New Tribute member - Page 8

306craig · #**141** 4th August 2016, 22:13

Very conscious that I have been quiet the last couple of weeks, so thought I would update you all with my progress and some pictures - we all know a picture paints a thousand words.

So, as previously mentioned I got the bonnet pins fitted, and by setting them quite low I was able to pull the bonnet into line quite well.

By using the rubber bump stops from the slam panel removed during the strip the back of the bonnet is sitting quite well at the shut line.

306craig · #**142** 4th August 2016, 22:21

I then set to getting the side repeaters sorted. As a quick, cheap fix I wanted to use the originals, but didn't want them sitting so proud. So I drew around the indicator, cut out the hole, then cut and shaped some plate steel to be riveted behind the hole. Some underseal on there, and I am quite happy how my recessed / flush (ish) side repeaters look.

Got my wing mirrors fitted - very nice if I do say so myself.

306craig · #**143** 4th August 2016, 22:27

Got the drains in the boot trough sorted.

Then decided I didn't like the bonnet pins - personally I thought they looked a bit scruffy. No disrespect to anyone who has used them, they just didn't do it for me. So I replaced them with some flush mounted ones.

And as we all know, you change your mind with GRP - you just fill it, problem solved!

306craig · #**144** 4th August 2016, 22:39

So that was me up to this week. With the Northern Ireland Kit Car show this weekend I was really keen to get everything finished to get the car on the road, so tonight (taking advantage of the first dry day in weeks I got the following sorted:

Front and rear plates temporarily fitted. Rear reflectors fitted (just in case Plod wants a chat).

The outside de-dusted, glass cleaned and the car as good looking as it can be.

Temporary home made Perspex rear window fitted (Chris still owes me a rear window, even if it was here I wouldn't be fitting it until after it is painted).

Seats fitted, rear shelf carpet back in (short term) and the interior cleaned.

All in all just about ready for the show on Saturday. And as an extra bonus the 1mm sheet rubber I ordered to make arch liners from arrived today. So that is tomorrow afternoon / evening sorted. Watertight and on the road on Saturday! Happy days.

Paul L · #**145** 6th August 2016, 20:27

Looking good.

Did you make it to the show?

Good luck, Paul.

306craig · #**146** 6th August 2016, 23:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul L

Looking good.

Did you make it to the show?

Good luck, Paul.

Cheers Paul. Yep I made it there. Due to unforeseen circumstances I never got the arch liners made yesterday evening, so was extremely glad to wake up to a dry warm day.

So the first run went well, I had the Mrs following behind just in case something went wrong. But everything was fine - although the 30 mile round trip did identify a couple of things that need tweaking:

1, I have positioned the wing mirrors very VERY badly. The drivers side isn't too bad, but the passenger side has the quarter light frame right in the middle of it, so the wing mirrors need moving back a bit.

2, A lot of road noise from the rear wheels. Some of it due to the rear window being a temp Perspex one, and the fact I haven't finished expanding foam filling the rear end, and the fact I haven't got any door seals fitted yet.

3, My exhaust is LOUD, again due to the temp rear window, foam etc. But also now it has been run and everything has settled / moved, one of the exits is now rubbing on the back end, so a further bit of trimming / shaping required.

4, I have a very light coolant leak from the bottom hose where it hasn't quite seated properly after I took the radiator out to weld the chassis legs.

Other than that the car ran sweet as a nut. Made a lot of heads turn on the way in fact the Mrs reckons I am about to face the worlds largest group whiplash claim!!!!

My escort and fan club:

Not bad from this angle:

From this angle I definitely need the wider spacers on the rear, although looking good in the grey / red colour scheme!!!

A lot of interest in the car, and not many people over here in Northern Ireland had heard of Tribute Automotive. Having said that loads of people very impressed in a 4 month build so far.

Ru55ell · #**147** 6th August 2016, 23:16

hi , just joined the forum and hope to get an mx250 as soon as the garage is built.... you've done a cracking job in just a few months, well done , looks great so far

306craig · #**148** 6th August 2016, 23:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ru55ell

hi , just joined the forum and hope to get an mx250 as soon as the garage is built.... you've done a cracking job in just a few months, well done , looks great so far

Cheers mate. If you do decide to go for a Tribute kit you will not be disappointed with the help / tips / willingness to share information on this forum. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. There is no way I would be so far on without the help and tips from guys on here. Hope you do decide to go for it, and good luck.

mazdarazmataz · #**149** 7th August 2016, 19:43

Hey Craig what spacers are on there at the moment? And what et are the wheels?

Your wingard mirrors look perfect, they are the best choice IMO. I'm still shopping around for a cheap enough pair

Jaguartvr · #**150** 8th August 2016, 07:50

Whats the visibility like with the winged mirrors and are they flat or convex?

I bought a pair of the bullet mirrors and had to fit one to the car for the MOT. Visibility was appalling so there back in the box to go on Ebay.
I want something with a classic look but with good visibility, anyone have any good recommendations?

Barber · #**151** 8th August 2016, 08:15

Probably too expensive, but I saw an early Aston Martin DB7 on Wheeler Dealers and thought the mirrors were a possibility style wise.

Jaguartvr · #**152** 8th August 2016, 08:35

I really want to stick to chrome or even better stainless steel with a classic look.

Barber · #**153** 8th August 2016, 08:39

Aren't some of the MX5 Mk1 ones chrome? Not quite classic I know, but performance wise probably better.

Mick O'Malley · #**154** 8th August 2016, 10:43

I bought one of these for my A352 'D Type' project. It's light enough to mount through the door perspex with an ally backing plate. The nearer it is to the driver the wider the view (convex mirror). I always complement my look in it with a 'life saver' - there are no old bold motorcyclists!

Not bad value at a pony.

Regards, Mick

Jaguartvr · #**155** 8th August 2016, 11:27

Bought one of what?

Scottie22 · #**156** 8th August 2016, 11:30

Click on the blue "these" and it should link to what he bought, it worked for me.

Jaguartvr · #**157** 8th August 2016, 12:38

Missed the blue text!
They are exactly what I have bought, very poor rear visibility, they will be going back onto Ebay. Shame because they do look nice.

306craig · #**158** 8th August 2016, 19:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by mazdarazmataz

Hey Craig what spacers are on there at the moment? And what et are the wheels?

Your wingard mirrors look perfect, they are the best choice IMO. I'm still shopping around for a cheap enough pair

Hi mate. 16x8, et0, 25mm spacers on the rear (soon to be 50mm). 195 55 16 all round but thinking of upping the rear to 225.

306craig · #**159** 8th August 2016, 19:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaguartvr

Whats the visibility like with the winged mirrors and are they flat or convex?

I bought a pair of the bullet mirrors and had to fit one to the car for the MOT. Visibility was appalling so there back in the box to go on Ebay.
I want something with a classic look but with good visibility, anyone have any good recommendations?

Hi Jag. They are flat and to be honest the drivers side is pretty good. I am definitely keeping them. I just need to move them back about an inch and a half. Just enough so the quarter light frame isn't right in the middle of the passenger side one.

Jaguartvr · #**160** 8th August 2016, 20:01

I'll keep an eye out for a convex set. Thanks for the info.