Marlin Roadster (Re)Build

[Lucky@LeMans]

Originally Posted by MartinClan

Not sure if I should keep posting on here as nobody seems to look anymore! So this could be my last post...
I will however keep posting on my build log on the Marlin Owners website and the occasional post of Facebook.

I have completed the rear of the exhaust by fitting an off the shelf 45 deg bend. Cutting the 45 deg slash on the end proved to be a challenge but in the end I found out how to make a template using Google.
exhaust_tip1 by Robin Martin, on Flickr

I have bonded in the transmission tunnel and floor on one side. Everything is help in place with an industrial strength adhesive (Sikaflex) The mechanical fixings are really just to hold everything in place while the adhesive sets. And to persuade any future MOT tester everything is secure!
floor1 by Robin Martin, on Flickr
I have directly trimmed the panels making up the transmission tunnel with an automotive vinyl. I am not a big fan of carpet in an open car :-)
A bit dissapointed with the vinyl though. It came from a well known supplier but I found it marks and nicks very easily. Too late to change it now though.
To make up for the lack of carpet I have used sound deadner mat on the inside of each panel.

While I was at it I added the floor level seatbelt mounts using some FIA approved spreader plates.
seatbelt_mount by Robin Martin, on Flickr

I still come on here but only once a month or so ! Gone are they days of daily postings and following others build threads. A bit of a shame really but it all started to fizzle out a few years ago. My current project has sat for some time without being touched. I've got plans for builds in the future but sometimes wonder if I'll ever, "get around to it" any time soon !

[deni]

[QUOTE=MartinClan;108654]My first attempt at coachpainting some of the fibreglass. it's not bad even if I do say so myself. This was coat number 5 - the first topcoat. 6th coat (2nd topcoat) looked better but forgot to take a picture. Still a long way from perfect but good enough. The red, by the way, is considerably darker in real life.
coach_painted1 by Robin Martin, on Flickr

Hi Martin,

The paint job on the fibreglass grille surround looks great!

Just to check, did you use a brush to paint fibreglass too, and is the paint you used the same as the one you used on the chassis?

Also, which primer and undercoat paint have you used, please?

Cheers,Deni.

[MartinClan]

Yes I brush painted the fibreglass using the paint from Craftmaster. 2 coats of primer, 2 coats of undercoat and 2 topcoats. Just followed the Craftmaster instructions as I have never done it before.

[deni]

Thank you, I will check it out. Cheers, Deni

[MartinClan]

I have modified the reverse mechanism for use with my remote gearchange. Not my idea - I copied it from someone else that had already done it.
It involves fitting a spring to the reverse lockout plate so it can be pushed to one side instead of having to lift the gearstick to clear it. Seems to work! But only time will tell how good it is in practice.
gearbox_mod3 by Robin Martin, on Flickr
gearbox_mod2 by Robin Martin, on Flickr

And I have pretty much completed the transmission tunnel and floors now. The floors are bonded in using Sikaflex 522 for strength and waterproofing. Should easily outlive me!
And I trial fitted one of the seats. Err - it didn't fit - too wide. But a bit of attention with some ratchet staps has sorted that. And there is plenty of room between the seat base and the larger than normal steering wheel that I plan to use. My extra depth doors should allow relatively easy entry and exit - I hope...
seat_trial_fit by Robin Martin, on Flickr

[deni]

[QUOTE=MartinClan;108970]I have modified the reverse mechanism for use with my remote gearchange. Not my idea - I copied it from someone else that had already done it.
It involves fitting a spring to the reverse lockout plate so it can be pushed to one side instead of having to lift the gearstick to clear it. Seems to work! But only time will tell how good it is in practice.
gearbox_mod3 by Robin Martin, on Flickr
gearbox_mod2 by Robin Martin, on Flickr

Hi Martin,

This is something I might need to do as well. I was thinking about this for a while now, but some possible solutions I have in my mind are not as clever as this one 🙂

Where can I find some more information about this modification, please?

Thank you.