Getting Closer – Part 2
Another builder was kind enough to send me some original Lucas rear lights with glass covers.
But their fixing holes were slightly narrower than the plastic rear lights I had been using.
Therefore, I need some big ‘washers’ to use inside the bodyshell to secure the lights in place.
This involved cutting out some aluminium and setting up my 'work bench' ready for drilling.
Unfortunately, I didn't have a hole saw drill bit the right size.
So, I cut the hole smaller and then enlarged it with a hand file.
Eventually, I had all four washers done.
Then I needed to take the wired up connection plugs from the old rear lights…
And graft them to Lucas lights, which also had different fitting just to make things interesting.
I just took my time and, eventually, I had all four lights wired up, tested and ready to go.
I then drilled the new fixing holes in the bodyshell for the lights.
Excuse the poor photo, but, as expected, there wasn't enough bodywork to play with.
( You can see how much further out the original two fixing holes were by comparison. )
Hence the need for the big washers to sandwich the lights into position.
Just to given you an idea of the joys of working outside in November…
I started drilling just as the sun was setting and the temperature was dropping.
But by the time I finished drilling, I was now working by street light and getting very cold.
Which meant there was no chance of getting a decent photo of all the lights in place.
Getting Closer – Part 3
Here is an old photo of how the back end looked before with my previous, plastic, rear lights.
( With one of those VW Golf SUVs for a size comparison. )
And this is what is looks like now and I am a very happy boy indeed.
Excellent work Paul, keeping chipping away at it and the big problems will become smaller and smaller.
The new tail-lights look great and the cleaned up wheels and tires will really set the whole car off!
Looks like an Iconic British Roadster/Speedster, ubber cool! Wish I could see it in-person. You've done a fantastic job, especially given where you came from with it originally.
:wink2:
Not sure how adjustable your suspension is, but I'd recommend finding a club or shop that can do a corner-scale balance. It will handle / stop better and be safer for your cruising pleasure.
Not sure how adjustable your suspension is, but I'd recommend finding a club or shop that can do a corner-scale balance. It will handle / stop better and be safer for your cruising pleasure.
A few more photos:
I got some replacement racing numbers that are a bit smaller than the original ones.
( In the hope they will be easier to fit over the contours of the cockpit sides. )
Thankfully, I had no problems with the numbers this time and the original was replaced on the passenger side.
Which was a good excuse to head out and take a few more photos.
It still looks like a small child when compared to the ‘grown up’ cars in the parking lot.
But every mile driven helps make all the effort worthwhile.
Merry Christmas – Part 1
Just a quick (ish) update from me…
The same guy who sent me the Lucas rear lights sent me a matching pair of old Lucas reflectors.
The only problem was that my current reflectors are fitted with LEDs to double up as my fog lights.
So I had to reprofile both the LED reflector and the Lucas rubber mount so they matched.
There was only one small problem with this arrangement…
The extra layer of old Lucas rubber meant there wasn’t much thread to play with on the LED fixing bolt.
I then proceeded to make this small problem much worse…
By over tightening the nut and completely pulling the bolt out of the reflector’s plastic back. :cursing:
As a temporary measure, I had to drill a hole in the reflector and hold it in place with a small nut and bolt.
Although, as expected, drilling a hole broke the LED circuit board and the light stopped working.
Note:
This is more about the legal requirement to have a fog light than any plans to drive in fog!
So I ordered another LED reflector, reshaped that as before and then tried very hard not to overtighten it.
( Excuse the poor photo, but I was working by street light yesterday evening when fitting this. )
I've just come back from a short family vacation and am slowly catching up.
It is good to see that my car does resemble original cars from that era.
There is definitely a list of upgrades for my car, which include:
- Tonneau cover.
- Headrest 'pads' for the aero humps.
- Side mirror plinths to improve rear vision.
- Some alloy panelling inside the cockpit.
Car looks great, even in the cold weather pics! I really enjoy reading how much you enjoy your car; it makes me smile every time.
I also think its funny how we never finish these cars, as I read your to-do list. I haven't yet told my wife that after I am done, I am not done. At least she will know where I am -- still in the garage!
Hoping for some warmer weather, as you are. Even though I am here in the South, I think I have grown a bot soft as I have gotten older.
I look forward to your next update! All the best...
Thankfully, driving the car helps me re-charge my enthusiasm for tackling the remaining odd jobs.
As, unfortunately, the years spent struggling to build the car really took their toll on me in the end.
Mind you, I am also finding age is making me notice the cold a lot more that I did in my youth.
( I racked up almost 20 years on motorcycles in all weather, I was even dumb enough to ride in snow! )
But this was me earlier today.
( Just a couple of degrees above freezing and the exposed part of my face is COLD! )
All today's photos were extracted from my GoPro in video mode.
I have to work my way through some built up areas…
Before I finally get onto the open road.
I even tried another 'Italian Job' angle for a sequel to my first car video.
Until next time, take care, Paul.
PS
I’ve got a long night ahead of me, as the SuperBowl doesn’t kick off until 11.30pm UK time.
I also have to sleep downstairs to avoid waking the rest of my family when the game finally ends.
( Which is at Silly O’Clock in the morning over here. )
Short Sharp Drive
You know it is going to be a cold trip when there are still snowflakes on the car cover before you leave.
Don't let the sunshine fool you, the wind chill was biting on exposed roads.
Note:
The rear arch in the photo above highlights the 'milky' finish that has appeared on the paint. :sad:
This is something I will be tackling when the warm weather finally returns.
Mind you, I did like this ray of sunshine when I was filling up with gas.
Thanks for the amazing journey Paul. Wow! almost 5 years! Goes by fast doesn't it?
I think you're car turned out great, it's a wonderful experience to build then DRIVE your own build! Very rewarding. And talking to interested parties is always fun. Just curious, what have been some of the funniest things folks have guessed your car is?
I've had people guess my 427 roadster is a Corvette (multiple times), Austin Healy, MG, and even a Karman Ghia! :laugh2:
I was filling up at a gas station one time and got engaged with a guy that was just enamored with my car. After we talked a bit, I asked if he wanted to sit in it and I'd take his picture for him. He was almost speechless, then after he got out he almost shook my arm off thanking me. Little kids love them too and I'm amazed at how knowledgeable some little guys are.
Always fun, everytime I start it up! Hope you're enjoying the same experience.
BTW, recognizing how much your skills and knowledge have improved, just imagine how good your NEXT BUILD will be!!!
:wink2: :laugh2:
btw, if you're ever in the Midwest (or planning to), give me a PM, would love to catch up with you and introduce you to our club. (and let you drive a left-hander!)
Take care and keep us posted on your modifications!
Last year Michele and I decided to build another car for the track. The Cobra does great, and it's a hoot to drive. But we've been beating on it for a long time, and it's just not that reliable any more. Most week ends we get towed off the track for one reason or another. So, it was...
Started an SLC build many years ago, and with life's distractions, it was hard to get it really underway. Since I had it a while, there were a lot of things I figured I could change. These changes started small, but in the end I just decided to rebody almost the entire car. There will be a back...
Hello to all owners.
I bought only cobra's body. All other parts burned in fire accident of seller.
Before it happened, He bought full complect from second hand, but didn't asking from seller about what's company made it.
So now I have body. But mk2, mk3 or mk4 it - I don't know.
On body it...
I've had a thing for kit cars waaaay back before there was a Factory Five. I spotted this beautiful example of the Fiberfab Banshee and just had to share it for everybody. It was at the Kutztown Kruizz in Kutztown, PA on July 27, 2019.
Enjoy!
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