Forgot one..
8, continue to seam weld chassis..

I'm not sure yet Deano what wheels I'll be using, at the moment I've got a set of Hustlers to use as temps, we'll see...

Here it is all connected in place

A little bit of cleaning of the plug welds and it's good to go


I still haven't fitted the back panel but that ok cause it gives good access into the boot area. The new seat combo I've recently bought will require some or lots of install and remove attempts to get right. Kind of need to make the car fit the seats in the rear to a point , brackets need to be made up etc for them to work as intended.

Deano, check these wheels out.. Shame I've only got 3x tho, 13x7 with mad offset, left overs from the Anglia build. Genuine UK Revolution 4 spoke GRP 1 rally wheels.

Hi Mark
I see it used a lot in UK, but they need all the help they can get over there.
All I used was a rust guard rattle can, and where the welding will be I lightly sanded the local area so the welder gets current.
Once welding all the primer will burn back a slight bit, it's natural. Best defence is to spray primer one the welded area as best you can quickly after it's cooled down, or brush it on ..

there will be nothing Mrs Marty will be able to get you for under the tree at this rate.
 
I've seen all the replies about tramp bars, ok, maybe that should be on my list again as it sounds like a basic must have.
Dumb question because my head is somewhere else ATM,  but do the (std van) diffs normally have the needed end as std, or do the tabs have to have to be welded on also also? If its just the body end to be modded, I could do that with some info/dimensions.. I assume tramp bars and poly bushes are available?

Yes Deano, she has a hard time thinking of what to get me, I do say nothing is ok but still finds something good lol.
Mk2 Escort and van diffs all come with rear swaybar brackets welded on and in some cases they need cutting off as they're right where the tramp bkt goes located on the diff. From my history of installing these there is 2x types, the straight set for all sedans from late 73 (upright shocks) and dogleg set, this is for early mk1 and all vans ( unless you've gone turrets then either can be used). The reason is because the shocks get in the way but with turrets they are way outboard of the chassis and won't interfere.
If you order a set you'll need the dogleg set , this is the shape of the radius bar, banana ! Everything else in the kit is the same, you will need to weld on the axle bkts or take to a muffler shop, they'll do it if your not confident...a lot of stress get put thru them..

There is only one spot where the can go so it's very easy to install them, only drama is the fuel and brake lines will need slightly bending around them, no biggie..
Here is mine welded in place

I've never fully stitched them on as this isn't needed , and can cause the floor pan to rip.

Also treated the car to some seam welding while I was there, I've only done the inside rails for now

Thinking of enlarging the gearbox tunnel mainly cause I don't know what box I'll be using and the tunnel is a bit crinkled from some earlier life stack. I want the tunnel to be about auto tunnel size so I can get carpet to fit nice but will raise it up slightly so the motor can fit flatter


Tomorrow is Xmas Eve and we're having a getup here on the big day, I'm in charge of the pizza oven charcoal griller smoker and the pool of it's warm enough !

Yep it all makes now Marty with what I've seen in bits and pieces over the years. I think the XA/B GT's had a similar setup?
 
Question. Is there any advantage in looking at Caltracs?
 
It has done my head in with the track car I'm building, not because I've wanted to work to any given theory or formulas, but I have spent much time calculating roll centres, instant centres, anti-squat (Arthur Mallock theory) etc, just so I can understand its effect.
 
In the end I think it will all boil down to getting it on the track and seeing what effect certain adjustments make. At least I will have a better idea about their influences on the cars dynamics.
 
Actually Arthur Mallock says in one of his papers, you can do all the calculations you like but getting it right on the road is all that matters.
 
Hope the SA weather is kinder to you than ours. Enjoy the day chef.
 
Mark

Hoping everyone has a great Xmas and dittn eat too much, if you did it's a good excuse to work in the shed to burn off the excess pudding etc

Made the effort to hack away the old tunnel, it was crinkled and split apart so it's a no brainer to remove it and adjust it's width and height while here, first started grinding on the line and then pop the spot welds off

The tunnel removed

This is the hole it left behind

I started making the new tunnel in 3 pieces starting with the top, I bead rolled a squiggle as the original but bigger and longer. The sides were interesting to make, not just the shape but the curve as well they have a return edge for welding and also to create strength in the tunnel , also ran a couple of beads along the length each side for looks and more stuffiness. I might change the shape slightly yet, will see when it's all made..