The Cal-look Lounge

Thought it was about time I posted some pictures/info on my project.

I started with one very rotten 56 RHD Oval with the intention of building a light, small cubic inch car capable of running sub 13 sec quarters.

The cars construction will be biased towards strip use but will be street legal here in the UK :)

Few more shots of the rot.

I will post some more photos/info over the next few days.

Lookin Good Unk ;D

Not in the above pics but it is getting there, will put up some more recent pics soon. :)

what year is the pan that the body is on? looks like a ball joint front beam looks a little wide?? plus it is 4 lug

 Welding repairs by Crazy Mike, Hookys panels are the bomb :)

That's right, it was on a 72 pan when I took those photos. It was used to roll the car around while the original pan was being repaired, it has now been reunited with the correct pan, photos to follow soon.

More welding, used early type channels with no inner heat tube, nice and light :)

Yet more welding, decided to totally replace the front quarters, they were too far gone.

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Brazed in the top join,factory style.

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Both windscreen bottom corners were repaired with donor sections.

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Couple more shell repairs then onto the floorpan.

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The bottom framehead panel had rotted out in the centre so we fabbed a repair section.

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Replaced the outer section of the Napoleon hat on one side.

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Had what was left of the pan blasted and primed then fitted new floorpan halfs.

With the welding repairs done to the shell it was time to put it on a diet ! Removed front and rear bulkheads then single skinned the body ;D

More post Atkins pics ;D

Welding and lightening done, it was off to the blasters for the shell. I managed to pick up a pair of NOS, late Oval standard doors cheaply due to the fact that 50 years of sitting in a shed had rotted them along the bottom edges :( After blasting they were deemed salvageable. On the plus side they have become substantially lighter, I believe, due to the surfaces slowly oxidising for half a century ;D. Like a really slow acting acid dip :)

Mmmmm blaster fresh :) Blasters did a great job they used garnet on the delicate areas, no distortion as far as I can see 8)

So with a clean, welded and lightened shell at last it was off to Chris Isaacs, master race car builder, for a cage, bulkheads and other fabrication work.

The cage is being built into the shell with extra bracing to put back some rigidity :)

I like the way chris makes the footplates for his cages so they also bolt through into the pan.

Chris has adapted a GWD trapeze bar to tie in the rear cage points, his work blows me away. The front valance fabrication will tie into the cage eventually.

Few more :)

Lookin' good,nice work.

 :o looks ace  8)

What year is that Pan The Back Half is Early 60 and older? but it has a Ball Joint front end?? 66 and newer??

According to the registration the pan is a 56, what makes you think it's a 60's pan? The front beam is a ball joint from the the 72 pan the car was on earlier to roll it around on, if you look closely you can see it's held in place with studding and does not fit the framehead properly. This is just temporary while I put together the link pin beam.

Looking ace! What motor do you have planned for the project?

Thanks Matt, initially I just want the car capable of running sub 13 sec quarters, to be eligible for a certain flat four racing club :) The intention is to go small cc IDA, I have always admired what people like Ian Clark and Pete Shattock have managed to run with their little mouse motor cars.

The one thing I want to do though is make sure the car is built to handle future power increases.

Ahha, so this is what mine was sat next to at Chris Isaacs ;D Indeed, the man is a genius.

Very nice work! Love how the cage ties in with the rear suspension

Looks awesome! When do you hope it will be done?

VERY cool work.

Jamie

Hi buddy welcome to the lounge :)

Nice car you have there,had a good perv over your gearbox while it was at Chris'  ;D.Good luck with the build.Your right Chris really does a good job,it's the little details I love about his work,he always goes the extra mile to make his work look good as well as being well thought out and of the highest standard. NO I'm not on commission !!! ;D

Thanks JHU I cant take any credit for that idea it was entirely Chris'. The strength of the trapeze bar and frame horns should be much greater the way he has done it, he has even added little gussets to the anchor points to prevent rotation 8)

awesome work pas, i love the cage too! ive always been a fan of chris's work, im quite local to him & hope to get him to do my planned cage soon, how long did you have to wait for a slot? ???

Hey Jamie

When I bought the car it was going to be done for my 40th birthday, that was 2 years ago !!! So I have scrapped any deadlines, having said that i would love to have it out for the 2010 season, watch this space ;D

Mr Pig is sounding very empty at the moment, so when it comes back from Chris' things may grind to a halt while I accrue some funds for paint and the small matter of a hot IDA motor ;D

Hi

Get your name down now buddy and tell him Mark sent ya  ;) I was speaking to Chris last week and he has a very healthy order book, he was talking about a 12 month waiting list!

I put my deposit down in Feb 2008 and it went in early Dec.

Chris is really busy at the Mo as Mark said until Xmas, but knowing Chris he always manages to fit something in somewhere so its always worth asking and calling to see if he has an earlier slot :)

Adele

He said you were lusting after it :P

I was really lucky to get mine in and done at such short notice, a waiting time of possibly a week or two 8) I think that was due to a cancellation, so you can definitely get lucky.

Took a trip over to see Chris yesterday and take a look at the latest progress. Some more nice touches, I like the way he has stepped down the diameter of the forward tubes once they clear the passenger compartment 8).

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Fuel cell is in aswell as a couple more tubes on the cage :)

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some more pics ;D

 :) Chris is the man!! Looking good dude!

Sure is fella ;D, how are you getting on?, just over a month to go dude !!!

and you can make this street legal in the uk?  ???  Time to move for me I guess  ;D

Yep this will be street legal, guess the UK MOT system is a little more generous than some other European countries ;D

Ask Ben for the latest story  !  ::)

Other than that, good on the floorpan anyway !

Few more shots of the latest progress.

All the cage bars are now in and the final tigging up is nearly finished ;D

Next step is the firewall fabrication in aluminum.

Few more shots :)

Damn that Cage looks hot !!  :o  Nice welding job.......

Very nice work 8)
Where did you get the jaz fuel cell btw? I was doing a search for one today!

Maybe we should start a sub club for super lightened ovals ;D
Cheers,
Kev

Hi Kev how are you doing.

I got the cell from Rally Design in Kent (rallydesign.co.uk) Tel : 01227 794888.

They are the only supplier in the UK I could find.

Cant wait to go up against your Oval some day, although I think that hairdrier you have hanging off your engine might see me off ;D

Cant wait to go up against your Oval some day,although I think that hairdrier you got hanging off your engine might see me off ;D
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I`ve still got to make it work though.. ;)

Time for another update.

Car is still with Chris, he has now finished welding the cage and has moved onto the firewalls.

Seat mount is in along with the lower seatbelt anchors and the cage is braced to the shell at the A and B post's (much stiffer now ;D).

Few more shots, the ali fabrication is really dinging my donger ;D

Included a few shots for you welding perverts out there (I know I'm not alone).

Like a row of dimes ;D

Lookin good, no wonder the waiting list is 13 months now, does Mrs Pas know about the car yet? ;D

Yeah sure she knows about the car, just not how much it's costing !!!.There are some things in life that a gentleman never divulges  ;D

Going to be a shame to paint over those welds.. 8)

Out for next year then?

Lookin' good dude.   8)

Sure will, it might be wire wool and WD40 for the cage ;)

I would love to have the car out for next year Kev but it's gonna be tough getting the rest of the funds together to finish it by then : anyone wanna buy a kidney ;D

Do you have a deadline?

Thanks Buddy.

We thought the same!! Chris' work is amazing, this is going to be a bitchin' car!!

I Would Paint over them in a Second WITH CLEAR Coat ;D ;D Best Welding I have seen Great Work

All the credit must go to Chris,I know I keep banging on about it but his work is superb IMHO.

Yeah, I've caught myself standing there admiring the welds on my cage as well. Top stuff.

Matt

Very nice work! Can't wait to see this one completed.

Oh I`ve had plenty of them... ;)

Chris Isaacs has now added the car to his work in progress section on his website.

If you fancy a look visit : chris-isaacs.com

there's a picture of the front end in Mike Pye's column in Volksworld this month ;D

Looking awesome Pas! What finish is the alloy panelling going to be done in?

 8)

I originally intended to get it anodized but after speaking to Chris he said that powder coating gives a better,harder wearing finish.

Some more progress shots.

The front firewall is now complete.

The rear firewall is nearly finished.

Window net is in and the seatbelt mounts are finished.

Amazing! You must be so chufted!!

Few more detail shots. ;D

Some more shots just for shits and giggles. ;D

 ;D

Very nice work indeed  8) 8) 8)

Hey Steve how are you doing ?

Chuffed is an understatement ! The car is due back from Chris' in 2 weeks and I cant wait(I think I will spend the first day just sitting in the "Office" ;D)

How are you and Adele getting on,a little bird tells me you may be seeing some strip action soon ;)

 ;D  www.chris-isaacs.com  ;D

:D I spent ages looking at ours when it came back! Chris really is a seriously talented guy! Ours is getting there slowly! I'm enjoying working on it at a slower pace then before! I'm around half way with the custom wiring and then it just needs to go to Waynes for a little fettle on the a arms then we're good to go!!

Pure porn PAS :o

I have to start on the aluminium panneling in my car soon and I will be more then happy if it looks half as good as your interior.

Michael

Getting cooler with every pic 8) ;)

Hey Michael

I have been watching your build and love what you are doing,I have nothing but respect for guys who do everything themselves.If the rest of the car is anything to go by I am sure you will make a great job of the panelling.

 ;D Cheers Kev

Good news, the MSA tech guys inspected the cage yesterday and have tagged it to 8.5  ;D

That's good news, 8,5 :o.

Damn how I love this car. This thread is not good for my oval, if I look to long at your car I want to start cutting it.

Paul.

Hey Paul

Please don't let me influence you to start cutting up a good Oval,the buffer brigade will lynch me  ;D.

Remember,I started with a very rotten car and if I had chosen to do a full resto I would have cut out nearly as much metal anyway.This way I have saved many,many hours welding and a lot of money (and weight  ;D)

Hi Pas, I was just kidding. Your car is tres cool, mine is rotten to but will stay full body.

Paul.

I know you were dude ;D,I love what you and Micheal are doing with your cars.There are going to be some very cool Oval's out in the near future,can't wait to see yours in the flesh and maybe even go up against you some day. 8)

wow I love panel alu and good job
good continuous job still :D

WOUW, i'm in love  :o what a nice cage and panneling, Chris is a master in this.

(Tiki and Paul are doing some nice ovals (we are friends) hope to get on the line with them on the strip (in the future) with my 68 turbo fastback)

Keep up the nice work "your car is a BIG inspiration"

Greetings mycha

Many thanks Mycha

See you at the track ;D

Time for the latest update.

Bonnet is fitted,tow hitch is fabricated and the rear firewall is now finished.

Last job for Chris now is to Dzus mount the rear wings,valance and deck lid.

Photo's to follow.

Soon hopefully.

Loving this car, You must be well chuffed.

Removable tow hitch fabricated.

Bonnet and rear wings are Dzus fastened.

To solve the bracing issue at the back of the car,instead of using tube,Chris has integrated the bracing into the rear firewall, using steel sheet for the outer sections of the firewall,welded to both the body and cage.The body is super rigid now ;D

Hey Lee

I sure am,the car is due back from Chris' next week and I can't wait ;D

Just awesome Pas!

Jamie

Your bug is looking awesome!!

Was good bumping into you again today, look forward to seeing more of what has been done.  Will start my thread now  ;D

Cheers

Paul (flipfront)

The car came back from Chris' today and I have a grin like a big grinny thing !

The rear wings and valance are now mounted.

I took the beam over and we fitted it up with the shims.

Apologies for the tractor tyres on the front(not very Cal look :D)

Great to see it back on four (temporary) wheels again.

Looking good Unk ;D

Looking really good now!

You can take a proper look this weekend  ;)

Thanks Jamie

Next job is to dry build the car minus engine,then tear it down again for paint  ;D

Looking forward to seeing your car at the drag day,it's looking like a mean MOFO. ;D

i've got you a steering column ;D

Good man,swap ya some inner quarter panels for it ;D

Done ;D

Few more shots that I took last week.

Hey Mark where did you get that rear valance?And is it fiberglass?

thanks,

Michael

Gonna try and get some time this week to start fitting up the car.

Michael, the car belongs to Mark(my uncle) think the valance is glass

mark, i'll try and call you tomorrow about sunday and a possible solution to your beam ;D

Hey Michael

The valance was a lucky find on Ebay. I believe it was made by a company called Wizard of Rods,here in the UK (now out of business I think) Yes it is glass with no exhaust cut out's 8)

8) Speak to you Tomorrow.

I will let you know if I find anything that is suitable ;)

I got my front valance from a company called Auto Craft engineering (www.autocrafteng.co.uk) ,it is top quality and the guys there are very helpful,I am sure they will supply a single skin rear valance if you ask them. :)

I got the front and rear valances for my Oval from Auto Craft too, they asked me at the time if I wanted the standard two exhaust cutouts or a single one in the middle, or in my case, none at all :)

Matt

Thanks guys  ;).I just sent them an e-mail so I'll wait and see.

Cheers Michael

Oh jeah keep the pics coming ;D

Managed to get a bit of work done today.

Mocked up the controls (then had a little sit in the "office" ;D ),everything feels good :)

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Picked up an old gas pedal made by Cosmic,its nice and narrow(and light ;D),gonna give it a clean up and see how it works with the stock roller pedal.

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Offered up the lightweight, Day mouldings, front wings. I can't recommend these highly enough, superb quality and fit.

Trial fitted the plastic, Rossi headlights  :(, not sure if I will go with these they are really poor quality :-\, I bought them because they weigh nothing, but may look for (light) alternatives, any ideas guys ?

Mocked up the Aronson decklid. When the engine is fitted the valance will be secured to the header then the lid will be mounted.

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The car will be sporting raceweight Erco's for the track with M&H slicks/frontrunners. ;D

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The Oval has to share the garage with my Son's "racecar" ;D

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Awesome Pas!

Re: the lights, I used to run the plastic Rossi's on my old 59 bug and they were crap, but light.

One thing I always thought looked cool was on the old gasser cars they ran a simple headlight trim ring, plexi cover and motorbike lights behind. Not sure how much lighter that would be than stock though???

Hey Jamie

Nice idea, I like the gasser look headlights.

For road use I would like the car to look pretty classic Cal look (from the outside at least). I am toying with the idea of just using US spec headlights on the road then making up a pair of plexi covers for the track. Change the wheels and headlights at the track, Cal look to gasser look 8)

Really digging your car Pas 8)

Amazing work 8) Matt

I don't think the weight of the lights will make that much difference , if you like the classic look go with it and if the weight is that much of an issue try to loose it elseware .

if the weight is that much of an issue try to loose it elseware .

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You've obviously seen me in my underpants.  ;D

You are, of course, absolutely right, the advantage would be miniscule. The problem is once you get into the whole weight saving thing it becomes very addictive (and fun  ;D). You start looking at every little place where you can save weight. I love hearing about the latest thing that people like Phil West and Pete Shattock have come up with (truly bonkers ;D)

Considering I weigh 240 pounds  :o, people have asked me why I am so fixated with building a light car. I argue,it's because I weigh 240 pounds that I need a light car  ;D ;D ;D

What sort of BHP are you expecting  ? coz me thinks  once youve had a few run's in that car and check your underpants i beleave you'll find the extra couple of pounds you were looking to loose  ;D
Who need to go on a diet when weight loss can be this fun  :D

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Considering I weigh 240 pounds  :o,people have asked me why I am so fixated with building a light car.I argue,it's because I weigh 240 pounds that I need a light car  ;D ;D ;D
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As weight is only relative to horsepower, why not build a bigger motor? More is more  ;D

Considering I weigh 240 pounds  :o, people have asked me why I am so fixated with building a light car. I argue,it's because I weigh 240 pounds that I need a light car  ;D ;D ;D
[/quote] ;D

As weight is only relative to horsepower, why not build a bigger motor? More is more  ;D
[/quote]

Good point Matt

I think in the future I will go for a (N/A) power hike but for now I want to see what I can achieve with a mouse motor, for several reasons.

1. I love mouse motors  ;D
2. Being relatively new to drag racing, I don't really want to go too fast, too soon. I want to get the car (and my driving) set up and running straight before I really start chasing the numbers.
3. Money, I know I'm generalizing here, but I think you can get away with less exotic (read expensive) components in a smaller engine.

Having said all the above I still haven't got an engine yet so this could all change :D. I need to start looking at this soon, ideally I would like to pick up a built, race proven engine to use for at least the first season (any leads guys ;))
 

Nicely put ;D

Power will be relatively low initially, certainly sub 200 BHP I imagine ;)

Should still be a kick in the ass  8) look forward to seeing what motor you go for  :)

can't wait to see it finished  8)

Looking good. Cant wait till it's done

Many thanks for all your comments and encouragement, rest assured I will keep loungers updated ;).

I've got a complete 2919 ARPM motor setting on the shelf (90x101.6) with all the good stuff just finished freshening it up 48 idf's down complete with tin

PM sent  :)

Ok, got a little bit of work done today.

Polished and fitted the gas pedal.

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Trial fitted the dash parts.

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Looking good 8) 8)

Cut out the louvred panel under the engine grille (1.5 kg saved  ;D), will need to let in a small repair piece where the ali firewall attaches.

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Ground off the bonnet and decklid seal grips.

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Didn't get the pm pas

Apologies PM now sent :)

Deal of the Lifetime -- the car you are building would love this motor

2919cc ARPM motor (90 x 101.6) Totally freshened up -- not fired since -- If you want I can throw it on a engine dyno and give you some HP and Torque info -- But only if you are serious -- Should easily be high 200's and possibly in the 300's

Pauter 90mm crank – type IV mains and Chevy rods -- everything is standard
Corilla rods with ARP bolts
TRW 101.6 pistons (4”)
Total Seal rings
New Bearings
New Cam Web split grind 86c/86b
New Lifters
ARPM 2 piece Case with dropped cam – (Case has small welded spot in top – appears to be a cast defect that was found during clearancing and repaired -- there is no appearence of any damage inside the case -- repairs done before engine came into my pocession)
ARPM Siamese barrels 101.6mm (4”)

ARPM angle port heads – originally ported by Fumio – porting recently cleaned up and polished by R. Fox
New 48mm SS intake valves
New 38mm SS exhaust valves
New Ti retainers and locks
New K800 dual springs
New Pauter 1.5 ratio roller rockers

Complete ARPM Cooling tin

48 IDF carbs -- I like IDF's better for driving around on -- 51.5 IDA will produce more HP

These motor are very rare these days -- but you never know when one might pop up -- when these were built they were the BEST available. This engine was built as a torque motor with a medium high rpm range (7200-7500) It was built to last -- Like you I don't have a lot of money to throw at racing and when I do -- I don't want breakage. The motor was set up at 8.3 compression with the future in mind of possibly adding a turbo to it and also running it on the street on pump gas now. This is by far the nicest VW piece I've ever owned and is the nicest motor my engine builder has ever done and he has been doing this since the 70's and has built a zillion motors.

Asking $10,000 EXTREMELY fair price. Header from a sand rail is included. Ask around what just the case or the heads bare are worth.  Shipping is on you -- I can ask Marty Staggs what it will cost to ship a motor as he does this a lot.

Send me an email to hhill99@hotmail.com and I'll send you some pictures of parts during the rebuild.

Well, after way too long, I thought I would update this thread.

Starting with the details of the engine I have acquired.

When I initially planned this car this was exactly the type of engine I had in mind and I am stoked that I have got my hands on this ;D

Ian Clark (Wolfsburg Performance Services) built, ex Pete Shattock O/FF 61, 1776 screaming mouse motor !

Welded, counterweighted VW crank. 8.5lb wedgemated flywheel, both from the original Blue Obsession racecar motor.

Scat big bolt 5.4 H beam rods.

Engle FK87, straight cut Magnum cam gears.

Mahle 90.5 B&P.

Jeff Denham 043 heads, 42mm x 37.5mm titanium valves.

Scat tall manifolds.

Berg 1.54 rockers.

Scintilla magneto.

This engine has been dynoed @ 186 BHP and made 150ft/lbs torque.

Pete has run regular 11 second passes with this engine in his lightweight (600 kg/1300 lb) 61 streetcar. ;D

The aim is to initially get into the 12's with my (hopefully) similar weight car and then, with the right gearing and seat time 11's  ;D

Thats a big bit of the jigsaw sorted out ;D
Hows the rest coming on, out this year maybe??
Cheers
Kev

Looking good PAS , Nice to see that little pocket rocket has found a new home  8)
Being a RHD car as light as yours I'd be looking to get as much weight as pos next to you in the passenger compartment ,
As that motor is going to want to stick a car as light as yours on its side with all that torque  ;)
Thats where LHD boys have the advantage on us Lardy RHD lad's  ::)

Hey Kev

I really hope so, the body is currently with Crazy Mike for paint. He is doing a fantastic job but progress is slow as he only does it in his spare time. I am helping out with the prep when I can.

The floorpan is also away at Flatlands engineering at the moment for some mods ;D

I guess we are pretty much at the same stage of our builds at the moment. 

Hey Glenn

That's an interesting point and there does seem to be some conflicting opinions on what side is best for weight distribution/launching. When Matt posted up a pic of him getting a little crossed up launching, a few guys said that RHD is better not worse for weight distribution. Physics is not my strong point ( I'm a lover not a physicist ;D) and anyway, I am struggling to find anything to put in the passenger side. I will switch the battery and mount the fuel pump/filter that side but that's about it.

One thing is for sure though.....there's gonna be a shit load of ballast sitting in the drivers seat ;D

Pas -- your car is looking great!!! --- Got me a '56 and stuffing that motor I offered you into it -- -- I'm needing a bigger shoe horn LOL

Hey how's it going

That engine is one hell of a beast without the turbo! What kind of power are you expecting from it now?

When you go out shopping for big shoehorns you better pick up some wider tyres aswell ;D

Good year choice on the car ;D, keep us updated on your progress.

Its gonna fly with that motor Pas!

Nice

:)

Hey Jamie

I certainly hope so, I am so pleased I have bagged this motor. There is so much development in it, and from speaking to Ian and Pete still more potential, especially as for my car, it can be less streetable.

I think that this must already be one of the most powerful N/A 1776 motors around and with maybe, close to 200BHP in future ;D

Good luck with getting your car prepped for the drag day and see you there  ;D

OK a few shots of the work being done on the floorpan at Flatlands engineering.

Alloy fuel line is being run through the tunnel and terminates with bulkhead fittings both ends, It may be a bit of overkill but I wanted the fittings mounted outside of the tunnel to eliminate the risk of fuel escaping inside the tunnel if the fittings develop a leak.   

Mark at Flatlands has made up a neat ali pump mount that incorporates some anti vibration mounts.

Neat work 8)
Its getting closer to the finish line then.. ;)

Looking good!!

Very nice and safe, love those brackets. Fantastic Project, respect.

Mark rang me this morning, amazing what he can do with a sheet of metal, got your answer phone message, I'll call you tomorrow ;D

pleased to see someone else has found a use for mini exhaust mounts. Nice fabrication  ;)

Thanks for the kind replies guys, I am lucky to have another very talented company working on the car.

Had a few more shots sent through today from Flatlands.

Ali mid mount is now fitted, this is a one off design by Mark.

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The tunnel has been relieved of all unnecessary conduit.

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The battery box and cut out switch is in.

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The pedals have been drilled and mounted.

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Mark has also been busy with the pillar drill on the solid rear mount and the line lock has been positioned.

I like that , which remind's me i really must get on and get my own mid mount fabed up

Hey Glenn

Mark had this laser cut by a local company and he saved the pattern, give him a shout if you fancy one.

Cheers fella , gonna mount mine on some rubder cotton reels which i can swap for solid Alloy one when the mood take's me  ;) so It'll be a little different from your's .
 I've got a template mocked up I just need to get my ass into gear , still playing around with my motor at the Mo  ;)

Bit more progress on the pan.

The panels cut out of the tunnel to remove the conduits are now welded back in.

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Mark has modified the rear fuel line bracket to an ali bolt in one to make attaching the end fitting easier.

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Mark@Flatlands will be at the Volksworld show this weekend and will have some of these parts on display, He says he can make anything you want ;D

Had another update today from Flatlands Engineering. The last few mods are now done and the pan will be going in for paint next week.


Mark has made up some stubby front brake line brackets and plumbed in the line lock.

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The passenger side bracket incorporates a neat rubber pad/support for the fuel pump.

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That Laser cut stuff sure looks good, where can we buy a dress-up kit like that :D

Very nice build, looking forward for the next update.

Paul.

Thanks Paul

Rip off Taiwanese kits will be available soon  ;D, alternatively give Flatlands a call/email and they will make you anything you need at very reasonable prices  8)  

Your build continues to be very impressive, God know how many hours you have spent measuring, cutting and welding.

Things are progressing on the body prep, the car will soon be all one colour, albeit grey primer.

Looking better each visit 8)
Always a big step forward getting a shell into primer & 1 colour 8)
Out this year or next??
Cheers
Kev

Hey Kev

Next year I am afraid, how about you?

Mine should be finished but I've pretty much written off getting it out this year ::)
Its booked in for paint end april / start may but I'm on a different continent so thats a problem :D
Match race 2012??

Deal ;D

Hey Pas--- Thought I'd show you something

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHeSk9P3Ps0

The beast lives! ;D

Thanks for sharing, how long before you will be terrorising your local drag strip with this beauty?

It has been fighting me every step of the way LOL -- -- Might be able to get to the dyno in a couple of weeks and then it should be registered to drive -- I'm gonna keep it on the streets for the time being until I can afford to upgrade the transmission so it can take some abuse

The floorpan is now painted along with the gearbox, axle tubes, brakes and pedals.  

I will be collecting it from Flatlands soon, then the build up can begin, I can't wait  ;D

Awesome progress!! :)

Is it too cheeky to ask to see some more pics of the bike? ;)

J

Looks great :)

Pas -- everthing looks great on your car -- wish I could of been able to do even half of what you have done on your car -- Keep up the great work

Sorry J I don't have a clue about the bike, this photo was taken at Flatlands Engineering's workshop. Maybe Mark can fill you in on the details, I do know that if Mark is involved with it it will be top quality.

Thanks Dude

Remember that I am having a lot of this work done by some very skilled people. Unfortunately I don't have the skills to do this standard of work, so I have the utmost respect for guys like yourself who are able to complete a whole project themselves, all power to you.

Thanks Jamie, I havent seen the pan in the flesh/metal yet but the photos look great and Mark said the painter has done a good job. Can't wait to get it home and get my teeth into the build up  ;D

Sneak shots of what we have been up to today.

Base coat is on, lacquer coming tomorrow, more pics to follow  :)

Looking good Pas!

Very nice! Love the colour  8)

Thanks Guys

Back over the workshop tomorrow flatting and polishing. Will post up some progress pictures soon.

Paint ;D

WOOHOO  ;D

Awsome colour choice, its what all the cool kids will be wearing in 2012.. ;) ;D
Your getting ahead now, I'll need to pull my finger out ;D

Brown is the new black!  ;)

I might be getting ahead on the build but probably won't be at the track  ;D

Time for some latest shots of the shell. It is now flatted, polished and ready for wax.

I am really stoked with the result, Mike has done a fantastic job ;D

The interior and cage is painted in 70's style satin black the same as the floorpan.

Next up for prep and paint are the fibreglass panels and lightened steel doors.

Nice dude wonder how it looks outside in the sun

Michael

Hey Michael

I am wondering the same :) I want to get it outside for some wax at some point this winter, hopefully it will be a sunny day and we can get some good shots, these crappy shots are taken on my old iPhone. I love the colour, its look changes in different light conditions, from almost black in low light to silvery or gold flecked in brighter conditions 8)

Give it some air  ;) then show us the pix  8)

Very nice 8)
Deffo need some shots in the sun though!

Give that paint some time to "age" before you put was on it --- Paint need to vent for a while before you seal it with a coat of wax

Thanks for the tip Dude, I didn't know about that. How long do you leave it before waxing? We painted the car at the end of September, I am guessing that the period you leave it is dependant on temperature? Over here at the moment daytime temps are around 10 C / 50 F. :(

I was advised to leave it 3 months after paint before intial waxing,

Gotta let the paint cure.

Looking LUSH Dude!

is it macadamia ?

Looking good Unk, would be good when I'm up at the weekend 8)

Thanks Dude

Now I know what I will be doing between Xmas and New Year ;)

Hi

The paint is called Dark antelope (I can't remember the paint code), it is a 1979 GM colour which is the same colour as a race car called Bad News, a very cool example of a late 70's/early 80's racer. The car was built, owned and raced by a guy called John Piller, a member of the California Volksmasters club. This is one of the cars that has been a very big inspiration for my car,I fell in love with this colour as soon as I saw it and knew that this was the colour I wanted.

Here's the link to the thread about car: http://cal-look.no/lounge/index.php/topic,8990.0.html

See you soon, bring your camera ;)

That looks absolutely stunning.

VERY nice work!

Sorry folks no update at the moment, I just wanted to bring this thread to the top for the people interested in the gearbox I have for sale. Please refer to page 6 of this thread for pictures of it painted at Flatlands Engineering.

Watch this space folks for some updates shortly ;)

We are waiting!

Are yes...! more updates ;D.

Been ages since the last post. Very nice dude

That's a sweet looking ride uncle buck!!

Thanks Dude  ;D

To the people waiting for an update, my apologies it has been so long. I will post up the progress soon, I need to get some decent shots first.

Watch this space.

First apologies for not keeping this thread updated. Unfortunately we hit some problems with the paint reacting and micro blistering on the panels, this was traced to a bad can of hardener >:( Thankfully the shell is ok but it was still a lot of work completely stripping then repainting all the panels. Anyhow everything is now ok with the paint and here are a couple of shots.

Meanwhile the floorpan has been built up and the body has been reunited with it.

Next jobs: fit the doors, Lexan windows and firewalls.

I have also been able to reunite the engine with its matched gearbox as Peter Shattock has now moved on to a bigger and better gearbox set up  ;)  There is plenty of trick stuff in the box, narrowed gear set, lightened Ali Jaycee spool, lightened casing, to name just a few. Peter ran regular 11's with this combination so I'm looking forward to hitting the track with the car ;D

Nice ;) Gppd to see you're still progressing.

Michael

Thanks Michael hopefully I will get it to the track this year !

Yes liking that. ;D

Mark, that looks ace. Might be a bit draughty with all those big holes everywhere tho! :D

Thanks guys.

Neil it's all about cutting down wind resistance, the air will whistle straight through ;D

Looking fantastic. Top work ;D

Looking good mate 8)
Glad to see you cracking on with it, that race is getting closer! ;D

Can't wait  ;)

Well they say there's nothing like a deadline to make you get your ass in gear, and to that end I found out today that the car has been accepted for the Volksworld Show in March.

Now where did I leave that midnight oil?  ;D

See you there ;D

That's a good deadline. You're so far ahead of me, i don't think I will catch up.

Paul.

That's a date  ;D

Will you have the car there?

Don't worry Paul, you can catch me up then overtake me at the strip  ;D

That a serious question?? :D
I'd like to enter my 56 next year though.. 8)

Some day ;)

Looks stunning Mark, can't wait to see it finished!  8)

 ;D

 ;D

Thanks Paul, are you going to the Volksworld show?

Had a few hours on the car today, fitted up the doors and panels. Just need to fit the rear valance once its polished.

Also fitted the NOS Porsche 912 tacho in the dash.

Yeah i'm off that weekend so will find you there and say hello! You have good taste in decklids  :)

Cool, will be good to have a catch up.

All the cool kids have those deck lids  ;D

Yes looking good ;D

Thanks mate.

Loving it, But why is the rev.thing on the rightside??

Maybe because the steering wheel is ;)

Michael

I must have posted the picture the wrong way round  ;D

LOL

That looks amazing!

We dropped the car over to Chris Isaacs Race Cars this weekend for a few small jobs. First up is to fit the powder coated aluminium firewalls, really happy with how it's turned out.

Couple more shots of the tin work.

[attachment=2]
[attachment=3]

Thanks fella.

That's very nicely done 8)
Cheers
Kev

Thanks Kev. I can't fault Chris' work, always does a top job.

Update time.

The polycarbonate windows are now fitted. The door windows are dzus fastened into place so I have the option to take them out during our blisteringly hot British summers ;D

The rear valance is now fitted.

[attachment=1]

Chris Isaacs made up a nice combined breather/fuel regulator bracket.

[attachment=2]

He also fabbed a rollover valve/breather pipe.

[attachment=3]

I have started to fit up the front end parts.

[attachment=4]

A sneaky peak at the fabric a mate of mine is going to use to knock up a seat cover with ;D

Aronson deck lid is one of my favourite things on the car.

Almost done then?? ;)
Tick tock... ;D

Are race cars ever done?  :D

Lots to do still Kev but its moving in the right direction!

Mark, that looks lovely! I'm looking forward to seeing it in the metal!

Are you doing the Volksworld show this year Neil?

Just got this picture from Bernie and Louis Newbury  :o

No Mark, it's my mother-in-laws 60th birthday weekend! Definitely doing a couple of race meetings at Shakey tho! When are you looking at getting out on track?

I'm hoping Gary's, if not Cal Look Drag Day.

is 7000rpm going to be high enough?  ;D

It might just nudge over that  ;D

Time for a small update.

I picked up a NOS Wilwood front disc brake set up at EBI 5 and thought I would give them a little detailing.

Painted and polished the rotors, calipers are next.

Very Jealous of them ;D

Ive always wanted a set of these so when I spotted them I had to have them, bit of a holy grail finding an NOS set of these nowadays. They came with about 10 sets of brake pads too, a life times worth ;D

Have you got the rears as well?
Lee

Very  8)

No, just the fronts but always looking ;)

I think so too Kev. Pick it up tomorrow, can't wait.

On the stock rear drums just write "Willwoodn't" and see how long it takes people to notice... ;D
Good score on NOS fronts tho!

Or Nilwood ;D

Or - Gotwood

 :D

 ;D

The clocks really ticking now for the Volksworld show.

Got the front beam fitted up with the Wilwood brake rotors and Ercos. This is the first time I've mounted the correct wheels and brakes and I'm really happy with them. There is however some modifying to do on the spacing for the calipers and disc to make them fit.

I have also fitted the Oval running board trims to the side of the car.

Front wings now have their bronze mirror lenses.

Still a thousand jobs to do before the show :o

Looking good 8)
Tick tock... ;)

Fitted up the dash today and also fitted the seat.

TICK TOCK!! ;)
Looking really good mate, looking forward to seeing it soon 8)

What a build...! Love it and one day I'll have one as smart as this.

Top job  :o

Thanks fella.

Very nice car  :) :)

Congratulations on the top 20 award today mate, well deserved! 8)

X2  8)

Thanks guys.

What a great weekend after a mad week getting the car ready for the show. Still can't quite believe it won a top 20 trophy  8)

I can believe it  :)
Spent a long time checking your car out, looking at all the details. Paint looked great under the lights !

My only criticism would be where it was placed. Couldn't get a good look inside or round the back.
Wanted a closer look at all the interior panels.

Guess I'll have to look at the track  ;)

Well done

Darren

Just sat down and read this thread after shift. This looks amazing, really really like it  :)

Well done mark the car looked ace....now for some track time

Thanks for all the comments guys. See you at the track  ;D

Congraulate the top 20
its was niche to meeting again
See you
Mags

Thanks Mags

Good to see you again too.

Congrats on the award Mark, well deserved.  Now, lights, wipers, MOT?

Eventually Neil. I omitted to say earlier in this thread that, for now, I am concentrating on getting the car to the strip. So more 56 strip/street (one day) Oval  ;D

looking sharp Pas, congrats with the award.

Nice shot from Fabs.

Thanks Paul.

Stunning car!!.......made the volksworld show for me! :)
Any chance of seeing it at vw action??

Thank you, that's praise indeed.

Yes I'm hoping to take it to Action and if all goes well, Das Drag Day.

Done yet? ;)
Would like to do DDD myself, see you there!
Cheers
Kev

I will be at DDD too. would be nice to meet you guy's (and your cars) there and drink a real beer ;D

Not quite Kev, still need to plumb and wire it and a little set up.

Would be cool if you can make DDD, such a good event.

Good news Paul

We will have to get together there and have a few beers!

 ;)

Ok folks, firstly an apology for not updating this thread for over 2 years, I will attempt to post more often in future. So what's been happening in that time? Well anybody who saw it at the Volksworld show would have realized it was far from finished, no plumbing, wiring, suspension geometry set etc. What wasn't so obvious was the car was pretty much mocked up, so following the show the car has been rebuilt correctly.

First up was getting the car plumbed and wired, enter good friend and all round awesome pensioner, Bernard Newbury. A couple of weekends at Bernies and we had the car sorted on those fronts. I will post some pictures when I can, but needless to say it has all been done to his usual perfect standards.

As I mentioned in a previous post the NOS Front Wilwood brake kit I bought wasn't playing ball and I just couldn't get it all to work together. I came to the conclusion that whatever this kit or kits was it wasn't going to fit without some fabrication work. So, out came the whole beam and it was delivered to Jim Smith at Cotsweld who made new caliper brackets and fitted new, billet Wilwood Dynalite calipers (very sexy  ;D) Beam back in the car, next up was a trip over to Chris Isaacs for a few small jobs and the fitting of a JCL style steering set up and Cromoly steering column.

This brings us up to this year and the realisation that, with hardly any chance to get into the garage due to work and family commitments, I was facing yet another racing season without a finished car, so I bit the bullet and took the car over to Phil West to complete the 1001 jobs still to do and to set up the engine and suspension. While the car was at Phil's he also weighed it and it came in at 525 kg all up race ready weight, lighter than I ever thought it would be. I must say Phil has worked his magic and the car looks, and more importantly, feels like the race car I had always hoped for.

This now brings us up to September this year and a race ready car waiting to go. VW Action was chosen as the first meeting, but unfortunately things didn't quite turn out as hoped. A rained off Saturday meant I had a chance for a single run on the Sunday morning before I had to pack up and go home. Having not done any drag racing for nearly 30 years and with a completely new car, a gentle check out pass was the only option. No burn out, gentle launch then a little more gas, 1st to 2nd then couldn't find 3rd! run aborted, but crossing the finish in 4th under power.

I decided that I would do one more meeting this year, the National Finals test and tune day. Conditions were perfect and I decided on another gentle check out pass, this time I got all gears and ran a very sedate 15.5, but more importantly everything felt great and gave me the confidence to do a harder run. 2nd pass, no burn out and a reasonably gentle launch then more gas and aggressive gear changes. Waiting at the top end to be towed back, I thought "that felt better, I think that might have been a 14 or maybe even high 13" when Dave Nicholls turned up and told me it was a 12.84 @100 mph I was completely stoked! A 3rd and final run resulted in a 12.67.

So, 10 years after I started I have achieved what I set out to do, build a light, small cubic inch car capable of running sub 13 sec quarters.

Great write up  :)
Can't wait to see the car in the flesh, I was super impressed when it was at volksworld. How much power does the motor make?
Lee

Good job Mark getting the car out and running 12s .  Theres plenty more in the car yet!

good job ;)

Nice work! Those are Outlaw times... ;)

Hi Lee.

Little Pete had the engine dynoed at JPM shortly before he sold it and it made 186 Hp and 150ft/lbs.

Thanks Melvin

Thanks Dave and thanks again for all your help Friday.

 ;)

no problem. glad I could help

Well done mate....glad you got down the track...and in style!!  8)

Thanks Ian

More to come next year hopefully!

Your bug looks awesome. Well done on the times  :)

Cheers

Congratulations bud! 8)
Looks great, you must be buzzing! ;D
Now we need to get side by side.. ;)
Cheers
Kev