310 replies to this topic

[Alan Carruthers]

Ok, penultimate installment. Really happy with this, the box will house the fuel tank and potentially the battery. Swaging all lines through, top job.

A

[Alan Carruthers]

Right, after this your're uptodate:

Was all going so well and then the guys found that the chap who had done my sills previoulsy had done a classic cover up job - which is annoying as lots of people had said to me how good the actual welding was - had also spent an age grinding the welds. However, has just allowed a proper job to be done and in fact for a really nice detail to be added with more swaged holes - very impressed. Mintec make up their own sills as well, to make sure they're the right length, and this job has saved a fair bit of weight given that I did have twice as much metal as required!

Hope you like it all.

Al

















These images were actually taken before the works to the rear end:

[Lund]

Some absolutely cracking fabrication skills going on there. The rear pan looks great and not too out of place, tubbed arches also look very well: All the best with the project, I'll be keeping an eye on this one.

[Alan Carruthers]

Thanks man, yeah think it's coming along nicely.

They're working on the rear suspension next I believe, planning to head up to see Dave Kimberley for a grp roof panel asap and need to get some seats soon too.

All the best

Al

Edited by Alan Carruthers, 07 April 2010 - 12:33 PM.

[Alan Carruthers]

Some more progress images for you, loads of work removing brackets and welding up holes... and sills complete.

Got the roof and looks like just over 4kg saving, so not earth shattering, but will hopefully all add up to make a big difference.

All the best,

Al

[xBR4DLEY]

Wow , nice job mate , some serious fabrication skills there
Do you do it for a living?
How long you reckon it will take
Good luck

[Alan Carruthers]

Wish I could take the credit but not me, all done by some brilliant chaps in Devon at Mintec.

Their website's in the development stages but coming on:

http://www.mintecminispares.co.uk/

Hoping for early 2011 completion, going well so far.

Cheers,

Al

[mikeb 16v]

awesome work to the highest standard ,one question though , how are you going to mount a subframe beam axle etc because the fuel tank box is now in the way ?

[Alan Carruthers]

Good question, probably best if Matt explains if he's listening, but my understanding is that the rear suspension won't be a beam but two new tubular independent trailing arms with coilovers.

A

[tony13]

looks good so far Any more progress?

[Alan Carruthers]

Thanks Tony,

All going well but not a huge amount of progress to report I'm afraid.

Have managed to get the seats though - really happy with them and incredibly light - not actually CF but they look the part, red not quite so bright in real life!

Want to rub the backs down and get them in the body colour, some sort of gun metal grey.

Plan is to also get some one off supports made up for them - ideally looking for something like I've sketched below, fixed to the roll cage, following the cobra bracket idea but if cut and milled from a billet going to be huge money I would have thought so any ideas would be most welcome?

Al

[SukiDawg]

Hey,

Not checking into this one for a while - looking pretty racy!

Wondering what you are using to form those swages? Is it a tool you turned up yorself or something purchased?

I've a lathe so can make tools, but would love to see some pics of the one used for these, just to give ideas and check what I'nm thinking of making...


Cheers...

Dave.

[Chris C]

http://www.vansanten...dimple_dies.htm

I wish I had a set, dimple dies give terrific results (as this thread shows!)

[Mini Mad Drakeley]

cool project, and it looks awesome lol and im definately watching this one as its already gave me ideas for my nect project so thanks and im lookin forward to seein it at the end

[Alan Carruthers]

Guys, thanks very much for the comments, yep, I think it's going to be good, really glad the project has given others some ideas.

Haven't had chance to check the above link but as I understand it the tool is in two pieces and pulls together to cut and bevel the hole. I've asked Matt to post a note so hopefully he will be able to show a picture of what they have.

Cheers,

Al