MartinClan Build Progress - Page 5

peterux · #81 22nd November 2008, 17:33

They look really nice!

I think they suit the car well.

I did a couple of hours on fitting my windscreen today, but it was bloody cold outside!

Peter

Patrick · #82 22nd November 2008, 20:29

They look great Robin, me likey very muchy

I keep meaning to carry on with my exhaust project but its too cold and I have 4 seasons of The West Wing to finish watching on DVD

MartinClan · #83 28th December 2008, 16:48

Polished and fitted the mesh to the node cone over the Christmas. Flippin-eck it is cold in the garage.

More images here http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/martinclan/pictures9.htm

GreatOldOne · #84 28th December 2008, 17:15

Looking good, Robin. Like the cable tie base fixings. Is there nothing these things can't do?

I know what you mean about the temp though... Wiring is a real pain when you cant feel your fingers and the cable insulation is stiff. I've taken to warming the wires up with my hot air gun set low to make them mote pliable before stripping them. Warms the hands, too.

Patrick · #85 28th December 2008, 21:47

Nice job I think half my car is held together by zip ties and bases - I had to use rivets in some places to keep the bases sold

peterux · #86 28th December 2008, 22:05

Looking very good, Robin.

You'll have to pop down and polish my grill!
You have me intrigured to know what you will do with the smaller cut-outs?

I've not been out in the garage this xmas as it's been too cold but my Rover has 'thrown a shoe' so i guess i'm going out in the cold in the next couple of days to get my hands dirty.

MartinClan · #87 29th December 2008, 14:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by peterux

You have me intrigured to know what you will do with the smaller cut-outs?

I want the smaller cut-outs to appear black so I am - was - intend to use a finer mesh sprayed black. I thought B&Q had some but it turned out to be plain steel (not stainless) and would quickly go rusty even if painted. So I am still looking.

Patrick · #88 29th December 2008, 16:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartinClan

I want the smaller cut-outs to appear black so I am - was - intend to use a finer mesh sprayed black. I thought B&Q had some but it turned out to be plain steel (not stainless) and would quickly go rusty even if painted. So I am still looking.

Halfords have a selection of different meshes in the "modda" section but they are quit pricey.

MartinClan · #89 3rd January 2009, 20:26

While I am still tring to decide what pattern instruments to use a got on with a few small jobs today. Its amazing the difference just adding a few dressy bits to the car make to how finished it looks!

More pictures here. http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/martinclan/pictures11.htm

peterux · #90 3rd January 2009, 20:42

Ooooooooh, very nice.
Nice side repeaters too

Patrick · #91 3rd January 2009, 21:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by peterux

Ooooooooh, very nice.
Nice side repeaters too

Indeed, those are very swanky, I like

peterux · #92 5th January 2009, 20:59

Hi Robin,

isn't it about time you got that engine fired up!!

Peter

MartinClan · #93 6th January 2009, 07:32

It's been running - over a year ago when I first completed the necessary - but not since. Will be starting it again soon though and hopefully a quick drive (up and down my driveway of course....) but I am waiting for the welder to come and weld in the seat belt "turning" tube before I put any fuel in it again.

peterux · #94 6th January 2009, 12:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartinClan

It's been running - over a year ago when I first completed the necessary - but not since. Will be starting it again soon though and hopefully a quick drive (up and down my driveway of course....) but I am waiting for the welder to come and weld in the seat belt "turning" tube before I put any fuel in it again.

Sorry robin, I must have missed that event

So its the magical first drive, is the next milestone

MartinClan · #95 24th January 2009, 18:19

The last couple of weekends I have been rebuilding the MX5 seats. New leather covers......

More pictures here http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/martinclan/pictures10.htm

Also fitted the Eibach wheels spacers

More pictures here http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/martinclan/pictures11.htm

I can see light at the end of the tunnel! Just 3 main jobs to do

Complete the dash
Trim
SVA bits and bobs

I might even be road legal this year!

peterux · #96 25th January 2009, 11:42

So you can see the light at the end of the tunnel !!

MartinClan · #97 2nd February 2009, 12:36

This weekend I cut out the prototype dash. All I need are the instruments now. Why prototype? - Well I screwed up one of the smaller instrument holes and its - err - slightly oval. Anyway I ordered another bit of ally from Europa but I think I will wait till the instruments arrive and see if the bezel covers my misdemeanor...

I do like the machine turned finish but if anyone else decides to go this way be careful - it is a very soft ally which means:

A - It's difficult to cut as the waste gets stuck in the teeth of the tools
C - Deburring the holes is a pain - I found a very sharp but carefully wielded Stanley knife was the best thing to use.
B - It scratches very easily

Patrick · #98 2nd February 2009, 12:54

I did something very similar with my hazard button on the leatherette covering, its now got a nice brushed ali bezel

Looking good

GreatOldOne · #99 2nd February 2009, 13:16

Looking good, Robin - Still haven't cut mine yet.

a) It's been too cold
b) I'm getting paranoid about the placement. I don't have the padded dash surround, or the 'A' pillar bodywork covers. So I can't be sure that the scuttle top is aligned, and as that could mean stretching the fiberglass, and I have no idea where the fixing holes will be.

I have been toying with the idea of making my own dash surround though, out of wood like the green car in the side exhaust thread... But it would need to be the same width as the doors and door cappings, and as I don't have those either...

I'm just going to have to wait, aren't I, until I can order some more bits from Marlin. Bah.

MartinClan · #**100** 2nd February 2009, 13:41

All the cappings are 50mm wide at the base. I am also making my own but still padded like from Marlin. I solved the problem of where to get 50mm D shaped foam from. I reckon solid wood will be pretty tricky unless you are either a good carpenter or good at wood carving! And you would have to keep varnishing them!

Robin