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.
Well I suppose its about time I started this thread, as I've clocked up about 400 miles so far.
I went over to Cheltenham to see an old friend, and was bullied into giving his 10 year old son a ride in the car, and his dad took some pics, so its fitting that I post a pic of me actually "on the road"
So far the car has behaved well, the exhaust seems to work okay, and the car does not overheat. In fact, it does not seem to matter if I'm stuck in traffic for half an hour or driving along the road, the temp gauge remains fairly constant, and does not move much at all.
The ride is tight and feels good, it corners well, and so far no major problems.
It is noisy though! Not sure I'd like to drive to Scotland without ear plugs!
Looks great Scottie! 2 things though... that front number plate has to go. Maybe just keep 1 under your seat to pop in the windscreen as i did with my mx250. Another is headroom when youve made the roof! Looks like you will get a stiff neck if it rains!
Thanks Danny, I have an answer for both your points:
when I get my other number plate on the car, its only 5 digits, so will look tons better,
and the head-room bit, its an optical illusion!
I have two hood hoops, (took them off until I get round to making a roof) and the one above my head gives me two inches of headroom,and like most soft tops. the roof will slope slightly upwards before it curves over to the rear window, so there won't be a problem!
Deggsy, I know what you mean and how you feel, but DON'T rush it!
Like me, you must have a vision of what you want it to look like at builds end, so just work slowly and surely towards that vision, one day you will get there.
When, doesn't really matter, what matters is that you finish what you started, and that it LOOKS right.
You will get there, the Towed told me the same thing, and I knew he was right, I got there and so will you.
Good luck with it.
Yeah Paul, there are two good reasons, one is that the bit where it would stick on the front is so curved, that I believe the flat stick-on plate would crease badly, and secondly, eventually I want 24 UFK on the car, and a stick-on would bugger up the paint.
It may well be that a 5 digit number would stick on without creases.
But being so short, it will fit in the front easily 'cos I've tried it!
I have two hood hoops, (took them off until I get round to making a roof) and the one above my head gives me two inches of headroom,and like most soft tops. the roof will slope slightly upwards before it curves over to the rear window, so there won't be a problem!
How about this roof Scottie? Save you making one. I don't need it and could post it along with your headlight cover.
The stick on numberplates are a bitch to put on as they tend to stretch.
I fitted a magnetic one to an e-type bonnet, thick enough not to stretch and distort but plyable enough to go with the curves. You would just have to attach it with double sided tape. I had mine made up by a sign shop and was only a few pounds. Same stuff that taxis use as removable door signs. Other option would be some dull silver lettering just stuck onto the dark green body work, maybe with a matching tape pinstripe around it to mimic a plate.
I have never had a problem with "dodgy" plates, so long as you make them clear with the proper font and spacing you shouldn't have an issue.
Quote "The stick on number-plates are a bitch to put on as they tend to stretch."
That's another reason why I wont even go there.
24 UFK will fit in the front a treat, and be 100% legal, to quote the law: "The front number plate must be on the first flat vertical surface"
I once had a stick-on number on the bonnet of a GT6 I had, and an
unhappy plod made me remove it on pain of prosecution, so I am well aware of the law regarding number plates.
I also had a stick on number on the bonnet of my E Type, (Like most E Types) and no-one ever said a thing. So there we go.
to quote the law: "The front number plate must be on the first flat vertical surface.
I've been browsing the MOT Inspection Manual (sadster, moi?) and the registration plate section 6.3 (2) says check:
that the registration plates are fixed
vertically, or as close to vertical as is
reasonably practical
So, what's 'reasonably practical' on our cars?
My 'Lotus Seven Evocation' had an illegally coloured non vertical curved stick on front plate and managed to pass three MOTs. It was a backing plate + separate numbers type and followed the contours of the nose perfectly, despite having seven characters. Apparently, if you get it wrong a heat gun enables removal without damaging the substrate but mine fitted first try. Your five character one will be fine .
I've chopped down my six character stick on front plate and it just fits below the off side headlight for that authentic look! See 'attached image'.
Yours is looking very good indeed on the road and has spurred me to make good progress this last week!
Can't wait to see yours on the road Mick!
Its going to look terrific and old/original too!
Got your Mot yet?
Yesterday, I rushed out and sprayed the front of my van, and being honest, it was the worst paint job I have ever done.
I had not done enough prep, and knew it, which was worse!
So this morning, I went out nice and early and did the prep I should have done to start with, and had the paint on it again before 0900hrs.
I am pleased with her result, it looks fairly period, its not perfect,
but neither is the XK, but they don't look too bad for it.
It is a joy to drive, as it seems to put a smile on everyones face!
Lorry drivers yell out praise, and kids shout out nice things, just about everyone grins, and wants to talk about it, and one lady said she thought it was the closes thing she had ever seen to a drivable dinky-toy!
Liking the van conversion, Scottie could the high roof be separated and hinged to make a pop top? I saw a pickup version of a similar van today with BMW headlights and grill I think from a one series il get a photo if I see it again. Ed
[/IMG] 
