tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85315098666852534262024-03-14T12:27:22.249+00:00Tiger Avon Build DiaryThis blog documents my Tiger Avon kit car build project. The Tiger Avon is a Lotus 7 inspired car, using donor parts mostly from a Ford Sierra. My car is powered by a 2.0 Zetec engine from a Ford Focus.David Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166831790277275159noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8531509866685253426.post-85948009985617789622014-06-06T14:10:00.000+01:002015-02-28T14:12:15.160+00:00Lower Alternator Bracket UpgradeWhen I fitted the Denso alternator I fabricated a new top bracket. For the bottom bracket I reworked the original Lucas ACR bracket from Tiger. I removed the mounting pieces and had the local welding shop add new ones for the Denso.<br />
<br />
After fitting I did worry a little that this bracket had no lateral bracing and may be weakened by the sideways forces combined with it being 'pulled' across the front of the corner of the engine.<br />
A week after returning from the 1,500 mile Euroblat trip I was having a general check under teh<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1wMBziADzoZutMV6_4xsxTWusKzQ10agpw-z2Ip0C8_vyABIJc8tv7JesPfkWvMV5gqxIc70vNCu_ePklidRuY8g8r5G5P3q_35dAVHximLgSt3TopfEaFmT2T1Nka6Re-1v444MJTg/s1600/2014-07-01+09.51.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1wMBziADzoZutMV6_4xsxTWusKzQ10agpw-z2Ip0C8_vyABIJc8tv7JesPfkWvMV5gqxIc70vNCu_ePklidRuY8g8r5G5P3q_35dAVHximLgSt3TopfEaFmT2T1Nka6Re-1v444MJTg/s1600/2014-07-01+09.51.35.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It is not surprising that it failed as it did. I was just lucky I did not breakdown. Here you can see where the edge of the engine was contacting the bracket.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVneKYFemAN0KEzjH1h1xkVhOi6aaMgizDqdFxnKf_HN-ZJsDjzwIwscJF92g47rzfe_YRQT5KqdGay7KWEDSqODVC3S0n48JzocDFdrXvF9mU1HPBy270jGpcXzDOE1AXOlWQjXp6aA/s1600/2014-07-01+09.52.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVneKYFemAN0KEzjH1h1xkVhOi6aaMgizDqdFxnKf_HN-ZJsDjzwIwscJF92g47rzfe_YRQT5KqdGay7KWEDSqODVC3S0n48JzocDFdrXvF9mU1HPBy270jGpcXzDOE1AXOlWQjXp6aA/s1600/2014-07-01+09.52.56.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It it probably a bit over the top, but for a replacement I used some 5mm right angle steel and got some mounting pieces welded on. All painted up and ready for fitment.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wbETMeIL0DfRHxmnqOWw6WQ8zCL5TwARNS3qenaZyrXL2BoRK8aqkFbwoLpjJkMFNC_w9UVWf6d4oxukIu3zW4K8AE3q-oq78t5agUGXksMlVZn0U0YtbH-9NIjfmy0hpW5DHmwgeIo/s1600/2014-06-17+18.36.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wbETMeIL0DfRHxmnqOWw6WQ8zCL5TwARNS3qenaZyrXL2BoRK8aqkFbwoLpjJkMFNC_w9UVWf6d4oxukIu3zW4K8AE3q-oq78t5agUGXksMlVZn0U0YtbH-9NIjfmy0hpW5DHmwgeIo/s1600/2014-06-17+18.36.35.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It is perhaps possible to lighten this further, but I didn't want to unwittingly introduce any weak points into this new bracket. It was mounted with spacing washers slightly proud of the engine so as not to have the corner of the engine pressing against the bracket where the failure occurred on the old bracket.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvbvK_blzt78RY2KdORTcr-pXQb7_UMO_QZxIq1zY3ngtYecOn-TFe474aRbJaFcXsr5r8CFzb4O_AN0BuUkpD78EeX7J3TGQE6zAXS3PObXr6YxY1c230KIpTrzo_qEfl3NdYqt10VQ/s1600/2014-06-17+18.36.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvbvK_blzt78RY2KdORTcr-pXQb7_UMO_QZxIq1zY3ngtYecOn-TFe474aRbJaFcXsr5r8CFzb4O_AN0BuUkpD78EeX7J3TGQE6zAXS3PObXr6YxY1c230KIpTrzo_qEfl3NdYqt10VQ/s1600/2014-06-17+18.36.52.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />David Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166831790277275159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8531509866685253426.post-81529427699785927052014-05-31T11:31:00.000+01:002015-02-28T14:01:44.179+00:00SKCC Euroblat 2014In mid-May we were lucky enough to join the Southern Kit Car Club trip to Europe. In summary, this involved around 20 cars, 4 nights, 1,500 miles and 4 countries. On day 1 alone we had breakfast in England, coffee in Belgium, lunch in France and dinner in Germany!<br />
<br />
<b>Day 1</b><br />
<br />
Early meet up at the Channel Tunnel ready for the off:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-iOMnSmL-AKOtDA6-vYXYykFwab4icKti9PyqcQQGaI2nzHrL5gHNFfm1Ub7OS7Qwv3Gfupg8ixE5t_GSGuFrnCT97RePtvybPPqZFT5B8Vf69iz_hKrH02Rwe9Alb1KABp3si9-xio/s1600/DSC00195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-iOMnSmL-AKOtDA6-vYXYykFwab4icKti9PyqcQQGaI2nzHrL5gHNFfm1Ub7OS7Qwv3Gfupg8ixE5t_GSGuFrnCT97RePtvybPPqZFT5B8Vf69iz_hKrH02Rwe9Alb1KABp3si9-xio/s1600/DSC00195.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Coffee stop at Belgium general aviation airport. A little damp on the ground at this point.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbGX8GuSKIhVNPVN-pg27srUeLnuSLyq7ludc-6wi8CCfHBnBEdMP8no89wqRghI33E8d994NH3x28zLolK94aQ9y9KT-N1YjAzHwo3Y3hnnHTrDcEz0coX1Iy6S2Vl4q1OIFM3F62UY/s1600/DSC00202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbGX8GuSKIhVNPVN-pg27srUeLnuSLyq7ludc-6wi8CCfHBnBEdMP8no89wqRghI33E8d994NH3x28zLolK94aQ9y9KT-N1YjAzHwo3Y3hnnHTrDcEz0coX1Iy6S2Vl4q1OIFM3F62UY/s1600/DSC00202.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Passing the famous Nurburgring, where we paused by the perimeter fence and watched the cars on track for a while.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDQ3QSpeTW_0jIclxlmbcYFOJLV4RwNcO3_gJXjjEYRig5slr5kFbT2m_y92slvymQwpP6WyWF_COtTAlWdKaeY0LIXW-88aLdeBdocDhbrvcVJVVMj2nehpeZ9qUn0rGUg2tYxHRcsI/s1600/DSC00232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDQ3QSpeTW_0jIclxlmbcYFOJLV4RwNcO3_gJXjjEYRig5slr5kFbT2m_y92slvymQwpP6WyWF_COtTAlWdKaeY0LIXW-88aLdeBdocDhbrvcVJVVMj2nehpeZ9qUn0rGUg2tYxHRcsI/s1600/DSC00232.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Riverside hotel for the first. By the time we reached the Mosul the sun was out and it was a glorious evening.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwwWwnuRxYFoLWxkbyqIkFkvhaxAjHjfW1Tf9He_16nSg2C1N4ZJX-VLszsT15bO4fYNuzPDBnrKBBQFcVti1fFjkUnvf_UFiHr7-PWewiY2KkWIXV8tLeNatunknpNpctd2ngwKz4xY/s1600/DSC00249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwwWwnuRxYFoLWxkbyqIkFkvhaxAjHjfW1Tf9He_16nSg2C1N4ZJX-VLszsT15bO4fYNuzPDBnrKBBQFcVti1fFjkUnvf_UFiHr7-PWewiY2KkWIXV8tLeNatunknpNpctd2ngwKz4xY/s1600/DSC00249.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Day 2</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next morning, after leaving the hotel we crossed over the Mosul and quickly began to climb the valley on the other side.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7ulym4ZTyzoCs8-8Ruo43o8QqqCaidxbk3I7Ot8X1xcPZCKyOKg6w46Vr6w6X2u0YqMk5IVGOmJaBIA0uaNNvxeNKL6VJ4wDFb5X2JJSuIJEAsuUWxU5Br527ewPEKMndXVSTPuRknI/s1600/DSC00271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7ulym4ZTyzoCs8-8Ruo43o8QqqCaidxbk3I7Ot8X1xcPZCKyOKg6w46Vr6w6X2u0YqMk5IVGOmJaBIA0uaNNvxeNKL6VJ4wDFb5X2JJSuIJEAsuUWxU5Br527ewPEKMndXVSTPuRknI/s1600/DSC00271.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGD9BAheF-_8i1Y_rGfZzER2GbiKDS3JNq_6ofYzjCqkDMtvft2MGdUVlDH-q7Fk_OigR-VFTF-RXPSif13Kcgaog5J_2xrKyI5uU4Q5goR3esi4DhMix6nS55QV4_FkmNA8F4SLja5w4/s1600/DSC00275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGD9BAheF-_8i1Y_rGfZzER2GbiKDS3JNq_6ofYzjCqkDMtvft2MGdUVlDH-q7Fk_OigR-VFTF-RXPSif13Kcgaog5J_2xrKyI5uU4Q5goR3esi4DhMix6nS55QV4_FkmNA8F4SLja5w4/s1600/DSC00275.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After a short clime we were rewarded with some stunning views and so stopped for a few photos:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWk4Pt1ctvy8yDluteZsz8VCxBzCqDzxN7VZJnTQOEEA3SNb7BNMEO_56u00eoYwOVntSEppUAWV12TQPyURt8Xyybb18hqmg0dxq0snlbI_7xOplzXo52VeMYi5ftSE8r-GxtgH9bJ4k/s1600/DSC00285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWk4Pt1ctvy8yDluteZsz8VCxBzCqDzxN7VZJnTQOEEA3SNb7BNMEO_56u00eoYwOVntSEppUAWV12TQPyURt8Xyybb18hqmg0dxq0snlbI_7xOplzXo52VeMYi5ftSE8r-GxtgH9bJ4k/s1600/DSC00285.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Travelling along part of the famous Maginot Line. It really is as narrow as a wide cycle path.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDye3yV1JoUxLs-IlZ_krW-Gl4Bh6jBrHu_z3_yfy8Crh8cmsQQ6vPgWDvkA6J2b_bdbSilaWf00gftu8SMi1ogyDQZgZw3OWY7jvq_jelTBDub6aATvwijAKm9cGWQTbrpAKy2N2hgn8/s1600/DSC00287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDye3yV1JoUxLs-IlZ_krW-Gl4Bh6jBrHu_z3_yfy8Crh8cmsQQ6vPgWDvkA6J2b_bdbSilaWf00gftu8SMi1ogyDQZgZw3OWY7jvq_jelTBDub6aATvwijAKm9cGWQTbrpAKy2N2hgn8/s1600/DSC00287.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Back into France for a lakeside lunch. By now it was very hot and we had to shelter out of the sun.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtmjWf6NwKLN9vn2RhTreeieC9tPTCMqTYez-MJivfSa5E-ux3_llfuKNBua3RcgMeJWGKpGhSs-Mes10sp5zMnof_f_FmPIGDlQvjlMT5TptwpMBm7raCKYUfIyPcaDsDK-v_j5PSBg/s1600/DSC00291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtmjWf6NwKLN9vn2RhTreeieC9tPTCMqTYez-MJivfSa5E-ux3_llfuKNBua3RcgMeJWGKpGhSs-Mes10sp5zMnof_f_FmPIGDlQvjlMT5TptwpMBm7raCKYUfIyPcaDsDK-v_j5PSBg/s1600/DSC00291.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJbPjV1wnqoPp3v8gWcm3vPgqJwwaKBYdCIDgJo-slku32pP7E_VPMV_fqqdve2QjmiLXuZTdgGthzT92ipNll5r0SnIfPi62B6RQ8_wLLVrvTnsWHMBgS3ZPmftOrlAE29xUkDDbjM4/s1600/DSC00295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJbPjV1wnqoPp3v8gWcm3vPgqJwwaKBYdCIDgJo-slku32pP7E_VPMV_fqqdve2QjmiLXuZTdgGthzT92ipNll5r0SnIfPi62B6RQ8_wLLVrvTnsWHMBgS3ZPmftOrlAE29xUkDDbjM4/s1600/DSC00295.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Afternoon tea stop was arranged at a small historic wood paneled hotel. The chance to catch up with other members latest modifications to tempting to resist.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUEKaKvW4YA9oAG7Gbn12aG0H0AsM1QqGGeirATvhZToO84rbcnGknSV0P2abXlns_VsqcG9Iy-bStBIbrtixyzC-EOlQEwZGcYbL2u6t_9OuejWHfjnA8xexA72fy_ROVJjM8zBZiZ4/s1600/DSC00306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUEKaKvW4YA9oAG7Gbn12aG0H0AsM1QqGGeirATvhZToO84rbcnGknSV0P2abXlns_VsqcG9Iy-bStBIbrtixyzC-EOlQEwZGcYbL2u6t_9OuejWHfjnA8xexA72fy_ROVJjM8zBZiZ4/s1600/DSC00306.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Final leg of day 2 saw us climb through the Black Forest mountains to the night stop. We did experience some thick fog and hail. As it was quite close to the final stop, it did not dampen our spirits.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwbFKnftIAASlAywJF_vVnHzNvd6rK6xbCNXMD50JxluPaP7AvVggs_FRyI5exRtdFx2xesZ4ka8vhf2dVNPeSwVmj9_KSYtmTGY89JyhUCx7i4yYHVvngNvW6LXDXGA5sLanabSk82c/s1600/DSC00318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwbFKnftIAASlAywJF_vVnHzNvd6rK6xbCNXMD50JxluPaP7AvVggs_FRyI5exRtdFx2xesZ4ka8vhf2dVNPeSwVmj9_KSYtmTGY89JyhUCx7i4yYHVvngNvW6LXDXGA5sLanabSk82c/s1600/DSC00318.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
We were looked after very well by the excellent Grunwold Hotel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbsTyJC9YHeryX7TeRxAlWNn1u4GW38R5mrJVEGMb42WX2Rp8FMb8mv-0rkMVwN3nfERwkRvie13yBmfhtrjT_y3btEOkfzpxHhLcEY65hzDRZvmSHkav7jb9n6iHYD06EeiYr1M4dm0/s1600/DSC00326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbsTyJC9YHeryX7TeRxAlWNn1u4GW38R5mrJVEGMb42WX2Rp8FMb8mv-0rkMVwN3nfERwkRvie13yBmfhtrjT_y3btEOkfzpxHhLcEY65hzDRZvmSHkav7jb9n6iHYD06EeiYr1M4dm0/s1600/DSC00326.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next morning, after removing the car cover, it was still a little damp.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmww17kzMXcK70xtJp1MyxARjjpy3rg6I0BKSPallaHClyy3jTe4qpoLPa7JzDxLmpx8K2yIJZ6tmYQRDFq61Mf49BUbimeRCS54mAyGsGVOTN19kg9mERf0No5xz91bbZzCXJdNsBmQ/s1600/DSC00329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmww17kzMXcK70xtJp1MyxARjjpy3rg6I0BKSPallaHClyy3jTe4qpoLPa7JzDxLmpx8K2yIJZ6tmYQRDFq61Mf49BUbimeRCS54mAyGsGVOTN19kg9mERf0No5xz91bbZzCXJdNsBmQ/s1600/DSC00329.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few miles down the road we stopped at (the world's largest?) working cuckoo clock. A rather eccentric clockmaker has made a house that contains a full scaled up wooden clock mechanism. We hung around a while to watch the animation on the half hour.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZFFuB80cdnQwk1KB3w9FHhbg47pdjFbJEP1si-4DYTfj7lp6CCcpY1Wasz51r_neZKf8BKVge0EsBOYyQmt_dLClJkPC7TFJwyCXdTbM5fMZsdh6tf1jrB-yVHFm8x4JKpxeuHwY4vI/s1600/DSC00333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZFFuB80cdnQwk1KB3w9FHhbg47pdjFbJEP1si-4DYTfj7lp6CCcpY1Wasz51r_neZKf8BKVge0EsBOYyQmt_dLClJkPC7TFJwyCXdTbM5fMZsdh6tf1jrB-yVHFm8x4JKpxeuHwY4vI/s1600/DSC00333.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the afternoon we had a very enjoyable sustained climb to a ski station. There were climbing hairpins for a good 20 minutes. At the top we were rewarded with stunning views across the adjacent plateau.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOT1iGJ6oeuivytg9LWTUJG1BXQRf70RGCkmEExUokLNXSQHYPkPnUBH27H1IgP0Bs-9Rwh9BgMx6sEkAjbufZazHxDW6d6MmRiZzqyywTUjgmf0T799O0pnPLyu56cNaJTG5Ef4Iwlyw/s1600/DSC00340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOT1iGJ6oeuivytg9LWTUJG1BXQRf70RGCkmEExUokLNXSQHYPkPnUBH27H1IgP0Bs-9Rwh9BgMx6sEkAjbufZazHxDW6d6MmRiZzqyywTUjgmf0T799O0pnPLyu56cNaJTG5Ef4Iwlyw/s1600/DSC00340.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As the cafes in the ski station were closed for the summer season we stopped at a cafe a few miles further on and talked the owner into firing up the coffee machine. Again some stunning views from the car park.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtftPvZD3JFjPCGKeBhAM2aykXgi8PPl799_2bOtYuQoeTu8IWHN_Kcoj-hzdX-PnCZVp2GFQpo9wWfZWMxhnBKWwkJXV1bR0hTAbG5wC1AHJL73RTjKRdGE9JhEJmgnu0JzAwKDedY8/s1600/DSC00347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtftPvZD3JFjPCGKeBhAM2aykXgi8PPl799_2bOtYuQoeTu8IWHN_Kcoj-hzdX-PnCZVp2GFQpo9wWfZWMxhnBKWwkJXV1bR0hTAbG5wC1AHJL73RTjKRdGE9JhEJmgnu0JzAwKDedY8/s1600/DSC00347.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ski runs in the background during this leg to the lunch stop.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLd_BT2chTbuGWarU-NLJkH1CblGkxO7rXjAHC0Br7Ys1TgeGha9nAOT2ZqXJNn0dP7wiDCnKHpQ88q6zQ5TOYkzqf14CDtqkR-rfj3252r2rV7rGZjs9ggx_0B54LLrtdPOGKYpEMz6k/s1600/DSC00355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLd_BT2chTbuGWarU-NLJkH1CblGkxO7rXjAHC0Br7Ys1TgeGha9nAOT2ZqXJNn0dP7wiDCnKHpQ88q6zQ5TOYkzqf14CDtqkR-rfj3252r2rV7rGZjs9ggx_0B54LLrtdPOGKYpEMz6k/s1600/DSC00355.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_tZTTkHQFPQ-Gw97K-9yFVMpZQoywQcof-0jMHQH9SFLSVM-lH0QP4qoHrvWHB2Dw0OiLJbO9-1o_rDXBxZzYpy7s3fIKTVNhUogWNBjnVQEjRqww-s4p_UvIgzVgIHLG10Ub26BEtY/s1600/DSC00356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_tZTTkHQFPQ-Gw97K-9yFVMpZQoywQcof-0jMHQH9SFLSVM-lH0QP4qoHrvWHB2Dw0OiLJbO9-1o_rDXBxZzYpy7s3fIKTVNhUogWNBjnVQEjRqww-s4p_UvIgzVgIHLG10Ub26BEtY/s1600/DSC00356.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zhBcxHHVQjpg_C5epafBrQjUA6WbvBhiReIyMTuu553ETY-mpDL6p4iwIyBDL_w3zPqV8swK7IveqkA5VHKqYaaXkLvtSjNWlKzXEpnsMZJob57rNUmGv7naaO7aCXoEs-9DvFJuK20/s1600/DSC00358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zhBcxHHVQjpg_C5epafBrQjUA6WbvBhiReIyMTuu553ETY-mpDL6p4iwIyBDL_w3zPqV8swK7IveqkA5VHKqYaaXkLvtSjNWlKzXEpnsMZJob57rNUmGv7naaO7aCXoEs-9DvFJuK20/s1600/DSC00358.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lunch was at the quirky town of Todtnau. The best part was the roller coaster than descends down the mountain side. The top is reached via chair lift.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BDzqeq5t_aZL5QZUf1Nc2v7lmik8cf0xtbIFuxYXcDILBA92opeDbletEm6KNicSUkpOEq5kW6iOXrWLPiTHG3jSXRKJn5XdFzWRARIVL2rEV_mB9bgnn3bXtvlnrYjbAmvZLIjdhBY/s1600/DSC00363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BDzqeq5t_aZL5QZUf1Nc2v7lmik8cf0xtbIFuxYXcDILBA92opeDbletEm6KNicSUkpOEq5kW6iOXrWLPiTHG3jSXRKJn5XdFzWRARIVL2rEV_mB9bgnn3bXtvlnrYjbAmvZLIjdhBY/s1600/DSC00363.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1aloUyenZXCYHBrHitlUYmaXTOn-xLeA0nEDp_r1BU8k3b4rm_tapFxiUqCp2LsfdSdV7avkWFtskOsAiQVyuRs_bP-vlyqGZER-bxeGrmdV0WmUsxBI8H7qbLNDvaOADBNRRvhgCOWQ/s1600/DSC00366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1aloUyenZXCYHBrHitlUYmaXTOn-xLeA0nEDp_r1BU8k3b4rm_tapFxiUqCp2LsfdSdV7avkWFtskOsAiQVyuRs_bP-vlyqGZER-bxeGrmdV0WmUsxBI8H7qbLNDvaOADBNRRvhgCOWQ/s1600/DSC00366.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A couple of breathers during the afternoon driving.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4HQzh6gRPsRZvA1a4MWqg3f-xM9iyLjb5CMDTR-bqqXCmbGcNY4VaQjMkIUZXoqAo5WcpJJn9i1HKxXV6WQm0-g6iIpQeS9f8J51POHCu6NrNPBoUVgD7KyGlxTruRQhCDJyR2lyO0E/s1600/DSC00372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4HQzh6gRPsRZvA1a4MWqg3f-xM9iyLjb5CMDTR-bqqXCmbGcNY4VaQjMkIUZXoqAo5WcpJJn9i1HKxXV6WQm0-g6iIpQeS9f8J51POHCu6NrNPBoUVgD7KyGlxTruRQhCDJyR2lyO0E/s1600/DSC00372.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzh3DAclKmag2R1mEcxHXTh4bkxgmhPInclvuXnQ-6HH7uWxm85OqapO8hMGwuk0Wuq5hhEJYkJCDmh86uXw7fJa1Ht_d4-gnnX08JCOtipqXKYAZxCseHfPPW-pv1N-24V-MbSbPo2Ok/s1600/DSC00377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzh3DAclKmag2R1mEcxHXTh4bkxgmhPInclvuXnQ-6HH7uWxm85OqapO8hMGwuk0Wuq5hhEJYkJCDmh86uXw7fJa1Ht_d4-gnnX08JCOtipqXKYAZxCseHfPPW-pv1N-24V-MbSbPo2Ok/s1600/DSC00377.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Improvised luggage rack worked really well. Ability to still use the rear view mirror was very helpful throughout the trip.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtbthZaB3iONKT66viz7eYLJLtdAhpzkiSBwGQLeF5G-zCP2sMD0J0tXScqhFb_QDKrp9RxpiyAW2ODDATs7h6xtJeMqwN_BVl_GI9ex2LabQorEhmN7nVtl-Rr4TgmbCis7pNFiNxAA/s1600/DSC00385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtbthZaB3iONKT66viz7eYLJLtdAhpzkiSBwGQLeF5G-zCP2sMD0J0tXScqhFb_QDKrp9RxpiyAW2ODDATs7h6xtJeMqwN_BVl_GI9ex2LabQorEhmN7nVtl-Rr4TgmbCis7pNFiNxAA/s1600/DSC00385.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Day 4</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After the night stop in Mulhouse we headed again for the mountains.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLoUh8AqI4Up4BIcU43aiJs1eLP1AwuEWXVo3seiCWJ_x3xONCVn6bG6UrwQwy6jj8VS_BEwOp2YrKierD5uHmHdssXCJCJ5OAAv5JkCXALv0PsGErAqdPyRnwGCfriQ3dqxgHlN_iZ0/s1600/DSC00393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLoUh8AqI4Up4BIcU43aiJs1eLP1AwuEWXVo3seiCWJ_x3xONCVn6bG6UrwQwy6jj8VS_BEwOp2YrKierD5uHmHdssXCJCJ5OAAv5JkCXALv0PsGErAqdPyRnwGCfriQ3dqxgHlN_iZ0/s1600/DSC00393.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mid-morning pit stop in at a ski station in the Alsace mountains.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbPfWNsWeky5WjZdLYLtt4qRSygZf-aCMA08tKp5Bu2CM3x8gEPMmbn3rLgLTYn_k03pt-LLMPYQSGpzvrHahpxHNIGN4oq3VGZgDQqMxJHqgUmVn3-xYIkYgl7XNN6fkGTdLkGBDt_0/s1600/20140524_102642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbPfWNsWeky5WjZdLYLtt4qRSygZf-aCMA08tKp5Bu2CM3x8gEPMmbn3rLgLTYn_k03pt-LLMPYQSGpzvrHahpxHNIGN4oq3VGZgDQqMxJHqgUmVn3-xYIkYgl7XNN6fkGTdLkGBDt_0/s1600/20140524_102642.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Late lunch stop for our group of two cars in a deserted village in the middle of nowhere. Go pasta though.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmcKLQa2zeV6c6BZgKtxUXToHtxox9TN6Zm3L3mLtTt0ThzsU9kS0iPJbwp2NrWRx4NG6ITylOU7ZB7XDEYtjKjkCYoxugtd0nmjyMapXkxv1F6T62nOn2ACERMUrz1L4EEaHtcEe774/s1600/20140524_144040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmcKLQa2zeV6c6BZgKtxUXToHtxox9TN6Zm3L3mLtTt0ThzsU9kS0iPJbwp2NrWRx4NG6ITylOU7ZB7XDEYtjKjkCYoxugtd0nmjyMapXkxv1F6T62nOn2ACERMUrz1L4EEaHtcEe774/s1600/20140524_144040.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Final afternoon leg to the hotel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cZooIVlsdTY5OEpT_y5IN1wjj90f5IAO2xj1rXBQb3O1a1iJ7eGrjcRposAjuiK3FQJyFtFaErvF1eq8oD_Ufl_ITgabUyS6-d7GmVEmWJVck9bYV2gsjSsN7596bb0jsV3QEQ0NQp8/s1600/20140524_165747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cZooIVlsdTY5OEpT_y5IN1wjj90f5IAO2xj1rXBQb3O1a1iJ7eGrjcRposAjuiK3FQJyFtFaErvF1eq8oD_Ufl_ITgabUyS6-d7GmVEmWJVck9bYV2gsjSsN7596bb0jsV3QEQ0NQp8/s1600/20140524_165747.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Last night saw us in an Irish bar downtown, taking part in a quiz organised by 'the Captain'.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNcLVdqHunuNO8sbT4-m7jHXC_P5zTb_9azSPrCZFeWZXdJAiRGuKD0XQJfKPQzDkbAX17wo19VtpeKomjoxzFbxZ5DdT0-zGSqtLMesj_uyfGlV1-rWaYqLMk6mQHwF9UI_gsMsgnNA/s1600/20140524_232224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNcLVdqHunuNO8sbT4-m7jHXC_P5zTb_9azSPrCZFeWZXdJAiRGuKD0XQJfKPQzDkbAX17wo19VtpeKomjoxzFbxZ5DdT0-zGSqtLMesj_uyfGlV1-rWaYqLMk6mQHwF9UI_gsMsgnNA/s1600/20140524_232224.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Day 5</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Working our way north through the Champagne region.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3iDzYq89Hcq3UmXL5dITRm7RiSGk0E61xvGcqcBuS-QyOnJiVK6oM-dIGExLtiHunnXfRkG7tv6bnSQzT6rYTXP2l6Sw8oPjIdUrNIGZhMncCTQqgljOabjkLPnjpdmWcy3vvhtFkNbY/s1600/20140525_083604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3iDzYq89Hcq3UmXL5dITRm7RiSGk0E61xvGcqcBuS-QyOnJiVK6oM-dIGExLtiHunnXfRkG7tv6bnSQzT6rYTXP2l6Sw8oPjIdUrNIGZhMncCTQqgljOabjkLPnjpdmWcy3vvhtFkNbY/s1600/20140525_083604.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKos7lZk_aWDkHxGLChniQRXrz2YCAouwyp_nYWVx8SjjEtvIzDMR7PI7FRAX4t6RIX0q3IqjuiHT3R6d2mKjHo-qKcgNIL1moRPC026viibRHQiGV0TwTPtp_SIbBfVUKrHcxj3CGg0/s1600/20140525_083620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKos7lZk_aWDkHxGLChniQRXrz2YCAouwyp_nYWVx8SjjEtvIzDMR7PI7FRAX4t6RIX0q3IqjuiHT3R6d2mKjHo-qKcgNIL1moRPC026viibRHQiGV0TwTPtp_SIbBfVUKrHcxj3CGg0/s1600/20140525_083620.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZCHw7Nx8f3_5zxbisLAydtZh5peaC30HujSNfee9gdE4ZycDI313zK9YpVHx4RjJYEF8GEgTJ22bzV7e8552yU0LvI7GkISd7qDYpU2N2u4CBU0hpDR83236rnRu3VYni3cBmgivg7o/s1600/20140525_085210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZCHw7Nx8f3_5zxbisLAydtZh5peaC30HujSNfee9gdE4ZycDI313zK9YpVHx4RjJYEF8GEgTJ22bzV7e8552yU0LvI7GkISd7qDYpU2N2u4CBU0hpDR83236rnRu3VYni3cBmgivg7o/s1600/20140525_085210.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Short breather at the remains of the Reims circuit pits.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3C4COvJAWcl5BCbENWnWTnoI_cSqznc9WceXq0cTIrMBMcdOSo9za4C-MaYR8nVGvKR4UbKTWo87yiwWkDpaFLPQBRTGckvVsQrevcsmGiK9IN0rnwqx3cnWOffvOaX5ovXuEWn12oH4/s1600/20140525_093904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3C4COvJAWcl5BCbENWnWTnoI_cSqznc9WceXq0cTIrMBMcdOSo9za4C-MaYR8nVGvKR4UbKTWo87yiwWkDpaFLPQBRTGckvVsQrevcsmGiK9IN0rnwqx3cnWOffvOaX5ovXuEWn12oH4/s1600/20140525_093904.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once the traffic has died down we tried a 'Le Mans Start', much to everybody's amusement, mostly those locals spectating!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgwppoYr8-3ojF4S4IxJUmlmIWXdB4rlw1VCDwUCxNA4sqRCfBOj-HoTGskFUdvZKcLU8m-qD9fDSmv-Bekn85qTKIetEOwARiLMu0zXLLx0sJxhaoSczcvKfM4BJBMEGKzH7vVxPVTY/s1600/20140525_100613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgwppoYr8-3ojF4S4IxJUmlmIWXdB4rlw1VCDwUCxNA4sqRCfBOj-HoTGskFUdvZKcLU8m-qD9fDSmv-Bekn85qTKIetEOwARiLMu0zXLLx0sJxhaoSczcvKfM4BJBMEGKzH7vVxPVTY/s1600/20140525_100613.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Visiting Lochnagar crater was astounding and sobering at the same time.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRdRKQeJCGG1hpT92yBP_dObYOleXO1yHInHTX4VgYx09SsKahTHdbUwZTVTtEMJHRm9sqzjkdxmaVLG9QIqagwYOALLauro339wUyZIxhfblTdi7u0YClVhmuZv1oZxkAGfZyfA9Mow/s1600/20140525_125421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRdRKQeJCGG1hpT92yBP_dObYOleXO1yHInHTX4VgYx09SsKahTHdbUwZTVTtEMJHRm9sqzjkdxmaVLG9QIqagwYOALLauro339wUyZIxhfblTdi7u0YClVhmuZv1oZxkAGfZyfA9Mow/s1600/20140525_125421.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Final coffee stop of the trip...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtHDYYKMca60ORiDLco3KhQPAlUr_1HpLmRrQZSGRZwHqrexmee5wQmfNSwputBej5tSgFCOKy89MUajBGEgCrSJ8_t9hfr-P_51GTIlzOu6KUW-Sj0g-CI3xye6qZcSr7GZXVSt-q6s/s1600/20140525_154012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtHDYYKMca60ORiDLco3KhQPAlUr_1HpLmRrQZSGRZwHqrexmee5wQmfNSwputBej5tSgFCOKy89MUajBGEgCrSJ8_t9hfr-P_51GTIlzOu6KUW-Sj0g-CI3xye6qZcSr7GZXVSt-q6s/s1600/20140525_154012.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
...before the final dash to Eurotunnel</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBuuRd4tWFhr2-4dbxq65pY1SFcck90T0zZkMGQwHGi4jkNtLaFI0UfnH6RvpnvYCTLfmd0MXDakt_8KrhSGokeg00uMKHqjxVebMyWhbKNw_VeU-5wu-iORLp1TaJfmt6hjqvVbUJ7VU/s1600/20140525_165147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBuuRd4tWFhr2-4dbxq65pY1SFcck90T0zZkMGQwHGi4jkNtLaFI0UfnH6RvpnvYCTLfmd0MXDakt_8KrhSGokeg00uMKHqjxVebMyWhbKNw_VeU-5wu-iORLp1TaJfmt6hjqvVbUJ7VU/s1600/20140525_165147.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip. The effort put in by 'the Captain' really showed and everybody benefited from lots of stunning driving roads, good overnight stops and interesting tourist distractions along the way. We shall definitely be making every effort to join the Euro trip in 2015.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />David Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166831790277275159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8531509866685253426.post-30616273639884923622014-05-02T08:27:00.000+01:002014-06-26T13:12:38.734+01:00Upgraded Engine MountsWith the <a href="http://southernkitcars.com/" target="_blank">Southern Kit Car Club</a> European road trip coming up it was time to give the car a check over and look for anything that might present reliability issues during the 1300+ miles.<br />
<br />
One thing I've been keeping an eye on recently is the original Tiger engine mounts. Other Avon owners have had issues with these failing and I suspected it was only a matter of time before mine gave me issues. Upon closer inspection there did seem to be some metal fatigue setting in where the diagonal tubes meet horizontal plates. I was not happy with this so decided now was the time to get on with fabricating a more robust replacement.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MvmpI20hSv420RUr9MHD4uTK4bqETrC5OPncrN_DYfkpFNWXw7wpDUejGNQv5yBov72XD6RX54DBi_7qdQwzygMM6JzR8ufm94fB9o59cgkqCDzQC5GULQZ3k1Xz_rEJZSdqVI70caI/s1600/2014-05-02+17.23.27-1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MvmpI20hSv420RUr9MHD4uTK4bqETrC5OPncrN_DYfkpFNWXw7wpDUejGNQv5yBov72XD6RX54DBi_7qdQwzygMM6JzR8ufm94fB9o59cgkqCDzQC5GULQZ3k1Xz_rEJZSdqVI70caI/s1600/2014-05-02+17.23.27-1024.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjm3XRlwpy0foS_g4uM9MtzcxJbh1mQQ3vGUrVkd-CNXVs_lYJ-iVPKxwtrKycjgQVs4b60n-RKIsU2oLC9C01l-vH7YKaBjFyqJQtZ3y_Ga9H0-ZTi2G8qosucOsbJlN_QHTzWg_OLQ/s1600/2014-05-02+17.24.20-1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjm3XRlwpy0foS_g4uM9MtzcxJbh1mQQ3vGUrVkd-CNXVs_lYJ-iVPKxwtrKycjgQVs4b60n-RKIsU2oLC9C01l-vH7YKaBjFyqJQtZ3y_Ga9H0-ZTi2G8qosucOsbJlN_QHTzWg_OLQ/s1600/2014-05-02+17.24.20-1024.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After jacking up the engine and resting it on some wooden joists I was able to remove the old engine mounts. Straight away it was easy to see that in their natural rest position these had not been level with the top of the engine rubbers. Instead they had been inclined and the tightening of the bolts had clamped them down onto the rubbers and had deformed the top of the rubbers over time. This obviously meant that there was a constant force applied trying to tear the diagonal tubes from the horizontal plates, even before any twisting force is applied by an accelerating or decelerating engine.<br />
<br />
With the original engine mounts fitted, the engine was not level. So using the wood under the sump I raised the inlet side around 15mm to bring the bottom of the engine (sump) horizontal with the ground, when viewed from the front of the car.<br />
<br />
Next I replicated the four flat plates. This time out of 6mm steel instead of the previous 5mm. For the diagonals I used 5mm thick 45mm box section. This compares with the 1.5mm tube used previously.<br />
<br />
Cutting these box sections to fit was a very difficult task. Multiple compound angles and all work being undertaken with the engine in situ. On the exhaust side I was having to work in between the small gaps between the exhaust headers - very difficult indeed.<br />
<br />
In the end I got there. Had them tack welded by <a href="http://www.ashbywelding.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ashby Welding</a> ready for a trial fit. They fitted perfectly, with the horizontal plates resting on new rubbers, without any clamping and with absolutely no stress applied to the mounts or rubbers. Back to the welders to have them fully welded up and here is the end result. A very nice job done by the welder.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRFVN503iztfBFnofO9YAMwunxrZ06xcAB5KtEWL7wxM3LTzo9gWugX6arHjWg35k-Tirr0sHDDObOqO8VUogWS6kb4bq6qfftvqRngZFlIa0yChXf3-LAXPymSssvvU5m2RtOZQH8xI/s1600/2014-05-02+17.25.01-1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRFVN503iztfBFnofO9YAMwunxrZ06xcAB5KtEWL7wxM3LTzo9gWugX6arHjWg35k-Tirr0sHDDObOqO8VUogWS6kb4bq6qfftvqRngZFlIa0yChXf3-LAXPymSssvvU5m2RtOZQH8xI/s1600/2014-05-02+17.25.01-1024.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
These have been painted up, fitted to the car and bungs inserted into the bolt holes to protect from water ingress.<br />
<br />
Another long term to-do list job completed and hopefully another piece of reliability added to the car.David Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166831790277275159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8531509866685253426.post-67823600449807339162014-03-29T19:25:00.001+00:002014-03-31T20:14:51.452+01:00Oil Temperature SenderMy Acewell digital dash has two inputs for temperature senders. One is mounted in the thermostat housing and measures the coolant temperature. For a while now, I've wanted to use the spare input to measure the oil temperature.<br />
<br />
First I got hold of a spare 1/8" NPT temperature sender that is compatible with the Acewell unit. The only place that this can be fitted is in the Raceline sump plug. I called Raceline and they kindly informed me that the sump plug is 1/2" BSP, whereas the front plug that is used to access the gauze filter, is slightly larger at 3/4" BSP.<br />
<br />
So, to get the sender to fit in the sump plug I needed a 1/2" BSP male to 1/8" NPT female adapter. Thankfully, eBay came to the rescue again with a nice anodised blue item. Thought I'd get blue to replace the blue Raceline sump plug.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQiDMqLxYMpbw5CMpMj6YXtP5lTaK0_Vnzg9Bfm3J7FU5tMtZnrz-6LttLrGb07JQbDj0BKNDBm4ZOfKcL8yuLaPqyS8cUSPywbno8y4xzzH0sAFuZc4FlHwfqhlq7iCvdEz3-aOhNeI/s1600/IMAG0081-1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQiDMqLxYMpbw5CMpMj6YXtP5lTaK0_Vnzg9Bfm3J7FU5tMtZnrz-6LttLrGb07JQbDj0BKNDBm4ZOfKcL8yuLaPqyS8cUSPywbno8y4xzzH0sAFuZc4FlHwfqhlq7iCvdEz3-aOhNeI/s1600/IMAG0081-1024.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
First job was to fit the sender in the adapter. As the NPT thread is a tapered one I used just a couple of turns of PTFE tape to lubricate the threads. Then I swapped the Acewell plug for a waterproof 2-way AMP plug. The white Acewell connector was used at the other end to connect into the short wiring harness that plugs into the back of the digital dash. Some spiral wrap was added to give some protection to the wires.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88HjpUnr9f5wH3eAL0LG9LIHNN3pOTgQf6ynfbhW0dImxLwD4dwDvTrrcbOR4VVxg-OPAORemmqSwdy6MUmiYnanZyy4AQealu1XEaPBZTY_DJuuisEC0nh8eabkn-gV4BMv81NZvNNY/s1600/IMAG0083-1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88HjpUnr9f5wH3eAL0LG9LIHNN3pOTgQf6ynfbhW0dImxLwD4dwDvTrrcbOR4VVxg-OPAORemmqSwdy6MUmiYnanZyy4AQealu1XEaPBZTY_DJuuisEC0nh8eabkn-gV4BMv81NZvNNY/s1600/IMAG0083-1024.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The best metric copper crush washer would have been 21mm, but the nearest commonly available is 22mm. This was slightly too large and leaked. In part because the head of the adapter is not very wide, so the crush washer needs to fit very closely to the threaded part. In the end I got hold of a 1/2" BSP washer, normally used for sealing air lines and tools I believe. This seems to be holding up well so far.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzGAt7zY4LY4p1HyTHRrFWN3WrcCxwoz7DJO1PLsUIEHmQ7H0eM0uBlkt3f1_wrA48dp7aZySRxUnQ9zf1Ntakr9Hs_WibYSQKH636_PAvN3OQfFOHXF-131alAuihhneAZiqHJRUqS0/s1600/DSC00133-1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzGAt7zY4LY4p1HyTHRrFWN3WrcCxwoz7DJO1PLsUIEHmQ7H0eM0uBlkt3f1_wrA48dp7aZySRxUnQ9zf1Ntakr9Hs_WibYSQKH636_PAvN3OQfFOHXF-131alAuihhneAZiqHJRUqS0/s1600/DSC00133-1024.jpg" height="220" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm conscious that the end of the sender, along with the associated wiring, is a little vulnerable hanging out the side of the sump. I'm not planning on putting any additional protection on just yet, as one of my next job will be to fit a sump guard. This can be made in such a way to provide some cover for the sender and wiring.<br />
<br />
I've been out twice now: once at around 5oC ambient air temperature and once at around 15oC. Both times the oil temperature got to only the high 70's oC. It did fall a little when moving at speed and did rise a little when at rest, so there is certainly a degree of cooling of the sender, or even sump, due to airflow under the car. I think the oil temperature is not rising further due to the large volume of oil in the Raceline sump (5 litres) plus the large surface area, including cooling/strengthening fins.<br />
<br />
It will be interesting to see what temperature the oil gets up to on a quick run on a hot summer's day. I think once the sump guard is fitted, this will allow the sump to run a little warmer. Also, the sender is shielded a little inside the cavity of the adapter so this might knock a few degrees Celsius of the reading.David Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166831790277275159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8531509866685253426.post-86103020444386689872014-03-01T19:50:00.000+00:002014-03-29T19:41:00.459+00:00New Tunnel TopOne of the things that I did during the Winter months, whilst the car was off the road, was to update the interior. I remove the carpet from the rear bulkhead and the footwells. This left a lot of spray glue on the aluminium panels. Soaking the residue with white spirits worked well.<br />
<br />
The carpet and vinyl tunnel cover was also discarded - I'd always intended to have more of a stripped out racer look anyway. Problem was, the tunnel top was all bent in where the driver and passengers had leaned on it with their elbows. It was only around 0.6 or 0.8mm in thickness. Nice and light, but not up to the job in its particular location.<br />
<br />
I used the old tunnel top as a template to fabricate a new one out of 2mm aluminium. 1.5mm would probably have been sufficient, oh well. I made three separate panels to facilitate removal in sections.<br />
<br />
The old gear knob got damaged beyond repair during its removal. So, I took the opportunity to get the nice Rally Design black acrylic gear knob. This is much better, as instead of being tightened on with grub screws, this one properly screws on to the 10mm x 1.5m threaded end of the Rally Design quick shift lever. Even though I shortened and angled my quick shift lever, I did maintain the threaded end. This turned out to be a very worthwhile move.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbwkzpEGy_MVul56u6tcquLDmbXfCQjC9BdNxAyTI-tH2YFZ3omzJpEKhANvZtuZsEadicH2Y8b4OHixAIsiZawvpsqSjeVPHe70G-tmk-i_AKQdMgkzEgWUkqon4TlCuXUFNUKnOlmI/s1600/DSC00141-1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbwkzpEGy_MVul56u6tcquLDmbXfCQjC9BdNxAyTI-tH2YFZ3omzJpEKhANvZtuZsEadicH2Y8b4OHixAIsiZawvpsqSjeVPHe70G-tmk-i_AKQdMgkzEgWUkqon4TlCuXUFNUKnOlmI/s1600/DSC00141-1024.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />David Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166831790277275159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8531509866685253426.post-52526226733460780882014-01-12T20:17:00.000+00:002014-06-26T13:26:03.321+01:00FIA Kill SwitchI'd been meaning to fit a battery isolator for a while. Partly as a safety feature for when the car is stored in the garage and partly in preparation for possibly taking part in formal motorsport events, e.g. sprints.<br />
<br />
There are simple isolators available that just cut the positive connection to the battery. They achieve the goal of isolating the battery, but if turned off whilst the engine is running, will very likely kill the circuit in the alternator, as the load has nowhere to go. Also, if the ignition coil/ECU is not isolated from the alternator, it is possible for the engine to continue running even after isolating the battery.<br />
<br />
The solution to both of these issue is to use the more advanced model of isolator switch. As can be seen below, this not only breaks the supply to the coil/ECU, but also dumps the alternator load to a resistor for the short period after the isolation switch is activated and before the engine ceases to rotate.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKibNbyX45vPhS7eaSW8i9TaZIuU3l8IiRWUjvmOin96DIQrGwRbaqbPqfhFmYG_fuK-GfmWA24nab2d_6FrGSmnqKF3rELSx0weyOOgCGj9-mwBc2tgyAETPEwp3iUJJG0HsYSak_5QY/s1600/4430-inst-1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKibNbyX45vPhS7eaSW8i9TaZIuU3l8IiRWUjvmOin96DIQrGwRbaqbPqfhFmYG_fuK-GfmWA24nab2d_6FrGSmnqKF3rELSx0weyOOgCGj9-mwBc2tgyAETPEwp3iUJJG0HsYSak_5QY/s1600/4430-inst-1024.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The main challenges to fitting the switch to an Avon with the bodywork fitted was finding a suitable location for the switch as well as routing the wiring. I had some bespoke cables made up by a seller on eBay. These were 170 amp rated and had the appropriately sized ring connectors fitted on each end.<br />
<br />
I decided to locate the kill switch in a hole that was used for a side mirror before I fitted the cage. The one on the other side of the car still has as blanking bung. This location for the switch should also comply with the <a href="https://www.msauk.org/" target="_blank">MSA</a> regulations, i.e. it can be activated by the driver whilst strapped in to the car, as well as a marshal from the outside of the car.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2hJG1d44w9aJ-d9twuHV2R1IO43h0WP5Qy45wAZjsa36Gxp-Q3B4njmIGUojWVvN2ey0wqOWvF_OOomHu_slZmi4ERlNuvw74EZhNWctSPhfKRPR9ZtQr8Y5NR6QuGImw6rGIgCqhRI/s1600/DSC00138-1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2hJG1d44w9aJ-d9twuHV2R1IO43h0WP5Qy45wAZjsa36Gxp-Q3B4njmIGUojWVvN2ey0wqOWvF_OOomHu_slZmi4ERlNuvw74EZhNWctSPhfKRPR9ZtQr8Y5NR6QuGImw6rGIgCqhRI/s1600/DSC00138-1024.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />David Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166831790277275159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8531509866685253426.post-90368151890363522652013-10-08T20:17:00.000+01:002014-03-28T16:24:20.624+00:00Engine Bay Cooling<div>
Some kit cars have bonnet scoops, some have louvers, some even have NACA ducts, but the Avon has no openings as standard. For most of the year this is not a problem, but I had noticed that during the summer months, there can be quite a big heat build up and the top of the bonnet is very warm to the touch.<br />
<br />
So I weighed up a few options, including fitting ready made grilles, but in the end I decided upon some simple holes. I used hole saws in the cordless drill with the torque turned right down. Then, once the holes were done, I glued black mesh to the inside of the bonnet with Grip-Fill. I'd previously had success using this on the inside of the GRP bodywork to affix things, such as cable tie mounts.<br />
<br />
Here are the four holes that allow escape of some of the heat from the exhaust headers:<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-G_nIyG7RubrZ4Yon7zbFRXsjpN3vs7mEHCfrpbCV0qj2_Yoa65tgWfJDLgajeXcAyD0GYXCPAexg4it297tAMs8Puadq4mjBf78a1DtjNGdwVvIh5fBv8fksEL5Ut2iFTrSjwerR1oc/s1600/IMAG0009-1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-G_nIyG7RubrZ4Yon7zbFRXsjpN3vs7mEHCfrpbCV0qj2_Yoa65tgWfJDLgajeXcAyD0GYXCPAexg4it297tAMs8Puadq4mjBf78a1DtjNGdwVvIh5fBv8fksEL5Ut2iFTrSjwerR1oc/s1600/IMAG0009-1024.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And here are the two larger holes centered on the midpoint between the two K&N filters. As well as allowing cooler fresh air in to the engine, they also allow out of the engine bay that little extra induction noise!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxFz75WWmeLkCRov2Lit6PpwScHCYMGBWnP9idEwXYvgdeJeZ43DVvrhMN6Dreh_dNDpVj5EFgk-RVI7HrYKGvNAGYLdaGhpQDkbulg375qEn71UZq6G3ZlijJA_iSdP8oFUHdbLUG_0/s1600/IMAG0010-1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxFz75WWmeLkCRov2Lit6PpwScHCYMGBWnP9idEwXYvgdeJeZ43DVvrhMN6Dreh_dNDpVj5EFgk-RVI7HrYKGvNAGYLdaGhpQDkbulg375qEn71UZq6G3ZlijJA_iSdP8oFUHdbLUG_0/s1600/IMAG0010-1024.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
Overall, a simple modification. The engine bay definitely runs a little cooler and in my opinion its added some additional aesthetic interest.</div>
David Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166831790277275159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8531509866685253426.post-67361063036957000812013-09-14T13:28:00.000+01:002014-03-31T20:12:50.565+01:00Alternator Upper BracketWhilst on the return from a Southern Kit Cars trip to Bletchley Park, I thought I could hear a metallic rattling when the car was idling at junctions. When it was safe to do so, I pulled up at the side of the road and took off the bonnet. I discovered that the upper alternator bracket had failed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcan2Tvdnqh0ZvOVio5RhIf7sxy_rzZC_nMRnb51ZqFgmwOGCqvSGhyphenhyphenMczVoPcLZFyBuuHAewgpTAYgGANjNK65sI_ZIj-Jwe1YloLxv_WtS6NatINALLQwQ5-yzRJPNJwgDvmld-QBYQ/s1600/DSC_0032-1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcan2Tvdnqh0ZvOVio5RhIf7sxy_rzZC_nMRnb51ZqFgmwOGCqvSGhyphenhyphenMczVoPcLZFyBuuHAewgpTAYgGANjNK65sI_ZIj-Jwe1YloLxv_WtS6NatINALLQwQ5-yzRJPNJwgDvmld-QBYQ/s1600/DSC_0032-1024.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Thankfully, the new bottom bracket is very robust and bolted up very tight. This single bolt was holding the tension in the alternator belt. Aside from worries about the alternator not charging, I was concerned that if the belt started to slip, then the water pump might not function correctly, with the engine potentially overheating. For the rest of the return trip I kept to a steady speed on the main roads. I made it back home, where I was able to look at the bracket failure in more detail. It can be seen where the failure started, from the outside rusty edges and then it has spread across the middle, to completely separate.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgmrE9fI9yUG3dSj-Z49H0m9FzJZTU4Dm0Pfk7uJm8wKnL066l7Z8MDi0YkSLhMK-9btzYArST548hRDRw6cpqOpP54fSXeVcBpbsr09Ksf2A9q8nWZmGnu1HUxan3PS-RIRPDeZH9CM/s1600/DSC_0034-1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgmrE9fI9yUG3dSj-Z49H0m9FzJZTU4Dm0Pfk7uJm8wKnL066l7Z8MDi0YkSLhMK-9btzYArST548hRDRw6cpqOpP54fSXeVcBpbsr09Ksf2A9q8nWZmGnu1HUxan3PS-RIRPDeZH9CM/s1600/DSC_0034-1024.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For a replacement, I fabricated a new bracket out of a single thick piece of L-section mild steel. It is a little overkill, but I really don't want to have any more alternator bracket issues. Even if I'm carry just that little bit more weight than is necessary. In the future I may trim off some more of the excess metal.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ICRiodUuTG6N-QG-2cTFelQj3lnDU_3RJnC-p2yqP6sc6QCvm-utGvaD-29A5ACHrqMpPgKAtgY_4fe3a4zq9PUdpVxLu1fSVfzMKkbJhrhbs6QD3mzGZwr1wSEP3GfaiIiwGEOCIJo/s1600/IMAG0419-1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ICRiodUuTG6N-QG-2cTFelQj3lnDU_3RJnC-p2yqP6sc6QCvm-utGvaD-29A5ACHrqMpPgKAtgY_4fe3a4zq9PUdpVxLu1fSVfzMKkbJhrhbs6QD3mzGZwr1wSEP3GfaiIiwGEOCIJo/s1600/IMAG0419-1024.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />David Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166831790277275159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8531509866685253426.post-50515154861925148712013-09-03T18:23:00.000+01:002014-03-29T18:47:28.995+00:00Engine Mount StrengtheningThe offside engine mounting plate is fixed to the chassis spanning two chassis rails, where they come together in a vee shape. This is strong enough to take the loads transmitted from the engine. On the nearside however, it is a very different story. The flat plate is welded on top of just one chassis rail. Over time the loads from the engine cause this to droop and eventually this puts an abnormal loading on the engine mount itself, which then fails.<br />
<br />
I'd kept an eye on my nearside mounting plate over the months and it had always been fine. Recently though, I noticed that the non-welded side had drooped around 10mm. It was on its way to causing the engine mount to fail.<br />
<br />
So, I fabricated two triangular fillets from 6mm mild steel and got a local garage to weld these in place, after 'jacking' the plate back into its original horizontal position. The welds are not the neatest in the world, but they seem to be good enough to be strong.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGt5kjiHogPn1HM2v3bsUM-iz1cnG5u8osfyItjwnttHTOTGBO6OMBGX-n7T_-9tVQjP02GGomXOtlx32BI7H18fdptsnUgfCkyrzqtCwa0YKXgRYR1CbzF0iAwdjRnB9BGTGuDqv77I/s1600/DSC00130-1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGt5kjiHogPn1HM2v3bsUM-iz1cnG5u8osfyItjwnttHTOTGBO6OMBGX-n7T_-9tVQjP02GGomXOtlx32BI7H18fdptsnUgfCkyrzqtCwa0YKXgRYR1CbzF0iAwdjRnB9BGTGuDqv77I/s1600/DSC00130-1024.jpg" height="210" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />David Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166831790277275159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8531509866685253426.post-17773173082374149522013-08-13T19:54:00.000+01:002014-03-31T19:56:00.558+01:00Denso AlternatorI'd been having some more issues with my Lucas alternator, so I took it apart and ordered a service kit, which included bushes, bearings, rectifier and regulator. I started to overhaul the alternator, but during the process I decided that I was not really happy with the situation. I wasn't convinced that I would not have further problems in the future, so I finally took the plunge and ordered a genuine Denso alternator.<br />
<br />
The new alternator is rated at 40 amps, so should be more than sufficient for the modest electrical loads that my Avon can generate. It weights about 2kg versus the 3kg of the Lucas, so there is a nice weight saving too.<br />
<br />
When I removed the Lucas alternator I discovered that the lower mounting bracket had failed. The front lug had snapped off and it was just the rear lug that was holding the alternator on. It was lucky that I discovered this in the garage and not at the side of the road!<br />
<br />
I took the old lower bracket to the local fabricator/welders. They removed the old lugs and added strong new fixings for the Denso.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsND9Ukh3Yq7lHfshyPIr98RVxe8bH_GMKeC7jvKhnse-FC96eySlihaDUklEZZ2r4huEK8wLqqlyBlLFi6ZfbJz8CuRN2QU1-E1HoYvrQb8OYvo_vZ4qoTBXrredyuLlbo92qgoZQ-4/s1600/IMAG0400_zps79635848-1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsND9Ukh3Yq7lHfshyPIr98RVxe8bH_GMKeC7jvKhnse-FC96eySlihaDUklEZZ2r4huEK8wLqqlyBlLFi6ZfbJz8CuRN2QU1-E1HoYvrQb8OYvo_vZ4qoTBXrredyuLlbo92qgoZQ-4/s1600/IMAG0400_zps79635848-1024.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For the alternator tensioner I re-used the old upper bracket and connected it to the alternator with two rod ends and some 8mm threaded rod.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFb4AnTGF_uZ0YXvk8HV2dudX5mJr0J7RyRTIs7ZQuBUG4EQrCiGl7P9xUobfcVxSaRrSbj9SyP5_7mOzUpF1gL0NaB7w55qvFUFjEWGsrxoF7fg61EJU-T9WC9axOAXnergO_Emhg7tM/s1600/IMAG0403_zps53e130d1-1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFb4AnTGF_uZ0YXvk8HV2dudX5mJr0J7RyRTIs7ZQuBUG4EQrCiGl7P9xUobfcVxSaRrSbj9SyP5_7mOzUpF1gL0NaB7w55qvFUFjEWGsrxoF7fg61EJU-T9WC9axOAXnergO_Emhg7tM/s1600/IMAG0403_zps53e130d1-1024.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The main output connection is a threaded copper post. I had a proper battery cable made up that had the correct size ring connector for the alternator on one end and the correct size at the other to connect to the starter motor connection (where the car's main loom terminates the +12v). This arrange should be much better than the Lucas spade connections, which are prone to arcing. The cable is more heavy duty than the original Tiger alternator output wire, so this can only help.</div>
<br />David Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166831790277275159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8531509866685253426.post-73704872320580512592013-05-22T18:55:00.000+01:002014-03-29T18:49:45.623+00:00Oil Catch Tank<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'd been meaning to fit an oil catch for a while. Then a new OBP one came up on eBay locally and the price was absolute bargain. A guy had bought it for his Lancia Statos build, but had changed his mind; he no longer wanted a 1 litre tank and was going to use a 2 litre tank instead.<br />
<br />
Mounting the tank was relatively straight forward, but before the pipe from the crankcase could be connected, the internals needed to be removed from the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwR51NuANbFOGXTUPhbVtX_8gJ5qhiVxuLZCnUBdb2aL17uRkOypOemaFBwcFnS38V0gAGiXScJOzvbC5oPDPktmEBsNMWY0SoO32pFqDsvOIrKpF5zqNAhvhVu9cJ-SBce1M5k_a574w/s1600/IMAG0316-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwR51NuANbFOGXTUPhbVtX_8gJ5qhiVxuLZCnUBdb2aL17uRkOypOemaFBwcFnS38V0gAGiXScJOzvbC5oPDPktmEBsNMWY0SoO32pFqDsvOIrKpF5zqNAhvhVu9cJ-SBce1M5k_a574w/s1600/IMAG0316-800.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The valve itself just pulls out of the rubber bung in the crankcase. To get the internal of the valve out I ran the angle grinder around the end using a very thin metal cutting disk, 0.8mm I think.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQgvvnnUvMcITW1vqSsZrf47Tr6RK_f1_w9u-acFDLvVjFCcqWy1nvOoutf3kgqcoFoS2QyfcgqIDekM8cGnPBWvVQraHFcCangQWK22ioO5B2BY850AaEQMXO6o9oH57PdgodtPeDWU/s1600/IMAG0318-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQgvvnnUvMcITW1vqSsZrf47Tr6RK_f1_w9u-acFDLvVjFCcqWy1nvOoutf3kgqcoFoS2QyfcgqIDekM8cGnPBWvVQraHFcCangQWK22ioO5B2BY850AaEQMXO6o9oH57PdgodtPeDWU/s1600/IMAG0318-800.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The internals were then discarded and the valve reinserted into the rubber bung in the crankcase.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcdcLBUhunrSj7WNGn886xPGxWAxhitQtguW7AbwisUZw090SjIfh3r5IM0NjXSYVh7X2kAwsYKjl7aFNF4tnpQ9LY-sMZYA679hE7PCbcIUn2T6uJdjvKdJ09ytAveFZBr0JRWy1zOs/s1600/DSC00134-1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcdcLBUhunrSj7WNGn886xPGxWAxhitQtguW7AbwisUZw090SjIfh3r5IM0NjXSYVh7X2kAwsYKjl7aFNF4tnpQ9LY-sMZYA679hE7PCbcIUn2T6uJdjvKdJ09ytAveFZBr0JRWy1zOs/s1600/DSC00134-1024.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here is the catch tank with the crankcase and camshafter cover pipes plumbed in.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgK4Er5zd6L4N9UlLjQdA42xNOGTtJMAyAyr3fX-3lo5pfyATZH_mWUiHUwuzBg69_tkaVDoRGIhdHZrbSNHOKE3reseRABKaVK0JpC8U4Pp15gTuJKr9UTKfsIiFzGd3OWdD_D9cLs0/s1600/DSC00135-1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgK4Er5zd6L4N9UlLjQdA42xNOGTtJMAyAyr3fX-3lo5pfyATZH_mWUiHUwuzBg69_tkaVDoRGIhdHZrbSNHOKE3reseRABKaVK0JpC8U4Pp15gTuJKr9UTKfsIiFzGd3OWdD_D9cLs0/s1600/DSC00135-1024.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Then finally an air filter was added to the top side exit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIm4lFy7oR-I8a8tC1wHT-psVzsCe86pVSzKh_qg7ZfmAub9KZCrC9oHEgSSaL5a8oO8rz2tfUzNq1bzlX7KcwEU1gIo6yQrNYZ4d8g0F2keoL97T1GiZAdjIDfE3nyhwezzrPl_d0XX8/s1600/DSC00136-1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIm4lFy7oR-I8a8tC1wHT-psVzsCe86pVSzKh_qg7ZfmAub9KZCrC9oHEgSSaL5a8oO8rz2tfUzNq1bzlX7KcwEU1gIo6yQrNYZ4d8g0F2keoL97T1GiZAdjIDfE3nyhwezzrPl_d0XX8/s1600/DSC00136-1024.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
David Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166831790277275159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8531509866685253426.post-12245368668655768492013-05-19T14:02:00.000+01:002014-01-12T14:08:06.489+00:00CKC/Omex Llandow Track Day 2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
On the 18th May I attended the CKC/Omex Track Day at the <a href="http://www.llandow.com/">Llandow Circuit</a> in Wales. The trip started when I set off on the Friday afternoon, with the passenger seat fully loaded for a night's camping. I took the cross country route out west, along the A4. There were a few good sections of road, but on the whole it was disappointing and very slow, in a large part due to school run traffic and people heading off early for the weekend. I'll know next time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
To break the journey I stopped at the <a href="http://www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk/">Castle Combe Circuit</a> and took a quick look around:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_kSbNHj0thHAnz_Nw6uVuVYBntN09HVtfXSZN7spvh7mWk1iexOpz7_RpjUS8jSskIL3S9ocKTDPmhn-ipO-TUUgsQ9ziDSDjpFcR6IoT2UJBd3EI9Bz1Kc_ujxm3BJVBw-3mIpTBGU/s1600/IMAG0300_zps5fd93a7c-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_kSbNHj0thHAnz_Nw6uVuVYBntN09HVtfXSZN7spvh7mWk1iexOpz7_RpjUS8jSskIL3S9ocKTDPmhn-ipO-TUUgsQ9ziDSDjpFcR6IoT2UJBd3EI9Bz1Kc_ujxm3BJVBw-3mIpTBGU/s1600/IMAG0300_zps5fd93a7c-800.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Then onward to the overnight stop at <a href="http://www.llandowcaravanpark.com/">Llandow Caravan Park</a>. This is literally the other side of the fence from Llandow Circuit - good for an overnight before and/or after a track day, maybe not so good for a quiet getaway! There were some others staying at the site whom were attending the track day the next day, so there was some like-minded company.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The weather the week before had been pretty wet and I nearly cancelled the trip. However, I'm glad I didn't as I woke to a sunny dawn, with clear blue skies. A stiff breeze coming from the sea to the south, but that didn't matter. The gamble had paid off.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
After breakfast those drivers staying at the camp site drove the very short distance to the circuit next door. Beats a long motorway drive any day. After the usual safety briefing and admin formalities we were out on the track.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Llandow is not a big circuit, but it certainly has enough to keep you entertained: a couple of long straights, fast bends, chicanes and a bus stop just after the pit exit. The circuit is quite taxing on brakes, particularly the deceleration at the end of the main straight into the bus stop. Here you are slowing from 100+ mph to around 30 mph in a very short distance. Then with a short lap before the next big deceleration there is little time for the brakes to cool, at least on a set up such as mine with solid disks up front. There was a noticeable degradation in braking ability after five or six laps. This coincided nicely with rest stops anyway.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The majority of the other cars there were of higher spec: more highly tuned engines and semi or full slicks. There did not seem too much difference on the straights, but I did fail to keep up on the bends. My Toyo T1-Rs will be replaced next time with something a bit more grippy. Maybe not R888's, but at least R1-Rs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Here are some of the free pictures that were included in the entry fee:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnb-BVr9Iffs6VLQ0bu8tM10u3v-ayTI9CBc6M4vvYFoyBQtcrl8VotYGfHJPJaJn1d4iiYNUyuzIQxI-vJiRCBogW5U_t9D3tdSbaqa0g_eFNrjT7IL-KRmGTNJW9h5oInltdfjvPh0/s1600/20130518-Llandow-138-(ZF-4198-80399-1-002)-1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnb-BVr9Iffs6VLQ0bu8tM10u3v-ayTI9CBc6M4vvYFoyBQtcrl8VotYGfHJPJaJn1d4iiYNUyuzIQxI-vJiRCBogW5U_t9D3tdSbaqa0g_eFNrjT7IL-KRmGTNJW9h5oInltdfjvPh0/s320/20130518-Llandow-138-(ZF-4198-80399-1-002)-1024.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHw8q8RcAFNOz7z3dz7JjdHcrv-RUz_Ku3q1VhyqrkQ6d2L5h9sdBMSwA5Y2QWphjgMmg5vAfDtGQaxKQqGlSAaa1kMR82JBkLPDFQ88016yqJhb12p1PIMicWlo7JtwjJkNDPIEBzWwU/s1600/20130518-Llandow-166-1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHw8q8RcAFNOz7z3dz7JjdHcrv-RUz_Ku3q1VhyqrkQ6d2L5h9sdBMSwA5Y2QWphjgMmg5vAfDtGQaxKQqGlSAaa1kMR82JBkLPDFQ88016yqJhb12p1PIMicWlo7JtwjJkNDPIEBzWwU/s320/20130518-Llandow-166-1024.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkXh53KU98Zk99Lr7UZdk2jOhn8dXEVMbEOg4NPFs2G4BuqVryaweVWl4jDunhz0Vh2eCAJR3sbeDAikcgglUeM_iywSpb6V-6GNV58oFxTZAv2JIT1shM5iINQYjRH_clNES1uxStQU/s1600/20130518-Llandow-148-(ZF-4198-80399-1-001)-1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkXh53KU98Zk99Lr7UZdk2jOhn8dXEVMbEOg4NPFs2G4BuqVryaweVWl4jDunhz0Vh2eCAJR3sbeDAikcgglUeM_iywSpb6V-6GNV58oFxTZAv2JIT1shM5iINQYjRH_clNES1uxStQU/s320/20130518-Llandow-148-(ZF-4198-80399-1-001)-1024.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had a really enjoyable day and learnt some more about the car's handling and hopefully improved my technique as well. I will definitely try to make the event in 2014. Fingers crossed for another dry, bright day.</div>
<br />
As I wanted to get home as quickly as possible I used the M4 for the return route. I stopped at the services next to the old Severn bridge for fuel. When leaving there is a short downhill section to a roundabout. It was here, under heavy braking, that I noticed the brakes fade quite a bit. For the rest of the trip I took it very carefully. I think, whilst on circuit, the heat generated in the front calipers may have boiled the brake fluid. I had standard DOT4 fluid in there. The week after the trip I replaced it with the much higher spec DOT5.1 fluid. I've had no problems since, but it would be interesting to see if this fluid could withstand the rigors of a full track day.<br />
<br /></div>
David Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166831790277275159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8531509866685253426.post-6633175035888177122013-04-17T22:00:00.000+01:002013-05-28T08:56:53.991+01:00More Alternator Woes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Prior to my recent trip to France I noticed that the low battery light was coming on. On my Acewell dash this is set to come on at 12.5 volts and off again at 13.0 volts. The alternator warning light extinguished normally after starting so there was no issue with the excitement of the field, there was another cause.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I ordered a replacement set of brushes for my Lucas ACR alternator just in case they were worn. When I took the back off the alternator and dismantled the brush box I discovered that the wire attaching one of the brushes to the terminal had broken. I think that the current was being carried by the spring alone, hence the erratic charging of the battery.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2CXnVJT16msj6vioZtu4TnV27PsdoNHHHPmF_9f-3eynKnSQ_ptzeZTBli4Sy6Yw_rFMHJ0fuKiqGnt1B7B9-7ZJlLt0QAZKWd0rCe0m7LJ1a5WT1oiroXYO7mKYEsOix5JD6zOYFfw/s1600/IMAG0277_zps10417aff-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2CXnVJT16msj6vioZtu4TnV27PsdoNHHHPmF_9f-3eynKnSQ_ptzeZTBli4Sy6Yw_rFMHJ0fuKiqGnt1B7B9-7ZJlLt0QAZKWd0rCe0m7LJ1a5WT1oiroXYO7mKYEsOix5JD6zOYFfw/s320/IMAG0277_zps10417aff-800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Replacement of the brushes is a fairly straightforward task. I also did a quick health check of the nine diodes with the multimeter. Then a quick test drive proved that the full 14.2 volts had been restored. Then it was off to France for the weekend. All was okay until after arriving in France I noticed the low battery light was illuminated again. Oh no. Anyway, long story short I managed to nurse the battery through the weekend and I made it back to the UK without the need for a breakdown truck - phew!<br />
<br />
So, alternator out again, back off and then I discovered this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGYjAq7HhGClVwV0ErJURv5vUYBifgxa5Yv_cm1ZiDpeft3cjfXT-DOhZvT-XsYVZZoYEXxQ4SRU_svKSnM552A8sRYMNUiz7qpUlHj71KyPLlfxu7QU9w8YGm97OmmQuUba3HTz8OMY/s1600/IMAG0285_zpsf166c72f-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGYjAq7HhGClVwV0ErJURv5vUYBifgxa5Yv_cm1ZiDpeft3cjfXT-DOhZvT-XsYVZZoYEXxQ4SRU_svKSnM552A8sRYMNUiz7qpUlHj71KyPLlfxu7QU9w8YGm97OmmQuUba3HTz8OMY/s320/IMAG0285_zpsf166c72f-800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The red wire had snapped off from its ring terminal. I suspect that I had trapped the wire when previously replacing the back cover of the alternator. I soldered a new ring terminal on and <u>carefully</u> refitted the back cover. Testing proved that the full 14.2 volts had been restored. Hopefully, there are no more alternator problems.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
David Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166831790277275159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8531509866685253426.post-23597108694433449012013-04-15T09:48:00.000+01:002013-05-24T09:41:08.305+01:00Rallye des Jonquilles 2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The 14th April saw us take part in our third road book rallye in Northern France. Here are a few pictures.<br />
<br />
Driving along the northern French coast on the Saturday.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3eqVZ6oGziEkp3iDx62kfV6qtffa8NrxS0_zwebgZn6KLxiMXwCCNkq0Y6drIqBFBiv_WNMNdWjRYhrwrLLK_1wS-G0zDMzFw2fICJ8xOwAXxypK316TsU2aB7VZTdixTtnGjzVn69Ek/s1600/DSC05716-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3eqVZ6oGziEkp3iDx62kfV6qtffa8NrxS0_zwebgZn6KLxiMXwCCNkq0Y6drIqBFBiv_WNMNdWjRYhrwrLLK_1wS-G0zDMzFw2fICJ8xOwAXxypK316TsU2aB7VZTdixTtnGjzVn69Ek/s320/DSC05716-800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxvYE3y7KLbpXhuRrD2sJdEi8XXXxDSna_PTJ_Ujm7MuC6DSN0m5g1dKzQUvE79booftRdtZC2vn70qYio_YU3i9T3MhzgrQixBEhyphenhyphenTokXTjYZexTDee5xf5LK9BMatEpTlLCCRkHFQs/s1600/DSC05720-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxvYE3y7KLbpXhuRrD2sJdEi8XXXxDSna_PTJ_Ujm7MuC6DSN0m5g1dKzQUvE79booftRdtZC2vn70qYio_YU3i9T3MhzgrQixBEhyphenhyphenTokXTjYZexTDee5xf5LK9BMatEpTlLCCRkHFQs/s320/DSC05720-800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrVneow2d5DGWTZf-mBMeCDCrNJjjF8ZLT1bw-DPviFlV0w_ASYUiAVeRcThixyIUuwdPvh_YYoUZdH25JTS_CI59cXdA0eZD8ZhCiw0T8c9u7Nsd5W3uDOGR5FDnTDM9Xs8dpDXhJWA/s1600/DSC05723-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrVneow2d5DGWTZf-mBMeCDCrNJjjF8ZLT1bw-DPviFlV0w_ASYUiAVeRcThixyIUuwdPvh_YYoUZdH25JTS_CI59cXdA0eZD8ZhCiw0T8c9u7Nsd5W3uDOGR5FDnTDM9Xs8dpDXhJWA/s320/DSC05723-800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Our first visit to Belgium in the Tiger was for a lunch stop, just over the border in Diksmuide.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OiRmKoeSE_znupjcIhz3Uxpe3BMSj3xNzGDiMvBQO8GnZf-q5SHrt8Y5bgir6xC9Rms6YECW_y6AFeW0Tg1tsqNEvWFPpINwgfqoVeXM8FzCxgGRlSYgc3q7RxoOJDZhqZgFlvq_Ks0/s1600/DSC05734-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OiRmKoeSE_znupjcIhz3Uxpe3BMSj3xNzGDiMvBQO8GnZf-q5SHrt8Y5bgir6xC9Rms6YECW_y6AFeW0Tg1tsqNEvWFPpINwgfqoVeXM8FzCxgGRlSYgc3q7RxoOJDZhqZgFlvq_Ks0/s320/DSC05734-800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Diksmuide is a pleasant town with parking on the square and restaurants and cafes conveniently located around the edge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00xdSGBkSZKVwjcGGdxUCmO3DKt10vw6jgk3KtwmAfHcLJmofxJAX2QMSXWSZX9464LMHng3C7wrQyzkIxf3wXR8MNuu0mvCrQqJq4uEoIMlhl6t4dQ4yUUPC6YWrGFg5EhK8sWDQcJI/s1600/DSC05743-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00xdSGBkSZKVwjcGGdxUCmO3DKt10vw6jgk3KtwmAfHcLJmofxJAX2QMSXWSZX9464LMHng3C7wrQyzkIxf3wXR8MNuu0mvCrQqJq4uEoIMlhl6t4dQ4yUUPC6YWrGFg5EhK8sWDQcJI/s320/DSC05743-800.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
After lunch we visited the local trenches from World War 2. They are really well preserved. Very sobering to visit and imagine what life must have been like at that time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dhHCEQSp3BCNE9jpSHWX6ViCZofL50p7J0oqHl5u4chUHyMbp3lWVBxGpz4DILW3wrKEr9HE2NvacYWoc7ybZe0JI2UL2cEWH3A1sKHjut1rK-Js8qyhc0w81lecmYO-ZE4oXVz3Kx8/s1600/DSC05746-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dhHCEQSp3BCNE9jpSHWX6ViCZofL50p7J0oqHl5u4chUHyMbp3lWVBxGpz4DILW3wrKEr9HE2NvacYWoc7ybZe0JI2UL2cEWH3A1sKHjut1rK-Js8qyhc0w81lecmYO-ZE4oXVz3Kx8/s320/DSC05746-800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBNStneGRxfMUqoYfFsQ00DhxXgblmEZms-V2PSjtXZCcwXT7e44x6qOq-isHit-nUU8LC7sBqxih0Dk2MDJyLsc3uM0FWRG9rRYh7B-F1Y0voJz__IMI4jzT0YZPdT_HBi8SwoZ5qb4/s1600/DSC05748-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBNStneGRxfMUqoYfFsQ00DhxXgblmEZms-V2PSjtXZCcwXT7e44x6qOq-isHit-nUU8LC7sBqxih0Dk2MDJyLsc3uM0FWRG9rRYh7B-F1Y0voJz__IMI4jzT0YZPdT_HBi8SwoZ5qb4/s320/DSC05748-800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWWG6tu44QSnVS1mn6PcuH18JeeNzaqWLvAYolJetFn0YeRu7IMEjweM-Y4ImXYKFTrfl977cJjmS9WE2Jt6u6MnIRnXoNOOoue1xjY_WASWf1EHNLPTFE_AY2RYkEyZRcBv-uPK1XfM/s1600/DSC05750-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWWG6tu44QSnVS1mn6PcuH18JeeNzaqWLvAYolJetFn0YeRu7IMEjweM-Y4ImXYKFTrfl977cJjmS9WE2Jt6u6MnIRnXoNOOoue1xjY_WASWf1EHNLPTFE_AY2RYkEyZRcBv-uPK1XfM/s320/DSC05750-800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The rallye itself was on the Sunday. Around 150 cars queuing for the start line.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOyYJLfivW-wd_cuL_rW4P-r4k8tPuEqYamCZTiRZSpwHbcfGrTepRnV48SVcGvPeneXiyo7Bi4eycerMXkHKOhippxxauxoXf-WyEDTL0xouzWc4cHeMSQZUDswR0SqtyTPznSyuXaE/s1600/DSC05769-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOyYJLfivW-wd_cuL_rW4P-r4k8tPuEqYamCZTiRZSpwHbcfGrTepRnV48SVcGvPeneXiyo7Bi4eycerMXkHKOhippxxauxoXf-WyEDTL0xouzWc4cHeMSQZUDswR0SqtyTPznSyuXaE/s320/DSC05769-800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The mid-morning stop for coffee was at a local golf club.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hNqPNU5MkV8JSQMQG09V53Oc1PMG_w4mxV2RNGpPYr7jKseYTukWU2af3k-v6p6hVl4C7bBJNM9HgeuA8LnYh8TLvwQQwRocKb7JaYMwY_D4azQqO_4Mj16_3lTxr9dPN8LRuDg1r1A/s1600/DSC05770-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hNqPNU5MkV8JSQMQG09V53Oc1PMG_w4mxV2RNGpPYr7jKseYTukWU2af3k-v6p6hVl4C7bBJNM9HgeuA8LnYh8TLvwQQwRocKb7JaYMwY_D4azQqO_4Mj16_3lTxr9dPN8LRuDg1r1A/s320/DSC05770-800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As always a very nice three course meal was served before the final stage of the day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvS2HwyQsxyPjVIsIoSf-5fKQ4OStUR3ob71Lr1K2AAmPBO6tHqjW5349Fug-DtQxCHB2wiBZeibWUKnuUE_9GK_xOj9zLRlTUOx33Ur-jVwWheDwwAQ9xX2orHhYTFxh9pk7r0lZWEM/s1600/DSC05772-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvS2HwyQsxyPjVIsIoSf-5fKQ4OStUR3ob71Lr1K2AAmPBO6tHqjW5349Fug-DtQxCHB2wiBZeibWUKnuUE_9GK_xOj9zLRlTUOx33Ur-jVwWheDwwAQ9xX2orHhYTFxh9pk7r0lZWEM/s320/DSC05772-800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Ready to depart after lunch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgket_78b79ZU1vCZtZ_Lp-nWrBrq27PDBGeYTF_2w7wcd6gruFiFfs68K-WEnkJblPJdsKrj4cfkvMeJczP7l_JmFKGdK6_RKyHhRvsnIKgudNNynMcqnNqMNhmIlHeJFYGstW4dBjghw/s1600/DSC05777-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgket_78b79ZU1vCZtZ_Lp-nWrBrq27PDBGeYTF_2w7wcd6gruFiFfs68K-WEnkJblPJdsKrj4cfkvMeJczP7l_JmFKGdK6_RKyHhRvsnIKgudNNynMcqnNqMNhmIlHeJFYGstW4dBjghw/s320/DSC05777-800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A beautiful afternoon, ready to start the journey home. Happy days!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_lR4S1YktdT7kxQstZ5B9A7u8uzL1GVr2BsH7KqsJ9PH9iTE0Tg6BQoDmLN8GQ1EhJA8b0IHXqX1tHopvrjkQTaco6Zr8qgT7GESP7y0fgy2jeTyglk0UqImnkPGEJ26h02SWl0-qv0/s1600/DSC05786-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_lR4S1YktdT7kxQstZ5B9A7u8uzL1GVr2BsH7KqsJ9PH9iTE0Tg6BQoDmLN8GQ1EhJA8b0IHXqX1tHopvrjkQTaco6Zr8qgT7GESP7y0fgy2jeTyglk0UqImnkPGEJ26h02SWl0-qv0/s320/DSC05786-800.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
David Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166831790277275159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8531509866685253426.post-3298223912585581942013-03-16T18:40:00.000+00:002013-03-16T18:40:11.453+00:00Car Limits Day at North Weald<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yesterday I went to the Car Limits day at North Weald airfield. There were a few of us from the Southern Kit Car Club, with 25 cars in total attending the day. These ranged from a Ferrari 360 to a Ford Escort Estate!<br />
<br />
The weather wasn't very kind on the way there and back, but wet tarmac made the session that bit more interesting. I learnt a lot about handling car, which could never have done on the public highways.<br />
<br />
Here is a short video of a couple of the circuits:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/RZZEh2LUn2s?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8531509866685253426.post-56816835899495286752013-03-14T07:51:00.001+00:002013-03-14T07:53:19.177+00:00Mud Flaps<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Often when out on a run down country lanes I find that I end up having to drive the car through puddles or being caught in a heavy rain shower. With the positioning of the front cycle wings there is quite a bit of space for the water to spray up towards the side of the car, the occupants and even the interior of the car. It was time to do something about it.<br />
<br />
I bought 3mm thickness rally car mud flap material. There was 4mm available, but I thought that would be too heavy. Fortunately one piece of material cut in two was the perfect size for each side of the car. A couple of 4.8mm rivets were used on each mud flap to hold them in place. I positioned the mud flaps about 65mm above the ground so as to prevent them being caught under the wheel when reversing up a bump. This could tear the cycle wing off the car.<br />
<br />
I've been out for a test drive, up to motorway speed. The mud flaps seem quite stable and didn't fly off! I now just need to find out if they actually stop the spray of water from the road.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0NqREP_Iln4/UUGBXhwIuCI/AAAAAAAAB-E/_3bp642mZDI/s1600/DSC05714-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0NqREP_Iln4/UUGBXhwIuCI/AAAAAAAAB-E/_3bp642mZDI/s320/DSC05714-800.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8531509866685253426.post-89090601207192078832013-03-13T08:19:00.001+00:002013-03-13T10:39:23.513+00:00Raceline Wet Sump<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have never been entirely happy with my sump installation. In particular, the fact that there is no baffling, with the consequent risk of oil surge when driving hard. When building the car I had changed the standard Zetec oil pressure switch for a lower (15psi) version. This at least should give some advance warning of oil pressure problems, but by the time it illuminates permanent damage to the engine may already have occurred. <br />
<br />
In 2012 I did have one trip to Brands Hatch and one to Curborough Sprint Circuit. While I had no oil pressure issues on these two occasions I started to think that I'd be pushing my luck with the three track sessions that I have booked this Spring.<br />
<br />
So I decided to bite the bullet and upgrade to the Raceline wet sump. This is very highly rated by those that use it. It is even used on many race cars. Most racers considering it to be good enough that at upgrade to a full dry sump installation is not even necessary.<br />
<br />
The old sump was removed without any major problems. Then it was time to start preparing the Raceline sump ready for installation.<br />
<br />
Here is the main pan. It is a very nice piece of engineering and you can see where the effort has been spent on the design, the casting and the machining.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-blLtDkzJRnQ/UTx6tODQEZI/AAAAAAAAB84/3KEHzFAo-KQ/s1600/DSC05701-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-blLtDkzJRnQ/UTx6tODQEZI/AAAAAAAAB84/3KEHzFAo-KQ/s320/DSC05701-800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is the Ford windage tray, Raceline windage tray and oil pick up pipe, etc.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cId01uaDGks/UTx6tE2X1_I/AAAAAAAAB88/nGXUZGdBROM/s1600/DSC05702-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cId01uaDGks/UTx6tE2X1_I/AAAAAAAAB88/nGXUZGdBROM/s320/DSC05702-800.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
First the oil pick up pipe is installed, with two rubber o-rings to make a seal into the main pan. A metal filter gauze is inserted into this pipe from the outside of the sump. This can be removed and cleaned at oil changes, if required.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xlYfDIX-ESE/UTx6tPSSIJI/AAAAAAAAB80/Sx5m0p0ltSw/s1600/DSC05703-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xlYfDIX-ESE/UTx6tPSSIJI/AAAAAAAAB80/Sx5m0p0ltSw/s320/DSC05703-800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Next the Raceline windage tray is bolted into place. This windage tray is one of the methods used to control oil surge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4gF58WIENDM/UTx6ta8etAI/AAAAAAAAB9A/Q0n_9n9QfcQ/s1600/DSC05704-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4gF58WIENDM/UTx6ta8etAI/AAAAAAAAB9A/Q0n_9n9QfcQ/s320/DSC05704-800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After that the Ford windage tray is bolted to the Raceline windage tray. The Ford windage tray is designed to 'scrape' oil of the crank and con-rods. Helping the oil to fall to the bottom of the sump and not be whipped up into the main engine block.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9lh9XQQ54no/UTx6tidNaRI/AAAAAAAAB9I/5yRi6NF5ULc/s1600/DSC05705-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9lh9XQQ54no/UTx6tidNaRI/AAAAAAAAB9I/5yRi6NF5ULc/s320/DSC05705-800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Standard Zetec Silvertop sump gasket fitted along with oil drain plug and gauze filter plug. There is a double top hat spacer with rubber o-rings fitted that makes the oil seal between the sump pan and the engine oil pump.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P2Hka2uKATE/UTx6ti2uJ9I/AAAAAAAAB9U/6O9NtO5NyAw/s1600/DSC05707-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P2Hka2uKATE/UTx6ti2uJ9I/AAAAAAAAB9U/6O9NtO5NyAw/s320/DSC05707-800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The sump itself fits very well. The main issue, and one which consumed a lot of time, was getting access to all the sump bolts. Many are hidden by things like the starter motor, engine mounts, etc.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S1unNot_3EU/UTzrg5rpt6I/AAAAAAAAB90/-xA6GpcenQk/s1600/DSC05708-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S1unNot_3EU/UTzrg5rpt6I/AAAAAAAAB90/-xA6GpcenQk/s320/DSC05708-800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The old Tiger ERA sump was higher than the gearbox bellhousing. The Raceline sump is level with the bellhousing. The previous sump had around 100mm of ground clearance, but unfortutately the Raceline sump only has about 65mm. This is too little, especially as the car is used a lot on country lanes, where there is often a raised centre to the road. So the springs on the front dampers were wound up by 20mm. Due to the geometry of the wishbones this translates to an increase in ride height of about 35mm, i.e. back to around 100mm under the sump. Result. I will take a look at the rear ride height as soon as I can and get the car leveled again.<br />
<br />
Before running the engine for the first time I removed the plugs and rotated the engine by hand (socket set on crankshaft pulley). I wanted to make sure that the Ford windage tray was not fouling the crankshaft or con-rods. Next, I took the spark plugs out and cranked over the engine until the oil pressure light went out. Once this was done it was time to fire up the engine and go for a test drive. I'm happy to report that so far all appears to be working fine and there are no leaks. Roll on the good weather and some track time!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8531509866685253426.post-2767524595298827342013-03-10T12:14:00.000+00:002013-03-10T12:17:29.948+00:00Cooling System Updated (Again!)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>As advised by Tiger I originally ran the car with no thermostat and no bypass plumbing. I understand this is a fairly standard set up for race cars. However, if quickly became apparent that the engine was being over cooled.</li>
<li>My next configuration had a thermostat with a 3mm hole in it as a bypass. This worked very well all summer - the engine stayed at a constant 88oC, unless the fan needed to cut in.</li>
<li>Once the cold mornings of autumn arrived the engine started to run cool again. Things were fine at lower speeds, but once there was a significant air flow through the radiator the coolant temperature struggled to maintain 80+ oC. So I decided to introduce a full bypass pipe and fit a thermostat with no bypass hole. To do this I had to fit a thermostat housing from an earlier Silvertop Zetec. This was necessary in order to fit the coolant temperature sensor in a place where it would get a reading prior to the thermostat opening (as the Blacktop Zetec housing has no sensor holes and I'd previously had the coolant sensor in the main pipe to the radiator). This set up generally worked very well, but there was one problem: somehow air from the expansion tank would make its way to the top of the radiator, which is higher than the pipe that feeds it from the thermostat housing. A little bit of air would get trapped there each time the engine was run until there was sufficient air there for the flow of coolant to break down - not good.</li>
<li>So one more modification and hopefully the final configuration. A 8mm hose barb was welded on to the top of the radiator and plumbed into the pipe joining the thermostat housing to the expansion tank. Now all works well. Any air can return to the top of the system and an added bonus is that the hole coolant system is now self bleeding, which will help when I come to renew the coolant at future services.</li>
</ol>
Here is a schematic of my final cooling configuration:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fCR9QM6eCz4/UToVe2u4jhI/AAAAAAAAB8k/uV2WNrnVvvA/s1600/Tiger+Avon+2.0+Zetec+Cooling+System.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fCR9QM6eCz4/UToVe2u4jhI/AAAAAAAAB8k/uV2WNrnVvvA/s400/Tiger+Avon+2.0+Zetec+Cooling+System.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
8mm hose barb welded in to the top of the radiator. It is just above parallel with the ground. This is to allow it and the pipe to fit under the curvature of the nosecone.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-55RQoau_4WM/UToVYoVmS7I/AAAAAAAAB8M/K_n70UvL1KU/s1600/IMAG0229-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-55RQoau_4WM/UToVYoVmS7I/AAAAAAAAB8M/K_n70UvL1KU/s320/IMAG0229-800.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Full routing of the new pipework (apologies for the poor quality mobile phone pictures, must use the proper camera next time).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yw8zSo4aVrk/UToVYn0VatI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/PTZ5T_yQ9Gg/s1600/IMAG0234-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yw8zSo4aVrk/UToVYn0VatI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/PTZ5T_yQ9Gg/s320/IMAG0234-800.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
C-shaped brackets were fabricated from aluminium strip. These were fixed under the camshaft cover bolts and rubber lined p-clips were riveted to them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eo9nOfUnq0k/UToVYhpQFsI/AAAAAAAAB8U/cg1FlSD8Px8/s1600/IMAG0235-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eo9nOfUnq0k/UToVYhpQFsI/AAAAAAAAB8U/cg1FlSD8Px8/s320/IMAG0235-800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8531509866685253426.post-86570429602811875362012-10-07T22:13:00.001+01:002012-10-07T22:14:47.403+01:00GoPro Hero2 HD External Microphone<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm really pleased with my new GoPro Hero2 HD video camera. The picture is awesome. Only issue is the sound quality, or more specifically the problem of wind noise. With the skeleton door on the back of the case it is pretty bad. With the waterproof solid door it is better, but you still get a lot of wind noise (bad) and not much engine noise (good).<br />
<br />
Anyway, I investigated external mikes and bought the following off eBay: UltraDisk 4036 Omnidirectional Hands Free Car Kit Microphone 3.5mm 3 Metre Cable.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x_C1QE66mlM/UHHqLDTm0RI/AAAAAAAAB4A/hdbZZWhSj7w/s1600/IMAG0147-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x_C1QE66mlM/UHHqLDTm0RI/AAAAAAAAB4A/hdbZZWhSj7w/s320/IMAG0147-800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Then I drilled a 9mm hole carefully in the nice new waterproof case. Yes, I know, it won't be waterproof anymore! I then routed the cable around the roll cage and attached the mike under the scuttle on the exhaust side.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-phJH0-0IokM/UHHqLtMlM-I/AAAAAAAAB4E/LJ3o7bRg0zU/s1600/IMAG0148-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-phJH0-0IokM/UHHqLtMlM-I/AAAAAAAAB4E/LJ3o7bRg0zU/s320/IMAG0148-800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Tried it out and success. The wind noise is almost gone and you can hear the engine much better. This test video was taken before I had drilled the hole in the case, hence the reason why it's just resting on the passenger seat. Didn't want to drill hole until I knew that it was going to improve the sound.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ddcx6ffvGJo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8531509866685253426.post-62668153967648035532012-09-30T22:41:00.001+01:002012-10-03T11:41:37.226+01:00Tiger Curborough Sprint Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_vZxRbKD9wI/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_vZxRbKD9wI?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_vZxRbKD9wI?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8531509866685253426.post-18697947154618211442012-09-27T21:31:00.000+01:002012-09-27T21:31:59.204+01:00Rallye Artois Lys 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Late September saw our second outing to France with the Southern Kit Car Club.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/5sKHeMxDmO8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8531509866685253426.post-19704904777557951712012-09-18T22:42:00.001+01:002012-10-03T11:42:32.158+01:00Front Camber Adjustment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The rear camber had previously been set up by adjusting the rose joints on the lower wishbones. I tried to set the front camber, but I found that I could not wind the upper ball joints far enough in to the wishbones as the locking nuts got in the way.<br />
<br />
The solution was to either machine down the wishbones or the locking nuts. I decided it would be better to go for the lock nuts. The local machine shop reduced them from 9.5mm thickness to 6.5mm.<br />
<br />
Once re-fitted the upper ball joints would wind far enough in to get the desired 1.5 degrees of negative camber.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YGUn67HcDEo/UFjpY7U3hVI/AAAAAAAAB3g/dOpixqFv500/s1600/IMAG0119-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YGUn67HcDEo/UFjpY7U3hVI/AAAAAAAAB3g/dOpixqFv500/s320/IMAG0119-800.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
A test drive confirmed that the handling had been significantly transformed for the better. Previously, with neutral front camber, the car handled okay, but it felt like there was room for improvement. Now the car is much more willing to turn into corners and goes round on rails. I should have adjusted this particular geometry setting months ago. I'm now looking forward to testing the car out further on some more 'twisties'.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8531509866685253426.post-45511504411676052252012-09-09T22:32:00.000+01:002012-09-18T22:34:42.465+01:00Front Half of Roll Cage Fitted<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Brackets are supplied with the cage to mount the front half. There are some tubes welded onto them to protect the chassis rails from being crushed as the bolts are tightened up. Problem is these are 16mm outside diameter. If holes were drilled big enough this would remove two thirds of the metal in each of the 25mm chassis rails! It would be okay if they were welded in before the body was fitted. So I decided to cut the tubes off and just drill 10mm holes, using the remaining metal of the brackets as spreader plates.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xy9AE828wHU/UFjlcmTu3cI/AAAAAAAAB2I/C464531VlsE/s1600/IMAG0099-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xy9AE828wHU/UFjlcmTu3cI/AAAAAAAAB2I/C464531VlsE/s320/IMAG0099-800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Initially the roll cage came very close to the exhaust, but after tightening up the bolts it pulled the cage far enough away from the exhaust.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mYA2r0vRP6k/UFjlfAAhKzI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/ZGj9jdE1fJE/s1600/IMAG0100-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mYA2r0vRP6k/UFjlfAAhKzI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/ZGj9jdE1fJE/s320/IMAG0100-800.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
The silencer needed to be removed to get the lower bolts in. The seats and interior trim panels had to be removed to get at the upper bolts.<br />
<br />
Steel tubes of 10mm internal diameter were needed to space the roll cage out from the upper chassis rails.<br />
<br />
Once fitted it was clear that the front half of the cage was going to foul the mirrors.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dmCTqvWRRSU/UFjlhGFTcmI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/6CQ1uz17wrc/s1600/IMAG0103-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dmCTqvWRRSU/UFjlhGFTcmI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/6CQ1uz17wrc/s320/IMAG0103-800.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
New mounting holes were made further back and 25mm rubber grommets were inserted into the holes previously cut into the aeroscreen.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are some photos taken on the way to the Southern Kit Car Club 2012 Jamboree.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Moq2IamH6h0/UFjmEVKPr0I/AAAAAAAAB24/dPRUX6xzj08/s1600/DSC_0069-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Moq2IamH6h0/UFjmEVKPr0I/AAAAAAAAB24/dPRUX6xzj08/s320/DSC_0069-800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMgBR8Y9XCk/UFjlp6iR5xI/AAAAAAAAB2o/49-Po5KKQa8/s1600/DSC_0070-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMgBR8Y9XCk/UFjlp6iR5xI/AAAAAAAAB2o/49-Po5KKQa8/s320/DSC_0070-800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This was taken at the Jamboree parking.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yb5n54DsNgI/UFjmXvJNwfI/AAAAAAAAB3A/HksojbddpKY/s1600/IMG_2274-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yb5n54DsNgI/UFjmXvJNwfI/AAAAAAAAB3A/HksojbddpKY/s320/IMG_2274-800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8531509866685253426.post-70384921858033746062012-08-28T22:14:00.000+01:002012-09-07T22:22:09.669+01:00Rear Half of Roll Cage Fitted<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The previously made template was used to accurately mark out where the holes needed to be cut for the rear bracing tubes. A hole saw and a curved file were used for this.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U-QOQKyuAlQ/UEplRkpQspI/AAAAAAAAB00/rK7s8sSDOI4/s1600/IMAG0087-800_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U-QOQKyuAlQ/UEplRkpQspI/AAAAAAAAB00/rK7s8sSDOI4/s320/IMAG0087-800_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">What I hadn't appreciated was that these bracing tubes were at a slight angle. Meaning that the holes had to be widened to get the ends through, before the rear half of the cage could be lowered in to place. Covers will need to be made for these. Probably out of aluminium sheet sprayed white.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The feet were then bolted on to the bracing tubes and holes drilled in the rear of the chassis to accommodate the fixing bolts. All in all not too bad a fit, the fabrication tolerances probably within a few millimetres.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Luckily the off-side bracing tube clears the fuel filler by about 10mm and also the filler pipe below. Phew! That was a close call.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5JuysUiXn6o/UEpiB0SfmwI/AAAAAAAAB0M/Qo079eQkfMQ/s1600/IMAG0095-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5JuysUiXn6o/UEpiB0SfmwI/AAAAAAAAB0M/Qo079eQkfMQ/s320/IMAG0095-800.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
After fitting I tried to get in the boot. Oh dear, we have a problem. Looks like the boot on the Avon Mk2 bodywork will only open to about 45 degrees with the roll cage fitted. Never mind, access is still pretty good.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SU6P9WbAjww/UEpiGCHfDpI/AAAAAAAAB0U/ib4aCegdiEg/s1600/IMAG0102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SU6P9WbAjww/UEpiGCHfDpI/AAAAAAAAB0U/ib4aCegdiEg/s320/IMAG0102.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
Next on to the front half of the roll cage...<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8531509866685253426.post-28381581343567704622012-08-25T18:49:00.000+01:002012-08-25T18:54:26.160+01:00Delivery of Full Race Cage<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yesterday my full race cage arrived. This was delivered on a pallet direct from the manufacturers <a href="http://www.cagedlaser.com/">Caged Laser Engerineering</a>. It is comprised of a braced roll over bar with the main part of the cage bolting to this and the side chassis rails.<br />
<br />
It is very substantial and quite heavy. Much tougher than the chassis by the looks of it. Which I suppose is reassuring and whole point of fitting the cage. The quality is very good and it comes complete with a fixing kit. We'll see how straightforward it is to install.<br />
<br />
Holes need to be cut in the top of the rear tub to allow the diagonal braces to pass through. The feet are bolted on after passing through the braces through the holes. This helps keep the holes as small as possible.<br />
<br />
I've made a cardboard template to establish the location of the holes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--xtSJThyK8g/UDkOuv2uuvI/AAAAAAAABzU/ANpYzeXynb0/s1600/IMAG0081-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--xtSJThyK8g/UDkOuv2uuvI/AAAAAAAABzU/ANpYzeXynb0/s320/IMAG0081-800.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">I'll use this template to transfer the dimensions across to the top of the rear tub. I am praying that fuel filler is not in the way and does not need to be moved. Once I've got the old roll over bar off, and the template offered up, I'll know for sure.</span></div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0