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Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Missed posting this pic at the weekend.
Removed these front stays from the frame. Immediately improved the look. Liking this. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4184.HEIC Courier delivered the hole saw that Tool Station did not have in stock on Monday. I was impressed with the service tbh. Not had an out of stock item delivered next day before. Hole saw is for cutting through the firewall to allow wiring loom and grommets to fit through and close the holes. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4254.HEIC Stopped at the local motor spares shop after work, on the way home at 5.00 and pleasantly surprised they were still open. Always helpful, they did not have the rubber connector hose I wanted, but allowed me to rummage in the back store box of odd pieces. Failed to find anything 63mm ID for the airbox, but bought a tin of brush on underseal to finish the body tub as well. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4251.HEIC Got home and found the connecting pipe for the airbox to MAF unit that one of my neighbors had left, he is a builder and gas man plus a friend. So a phone call on Monday to Tony saw another small piece of the puzzle come into play. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4253.HEIC Day job work week is keeping me busy and knackered by end of day, so unlikely to find time to do little jobs at this point. Roll on the weekend………… |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Sallys little petrolhead (or is it electronic head) grandson.
If is has wheels, he wants to be in or on it. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...2b0cc54791.jpg Seems George, the cat I don’t have likes a car too. Found him sleeping in the Rezin Rockit a few times. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4271.HEIC Had to kick him out when I removed the body. Not a happy cat. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
So…….
After giving George some ham (delivered in the carport) I booted his butt out of the seat. Figured out a way to lift and remove the body without breaking stuff. Disconnected the wiring looms that @nickwheeler and I had laid out and strapped in on Sunday. Then hoisted up the body once I moved the car into the right position. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4278.HEIC While doing it, I was wondering why. I decided to also touch up the chassis that has taken some beating with the fitting and moving stuff about, including the chassis and engine. Ohh. And one that has bugged me since we made them….. the engine mounts, painted. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4295.HEIC I guess the result explained it. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4286.HEIC Really pleased with the way it came out. And all of this in between doing the day job, and being really pi$$ed at the way corporate butt kissing happens, and the way some people are oblivious of just how obvious it becomes when they bend over backwards to kiss their own ring, then coming up proud of themselves while sprouting more corporate bolloxx. But it pays the mortgage I guess, and I actually really love my job. One less job for the weekend though. Onwards in the words of @pauly |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
[quote author="@nickwheeler" source="/post/2717925/thread" timestamp="1643911860"]
https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/IMG_5801.JPG https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/IMG_5802.JPG Preliminary work to make the Cortina pedal work the Mazda clutch: drilled a hole in the pedal to replicate the Mazda offset. Made new, cross-drilled clevis pin and nylon spacer. That will be enough to position the master cylinder, but I don't think there will be enough adjustment in the pushrod. If that's the case, I'll make a longer one with a more robust clevis that doesn't need a spacer. The hole in the Mazda pedal is 10mm but the pin is 8mm. I find that odd. I discovered it after I had drilled a new 10mm hole in the pedal.[/quote] Long, hard day at work today. Took me 2.5 hrs to do the 36 miles to Denmark Hill to Kings College Hospital, and two hours back. Loads of change there, including parking area now a building site. Only parking available is a private carpark, charging £4.00 per hour or part of it. 3hrs 10 minutes was £16.00 grinds my balls. Anyway, got in just after 5.00pm and tired. Then I see your report and my day suddenly turns grand. Thank you for getting on with these jobs, making my life a breeze Nick. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Over at Dennis’s place this is the current status at Dennis’s place.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/IMG_4345.JPG He is not a happy guy. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Stole a quick hour yesterday from work.
It was 3’C outside, some chilly breeze and a bit of rain earlier. SomI fetched the last of the underseal from the garage, added a small bit, around 50ml of white spirit (fake turpentine) to it, and brought the tin into the house, into a pot of boiling water on the stove and melted and mixed it all up to be able to paint it on the wheel arches and inner fenders. Amazing how much easier it works when warmed up. Front end complete. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4359.HEIC Rear arches all done. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4361.HEIC Body itself now ready to go back on, once a few other chassis jobs are done. Brake lines, fuel lines, part of the loom to be routed under the body, along the chassis. Fuel tank, and I want to inspect and possibly restore the original which will be a correct fit, and leave space for the rear silencer that @kevins donated to the build. Or else see what is available online in a small, aluminium or similar size. A few other jobs still to be done. Today is Sally’s day, (payback comes eventually) so not planning any build time. Maybe a coffee at the Turkish place as reward. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Well, Turkish lunch happened.
Sally had me all day, till she got bored and went home to do some stuff. While out and actually having our Lamachun and coffee I saw this out the windows of the restaurant. Looked like a character from a sci-fi movie, this electric bike stopped outside. I like it. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4389.HEIC After we got in Sally left for an hour, and the new Lodger, maybe for 5-7 weeks, John, the one legged driving instructor got here. He has already fitted in. He came down to the garage when he had unpacked and gave a hand getting the threaded bar template sorted. More in a bit for those of you watching this move along. . |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Quick hour, maybe less this afternoon late when Sally went home to do home stuff.
Popped down, moved a few bits, placed the screen in what could be its final position. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4393.HEIC Then quickly made a template for the bolt holes. Happy with that. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4395.HEIC So now the holes need to be drilled in the frame, threaded bar fitted and Tig welded in place, then we are ready. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4396.HEIC Ready for what I hear you say. Watch this space. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Went out by 10.00 this morning.
Cleared up a load of stuff around the workshop, packed materials away wtc. Then pulled the original fuel tank down to take a look. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4438.HEIC Opened up the tank. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4441.HEIC Loads of crud inside. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4440.HEIC While I was fighting the tank, Nick started to lay out more of the wiring loom and attaching it to the chassis and gearbox/motor. I removed the tank and then banged it down on the floor in the hope to loosen up some of the crud. Also had the cement mixer out, planning a load of nuts and bolts and self tapping screws to clean up the inside. Unfortunately it was not to be. Rusted out tank. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4446.HEIC So now the next trick will be to to get a copy of this tank made up in either steel or ally plate, including the fuel pump etc. Need to find a sheet metal builder who can copy this and make a tank. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
So after the loom and tank work, we carried on with various tasks, most ably led by @Nickwheeler who is a bit like a blood hound, once he cranks his head over and forward, only coffee and cookies or raisin bread slows him down.
The gearbox mount, though probably perfectly adequate, has been bugging him from day one. So as I had removed the body to get to other bits, he removed it for some strengthening. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4444.HEIC Some three handed welding, large ball pein hammer action later, it started to take shape, after the reshaped plate was made up. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4448.HEIC Bolted back in place, Nick was a happy bunny. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4456.HEIC At this point the body had to go back on again for the next job. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4459.HEIC More about it later. Work now. PS. An MX5 tank for £40.00 off EBay looks like this, Ugly. Really ugly. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...Render(84).jpg |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Reflecting on the rusted out tank and the options open to me……
I contacted Darren at Unit Engineering in Queenborough on the Isle of Sheppey to discuss options. So…………… Loaded. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4487.HEIC Uploaded. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4495.HEIC To be delivered to Darren when I get time, along with the MX5 fuel pump and return valve. Then hopefully collect a rebuilt tank after X-period of time to fit to the chassis, in exchange for some cash. I also popped out to fetch some Nyloc nuts and bolts for the rear shock absorbers, as well as the mounting bolts for the screen. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4493.HEIC Baby steps every day. Onwards in the words of @pauly |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Part of Sundays “next job” when the body went back on, was to fit the radiator and hoses on some supports, after the initial brackets failed to deliver what we needed.
Tight as a tight fit. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4458.HEIC Measure, drill, cut…….. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4457.HEIC Fail. Start again, find different materials on the material pile, in the dark. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4467.HEIC Welding up the radiator supports. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4465.HEIC At this point it was 19.30 on a Sunday evening, so I suggested we pull the plug before starting the top supports that are a touch more complex, and may end up getting incorporated in the fender supports. But not right now, chilly out at night, makes the extra work less of a pleasure. . |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Went over to The Isle of Sheppey after work today.
I had decided to ask my friend Darren at Unit Engineering to make and adapt the new fuel tank to MX5 hardware. Price to be confirmed on completion. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4527.HEIC A typical old skool Rodder, he runs a few cars, well known down this way. One of my all time favourites since childhood. Firenza. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...515f56c9c7.jpg https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...ec39549cb8.jpg Then this 1000bhp when on Nitrous Chrysler Valiant. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...83b81a9b1a.jpg And his Ford Pop. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...74e8358cb4.jpg And his current sideline build, a V8 chopped Beetle. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4517.HEIC Funny how great minds think alike. I really wanted to add a grenade shifter knob to the Rezin Rockit as well. So I think we are going in the right direction. One of the things I want on the front screen is a visor. So Darren let me use his machines and tools to cut and fold a basic visor, which needs finishing and mounting. Rather large cutter…….. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4520.HEIC https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4522.HEIC Measure, fold, measure, fold, measure and fold……. And done. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4524.HEIC For now, but it needs some trimming and the angle of the visor cap to be changed. As well as a bunch of holes and dimple dies to be added. Should work OK. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4525.HEIC Once done, a coffee and cake, and I was on my way, knowing the traffic had died down. Fooled……… 120 minute delay after a motor vehicle accident. Road closed. Burger ! https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4532.HEIC Eventually back home I unpacked and had to go look to see how the initial mock up looks. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4540.HEIC Angle needs to be changed with the peak dropping quite a bit lower, and also some large dimple die holes punched in the whole length. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4541.HEIC Ready for bed, it was a long day. Later. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
[quote author="@31coupe" source="/post/2718928/thread" timestamp="1644483973"]Ooooo that V8 Beetle build is epic!!! Any idea what motor he is putting in it? [/quote]
Rover. And a big round blowy thing. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...9c5e920f7d.jpg Turbo. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Ordered a new spre bottle of Argon/CO2 this week.
Last time was 23 December 2019 it seems….. and then it was £36.00 including free home delivery This week I ordered a new spare bottle, as the welding @nickwheeler and I were doing on the various parts of the car would use up the existing bottle. This time it was £50.40 for a refill. Feels expensive but I suspect it is what it would cost with all the price increases seen recently. I also ordered 25 Bosch 1mm cutting discs, just under £15.00 delivered. When I got in tonight from Woolwich the rubber hose needed to connect the extended air intake as well for £5.29 delivered. Small items helping get this build further along. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4554.HEIC Friday tomorrow. Saturday will be mostly garage time and progressing . Sunday I am hoping KevFromWales will make it here for a visit and to collect the MX5 shell . Still enjoying this all. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Did a quick job after work tonight.
Been a hard week tbh. One year in the making………… Tinted the trucks windows. BEFORE https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4569.HEIC DURING https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4570.HEIC AFTER https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4573.HEIC TESTED WITH A LIGHT METER. LEGAL. DRIVERS SIDE https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4574.HEIC SCREAMING SIDE https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4575.HEIC PRETTY PLEASED TO BE HONEST. ROLL ON THE WEEKEND. ROCKIT WAITING. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Moved the MX5 up to the house.
All things being equal it should be collected tonight for its trip back up to Wales with KevfromWales Done some indoors maintenance this morning and made a wooden windowsill for the kitchen. Next up a load of small fabrication jobs @nickwheeler put on the list he created and that we are still adding to. Also need to find the fender supports for the Jeep if they exist. Not sure if I removed them or if they were missing when it got here. Bad weather and rain forecast for tomorrow. Ready and waiting https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4591.HEIC . |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
So after the indoors work and moving the MX5, I headed down to the garage.
A frw small time consuming jobs were waiting. After unpacking al the stuff that came off the car in the first place, trying to find the fender brackcets I gve up. Started to make some brackets, using some steel I had in my pile. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4602.HEIC A pair needed of course. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4603.HEIC https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...Render(86).jpg Followed by a pair of radiator brackets, slightly more complex, but done soon enough. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4606.HEIC Top of the radiator has rubber bungs to fit these holes. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4605.HEIC https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4614.HEIC Happy with that. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...Render(85).jpg Decent remakes and functional. Lets see what @nickwheeler has to say about them, he is the QC here. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4615.HEIC While out there with the cutting disc, I decided to cut the numbers out too from the carcass of the donor, they will be welded onto the chassis later, just for the record. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4627.HEIC Inbetween George the cat came down twice to check up on me. Tomorrow I have the whole day to myself to carry on with the build. Sally will be at work most of the day, starting at 06.00 Crappy job ehhh. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
:metal:
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Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Quote:
Progress. After the brackets, I had another coffee. Thanks to Nick, I drink more coffee now. It allows me time to reflect for 10-15 minutes when progressing ideas. Then back to the build. Engine bay next. It is pretty untidy. Found some used, scrap aluminium to make a blanking plate. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4595.HEIC Ductape, gotta love it. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4621.HEIC Removed the heater pipes’ access, and copied the holes onto the plate. Then got the template Nick had made last weekend and transferred it. Drilled, jigsaw and a regular hand file to shape. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...Render(87).jpg Holed. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4623.HEIC And test fitted. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4624.HEIC Then removed the grommet again and turned it inside out after cutting back the loom tape. Filled with horrible gloopy black foam stuff. Unpicked most of it. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4625.HEIC Then drew the grommet over the lumpy bit to the next loom junction. And it seems a perfect length to get to the firewall. Tomorrow morning I will fit the grommet again and screw the plate into the firewall with a bit of sealant around the edges to seal it well. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4626.HEIC At this point I made a quick escape and closed the shop so I could come in and spend a bit of time with Sally and make dinner. She had done a 9 mile fast walk this morning with Sl in preparation for the Moon walk they are doing in May, for which she has managed to collect £700.00 so far, so she was tired and would not cook for herself. When I came in George, the cat I do not have, had spent most of the day on my chair…….. King George? https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...a1c7824ca6.jpg Tonight I am waiting for KevFromWales to get here to collect the carcass of the MX5 donor. More progress tomorrow I hope. Tired tonight. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
So the weekend has been……
Today I had planned on doing a load of smaller tasks that would get me moving along the list that @nickwheeler had previously created as a guide. I like lists. Thanks Nick for creating this. Rezin Rockit Jobs List I’ve broken these down into Mechanical, Electrical and Body. There will of course, be some cross-over as to what should be where. Now that most of the major fabrication - engine and gearbox mounts, scuttle support- is done, the remaining jobs are each much smaller, but they ought to be done in a considered order so that they don’t have to be re-done. Like the old joke about how you eat an elephant: one bite at a time. Getting the car running and driving is the objective. To that end, jobs will be tagged with a priority and difficulty rating as follows: High Priority - large job, that will enable others to be completed, or parts sourced Medium Priority - smaller job, with consequences Low Priority - small job, can be done at any time Difficult - time consuming, orneeds extra parts planned and acquired, or tools, or skills, or more hands OK - achievable with available parts, or minimal time Easy - quick job, needing little equipment or expenditure Your assessment will probably differ slightly! Mechanical Steering Column: Fit column, make connecting shaft, make weather tight High priority - can only fit in one place, and will affect other placements OK difficulty - shafts need turning and welding inside sleeve Clutch Pedal: Adapt Ford pedal to hydraulic, fit master cylinder, connect to slave High priority- requires mods to brake brackets and bulkhead Medium - placing is a two person job Throttle Pedal: Fit Mx5 pedal assembly, and use casting as pad. High priority - needs to attach to bulkhead/pedal bracing Throttle Cable: Longer cable with Mx5 fittings required Low priority - can’t be done until pedal is fitted OK - needs parts sourced, but easy to do .Propshaft: Hybrid Ford/Mazda shaft required to custom length High priority - last big mechanical part, car won’t drive without it, might take a while Easy - cheque book job! Brake Master Cylinder Inspect and improve as necessary Medium Priority - easy job, but needs doing before car is drivable Easy job - standard part, readily available Hydraulic Lines: make new brake & clutch lines as appropriate Medium priority - needs pedal fitted, but best done before other parts fitted Easy job Radiator: Make brackets as required High priority - mods to fan and hoses will be required Easy job Cooling Fan: Mx5 fan needs modifying or replacing Medium priority OK or easy Cooling hoses: modify radiator, expansion and heater hoses as required Medium - needs radiator and other parts fitted first Easy Engine Service: New plugs, oil, filters, cam belt etc Low priority - not to be touched until after it’s running!!!!!!!! Easy Fuel system: Fit tank, fuel pump, filler, pump filter and pipes High priority - probably the biggest single job, affects other parts Difficult - parts choices, fitting, fabrication etc Gear Lever: Needs extending/cranking back to suit driver Low priority OK Exhaust: Make new system from downpipe back Low/medium - needs fuel tank in place OK Airbox/Intake: Fit airbox and modify trunking as required Medium priority Easy Rear Wheels: Sort out correct studs/nuts and fit larger tyres Low Easy Electrical Main Loom: Fit to dash support, connecting to fixed parts and mounting components as required. Route front legs through bulkhead, and along inner wings then modify to match components as necessary. Route rear section along driver’s sill. Medium OK Power Loom: Connect to starter etc, route along chassis to rear, connect to fuse box & distribution block Medium Easy Engine Loom:Route through bulkhead and seal. Mount ECU to dash rail. Medium Easy Rear Loom: Connect to front loom, route to components, secure Low OK Battery: Build and install battery box Low OK Wipers: Design and install - Either OE Land Rover, generic screen mount or re-engineered through scuttle Low - not needed for car driving Depends on decision Body Roll Bar: Source and fit. Make new chassis mounts Low priority OK, once part is on site! Dashboard: Design, build and install dashboard Medium - not required for car to run OK Bulkhead: repair all redundant holes Low ???? - glassfibre work Floor: Strengthen as necessary, adapt for new Roll Bar Low ???? - glassfibre Gear Lever: Lever hole needs moving forward and finishing Medium - needs doing before dashboard Easy Windscreen:Modify and fit High - best done before the underdash electrical work OK - some fabrication and fitting required Seatbelts: Need Roll Bar in place Low OK Job Order Steering Column and Linkage Pedals Wiring looms, concentrating on getting the engine working Hydraulic lines Fuel system Propshaft Exhaust Roll Bar |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
After a rubbish night I was out in the garage early.
Weather forecast was for a lot of rain, so I needed to beat that, and the chill. So I carried on with the firewall plate I had made up yesterday, and the next planned job was to cut the holes in the firewall for the two side wiring looms to come through over the fenders. Then Nick arrived. Coffee, chat, planning and some gift exchanges. He also forgot the sleeve and two parts of the Ford and Mazda steering shafts last week. Plan is to turn them both down on the lathe to fit the tube, drill some holes to weld up after getting the total length right, followed by ensuring it all will work to,wrap,the steering up. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4638.HEIC After KevFromWales failed to materialise by 01.00 this morning, he eventually made it to my place by 1.00pm Kev and Nick hit it off and gassed for an hour before we loaded the MX5 onto Kev’s trailer. A few mugs of tea, cookies and Kev was off on his return trip to Wales. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4642.HEIC Once loaded the coal roller headed out. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4648.HEIC Then Nick and I went back to work. Loads left to do. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
So next job you,say.
I had hoped to sneak an hour in during the week, but work just was relentless, and by the time I got home in the evenings, I could not be bothered once I had dinner and sat down for an hour with Sally. So Sunday was earmarked for that as well. Looms laid out roughly by @nickwheeler. Hole saw at the ready and off we went. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4664.HEIC With the position of the gas pedal or is it petrol pedal, or throttle…… and its backing plate, there was just enough room to drill out for the large grommet and loom plus various plugs to get through on each side. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4650.HEIC Done. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4654.HEIC Nasty fiberglass filed back a lot to tidy up. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4657.HEIC Both exits ready. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4656.HEIC Inside view. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4662.HEIC And all three looms in place. Loads left to do still, but progress for sure. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4661.HEIC Nick had been at me since day one when we stripped the MX5 to add a heater to the Rockit, which I kept declining. So this week I was looking for the throttle cable and pedal When I decided to pull the original heater/blower out of a box of bits. Nicks face was like a kid at Christmas, and of course between it, and the original, the Mini blower that this would have been originally, fitted like this. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4667.HEIC I may be thankful in the long run when I drive it in November…… or March if the heater keeps my feet warmer than a penguins tail. We had agreed to an early stop, by 5.00pm as I wanted to cook Sally a Valentines dinner (nothing that special) as she had been at work all day. But typical Nick, and me for that matter……. The rear lights and fuel tank loom came out to also be laid out and arranged….. Last of the nightmare pile of wires. We should have weighed the loom, just as a matter of interest. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4676.HEIC After this and now well after 5.00pm we also stood discussing one of Nicks best ideas that came to him while walking around in Rochester Cathedral. Relocating the battery from the rear into the engine bay, which then also included setting out the airbox, MAF and connecting pipe. So a bridge needs to be built, behind the engine, over the gearbox, with a battery tray. (Mocked up roughly in the photo) as well as a bit of a riser for the airbox. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/IMG_5846.JPG And that was how my weekend ended. More jobs added to the list of fabrication jobs. But both of us grinning madly as a bunch of jobs of the list are now partway done. Monday…….. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Report tonight from Nick Wheeler.
He took the steering parts with him yesterday……… Reporting thus tonight. Pictures aren't in any particular order: Knocking the Mazda shafts apart because I can't get the assembly in the lathe https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/IMG_4697.JPG Knocking the Mazda shafts back together https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/IMG_4694.JPG Mazda shaft in the lathe https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/IMG_4695.JPG New shaft turned down, with the joining sleeve https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/IMG_4698.JPG Sleeve slid onto the new shaft https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/IMG_4699.JPG All 3 parts slotted together; we need to shorten the new and old ones slightly to get the right length, and weld the sleeve to both https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/IMG_4696.JPG And an explanation: We need the joint that matches the steering column and one that matches the rack to be joined together via a longer shaft. the new shaft and black u-joint are the standard Ford/European 9/16 23(I think)spline fittings. Sleeve is thickwall CDS that is almost 9/16 bore and about 150mm long for a strong connection. Certainly stronger than the original modified Cortina shaft that seems to be a piece of rod butt-welded in between the original ends. The Mazda shaft doesn't use those UJ fittings, and is different at each end for some reason. I turned about 100mm of the new shaft down until it was a slip fit into the sleeve. The Mazda shaft was too short to fit in the lathe with the UJ fitted. I wasn't sure how the parts were joined; the UJ is attached with a staked pin, and it turns out the two shafts are just splined inside each other which is probably for crash protection. I knocked them apart and turned some of the loose shaft down to match the new one. Then I knocked them back together with a new O-ring. I still need to drill some cross holes into the sleeve for some belt-and-braces plug welds. We will shorten each shaft by about 20mm, fit the relevant UJs to the column and rack and weld both shafts to the sleeve. That will complete the steering, and allow us to fit the other components that need to go in the same area.[/quote] |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
So with a few ideas bouncing around in my head, and @nickwheeler doing a CAD design, I had a few routes to go, all based on available materials in my pile.
So I made a rough cardboard replica of the battery. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4728.HEIC https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4730.HEIC Nick did this design and a few others. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/IMG_4729.JPG So I started with a 50mm x 5mm steel strap, bent and cut to bridge the gearbox. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4733.HEIC And made up a small frame that the battery tray fitted into. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4741.HEIC Welding next. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4742.HEIC Looks like a nice fit. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4743.HEIC Mocked up with the battery in place, clamp in position. The feet will only be welded once the rivnuts or captive nuts are drilled and fixed in. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4746.HEIC And finally, bracket in place. Pretty pleased with this outcome. There may be some gusseting to be done. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4749.HEIC Next job will be to create a stand for the airbox to create a raised platform. Onwards…….. in the words of @pauly |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Two small reports……
Nick said: Could I suggest 8.5mm holes in each end of the brackets, and matching 12mm in the rails? I'll provide some weld in threaded bungs, as I'm not convinced about rivnuts for this job, and we need at least two good earth points. 4 M8 threaded bungs to weld into 12mm holes in the chassis rail. We will need to drill clearance holes in the body for it to float over the bosses. These will also make for good battery and starter grounds. I'll make some more, but tapped M6 for the light grounds at each corner. But I'm due at a ringing practice so that's a job for tomorrow. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/IMG_4774.JPG So battery strap V2.0 Bypassed the sleeve, though I still like it. So as @kevins said……. Webbing. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4769.HEIC Add some brass eyelets And a hot punch. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4770.HEIC Holey Moley. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4771.HEIC Brass eyelets added. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4773.HEIC And then a lightweight mock up. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4772.HEIC Now we just need to wait for the vegans to object to the tightened nuts. Just teeeeaaazzzinnng. May still go back to the sparkly option ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️ Thursday….. Weekend soon. Garage time. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Part of yesterday’s zero emissions progress was another one of @nickwheeler ‘s crafty longterm ideas.
The Mini heater box, fan and matrix from the original kit car was one speed and no more than lukewarm. Where as it was mentioned that the MX5 heater was a furnace and also 4 speed So dismantling to the sum of its parts, discarding 50% of the useless bulk and redesigning the blower box, exit vents and matrix positioning could lead to a win. So while I searched for a ready made solution (think random discarded containers) Nick grabbed some pizza cardboard box, scissors and masking tape. He won……….. Further fine tuning and fitting needed. Also the transmission tunnel needs a hefty chunk of surgery and sculpting to allow the blower to fit under the scuttle and behind the firewall. More added to the list of tasks. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4822.HEIC Today the power is still out and no prospect of a repair today either. A freezer load of food to be discarded. Not impressed with that at all. But apparently we are not a priority. So this morning I cleaned up the carport area after the storm yesterday. Of course the wind and rain waited just for that point where I was done, to start all over again. So now it is cold, wet, windy and raining outside. But earlier on I did make it down there to remove the front wheels as I want new valves fitted that were not done when the tyres got fitted as the plan was blasting and painting. While I was there I decided to clean up and reset the tie rod ends as the front end was way out of line. New short term lodger John came down when he got up to see what I was up to. He is a Trike rider and builder having a full strength V-MAX based trike. He lost a leg at at age 24 in a motorcycle accident when he was T-Boned and had a high thigh amputation. He works as a driving instructor and has a keen mechanical eye. Nice guy to have about too. So an extra pair of hands to hold a twin pair of vice grips on the steering rod. I also cleaned up the threads on both sides so the steering toe in could be fine tuned once the car is completed. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4823.HEIC Once the threads were done and reassembled I fitted the space savers so the wheels can get taken to the tyre shop. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4826.HEIC Military spec? Rake. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4830.HEIC Now sitting indoors with a drink and a fire warning my heatless, cold, dark house. Anyone know a main grid electrical man or woman. Get me some electricity And internet. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Spoke to engineers a few minutes ago.
They are trying to get permits for replacement of the pilons that went down. Loads to do. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...3891e086ab.jpg Hopefully by Monday afternoon. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Morning world.
Went to bed 10.00 when fire died off. Woken 11.30 by John the one legged lodger banging my door. Bloody house alarm outside had gone off and main control panel is in his room. No battery mains backup with power out for 18 hours. Ended up opening masterpanel as no power on keyboard etc to try figuring it out, then going down to garage, got MX5 battery, jumper leads, some heavy cable and masking tape. Removed dead battery and joined up MX5 battery with a spectacular bodge including jumpers and bits of electrical wire, that shut up the whole lot. So today’s job will be to find a small 12v 15ah battery and install plus reset system. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Despite it looking romantic this was more born out of desperation.
Fire, light, warmth. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...EF3BA8257F.jpg Easy dinner. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...5C8BD814A7.jpg By 12.00 still no power. But activity in the farmers fields. Headed out in the S10 to get a new battery for the alarm system backup at Tool Station. Cost £23.00 Sally on camera duties. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...e31e47288c.jpg Poles being planted. Maybe we can look forward to power by tonight. New storm forecast is called Franklin. Ooooops. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...20dab1fb9b.jpg Spending time at Sallys house to get stuff charged up. So no building time really but have stuff going on in my head. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Sorry to hear of your power outage and especially of the lost food. You have made tons of good progress. Your old Blazer, the raison d'etre for the thread is looking great. Still curious why they needed it in the UK. If they were filming there, wouldn't that be part of the story and so something more British or European would make sense? Guess I'll just have to wait and see. I hope the heater ideas work out. I'll bet it will enhance your enjoyment of the vehicle. LT7A stands for less than 7 autos. People often ask me how many cars I have. One of them I co-own with my brother. At the time, I had six plus the half of the one, so less than seven. My grammar master buddy promptly informed me that it should be fewer than seven. And I ignored him. Good work on your fiberglass sled. From where I sit, it seems like things are moving quite quickly.
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Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Thanks fpr all the advice on generators etc.
Certainly not something I would EVER try or do. I do not understand or trust electricity. Simple. Power came back last night after 6.0pm…… BUT…… Now my whole downstairs of my house is dead, NO HEATING since Friday (have a power shower upstairs that works) No fridges etc. So tried removing and refitting every plug downstairs one by one in a process of elimination Then removed all the plugs, washing machine, drier, radios, side lamps, chargers etc and still it tripped out the mains even before I could start refitting them one by one. So stopped there. Had a glass of sherry, put more wood on the fire. Have to try find an electrician once I have gone through a further process of elimination today. Next step is to remove the downstairs plug circuit breaker, in case that is gone and needs replacing, in which case it could be a simple, affordable job. But both my lodgers are here, one is an electrician at the power station, one was an appliances type electrician 25 years ago, and we will try figure this out in the mean time. Surely it can be fixed…….. As long as John does not trip down the stairs getting his crutches or prosthetic leg tangled in extension cables coming down. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Quote:
My mum taught us never to open a freezer if power was out. I checked yesterday when the power resumed and everything was frozen solid. Love your username. Makes a ton of sense. Seems Blazer was part of one of those immersive shows. Regardless it looks neat. It was a good truck with shoddy psint. Now its a good truck with shiny fillet and paint. Still better than getting parted out. The Fiberglass sled is moving along fast. I pay Nick around $75/day 6hrs max for his company and brains. It was never part of any agreement but works for me as he is currently between jobs so pocket money helps. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Plumber came at 13.00 despite his day job being a night shift.
Straight up on the job after I updated him, up the ladder and not even a cuppa tea. Having unpacked a few cabinets to get to hidden power sources, it was a bit of a mess. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4893.HEIC Like most of the wiring. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4895.HEIC Ultimately he had to drop a load of the sockets to find the faults. Loose earths, and ultimately a section that was dead, which he fixed. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4894.HEIC Two hours later, £90.00 or $120.00 , the heating and circuits downstairs have been reinstated. So tonight the bed will be warm, and the kettle is not balanced on a chair…….. After the electrician left, I tidied up the house. Then shot down to the industrial estate to go look for a set of front side lights and indicators to replace the ones fitted the Rezin Rockit units. No luck, but found out they were Lotus items, followed by @rich suggesting tractor units. Ebay brought up a nice looking set for £22.00 delivered. Same thing with a Lotus badge is £30.00 each. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4910.HEIC https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...Render(88).jpg While I was on the industrial estate I got 15 meters of nylon hose to use as fuel line, and some chassis clips for mounting the fuel line and return. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4907.HEIC https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4906.HEIC Lastly, Kev sent these pics from Wales……. The king may be dead, but it lives on in the Rezin Rockit https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/IMG_4914.JPG And off it goes to the scrapyard in the sky. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/IMG_4913.JPG I also ordered some fuel line clips to be collected tomorrow. @nickwheeler will hopefully be pleased too. Progress. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Found some nice looking front repeater and marker lights.
Prettier than what is fitted. Will need slight fettling of the body to fit. Tractor parts, cheap at £22.00 the pair, delivered. Perfect. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/IMG_5928.PNG https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/IMG_5929.PNG Rain and chilly with a cold front coming in here in Kent today and toward the weekend. Onwards as a certain @pauly says. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Got home from work tonight, some sleet on the road.
Chilly outside for sure. Quick coffee, then down to the garage to mess around a bit. @nickwheeler made a template for the heater box and blower to fit under the slimline dash, in order to extend my useable season for the car. So,I pulled out the template box, copied ot, and transferred the measurements onto a Dexian shelf. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4970.HEIC Grinder (stop s******ing at the back) https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/IMG_4983.JPG Result. Tidied and smoorhed. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4992.HEIC High tech folding tools. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4993.HEIC Progress. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4994.HEIC Liking it so far. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4995.HEIC Chocolates? https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4996.HEIC And folded, not yet welded. Front slot will get cut out once welded and stable. Great fit on the blower too. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_4997.HEIC Really pleased with this. Once welded, I will cut some holes for the directional vents too. Toasty …… |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Have gone down this morning to check the vents on the box.
Looks like I will have to do a slight redesign and find some slimline vents to fit, or make some narrower grilles. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_5014.HEIC Also, mate Martin, like me, is using an MX5 blower and switches in his 66 C10 truck. It is a direct retrofit to the original airbox with no cutting etc. The switching is either by original switch, or a multi speed switch. VIDEO BELOW. https://youtu.be/18tMWTUCvbY Coming together bit by bit. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Quick job.
New fender brackets made. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_5022.HEIC More to come. Soon. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Meet Molly.
No, not Mollie. Sally’s Uncle John, older brother to UncleBob The Hoarder had her for 5 years, born on Christmas day eve. Uncle John was walking Molly today, like he did twice every day, when he collapsed on the path and emergency services could not recover him. So Sally brought her over to me this afternoon as she was a bit of a mess. I love animals, as may be known, and she instantly took to me, possibly feeling secure, who knows. I wanted to offer her a home but it looks like one of Johns daughters may take her on. Sweet pup. And she loved the garage, perfect match? https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...b96ccd9e56.jpg After Sally left, I felt a bit deflated. So I went to the garage, found some Chinese ply to create a template with. Measured, marked and cut……….. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...x/IMG_5036.JPG More measuring, arty stuff……… some cutting. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...G_5047(1).HEIC Then a big hole. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_5048.HEIC Some more fine tuning, cutting and fitting. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_5055.HEIC And close up. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_5057.HEIC And looking over my shoulder. I think it will work, with a bit of fine tuning. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag.../IMG_5062.HEIC So tomorrow morning I need to play some more. Then figure out how to tilt it up a bit, and more importantly, creating a shroud. I really need a spare cover to cut up. Looking forward to getting on with this in the morning . |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Is there not a market for parting out that mx5? Looks like a lot of stuff on that was still in good shape.
I'm sorry to hear about Sally's uncle. It sounds like it was something that was very sudden. Nice work on that heater box. I like the three-dimensional fold up planning. |
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