GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project~”

[Grizz1963]

@nickwheeler" wrote the following up:

No precision was wasted making these parts .

It was time to do something about these ghetto hose-separators:






The hoses are 7/8" diameter, and the bulkhead fitting spaces them 38mm apart.

Scribe  some that looks about right marking to some 8mm aluminium plate:




Hack off, and clamp to the mill - a drill press would do - and drill four 22mm holes because that's close enough to 7/8":




I milled two straight and parallel edges because I could, but that could have been done with a file. Hacksaw them apart, and lop off the corners:



Mill the new edges straight and parallel to the originals, and shape the ends with files:




Like this:



I rubbed them across 120 and 240 grit DA discs on a piece of granite, using plenty of glass cleaner for a smooth, bushed finish.. No pics, as I did that in between dinner and going out.


Old vs New



And on the car:



The 22mm holes are slightly looser than I'd like, and will benefit from a touch of black silicone next time we have some out.


Much happier.

[Grizz1963]

Did I mention that Sunday was a busy day.

Loads of yard work etc.

Eventually got started on the car, working on the floor, fitting the seats etc.

Nick and I had planned a few progress jobs.

Get the brakes bled through, get onto the rear lights, in order to button that up.

And then this week @nickwheeler remembered he had a large kit to pressure test cooling systems.

So the cooling system prime and test was on the cards.

While I carried on with my jobs, he fetched a watering can of water, called for a large funnel to fill the radiator and cooling system.

I carried on cutting metal and drilling, my power tool noise induced reverie suddenly torn apart by Nicks scream of disdain (OK maybe I have exaggerated)

So I flew to his side to find this.

Look closely, look again.

Pssssssssssss……




After some weird angle photos, and a bit of wriggling, pulling and pushing and loosening, Nick had a trophy.



Problem.



Some internet research showed that this is a known weakness in these engines.

Poop.



Clearly, being a known and recurrent fault, has led to it to be exploited to the max.

Crazy money.



I managed to contact an independent who agreed to selling me a used part for a 1600cc engine at £40.00, just need to make a gasket, used to have gasket paper….

A long time ago.

Another job planned was the brakes.


Errrrmmmmmm…..

No, not happening.

A long time ago, the one brake hose that came with the car, seemed perfectly fine.

On Sunday, no flow, either with pressure or suction.

So using the last of the braided hose, Nick made a new brake hose.

Testing the old pipe, with a stainless steel welding rod it seemed it was blocked solid.

At the rear a similar scene played out as well.

Bloody soul destroying.












So there you go.

Still no start.

As Quoted: What is it they say, 90% done, 90% to go

I like that.

[Grizz1963]

Well

That used part did not work.

Part he had to sell was wrong side.

After some digging around he pulled one out.

But same flaw and damage.

Walked Away. Around the corner to an engineering shop.

Where the shift extension came from.

20 minutes consultation later……

I will try fix it myself.

Drill this out @8.5mm





Then tap and fit this.



Delivery 9-16 June.

Wonder if they are delivering on foot.

[Grizz1963]

Came home today and the mailman had delivered a new edition of the Illinois Route 66 guide for me.

Thanks @jagwinn for taking the time to show me a kindness when it was needed.



Guess it means a road trip has kinda got to be done.

[Grizz1963]

Friday.

Message from @craigrk in India.

Seems the new [font size="4"]RR[/font] LED lights have arrived, not,sure,what the final delivered price was.

Also got some nice new number-plates ordered and delivered in 48 hrs.

Time to start tidying up the interior some more.

Carpets to be cut and glued some time today as I am working from home.








Happy Friday indeed.

[Grizz1963]

Being out in the garden before 06.00 this time of year, does have it’s perks.

Same can be said for insomnia and being done with early morning admin before 06.30 as was the case yesterday.

First training meeting of the day was -9.15 on Teams.

So I thought getting these to front floor sections wrapped up, made sense.

Sections cut from the roll of carpet I bought.

Contact adhesive both sides, laid down, trimmed, stretched, glued on the rear and two parallel sets of 10mm staples run in.

Perfect. I hope.



Other side.



Done.



Happy with that.

A small carpet will protect the heel area on drivers side.

[Grizz1963]

So……

One of those awkward jobs done after work.

Well, the prototype really.

As I only have enough vinyl for one go at making the black gearstick gaiter.

First job was to remove the rubber from the original MX5 rubber unit.

It will be used to hold down the final gaiter…… far from a professional job, but anyone is welcome to pop over and make me one or mail me a complete replacement piece.



Measured and filed away the excess.

For those who forgot….. the extension of the gear stick makes the sweep more exaggerated so the hole has to be bigger.





I fetched the roll of “Rusty patina” vinyl originally bought when I wanted to buy @pedalcarjoe ‘s wagon, from the garage,

Initial plan was to make 4 piece pyramid.

Then lodger John arrived with 6 mini Pork pies, and a tub of Chicken Kiev Scotch eggs, a Sprite for me as I never use alcohol if power tools may be used and a Desperado beer for him.

“Why not cut a huge circle, pierce the centre and drape it like a skirt, pin it top and bottom…. Job done”

BUGGGERR…..Of course he is right, or is he.

Both options.



Draped.



Captured.



So……..

Will it work??



Later today I will cut the black to size.

Then the transmission tunnel carpet has to be measured, cut and glued down.

Followed by refitting the floors, seats, maybe even the last time.

But first, I need to get some new work shoes and apply for a new passport.

[Grizz1963]

[quote author="@cynicaldave" source="/post/2733956/thread" timestamp="1653769635"]Don't stop posting 😮

I know I don't comment much, but I'm thoroughly enjoying following along....
It's the first thread I turn to...
Can't wait to see it on the road😁[/quote]


I think some days I just feel that I am not sure if I am wasting my time as it takes more than a few minutes to create this content.

And I do see this as a record for my own reference.

This is not a pity party or anything like that, but it amazes me at times when clearly (I wrote and post on another 8 forums) people only read the photos, and then ask some pretty stoopid questions.

And if you point it out, they either leave or make some limp wristed comment .




So, to answer your request.

Today I did two jobs, along with buying a new pair of work shoes and a £39.00 pair of very neat flip flops, not garage level either….

Some gardening, taking aound 50 photos of myself to try get a passport application in. And it kept failing me, as it saw my eyes being shot (not) and then my face and the magnolia wall being indistinguishable……

Eventually made it to the garage around 3.00pm.



But I also made up a plate for the removable show plate to fit on the front















There was more done.

Pics uploading as I type this up.

[Grizz1963]

Part 2 of yesterday’s short day.

Changed all the nuts for Nyloc’s

Cut and fitted some high density foam to cover the protruding bolts etc.

Carpeting will be next when I get some more in.



Both sides done, floor down.



Then measure and cut the two parts of the transmission tunnel from the remaining carpet.





Resulting in these weird shapes.



And draped in position.



These will be glued in place once the gearshift is locked in place, @nickwheeler has a plan for that.

Then the gaiter bolted in place and holes for the stick and parking brake cut in the carpet, plus fitting.

Seats back in and bolted down.

Bootfair totally sucked, cold outside today, and possibly rain this afternoon.

[Grizz1963]

@nickwheeler came over for a while today.

We both kinda lost our mojo and not a lot got done.

But stuff got done.

Richard his buddy popped over……..

In a red 4 door Metro they built a couple of years ago.

Cool, standard looking transplant.



And



Rear view.

Any ideas on what it is packing yet?




And looking around it, serious load carrying capacity.

I love Slotmags.



165/55 - 14 inch steels.



Looks like a pretty standard car.



It certainly is not, and I love it.

More in a bit.

[Grizz1963]

[quote author="@nickwheeler" source="/post/2734061/thread" timestamp="1653852234"][quote source="/post/2734059/thread" author="@skodacious" timestamp="1653851102"]That Metro looks like a proper little sleeper. Would there be a turbo hiding in there somewhere?
[/quote]It's a VVC, with a mildly ported head and the later engine management. Which should be nearly 160hp. Stock K-series turbos want to fit where the radiator is in a Metro[/quote]

[Grizz1963]

I need prayers too………..

Did the DIY renewal of my passport after about 50 photos and 9 submissions failed the test.

I eventually submitted a 50% liable for success photo.



Lets hope HM Customs etc, approve of the pic I submitted.

[Grizz1963]

So, is there a road trip in the future?

Let’s see if this gets replaced with a new one.



Sometimes, as @merlind100 Richard and @nickwheeler said to me yesterday, sometimes we are so close to the work we are doing, that we cannot see the progress ourselves.

Yesterday, even fitting the removable license plate mount to the front bumper became an issue, with me walking away in a huff because I could not get the second R-Clip inserted fully, so I went to make coffee and grab a pack of Pork Pies. Nick pushed it through later when the car was up on the jack and axle stands to fit the 3rd newly made brake line.

So plate in position.



While I played with the inner carpets etc, Nick made up a pair of braided stainless steel hoses.

One for the rear end that had failed, and another to replace the new rubber front hose I bought earlier on.

Now the whole lot are uniform.

After much pumping and checking, all four corners are bled and feel good. Plus they seem to work in static testing.

One litre of Dot 4 has made its way into the system, soon to be drained and replaced with fresh new DOT 4

Handbrake will get set too.

Nick,took a better photo of all the hoses together, but this will have to do, my eager, out of sync pic.



Back to the interior, trimming and making fiddly bits…..

Nick made a couple of Slim hexagonal nuts with a 10x1.25 thread, to use to make a locking nut for the gearstick, in order to lock it in place. Locktite later.



Also delivered by the Man from DelMonte was a vacuum fitting for the brake booster.

Nice job there too.



While Richard was here I carried on shaping and planning the carpet over the tunnel.

Cutting out the handbrake lever gaiter nd holding plate sized hole to allow lart one of the fit.



Next up, a folded back collar on the rear edge, glued in place, and the gearshift hole to be cut in.




Then it was back to a redesign and rethink on holding the carpet and gaiter in place around the gearshift.


YOU SEE………

THIS IS WHY THIS IS TAKING SO LONG.

CAR BUILDERS TANGO….. TWO STEPS FORWARD, THREE…….


More CAD and woodwork.




Bevelled back somewhat




Remove part of Donor from tunnel. And yes, it is needed.



Fits, bolt heads recessed.

Needs black paint. (Where is Nick 😂 )



Early finish.

Monday morning and back to work.

[Grizz1963]

Would you pick up £135.00 if it landed in your way….?

I need to put an edge to the new drive planned for when I get some time.

Down the side to retain the garden.



Sally’s son is redoing his garden, and it all has to be new, no cleaning up and reuse

So I went 6 miles to rescue these 25 450x450 slabs and 4 shorter ones after work.

Glad I have a wagon.



And ready to be used when I get to it.

Plan is to pressure pressure clean them all before using.





You go do the maths.



As an aside, filled the car today.

Diesel price per litre.




Thank goodness for free cash laying around.

[Grizz1963]

@nickwheeler knocked on the door

But

But

But

But…….. it is only Tuesday evening.

Sally was having dinner, I had already eaten, so we decamped to the kitchen.

Nick is amazing in the way he can contain his obvious excitement and pride.

Pride - rightfully so.

Excitement at completing this bit of reconstructive surgery on the MX5 cooling system pipework that he knocked out in no time.

I was super chuffed and impressed, thankful, pleased, all of the above.

Mr Smug-Mug



Love the detail he turned in here.





Final fine tuning to be done when fitting back on the car.



And of course the whole problem solver.



Thanks a million Nick.

The highlight of the week became even Highlightererer.

[Grizz1963]

Cleaned the pavers this morning before work.



Yup, that works.



Boom.

Ready to be buried.



Cut the grass around lunch time as well, between customer calls.,

And could not wait for my 4.00pm customer Teams call yo come and go.

It eventually concluded by 4.50pm and my weekend started.

[Grizz1963]

‘Schmidt used to run a 400cc super scooter engine, “too scary” so downgraded to 250cc



Next door neighbour has some interesting, weird, rare, unusual stuff.

RO/80 is fitted with a V4 Ford engine.





Two owner 1937 Ford Flathead V8

Was replaced with the Jag that had the bonnet above.

[Grizz1963]

After dinner I cable tied and stapled the gaiter to the stick and also the anchor surround.



From the top.



Carpets and floor sections in.

Not yet got carpet for the firewall, so just gave it some satin black.



Dash added in just to get an idea of how it looks.



Closer up look.



And close up of the completed gearshift gaiter.

Some more detail work to be done.




I have to say, I am pretty pleased with the outcome so far.

Later.

[Grizz1963]

Look around.

Some nice stuff out there.

Over at Craigs for the Queens Jubilee weekend.












Last night Craig brought me some items I had asked him to collect for me………



Today Craigs wife, Lorraine asked me to make her a rustic garden bench using one of the new sleepers they have stashed out back.

So of course I could not just screw some bits together.

Went for a rummage in Craigs woodpile.

Found so e very green, moss covered wood.

Pressure cleaner to the rescue.





Measured and cut the sleeper.



While I was in an artistic mood, I called Elli, and asked her to draw me a cat……….



Got going with the router.

Result



Going further with the router, I managed to spell PEACE correctly.



Test fit.



Then made a backrest.



And job done.



Lorraine was very pleased. Even cooked me dinner.

I also cut a Hawthorn hedge which is a nightmare.

Couple of beers next.

[Grizz1963]

Saturday at Craigs.

Weirdly slow, but busy.

We prepped the American mail box mounting that had to wait this long until the gate post was repaired, two large trucks had managed to hit it last year.



And weirdly, in the old mailbox were all these address change documents from DVLA. Seems a few more came before.

Who needs this many V5c documents.

Craig does.



After this we headed into Whitchurch for a few hours.

I needed a few things, including a small gift and a card for Sally, turns out that I needed a bottle of Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey to celebrate the Queens Platinum Jubilee with.

Saw a few older cars, some lovely British vintage stuff.

Including this mechanically fully restored Land Rover, a double mailbox with patriotic crocheted cover and a lovely large cast iron drain cover. Foot added for perspective of size.







Back home we unloaded the 8 foot concrete posts and carried them around to where the reclaimed/recycled greenhouse would ho.

A bit of digging and levelling to get the foundation work sorted.

Lunch on the job was curried beef mince on rice, on site and a cuppe later.



Then I spent an hour cleaning it all up.



While I was doing this, Craig burned and cleared a load of his hedges where the previous owner had for years just dumped all cuttings and garden waste.

It took a few hours but made a huge difference to the fences and underhedge spaces.

Much better.

Glass next.



After the greenhouse, I got the super long extension put and got my personal hedge trimmer from the car.

Then went up to the rear and side boundaries and hard cut the hawthorn horse paddock hedges back.

They have not been cut since last year and needed a good meter or 3 foot cut back.

Once done and cleared up, it looked a whole lot tidier too.

We decided to shut shop by 6.00pm and relax with the Queens Jubilee etc.

Dinner was pretty much unsurpassed.

Meatballs in Tiger bread baguette rolls, followed by another bowl of trifle.



Overnight rain set in, so the planned bootfair today was shelved.

Watching the rain is rather enjoyable too.

Headed home, down South Later.

[Grizz1963]

Popped over to my friend Kevin this afternoon to use his hydraulic pipe bender to try and see if I can actually make up my own roll bar as local builders are too busy to take on a small job like this.

He has completed his build too.

Not bad for a first build done in your 70’s

[Grizz1963]

Popped over to my friend Kevin this afternoon to use his hydraulic pipe bender to try and see if I can actually make up my own roll bar as local builders are too busy to take on a small job like this.

I took my template and a length of scaffolding pipe.

Resulting in.



And realising that I should be able to pull it off.



I will have to find a 14 foot length of scaffolding pipe to use.

Also important is to keep in mind the amount the metal moves when you bend it in the hydraulic press.

Pretty chuffed with this tonight.

[Grizz1963]

After work I thought I would go mock up the roll bar in order to calculate the rear braces.

Then realised that the seats need to be in to get the spacing and angles right, and that would result in the braces and top support being in tje right position.

Bloody hell, it took forever to get all the bolts n nuts fitted and fixed down.

I also added the second lap strap on the drivers side to the seat, bolting it to the original seatbelt mount.





Once the seats were in, and tested, and passed on QC, the next was to add in the CAD piece behind the eat.

Followed by the rear brace which mounts at the same level as the shoulder harness mounting brace.

I wanted them to be as unobtrusive as possible. Success.

It then mounts int the chassis through the rear chassis mounting plates.



If I manage to get the pipe bends right, this could work OK.

Next will be making up a CAD profiles for the braces.

Fingers crossed of course.

[Grizz1963]

[quote author="@westbay" source="/post/2736092/thread" timestamp="1655105341"][a href="https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/125337339091?hash=item1d2eb004d3:g:ScAAAOSwBDJikUp7"]link[/a][/quote]


THANKS A MIL TONY.



BOUGHT.



DELIVERY BY FRIDAY, HOPEFULLY.

[Grizz1963]

Bit of a hectic day.

Fitted at 07.30 this morning with Mickey’s help lifting it in.

Had to use a small hydraulic bottle jack to push the front feet open about 15mm that the heat distortion had created.

Bolted down.

Pretty (very) happy with the overall look.

Closer to my visualisation than I deserve.

Most importantly was getting it to lean back to mimic the “B-post on the entrance/door.



Rear supports hardly impair load area. So some practicality retained.



Unobtrusive from the front.



This is a great point to have made it to in my opinion from where it started.




How much further before the final straight??


.