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Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
A bit of fun?
My only inedible Christmas prezzie. Sally does not forget a thing, typical woman. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2375.HEIC I mentioned in spring that I needed to replace mine. Love it. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
OK……
So I lied. Boxing day break lasted till 12.00 then Sally went home to cook UncleBobs lunch for the next two days, leaving me bored after having a coffee and biccies. So, I went down to the garage to see what the measurements were approximately for the gearbox, engine and chassis. Unusually, Sally came back because she had forgotten her phone, and came down to the carport to tell me….. Sneaky pic taken while I was doing the mock up of whwre the gear lever comes through the floor. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2385.HEIC So, based on my simple measurements, the red can cap shows where the gear lever comes through the floor. The front wooden bar shows where the firewall is. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2384.HEIC Checking the engine mounts, they seem to be 400mm apart. Also in the MX5 engine bay. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2389.HEIC And working back from the waterpump hose mount, you have another 400mm measurement. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2388.HEIC Looking from the diff coupling fact to the gear shift is about 34.5 inches. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2387.HEIC Gear shift to waterpump 55 inches Prop shaft - mounting face to slip in 36 inches Gear shift to engine mount 960mm Anyway, in order to fit the engine and keep the gear shift where it was originally, will be a tight fit. Prop shaft mount seems to be different between the ford and Mazda items, but a small issue. Next job will be to lift and lay the engine and transmission in the chassis to see where it all sits, and then to test fit the body over it all. Boxing day…… Also did another small job that has been long overdue. More about that later. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Remember where we started last year.
What a mess. Not much to start with. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag..._IMG_5712.HEIC Two nuts again, as it seems to be the case all around the Rockit https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag..._IMG_5690.HEIC More of the same. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag..._IMG_5691.HEIC Anyway, with various helpers, including @nickwheeler and some of my own sweat and swearing of course, we got to this point where we are today….. Adapters taking it from 4x108 to 4x100 and wheels I liked. But still missing some hub studs and wheel nuts. Steels with the 175 tyres stretsched on, not the look I am going for. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2390.HEIC So removing the wheels and adapters I was able to fit the fromt wheel stud that had been missing all along. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2391.HEIC Used the impact wrench and wheel nut to pull the studs into place. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2393.HEIC The rear hubs were missing even more. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2395.HEIC Pulled into position. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2398.HEIC And done. Much better now. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2399.HEIC And another small job done that takes time. 195/60-15 shod wheels in place. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2401.HEIC Very pleased with that. Progress. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
So today Sally and I did about 110 miles, or 175km on a quick return trip that delivered on a few levels.
Including a trip to @kevins to collect a stainless steel exhaust that had been fitted to his daughters 1.6 Ford Ka. Firstly, what an awesome family to visit and then he gave me the 50 cent guided tour of his shop and some of the tools. I was only envious, despite what I have here. My favourites were a wood burner, not photographed, and his lift built into his single garage. Absolutely functional and just so simple and well thought out. Also seated on it……… his Lotus. A daily driver, still wet from being out when we got there. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2411.HEIC From there we went to IKEA for some stuff I needed to get for tje house and then back to Kent for more shopping. Back home I gave the silencer a quick wash and then grabbed a cardboard box and did a quick side exit mock up. I think the pipe will be needing some editing to allow the box fit and exit correctly. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2414.HEIC Hope it works once all the bits, including the body are back in place. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2415.HEIC Weather forecast for this week shows it peaking at 16’C later this week. Great weather to be outside in and on tje drive measuring and making stuff. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Not a lot done today.
But it kept me busy for a while. First job was to try remove the wiring harness anchors that had been drilled and screwed through the inner fenders, the small 6mm nuts and threaded screws had long since become one with each other. So a new, 10mm drill-bit and straight onto the heads while clamping the nut with a vice grip. Drill till you have no head left, wiggle or wriggle it out through the inner fender. Following this, start to undo the wiring from the front end. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2431.HEIC While working, I was joined by George. I do not even have a cat. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2438.HEIC Eventually I had made it to this point. Not yet finished the engine bay clear out, but I needed to refocus on the inside of the body where a load of pipes and wired went to. Also contemplating new head lights with integrated turn signals etc, and to cut and smooth the existing indicator and side light pods so the fenders are just smooth and clear. I think that will work. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2449.HEIC So once a bunch of the wires from the engine bay had been chased inside the cab, I needed to start undoing them. Unfortunately 30 years of open air driving and parking resulted in rotted out wood and vinyl everywhere. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2447.HEIC Felt like a demolition derby, though it was done gently. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2451.HEIC Removing all the switches, clocks and warning lights left me with a pile of VDO gauges. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2452.HEIC Looking at the speedo, I suspect that like many kit cars, this only did the indicated mileage after being built. Some of the parts removed to date, like the rear brake shoes clearly had hardly worked. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2453.HEIC Tomorrow I will get back to doing the rest of the stripping. Today the biggest time waster was actually getting the choke knob captive nut unscrewed blind, awkwardly behind the dash, but eventually got it done. Adding the rest of the pedals and all the wiring I can get removed. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...Render(66).jpg With George continuing his supervision. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2456.HEIC Here’s to better weather tomorrow. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Todays plan was to remove the rest of the wiring loom.
Part of it had been threaded through the body and fibreglassed into and under the channel of the entrance/door. Unfortunately I just could not get the leverage to remove the loom while it was on the trolley. So I fetched a mattress I have had on reserve for years. Since doing the C10 cab that I rolled onto its back, while working on it. So I flipped the body onto its side, supported by a 2x4 and some,gravity. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2500.HEIC https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2487.HEIC Halfway there. I also used my side cutters a few times, which would make @nickwheeler very proud. After all, planning is to fit the MX5 loom completely, editing the bits not needed from it. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/IMG_2494.JPG Cutters next, both sides. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2501.HEIC Once down flat on the trolley, the next job was to undo and remove the blower and heater unit. It may be of use to a restorer. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2504.HEIC Undoing and removing the steering and more wiring next. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2505.HEIC Out with that lot. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2506.HEIC And then it was a lot clearer. Decided to leave the pedal box in place as well as the brake m/c till I compare them with the MX5 units. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2507.HEIC And from the front. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2517.HEIC Happy with that lot. More work to do for the day would get me to my objective for the day. But I was chatting to @pauly this morning and mentioned to him as well, that this needs to continue being a pleasure and not a chore. Sometimes a fine line to keep to. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
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TIMED TARGETS…….. WHY do we do it to ourselves…….. ?? I had really hoped to make it to a specific point in this build before the end of 2021. A massive thank you once again to everyone who has added, contributed and built this car, yes it sounds like a broken record, but I prefer not to take things for granted. So part two of today was to make up a lifting mechanism that would allow me to lift the Rezin Rockit body and set it down on the chassis once the engine had been put in place and the engine and gearbox mounts are made up. You may recall that Nigel @alpina99 had dropped off a rolling gantry to add my old restored bock and tackle to to use on the front rail of the carport, which was part of the planning and build during our first COVID-19 Lockdown. Well, my mind was blown by just how featherlight it feels in action, with a load added to it. Just amazing. So the first thing to make was a cross brace (not sure what to call this piece) https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2518.HEIC Then trying it out. Raising it, I needed to find some balance, so added a tyre to the rear to balance it all. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/IMG_2542.JPG Calling Doc and Marty. And you said Pigs won’t fly. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/IMG_2554.JPG Gently does it, Perfectly. That will make checking the fit once the engine and gearbox are in place, a lot easier. Really chuffed at this point. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2562.HEIC And then………. One of the best pics all day. Just how cool is this fit of the steel wheels? Spacers in place, new, wider tyres fitted. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2560.HEIC I am so chuffed right now. Onwards (In the words of @pauly ) |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Ordered a set of new front shocks.
Still need to do a set for the rear as well. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...Render(67).jpg Running around getting new tyres fitted to the second pair of wheels and a few other jobs. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Few yard jobs to do and some stuff at Sally’s place,today.
Then headed out to see if I could get another pair of part worn tyres fitted to the steels. No luck. So I had a pair of 195/50-15’s fitted. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2596.HEIC Chunky. For the front end. I like that. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2597.HEIC Got home and removed the 195/60-15’s from the front and fitted the new ones up front. Then removed the 16 inch alloys from the rear and fitted the adapters and spacers on the rear. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2598.HEIC Previously @nickwheeler gave me a simple tool to help centre and fit a wheel, also helps to keep a spacer in place. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2600.HEIC Then the rear wheels. Front wheel drive alloys fitted were just rollers. Bit tight. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2599.HEIC Steels fitted…… Hmmmmmm, those should fill the arches. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2601.HEIC And then we have it right. Bit of rake should go a long way toward creating the look I want. 50 profiles up front and 60’s out back. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2603.HEIC Liking this a lot. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2604.HEIC WHATCHA THINK ? . |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
You heard of Jack-Chitt before?
Meet Jack-Oil. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2605.HEIC When lifting the engine out the MX5 I had to cut the front as the hoist did not lift high enough. So Nick suggested it may need a service. Tiny sideways hole…… So I screwed a silicone tube nozzle to the small funnel tip……l.. 250ml later, filled. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2612.HEIC Lets hope it can raise to full height today. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Last day of the year.
This is mid winter. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...45F81D0E2C.jpg @nickwheeler and I were both thinking that if we could get the engine and gearbox mounts made, tacked and in position, followed by placing the body on the chassis, it would be a great place to end 2021, regardless of what time that happened. However, the engine hoist messed us around, and finding the right metal, getting the positioning etc sorted took time, starting just after 10.00 we only had a coffee at 12,30 or sometime later. Nick had a family meeting to attend, which meant closing off by 2.00pm so he could get across town. The pic most of us have been waiting for…… https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2633.HEIC And then, once the engine was mocked in position, I added the radiator, fan and original pipework to see if it all fitted. Gear stick was in approximately the right place. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2634.HEIC So then Nick marked out where the original Ford engine mounts on the chassis (not the crossmember) needed to be cut away as the MX5 engine mounts hang a bit lower. So Mr 9” grinder came out……. It scares me. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2637.HEIC Cut away, cleaned up, and then fine tuned. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2645.HEIC Engine back in. Mazda prop-shaft in ( No it does not match the diff…….. so I will have to have a custom build done. Length is right but the bolt pattern differs out back. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2642.HEIC Next job after Nick measured it out was for me to get on the drill press and make a few holes, followed by a slot on the face of the engine mounting plate, then Nick, who had brought his welder along, tacked it in place so me could carry on with the next one, which proved to be a bit more awkward. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2646.HEIC Amazing how time flies when you are having fun. Too soon it was 2.00pm and time for Nick to head out. Leaving me with some homework to get done in the meantime. So I pulled in the CAD pizza box and started to make up the templates for the gussets that will be making the mounts completely stable and ready for the next evolution, whenever, or if ever it happens. The trick of course is starting with a large section, and then adding to get an exact fit. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2655.HEIC And the result. To be welded in tomorrow once the steel plate cutout is done. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2653.HEIC Laid out on the plate, of course playing Tetris helps. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2656.HEIC Transferred onto the steel. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2658.HEIC Once all were created and transferred on the steel, cutout time. Sparkly. Destroyed a very good pair of trainers, unfortunately. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/IMG_2680.JPG At the rear end, the gearbox needed a mount of some sort as well, using the rubber mounts. So using existing fasteners and a plate on the chassis, I cut some steel to fit, and will drill the M8 holes, mount the rubber mounts and attach to the tail. I am not 100% sure how this will look when done, but a nights sleeping on the idea should work it out in my head. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2689.HEIC https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2694.HEIC That took me to 5.30 and time to shut shop and come in to see Sally and cook us something to eat. Here you can see the gussets as they will be welded into place around the mounting plate and onto the chassis to create a solid, safe mount on each side. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2699.HEIC Pretty chuffed with todays progress again. Tomorrow is a new year. Happy New Year to all of you out there, the writers and lurkers and the ones who rarely say a thing. Thank you for 2021. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
HAPPY NEW YEAR………….
HOW LAST YEAR ENDED. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2632.HEIC HOPEFULLY, Today will see the bracketry made up and welded in place. With the body test fitted |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
So the 1st of January 2022 dawned like this…..
https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2715.HEIC With another good days weather promised. Loads on the agenda. Hopefully a few jobs would be done by 6.30pm. Write up as soon as I catch my breath. Insomnia unfortunately results in being knackered by the end of a day like this. @nickwheeler and I struck a great pace and just kept moving forward. . |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
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Fncking Photobucket. No links available to copy and post. Google ads tab at the bottom of the page. Seriously am not happy now. Can’t update thread. Sorry. . |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Weather yesterday on New Years day was,great.
We could feel our fingers and get on with a load of small jobs that came together to deliver on the unwritten schedule. For me, a massive achievement for my holidays would have been to get the engine out of the MX5 and getting that stripped on my own. But, with the help of @nickwheeler the pace was quadrupled and we completed it in two days. BOOOOM ! As @pauly always says. That job done, meant that I still had a few days of leave over to make more progress, in-between Sally’s working days and all the happy festive family days that I had agreed to being festive on this year. And I actually enjoyed the very low key Christmas season. Though stuff was not getting done nonstop, it was actually the right pace, because this build must never become a chore or a bore. With the engine and gearbox on the floor, the obvious next point to aim for was to lift up and get the mock up and then fixing them to the chassis. On the in-between days I carried on and got the body ready by stripping it further etc. On New Years Eve, Nick and I spent a few hours getting some stuff done. I made up the gusseting/boxing plates for the engine mounts in the mean time. Then…… 01 January 2022 Nick was at my door by 9.30 followed by a coffee, planning and looking at some Kit Car options like lights etc. Then we headed down and hit the build hard. Really hard. Slotted mount plate and engine in position. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2720.HEIC Then one gusset tacked in place with the MIG welder Nick had brought. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2722.HEIC https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2724.HEIC Followed by the other side. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2733.HEIC Some crawling around on the floor….. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2726.HEIC Giving this result. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2730.HEIC https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2729.HEIC With all the gussets tacked in place, Welder no 2 came out……. Stick welders love thick steel. I turned the amps up to result in a cherry glow right through the 6mm steel plate. So full on, deep penetration. I ran up all the seams and between us, the mounts ended up a formidable pieces of engineering, covering over most of the original Ford mounts that I had cut away the day before. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2738.HEIC https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2737.HEIC From there a quick coffee (Nick runs on caffeine) and without missing a beat, the 80 grit flapwheel came out and tidied the splatter and flat surfaces. The results speak for themselves. One side…. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2745.HEIC Opposite view. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2746.HEIC CHUFFED AS FECK WE WERE. Time for a sandwich and coffee. Anyone want to see the rest of the afternoon’s activities? . |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Thought I would change pace quickly.
Sally has not stopped making these pictures. Crazy money they make. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2802.HEIC These are actually different. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2804.HEIC https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2805.HEIC Flowers sir? https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2803.HEIC Glad she is keeping busy. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
After a quick sandwich and coffee we headed back to the shop.
Next job was to create a rubber mounted gearbox mount out back. Firstly, cut a previous mounting plate smaller and add a curve. Then add some 3mm strapping, beaten and folded to shape. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2748.HEIC Tack into place. Then weld up the whole seam. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2749.HEIC https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2755.HEIC Take the 6mm plate cut before, mark out and drill the 12mm holes for the gearbox, and then add the M8 holes for the mounts. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2759.HEIC Added together. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2760.HEIC After this bit of working and making fit…….. It started to come together. Plate and mounts all together. Can you see the result below? Front view. Liking this. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2771.HEIC And from the rear. Layout seems pretty decent. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2763.HEIC And finally with the propshaft fitted……. High view. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2772.HEIC It did not take much to convince Nick to try it for size. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2765.HEIC Unfortunately neither the original Mazda MX5 or Ford propshafts fit. As mentioned by @nickwheeler : [quote author="@nickwheeler" source="/post/2713201/thread" timestamp="1641140942"][quote author="@mk2cossie" timestamp="1641131623" source="/post/2713185/thread"]Also, is it worth trying the original kitcar propshaft in the Mazda box? If that fits the gap, one more thing less to worry about [img alt=";)" src="//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/wink.png" class="smile"] First thing I tried while Rian was opening the garage. It would have been about right for length(we would have used it for the gearbox position), but the splined end won't fit into the gearbox - it is splined all the way around, but the gearbox has a double spline so the prop only fits in one place. And we can't swap either of the ends because the UJs are different sizes. So that was the next part of the build, and more importantly, a major milestone. Still grinning today. Anyone else happy so far? |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
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. . . . . ………………….. So eventually we got to this point. Body hoisted up. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2774.HEIC Pulled over. @nickwheeler grinning like an expectant father. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2775.HEIC And about 30 minutes after touchdown, which was absolutely without a fault, we added the set of RX8 seats and the rollbar and the @glenanderson screen frame. Also realised this rollbar needs to be remade as the seats need to move back about 150mm from where they are. Still, it did not stop Nick and I from trying it out for size. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2780.HEIC Also tried out the speedo clocks. Running as much as possible of the original Mazda MX5 loom and instruments However……. I will possibly be looking for a loom donor for the Instrument binnacle section have it all reach as the loom is tightly made to size. Plan is to fit the clocks like in the pic, central, facing the driver, and that may call for 18” of extra loom. Know anyone with a scrap MX5 with that part of the loom available to remove or donate to the build? https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2782.HEIC Next up, a look at the engine fit in the engine compartment. This is it, without ancillaries. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...Render(68).jpg Adding in the original Mazda radiator and air intake gives you this. PROBLEM……… The slimline cooling fan from the donor, does not fit into the space available. So another plan and solution to be made. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2783.HEIC And then next up. MAF AND AIR FILTER PLACEMENT. Safe place to fit it, back here. So it needs a section of pipe to connect it. Clever guys………. QUESTION: Will a lengthened section here, affect performance at all? https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2785.HEIC And finally………. Took a positively underwhelmed Sally to see what had kept me busy today. And walking down there, the current stance, lowering and look ROCKS. I love it. As it stands, no fluids, screen, extra bits, loom etc. The front crossmember is 5” above the ground and actually the sump may be 4.5” above the hotizon. Current look. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2815.HEIC And then you add my bulk to it. Sure, it is a cheated pic, using leverage I managed to get the front down real low. Not far from the original vision. Whatcha think team ??? https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2816.HEIC Loads if work left to get it to the next phase. Brackets, links, supports, wiring, Rivnuts, holes, fittings, lights, steering, pedals………. The list goes on and on. Chuffed as a Chuffed thing tonight. Tomorrow its me and Mr Grinder and the donor again. Yup, realised we need more parts removed. . |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
So, public holiday here in England.
Spent two hours on the phone with friends. And a stop start day out at the garage. When we mounted the engine and gearbox using the MX5 propshaft as a guide, it placed the gearbox and gear stick forward from the original Ford position. The steel that was under the carpeting had rusted away over the years too, so needs to be removed. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2830.HEIC The donor car had a tunnel with the right holes and spacing for an original MX5 part. So calling on Mr Grinder, we went from this…….. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2831.HEIC To this. And for the OCD brigade, I know it is partly upside down. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2832.HEIC While I was at it, the old dash came out again from the scrap pile……. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2829.HEIC Producing this brace. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2887.HEIC Which is a touch narrow, but has the mounting points and tabs already welded in place. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2888.HEIC Every time I walk past this monstrosity, I shiver and look the other way. Job for another day. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2886.HEIC I was asked be a friend in Siberia just how much lower it had really gone now, what it looked like compared to something relatable. No cars down there to compare with, so this will have to do. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/IMG_2876.JPG And that is what 5 inches or 130mm looks like. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2885.HEIC The other job today was to remove the seats, get the motors and actuators removed and swap the drivers and passenger seats around, as the drivers seat will be manually adjustable, and passenger seat that was the drivers will be in a fixed position. Then also to create raised plinths for both seats. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2895.HEIC Job incomplete. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2899.HEIC One other job that I started on was removing the roll bar. It needs to be modified to move back 150mm or 6 inches in the tub, and the legs need to be bent closer together to fit in the narrowed space. So it will need to be a modified version of this, or maybe make a completely new design and made up piece. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...Render(69).jpg So it was a slow day, but little jobs come together ultimately to deliver a bigger picture. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Looking for a pair of 3 point seatbelts/safety harnesses for the Rezin Rockit build.
USED will do just fine. Colour preference is Red or Black, followed by Blue. But not too choosy. They just need to work. And be affordable. Keep in mind, the RX8 seats have a single, high level hole. I am sure I could use a regular 4-point harness too, but prefer the 3-point look. Show us whatcha got. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...Render(70).jpg PM please. Thanks. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Spectacular lazy day.
Slow start, then went shopping and eventually started around 3.00pm Outside temperature was 2’C when I headed out to the shops……. Forecast for the morning is -3’C which is a bit chilly. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...Render(71).jpg Post lady delivered as well…… New front shock absorbers Will fit them tomorrow if I get to it. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2927.HEIC So down to the garge and job no 1 for this afternoon was to creat raisers and move the seats back. In this position, I am comfortable and the seat has full adjustment forward still available. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/IMG_2947.JPG Following the measurements etc I found some thick walled square tubing and 3mm plate, cut to size and welded together. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2929.HEIC Welded then together, drilled and tidied up. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2956.HEIC Ready. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...73A1DC7803.jpg Then got the heat gun, heated the metal up so the paint would go off in the cold garage. And painted them. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2965.HEIC Happy with that, shut shop by 18.30 and came indoors. Next seat tomorrow. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Looks like I got sorted for these 3 point harnesses too.
Hope to have a pair, in black bought and paid for in the next week, as soon as the seller has them boxed up. Currently fitted to an Anglia. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...Render(72).jpg Black is a good option for me. Back to the garage for making the second seat mounting points and plinths today. Time consuming job, but needs doing. Chilly outside at 0’C this morning. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Another day where there was little progress yesterday, had a new lodger to interview, that took two hours.
Cultural and language differences slow stuff down. Anyway, back to important things…… Rummaged in my steel (scrap) pile and found an old seat support from a mobility scooter….. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2985.HEIC Cut down, drilled and welded, ready to be fitted. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_2993.HEIC The scrap post gave me two post/riser/supports for the front of the passenger (formerly drivers) seat. I also used some very thick walled pipe to make a pair of rear supports. You will notice the supports are all different……. Because the underside and mounting points all differ. Plates to the supports should spread the load more effectively as well. Original plan was to use a wooden brace for the drivers side, but I changed my mind, thanks to a good friend (Mr Sparkplug) pointing out the possible failings of wood. And no hinges. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...Render(73).jpg So today will be a revisit to that section copying it in Box section and then bolting the seats into place as @nickwheeler pointed out to me, it allows me to get the steering column, pedals etc into position with me sitting comfortably. The drivers seat will also be fully adjustable for other potential drivers. Currently frosty outside and temperature at 0’C So not headed out yet, but it looks lovely. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3018.HEIC |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Bloody cold out yesterday.
But 5 layers, a wooly hat, and. Thermal underpants helped till it warmed up. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3019.HEIC Plan for the day was to remake the drivers seat support in steel, and get the new front shock absorbers fitted. Found some steel for the seat support, then got distracted by the thought of the new shocks, fitted. Contemplating painting them red, I decided against it. Tried to fit one with the wheels on. That was not happening. Removed the wheel, and a load of struggling to get the mounting points lined up later, the drivers side was fitted and bolted down. Then had a visitor for coffee for an hour and returned to part 2 on the passenger side. Got going, and progress was faster than the guessing game of part 1. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3029.HEIC Fitted shock. Tightened top tower bolt and proceeded to the bottom pair that fit through a pair of tines. Tightened first one, then the second one. At the point of stopping the torque it went “ping” Bu66er ! ! Resulting in this. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3030.HEIC And looking up. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3044.HEIC I guess the next job now will be to remove the shock again and grind back what is left of the bolt, and then drill it out in position, carefully, UPSIDE DOWN. Not looking forward to this. Seriously. But I have other distractions today, need to go look for a car for Sally before she goes to look over the weekend with me. Wish me luck, on both aspects. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
11.00 already on Sunday.
Slow start after two or three days wasted with randoms stuff like finding a car for Sally. Bought a one year old, water dispenser in door fridge that has a RRP of £336.00 for £50.00 yesterday, did not realise it was 45 miles from home, so 90 mile trip at 5.00pm yesterday, but still worth having for the lodgers, as I have a second guy from next week, and freezer space is always an issue in the double door American in the kitchen. Removed the undercounter fridge one lodger uses and replaced with this one this morning. FREE MONEY……… GOTTA LOVE IT. My last day off work, back on Monday, then the honeymoon is over. Today I need to lift the front end again, remove that shock, grind back the broken stud, and use these special drill bits to make a space for a new bolt and nut to hold the shock in place. I went to my new best friend, nuts n bolts guy and mentioned what I needed. He suggested a “Dormer Tin coated drill bit” so I got a 4mm and 9mm that should do the job. Bought about 2 38mm Penny washers to use when fixing the seats onto the floor. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3078.HEIC And just looking at this, take when I disassembled and cleaned the front end, it seems lucky-ish that it is a rivet, rather than a bolt, as Bob Heine observed. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/IMG_5606.JPG Without getting our collective moral knickers in a twist, I found a MAC Tools 8mm deep reach and driver deep in a cars engine bay this week. It has obviously been there a while, rusty and very dirty, so cleaned it up and added to my tools. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3077.HEIC Headed out to go drill out that stud. Wish me luck. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
QUESTION TIME:
Offset number plate out front on the Rezin Rockit. Either on the bumper with a regular plate. OR Sticker on the edge of the fender. Bring your knowledge and real life experience and share it now. I like the idea of a stick on plate but no idea about current legislation and more importantly, enforcement. . |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Hey Grizz, Happy New Year! You have made a ton of progress and it's cool to see. The RR is really coming together. And quickly. And great that that you had a buddy ready to come and throw in an extra set of hands. You guys made short work of fitting that Mazda engine and transmission. Soon it will look like it belongs there.
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Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
This just occurred to me; Do they have Mail Jeeps over there with left hand steering???
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Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Quote:
Nick is currently unemployed due to Covid, so I pay him a daily “pocket money” rate for his work and company. He is great company and loves teasing me and testing me. We did work hard for a few days, no doubt. Quote:
If you mean the Jeeps you see in the USA with RHD steering, then the answer is No. But there are a few of the old mail vans here in LHD All, typically carry a premium price. Why ? . |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Soooooooo
Out the house only at 12.30 to start working….// Felt like I was on the set of Magnum PI Helicopter over my garage…… https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3138.HEIC Procrastinating It was possibly the prospect of trying to remove that broken bolt. @pauly told me that when he worked in the trade they saw a fair amount of these broken. So they drilled them out and fitted new bolts and nuts. What could go wrong. So I jacked the front up, removed the wheel, unbolted the new shock, and put some axle stands in place. Plan was to grind the broken stud flush, use a punch, mark a centre and then start with the 4mm drill and then hopefully follow up with the 9mm drill. Laying there, I thought about it and then fetched the BFH What was to be lost. Wallop Wallop Wallop WALLOP !! Felt the riveted head and thought it felt like a small gap had developed. Two more whacks and PING ! https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3139.HEIC Burger ! https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...D0C8846BBA.jpg What a pleasure, having then put a 9mm drill through the hole, I threaded a new bolt in there, refitted the shock absorber and using a spring washer and a long necked ring spanner, I managed to get it all tightened down. 10 minutes later. Job done. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/IMG_3167.JPG While reassembling the front end, I looked back toward the rear wheel and found myself talking to the car, saying to it that I really liked it and enjoyed what was happening. The 195 width is actually wider than the photo shows, and the way it sits in the wheel arch as well as the steel rim, made my heart pretty happy. The planned 215 will be just a bit wider, a bit better. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3172.HEIC In life we need to celebrate the little wins. Today the BFH ensured that I celebrate. . |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
So…….
That license plate placement chestnut. Trying to somehow camouflage the front suspension a bit. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3173.HEIC Placement options. Straight cover of the view https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3178.HEIC Or offset below…. Not my choice. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3177.HEIC Standard, conservative look. Maybe just tucked under, canted rearward. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3176.HEIC Looking at it again………. Makes me wonder. While working down at the garage, I went up to the house to sort selling the small fridge. Walking back, I saw this pic and realised my privilege, thankful that I built the carport last year, and also previous planning and changes previously set up for the future, which is now, what I am missing is actually……… Gas station forecourt boards hanging down from the top of the carport roof. Need to give this a bit of thought I think. Imagine a 450mm to 750mm high frontal facade with some gas station advertising. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3218.HEIC |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Quote:
Here's a pic of mine with Austin's TJ in the background. https://wrangleryjforum.com/attachme...26-jpg.119050/ |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Quote:
Aaaaahhhh Gotcha. Thank you. Because it is aNever been done before build, it is a bit slower than just throwing together a bunch of bits. Still, enjoying it. Making the drivers seat main support as a copy of the wooden one I had done. Cut steel. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...32406784BC.jpg Measure, drill, fit up, flapwheel and prep. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/IMG_3197.JPG Paint up. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3213.HEIC Trial fit to seat. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3214.HEIC Bolt to body. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3217.HEIC Result was a very adjustable seat. @nickwheeler hopefully this will mean getting the steering column set up just right. Mounted and set right back. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3244.HEIC And forward all the way. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3245.HEIC Followed by a nice sunrise today to start my year back at work. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3243.HEIC Next job, mount and fix the passenger seat, followed by mocking up the new roll bar. . |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Because the BFH negated the need to use those special drill bit, I decided to see if they would refund or credit me.
Any option was acceptable to the shop, so I traded them for some shiny stuff that will get used. From M12 downward in size. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3282.HEIC I worked in hospital today, so after work a few hours spent getting the passenger seat lined up and bolted dowm. Followed by another little job. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Being back at work means my days run effectively from 07.00 to 17.30 again.
So it leaves weekends to fit Sally who works at least every second Sunday and other important housekeeping jobs into. So the only way to get on is to start playing after work and dinner on days/eveningsmwhen Sally does not stop here for dinner and a snooze on the couch. Night Shift working will keep things moving forward slowly. Last night I went to the garage just after 5.00pm and closed by 8.30pm It included a 30 minute chat and show around to my new lodger who may be here for a month or three, not sure yet. The job I wanted to get done was to drill the mounting holes on the floor and get the height and position of the passenger seat right. I also adjusted the drivers seat with an added 5mm shim. Due to the lay out of the seat mounts, the legs all differ. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...D37018040B.jpg Eventually giving me this result, all the fitting, and adjusting took a while. Drivers seat is fully adjustable, which is why I was looking for a spare passenger seat all the time. Passenger seat is fitted in a fixed position. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3287.HEIC And enough space to fit a new roll bar, it will lean back as planned, and new mounting points will be welded to the chassis as @nickwheeler had suggested for the move. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...Render(74).jpg I also started to mock up the new roll bar that will be canted back, and then bend in at shoulder height. A horizontal bar for safety harness mounting at shoulder height gets added, and a pair of diagonal rearward supports anchored to the chassis in the rear corners. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3292.HEIC So there you go. Nightshift is a real thing now. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Free is good ehhhh…?
We all need a wagon, don’t we. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3312.HEIC Clean up and reassemble should help. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3313.HEIC More when it is cleaned up and dried. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Another random entry.
Based on a comment elsewhere, I went up into the loft and took photos of 41 year old photos of my first car after school. This was my 1979 140Y SDX (still no idea what it really meant as an SDX other than matt black bumpers which I stripped the week I got it in 1981) https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3321.HEIC https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3322.HEIC This little car used to go like hell and was driven like that too at times. RWD ruled. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
One more thought on the roll bar design.
I am thinking that the rearward supports should be quite low, at the same shoulder level as the safety harness mounting points, and tucking into the rear corners, thus leaving a bit of space for beers and BBQ in the rear. Still need to create some kind of cover and mounting point for the battery in there too, as the MX5 wiring loom and positioning was in the trunk/boot. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3305.HEIC Another crazy thought was to use box section, repeatedly pie cut and shaped to form the bends needed and welding all the cuts, shaping with flap wheel and painting up. Crazy yes, a load of work, yes…… BUT. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Another useful bit of free cash collected last night.
1780mm tall, 800mm wide, 400mm deep. Will replace a cabinet half that size and allow me to collect more junk and display it to collect dust. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/IMG_3325.PNG Free cash guys, remember that. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Got home today from getting the Focus serviced.
Mickey shouted over the fence…… “Got a parcel for you” So he hoiked a 19 pound box over the hedge. It had a Home Office pass tape on it, so I guess inspected and passed. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3352.HEIC Dennis had sent me a parcel with some treasures. I actually only got to unpacking it at about 8.00pm and it made me laugh out loudly, tears in my eyes. Generous yes, and crazy for sure. Just reminded me that family is a lot more than blood. Karma is a strange mistress, but I love her and know she balances the books at all times. Unpacked the parcel, T-shirts for me and Craig and Sally from Clem in Arkansas and Dennis in St Louis. I sent some cash to Clem’s Tuba Trucks Toy Drive via Dennis’ daughter in law Hanna on Paypal (you see we can all be kind and contribute to worthwhile charities) and in return I got a T-shirt. Also included was some Oatmeal cream cookies, an all time favourite, and what had me laughing loudly was some of Roger Orf’s hunted smoked deer sausage. The sausage was wrapped in bodyshop panel paper and masking tape to keep the wrapping together. Just perfect. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3363.HEIC Then parcel no 2 in a Rural King bag delivered a hoody for Sally and I each. Way too generous. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3364.HEIC And then, for the Rezin Rockit a pair of high end, 5 point racing harnesses. Simpson. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...Render(75).jpg And one for the passenger. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_3366.HEIC So there you go. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/IMG_3050.JPG Karma bucket overflowing. Life is good. Roll on the weekend. |
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