Oxford build

[oxford1360]

Picked up my steel today. It sort of fitted in the Volvo.....with a bit sticking out of the tailgate. Quite pleased none of Towed's colleagues pulled-up behind me.

All stashed away under the chassis. I've managed to get a supply of gas for welding. Now I just need to summon the courage to start cutting. I'm genuinely excited.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by oxford1360

... Now I just need to summon the courage to start cutting ...

Really?

I have no fear when it comes to cutting.

Obviously, putting things back together properly is a completely different matter.

Good luck and I look forward to seeing what you are going to do.

Cheers, Paul.

[oxford1360]

I'm still measuring and experimenting - using wood to balance the body in relation to the chassis. The use of the Audi TT removable roll hoops requires a little more precision because I can't just raise the body by putting some packers between the chassis and body. The body has to sit on the Audi crossmember. All will become clear with some pics soon.

Anyway, I bought this recently. I might use it. I will have a Monza flip cap whatever happens because they look the part, but it may just be a dummy. If so, this will house the Mazda tank filler and add a tiny level of security. As I said, I may not use it, but it is quite neat.

[oxford1360]

Some very preliminary trial fitting tonight to get some measurements. It is morale boosting to have the body out of the loft space for the first time in more than a year. It doesn't appear to have suffered. First signs are that the wheels will fill the arches nicely........when everything is tweaked.

First impression is that the bonnet will require a couple of Oxford bulges, which I am quite glad about.

[garyh]

O, i noticed you cut the rear outriggers off... not worried about that? Also, what mods do you think you'll be doing?

[oxford1360]

Originally Posted by garyh

O, i noticed you cut the rear outriggers off... not worried about that? Also, what mods do you think you'll be doing?

The rear outriggers had rusted to nothing at the ends (honestly). The bases attached to the chassis were solid so I just boxed them with 1.2mm steel. I do have replacement outriggers if an inspector wants me to replace them.

Mods? The plan is to have removable roll hoops, a boot and a flip-rear to access the rear suspension and fuel tank. Bonnet will have louvres and bulges (rather than scoops).

I also plan to add rear vents and intakes similar to a D24.

Interior will be lined with ally. Seats will be my own take on Spitfire/Hurricane/Sea Fury seats using the 50 year old leather that I skinned from an old sofa. Six point twist lock belts which look great but will be a pain when I'm in a hurry.

I will decide at some point whether to go for Brooklands aero screens or a Ribble screen. Probably the former.

Oh, and I'm going to cut off the hump and move it to be in line with my head.

[froggyman]

What a great morale booster for you to see the body resting on the chassis. Wheels look a treat too! I await your frame construction with interest.

[phil9]

home run now looking great,,

[Mister Towed]

When the vehicle inspector checks over your car don't mention the outriggers. I mentioned them once, but I think I got away with it.

I do like your wheels, are you going for dummy spinners?

[oxford1360]

Originally Posted by Mister Towed

When the vehicle inspector checks over your car don't mention the outriggers. I mentioned them once, but I think I got away with it.

I do like your wheels, are you going for dummy spinners?

Yes, I've got three-eared spinners (similar to Patoune's) which will sit on top of the BMW Mini centre caps. Together they look moderately Dunlopish.

[oxford1360]

Two unrelated pictures. The first is the world's loudest power tool. I used it tonight to cut the first lengths of box section. It all went to plan.

The second is of my second favourite car of all time (after the one I am building). I took it at the Silverstone Classic on Saturday. I'm quite pleased with it considering that the subject was doing about 120mph at the time.

[Viatron]

Wonder of thats the one Mark Hales allegedly blew up? Tis very pretty

[slartibartfast]

Hi Oxford ... me again
Just trawled through your blog and saw the MIGHTY hub puller.
No doubt we will chat at some time.
Love your rustic workshop ... you seem to live like a Hobbit
ATB
Slarti

[Paul L]

Oxford - At least the sound of the metal cutter will not disturb the neighbours.

Good luck with building your framework, Paul.

[slartibartfast]

Hi Paul ...
Talking of metal cutters waking the neighbours ..... I got the "angry grinder" out this week end .... NOT to cut off the wheel hub, but to cut the bulkhead down. Will upload some photos this evening.
Thanks for the offer of the hub puller once again but it's going to work out easier to borrow Tony's in Poole. A mate of mine is going to Poole for a week's holiday this Friday .... and you'll not believe this, but Tony's brother lives only a few miles from me, so I'll drop the puller back to him when I've finished with it.
Tony: I've given my work colleague (Mark) your details and he'll contact you when he's down your way.
Cheers all round
Slarti

[oxford1360]

That sounds like the path of least resistance - which is always attractive to Rammio and Sibble builders.

I find pullers very rewarding to use. Anything that makes an impossible job almost effortless is all right by me.

I did some cutting this weekend and used my step drill bit in an old pillar drill. I'm quite pleased with my first attempts at "engineering", considering they have been achieved using nothing more than over-sized and noisy domestic power tools.

Might get to do the first welds on the frame tonight.

[oxford1360]

Just over an hour down at The Glade this evening. I continued work on the rear bulkhead.

The Audi crosssmember will form the top. This will be sandwiched between two lengths of 50x25 box.

The two pictures below show the aluminium crossmember and the front length of box.

The two below show before and after welding.

The final one shows the three pieces of box that form the top of the front of the bulkhead welded together. An identical one will attach to the rear. Vertical lengths of box will attach this to the ends of the rear outriggers.

The bolts are recessed so that a sheet of ally can be riveted to it to line the rear of the cockpit.

[garyh]

The cut-off saw does a neat job, and the welding looks very neat.

[tlrtone]

I like this, can't wait to see it with the rest of the frame and the how the hoops look with the body on.

Good job!

[garyh]

Afternoon O, i got myself a cut off saw on ebay. Have you done some more yet?