152 replies to this topic

[TopCatCustom]

Oh bugger, nearly a page missing due to the hacking b4*#*rds, will pop a couple of pics up below of progress just to keep the thread in a sort of order!

It was the harness crotch strap mounts I had designed:


And in situ, along with the other harness lap belt mounts all welded in place with their spreader plates to meet MSA standards, you can also see the mounting plate for my internal gear linkage welded on the cross member that has distorted to hell with the heat from the weld!


Welded in boot hinge repair section and a couple more bits on the lower back panel and very happy with how they came out:


Steel boot taken back to bare metal, internal webbing cut out to save weight, tiny dents filled, flatted back and primed:


And the hole cut out for my roof vent, after a lot of measuring to make sure it was in the middle!


Regards,
TC

Edited by TopCatCustom, 22 February 2023 - 09:45 AM.

[kcchan]

Good Work

[matthew25]

This build is amazing love the welds absolutely will be keeping a close eye on this project keep up the great work.

[TopCatCustom]

Here's the front bumper, not made to be stupidly strong as IMO half the point of a bumper is to absorb energy in an impact, to save the rest of the car. This combined with the crash cans behind should provide a decent bit of protection.





I have bought a few bits n bobs, but not a lot more to show that I can remember for now! Hopefully not too long until it can be painted, then I'll be VERY happy and can start bolting it together!

TC

Edited by TopCatCustom, 22 February 2023 - 09:46 AM.

[minisi35]

good to see you back on track, looking good

[warning634]

It's going to an outstanding rally mini once it's completed, your fabrication skills are second to none! You will have to come over to jersey and compete in our local rally, which is run on closed public roads;)

What colour are you thinking of spraying it? Can I also ask what was the fantastic putty you used, as I need to do some sealing of my rear bulkhead.

Cheers

Kevin

Edited by warning634, 07 August 2012 - 03:32 PM.

[TopCatCustom]

Cheers guys, I'd love to compete in Jersey next year!! It's being sprayed pure white, with black roof and bonnet. The mastic stuff is called Stixall, supposed to be amazing but I'll find out soon if it's true!

I bolted the bumper on last night, might be a touch wide but will decide when put the arches on etc.

[james94]

your work is incredible , keep it up fella :)

james

[TopCatCustom]

These are the Rover/MG crash cans I bought, just cut the flimsy M5 tabs off the top and going to weld my bumper adapters on the ends, then sandwich them between the inside of my front panel (behind the bumper mounts) and my CDS front subframe tie bars. Should make a very strong combination that will also absorb a bit of energy in a crash :)

[miniweights]

Quality work...lets hope you don't get to see how good the crash cans work

[matthew25]

hi there what made you put the rear firewall back in, undecided whether to do the same or not what are your thought did you think it was worth it?
cheers matt

[Artful Dodger]

Truly epic work, very high standards being set here!!!

That must be the strongest shell around at the moment:P. sure as hell going to stand up to a bit of rally abuse!

[kcchan]

hi there what made you put the rear firewall back in, undecided whether to do the same or not what are your thought did you think it was worth it?
cheers matt

Its probably in the rules to have a firewall

[TopCatCustom]

Aye, is the MSA rules, and will probably attract less MOT type attention!

Made some good progress today, crash cans modified with bolt on plates either end, mounted on to front of car too and works perfectly with holding the front end and bumper on (forgot to take a pic all bolted up though!)

Looks a little odd in pics but happy with them :)



Secondly I fabricated some wide strengthener plates for the front shocks, I'm probably going to use standard brackets to get it going, but will make some wide heavy duty ones and drill for M8 fixings through the new 3mm face plates along with the original fixings on the other side to support the shocks (or coilovers if I go down that route) on both sides. Very happy with how these came out, and should be very strong!






And finally (not finished) is my boot floor, I quickly folded it up in 2 parts yesterday and welded it together, have made it so the middle upright seam is triple layered and very strong to support the spare wheel(s) in the boot. Fuel tank will sit in the lower left hand side, fuel pumps, tools and wheels on the right, also the exhaust will sit under the right (am off-setting it) hence the higher base. Got to trim and fold the sides then will be primered, bonded and riveted in place.



Thats it for this weekend, off to Hyde Park tomorrow to see closing ceremony and Blur :)

[Minuki]

I'm sure you've answered this before..

But what are the advantages of welding the cage to the box like sections rather than just using spreader plates?