MartinClan Build Progress

[MartinClan]

More progress. Pleased to say that the seats and seatbelts all fit OK now but it looks like I will have to do a similar mod to Patrick for a support bar for the seatbelts.



More pictures here... http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/martinclan/pictures8.htm

Robin

[Patrick]

The Marlin bar bolts between the shock towers and go up under the tub - you might be able to get away with a bolt in.

From a personal point of view I'm much happier with the welded in bar than a bolt in

[peterux]

Good to see you seats will be OK.
I used the Marlin supplied bar and it passed the SVA inspection OK.
The SVA man stuck his head in my boot and had a good look around

cheers

Peter

[MartinClan]

Had a day off work today :-) Made some good progress. I think this may be the pattern to come if I am to complete the car before next year! Cut out the "real" dash and made the seat belt support bar. Just need to find a friendly mobile welder now....



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

[peterux]

As yes, I remember my hardboard dashboard wth fond memories

If you are going to keep the bottom edge of the dashboard straight make sure you don't catch you knuckles on it when you change gear.
Mine is a bit close even with a slight curve cut out and about an inch cut off the gear stick.

Peter

[Patrick]

Same here, notched the dash for the head change, it helps to get a Z4 stick as they are a bit more stubby!

[MartinClan]

Originally Posted by peterux

As yes, I remember my hardboard dashboard wth fond memories

If you are going to keep the bottom edge of the dashboard straight make sure you don't catch you knuckles on it when you change gear.
Mine is a bit close even with a slight curve cut out and about an inch cut off the gear stick.

Peter

Mine seems OK (close - but OK) - but then I used a short gearstick from a Z3. I will double check anyway before I buy the HUGE rev counter that I was going to get as it is 140mm dia and will need all the height I can get.

Robin

[GreatOldOne]

Looks great Robin - Where did you get the engine turned ali from in the end? I seem to recall you looking for some back in the dim and distant past.

And was it expensive? Because I'm seriously considering going the same route now I've seen yours. It'll look very nice with some black and chrome Smiths classic clocks in

[MartinClan]

Originally Posted by GreatOldOne

Looks great Robin - Where did you get the engine turned ali from in the end? I seem to recall you looking for some back in the dim and distant past.

And was it expensive? Because I'm seriously considering going the same route now I've seen yours. It'll look very nice with some black and chrome Smiths classic clocks in

Ali is from Europa Specialist Spares. Not particularly expensive under £30 I seem to remember - but if you do go this route check it carefully, mine has a small scratch that I only noticed after I had cut it to shape.

I will be getting my gauges made to order by Green Gauges - it's worth checking out their web site. (Just Google Green Gauges)

Robin

[GreatOldOne]

Yes, looked at Green Gauges - they're the guys that do the Smiths replica stuff.

The clocks I want are classic ones in the Europa catalogue (but not on the site for some reason), which can be built to order with SVA OK bezels.

http://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/IN...duct_info.html

[MartinClan]

Originally Posted by GreatOldOne

Yes, looked at Green Gauges - they're the guys that do the Smiths replica stuff.

The clocks I want are classic ones in the Europa catalogue (but not on the site for some reason), which can be built to order with SVA OK bezels.

http://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/IN...duct_info.html

Hmm - nice. But be careful. As from April next year the SVA test is changing and the speedo must have both MPH and KPH scales.

Not a lota people know that (as they say )

Best,

Robin

[MartinClan]

Progress is painfully slow at the moment. The combination of still waiting for replacement suspension arms and wings stays (promised next week by Terry - hoorah) and the fact I had to loan daughter cash for a security deposit on a rented flat (well it better be a loan...) I think I might console myself by buying my tyres next week on plastic...

Any way I have been playing with the trim...



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

and I have fitted better bushes in the upper suspension arm eyes (thanks to Greatoldone for finding these)


Robin

[peterux]

Originally Posted by MartinClan

Progress is painfully slow at the moment. The combination of still waiting for replacement suspension arms and wings stays (promised next week by Terry - hoorah) and the fact I had to loan daughter cash for a security deposit on a rented flat (well it better be a loan...) I think I might console myself by buying my tyres next week on plastic...

Any way I have been playing with the trim...



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

and I have fitted better bushes in the upper suspension arm eyes (thanks to Greatoldone for finding these)


Robin

Those door top trims look as good as the Marlin ones!
Nice use of Pringles as shapes to get the end caps right but not sure what you used the jam for?

If it helps, the plywood I used was made of very light coloured wood.
I should be going down to Marlin next week to pick up my windscreen. Shall I ask about your wishbones?

[MartinClan]

Originally Posted by peterux

Those door top trims look as good as the Marlin ones!
Nice use of Pringles as shapes to get the end caps right but not sure what you used the jam for?

If it helps, the plywood I used was made of very light coloured wood.
I should be going down to Marlin next week to pick up my windscreen. Shall I ask about your wishbones?

Thanks Peter. Yes please. There should also be a pair of wing stays there for me as well. Apparently Terry is not there though next week so I am not sure how chaotic it will be. If you can prise either or both the wingstays and suspension arms out of Marlin's hands I would be very grateful.

Actually I didn't use the jam in the end but the bottle of wine came in handy

Robin

[peterux]

Originally Posted by MartinClan

Thanks Peter. Yes please. There should also be a pair of wing stays there for me as well. Apparently Terry is not there though next week so I am not sure how chaotic it will be. If you can prise either or both the wingstays and suspension arms out of Marlin's hands I would be very grateful.

Robin

My trip to Exeter is on hold.

I had an email from Terry today saying that the 'laser cut' parts of my windscreen assembly had not yet been made or polished because the guy making them was away?

[MartinClan]

Originally Posted by peterux

My trip to Exeter is on hold.

OK DOK

[MartinClan]

I have been doing some odds and ends while I wait for either my cash flow situation to improve (children - even grown up they are expensive...) or my wing stays and new wishbones to arrive. Looks like both might be sorted soon! Terry promised to send the bits Monday and I might actually get some of my "investment" in older child back.

Today's mystery object...



Solution here! http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/martinclan/pictures10.htm

[peterux]

Originally Posted by MartinClan

I have been doing some odds and ends while I wait for either my cash flow situation to improve (children - even grown up they are expensive...) or my wing stays and new wishbones to arrive. Looks like both might be sorted soon! Terry promised to send the bits Monday and I might actually get some of my "investment" in older child back.

Today's mystery object...



Solution here! http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/martinclan/pictures10.htm

Interesting idea as my doors have sagged a bit already and make a nasty clonk when closed by inexperinced passengers. I seem to have developed an automatic door closing technique myself but passengers treat the doors like a normal tin top and try and slam the door closed, which doesn't really work.

I might borrow your idea but fix the rubbing strip to the bottom of the doors,

thanks

Peter

[MartinClan]

Interesting idea as my doors have sagged a bit already and make a nasty clonk when closed by inexperinced passengers.

Used to happen on my previous kit car - it makes you cringe ...

I might borrow your idea but fix the rubbing strip to the bottom of the doors

The reason I fixed it to the sill is if you put it on the bottom of the door it will gradually scrape away the coating on the cill. If you put it on the cill it scrapes away the paint on the door - but you can't see that as it's underneath!

Robin

[MartinClan]

Pictures of front wing and torpedo light fitting

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/martinclan/pictures9.htm




It's only taken me about 4 weekends!

Robin