steering and pedal positions. This is now sorted.

As I said, I shall do a proper catch-up with photos in the near future.

Yesterday I made the mounting for the handbrake on the newly constructed transmission tunnel. All progress is good progress!

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by oxford1360

...I shall do a proper catch-up with photos in the near future...

Define "near future"?

Would it help if I posted a few photos of your build?







Jokes aside, I hope all is well.

Good luck, Paul.

[oxford1360]

Very subtle. I shall update tomorrow.

[oxford1360]

So, a quick update. I became obsessed with trying to build a car that was "perfect" in my eyes. It was a mistake. I should have got on the road and then improved it. Anyway.........

To recap, I wanted to use the full steel floor of the Herald. I made a new steering column so that the column was perpendicular to the bulkhead and centred on the driver.

But........the floor was a pain in the arse. The shape made it impossible to get a seat in place that would allow me to get in and out. I tried a lot - I cut it with the intention of flattening it.

After a day or two of p*ssing about, I though, "What am I doing?" So, if anyone wants some new footwell floorpans, they are free for collection.

The new ply floors are exactly as I need. They will be GRP-coated and they will not be load-bearing - they are just there to keep the water out.

These aren't the seats I'm using. They are just to give me an idea.

You can see the semi-spaceframe appearing.

Part 2 to follow.

[oxford1360]

So, I needed to build a semi-spaceframe. I ordered tens of metres of 25x25mm and 25x50mm box plus 25mm and 50mm angle.

The handbrake is from, er......a box of anonymous spares. Battery mounted above the passenger's feet.

The picture below shows a problems that I will be tackling shortly. I have used standard engine and gearbox mounts.....bot look at the angle of the top of the rocker cover.

The final pic shows the dash area taking shape.

I have dispensed with the Herald pedals - the offset was wrong for the new floor - and I am using a Midget pedal box with remote reservoirs.

Part 3 to follow.

[Mister Towed]

Looking forward to part III already.

Engine angle not a problem but I believe that raising the rear gearbox mount will level it if that's important to you.

[oxford1360]

Sometimes you have to maintain morale.......temporary fit....for fun.

Floor off to check alignment with the chassis......

Getting there.....it's the things like lugs to hold the battery and loads of other fittings that took time.

Spaceframe rolled off prior to painting. It's effing heavy as you'd imagine and I have no assistance in the woods.

This isn't a move to smaller wheels - just a solution to moving the blasted thing.

A coat of rust treatment yesterday.......

And, today, a coat of Rustoleum primer.......

The frame will be green.....for a change.

Next jobs........fibreglass the floors.....ali panel the spaceframe (I'm looking forward to that)......get the engine level (lower)......hang the exhaust.....fit the propshaft.........re-fit the floor.....add the spaceframe..........

[Psycho pops]

Looks a little stronger than my frame��

[oxford1360]

Originally Posted by Psycho pops

Looks a little stronger than my frame��

.......and a bit heavier.

[Triumph Special]

Yours is a fantastic build, a real credit to you.

Is that a standard Lucas-type alternator, or a more modern alternative?

[oxford1360]

Originally Posted by Triumph Special

Yours is a fantastic build, a real credit to you.

Is that a standard Lucas-type alternator, or a more modern alternative?

Thanks, TS.

It's a tiny Denso -

[swifty]

Nice work on the frame, it has to be the strongest frame ive seen on here.

It looks like you are using throttle bodies, what are they off.

[oxford1360]

Originally Posted by swifty

Nice work on the frame, it has to be the strongest frame ive seen on here.

It looks like you are using throttle bodies, what are they off.

Thanks, Swifty. If the finished car looks anything like as good as yours, I'll be pleased.

It's a Dellorto DHLA 40. I couldn't get the SUs under the bonnet so I went for this solution.

[Scottie22]

Nice work Oxford!!

Its good to see a lot of action from your stable!

Like you say, a tad heavy perhaps, but so safe to be in!

[Marc F]

Some inspiring work there on the sub-frame. I am building a Miglia and will need to get around to sorting mine out, and will refer back to yours for ideas.

All the best and keep posting those pics.

Marc

[micky1mo]

Originally Posted by oxford1360

.......and a bit heavier.

If you need a hand to move it about just give me a ring !!
You supply the tea and biscuits.

[micky1mo]

Found this from your part-of-the- world.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Miglia-Spe.../322139063578?

[Paul L]

Oxford - Thanks for the update.

And I thought I had made life difficult for myself.

Jokes aside, your car is going to be very special when it is finished.

Whilst my Frankenstein Hillbilly internal framework is also pretty substantial, at least it came in two parts.
( Although, even lifting just the rear section was a serious effort if done single handed. )

So if you want to arrange a "Space frame lifting/re-fitting party" in the woods, just let me know, as you are only an hour (or so) from me.

Good luck, Paul.

[oxford1360]

A little more progress......and all progress is good progress.

Floors painted -

In place -

Exhaust wrapped and fitted -

Next up, finish full-length exhaust, top-coat the semi-spaceframe and fit it.

The chassis, engine, gearbox and rear end are filthy. A wash might be in order.