Skip to main content

MadaboutKitcars

This is a read-only archive of the old Madabout Kitcars forum. New posts and replies are no longer possible, but every thread is still here to browse and read.

Front wing mounting brackets

4 Sep 2007, 8:36pm
Managed to get home at a reasonable time today and took advantage of the fine weather.
Popped down the garage to trail fit one of my Borbet wheels to the front to check if I need spacers there as well.
I confirmed that I do and that it will be a tight fit for my planned 225x40R16 tyres.I think i will go for 10mm spacers here as well as the back but it is difficult to tell without the spacers to try out.

One point I'd like other builders to comment on.
My uprights are only about 46mm diameter whereas the clamps supplied are 52mm. Looking at Jason's pictures he took of of the Red customer car it looks like the BMW uprights are larger diameter? Is this another 320i difference?

see pictures here....
http://www.flickr.com/photos/peters-bmwmarlin/

Anybody else had this problem?

thanks

Peter
4 Sep 2007, 8:41pm
you could try using washers (masking tape multiple ones together or it will be a bugger to get them all on) as spacers.

Not sure about the sizing, but I do recall reading on E30Zone that front struts do come in different sizes. I didn't get clamps from Marlin, I bought some from Halfords.
4 Sep 2007, 9:23pm
Patrick wrote:
you could try using washers (masking tape multiple ones together or it will be a bugger to get them all on) as spacers.

Not sure about the sizing, but I do recall reading on E30Zone that front struts do come in different sizes. I didn't get clamps from Marlin, I bought some from Halfords.


Thanks for the washer idea.

I think i've just answered my own question.
I've just checked my BMW ETK parts disc and sure enough there are two different struts listed - one 51mm diameter and another 45mm diameter!
Sods law that I got the thin ones!
I can get new clamps, but the holes in the brackets will need re-drilling.
I wonder if Marlin make two versions?

thanks

Peter
5 Sep 2007, 7:45am
The E30 used two different strut sizes. The 325 and 318is and I believe the estates use 52mm. The other versions use a smaller one (like yours).

If you look at the cars that Marlin build themselves they weld the clamp to the strut. I suspect there is a problem with them coming loose if you don't do this. Does anyone else have experience of this?

You are lucky though - Marlin didn't even supply me with the clamps!

Cheers

Robin

PS - propshaft arriving this week - I should have my first drive very soon....
5 Sep 2007, 8:41pm
MartinClan wrote:

If you look at the cars that Marlin build themselves they weld the clamp to the strut. I suspect there is a problem with them coming loose if you don't do this. Does anyone else have experience of this?

You are lucky though - Marlin didn't even supply me with the clamps!

Cheers

Robin

PS - propshaft arriving this week - I should have my first drive very soon....


You mean I was lucky to get the wrong size clamps and brackets? :doh:
Good luck with the propshaft! :D
7 Sep 2007, 10:51am
Just started on my front wings as well.{Trimming and shaping the bonnet tops is fun isn't it!!). I seem to have correct brackets and clamps but one thing I'm not sure of is the position of the wing itself. How far ahead of the wing is the wheel allowed / supposed to protrude?

Alfie.
7 Sep 2007, 4:39pm
I think there is something in the SVA manual. I'll have a browse later..

Peter
7 Sep 2007, 7:58pm
Yup, found it.
Section 13.c.part v. says that wheels (not tyres must not project beyond the vehicle body plan form.
So I think this means the front edge of the wings must be further forward than the front edge of the wheel.

Peter
7 Sep 2007, 9:37pm
So small alloys makes it easier to pass the test I think I read out of that!
7 Sep 2007, 9:45pm
Agreed.
My Borbet's may have to stay in their boxes until after the SVA :D
9 Sep 2007, 2:07pm
Thanks for that. I'm using standard E30 alloys for the moment, so should be no probs.
Alfie.
12 Sep 2007, 12:30pm
peterux wrote:
Yup, found it.
Section 13.c.part v. says that wheels (not tyres must not project beyond the vehicle body plan form.
So I think this means the front edge of the wings must be further forward than the front edge of the wheel.

Peter


So as I understand it then, it is the wheel rim that must not project beyond the vehicle body plan form? So that means you can mount the cycle wings as long as the front edge is forward of the limits of the wheel rim. You don't need to have the wings, horizontal as it were, over the wheels - they can be "tipped back (for want of a better expression)" which looks much better. Think I will draw a picture lol. Easier than words. Robin

12 Sep 2007, 5:28pm
Yes, that's exactly my understanding.
Just to clarify my comments about my Borbet wheels. They are just slightly wider than the Marlin wings :-(
12 Sep 2007, 7:43pm
peterux wrote:
Just to clarify my comments about my Borbet wheels. They are just slightly wider than the Marlin wings :-(


That's a bit of a b*gger. From experience wheels wider than the wings are not good in an open top car if you happen to get caught in the rain!

I guess you could probably widen the wings though (or find a man who can...)

Robin
13 Sep 2007, 9:37am
MartinClan wrote:
That's a bit of a b*gger. From experience wheels wider than the wings are not good in an open top car if you happen to get caught in the rain!

I guess you could probably widen the wings though (or find a man who can...)

Robin


Might not be so bad as long as the tyre is stretched so the tread is under the wing? :)
13 Sep 2007, 8:19pm
Patrick wrote:
Might not be so bad as long as the tyre is stretched so the tread is under the wing? :)


Yes, I will wait until I have my tyres before making any decisons to change the wings.