My MK1 - updates

[foc64]

Small update, front end now installed with new brakes



Next job is an engine transplant........more pics soon.

Chris

[16v_kid]

This is going to be a good ride! Keep it up buddy.

[Jarred]

Looking good!

have you driven it yet with the new brakes?

[foc64]

Looking good!

have you driven it yet with the new brakes?

Given that the car has been sitting in parts for a few months and it's only just about to be sat back on the ground in preparation for an engine transplant (current motor is FUBAR), the answer is no, I haven't driven it with the new brakes just yet. Once I have the beat going I'll report my results - good or bad.

Chris

[foc64]

Update time - just finished my lower stress bar so here’s a few photos on how I made mine,
First I used a spare section of MDF as a work surface and marked out the dimensions (needs to be 683mm between mounting centre holes) I also decided to build mine with a bend in the bar to give a little clearance.

Materials used were 50x50x5 mm mild steel angle and 20NB medium black pipe (NB stands for nominal bore in pipe talk – measures around 27mm outside dimensions),



I ended up cutting the angle iron in to 2 pieces at around 38mm wide by 38mm deep as this was a better size for the brace. I then measured and cut 2 x sections of pipe at 155mm and welded them to the end of the angle iron brackets after I’d drilled a 12.5mm hole in the brackets for mounting the completed strut brace.



Next step is to mount the end pieces to the MDF work surface and check that your short pipe pieces are parallel and equally spaced (both need to be in the same relative position so the main section of pipe has the correct orientation once welded to the two end sections – the key is to tack weld every thing and check then re-check BEFORE final welding, it’s easier to cut a tack weld and reposition rather than cut a completed weld because the bracket is in the wrong position (trust me I’ve done this in the past!).



Once you have checked all your dimensions and checked that all the strut brace components are lined up correctly you can fully weld up the brace. With that done you can clean up the welds (if you need to) and paint it what ever colour suits your car.


Cheers

Chris

[Jarred]

Nice one. Good to see a bit of DIY going on.

[pepperwhite]

neat work and nice info.

[foc64]

Update time - rear sway bar mounts completed and 26mm Jap sway bar now bolted on - see if you can guess what car it was from (it was a front sway bar on the doner car)



Rear brakes cleaned and painted ready for installing - the smaller round discs above the backing plates are 12mm thick rear stub axle spacers

[gtimk5]

Good job Chris.
If you plan on "dumping it real low, check the clearance to the fuel filler pipe mate. Will discuss on your next visit!!
Andrew

[foc64]

Thanks Andrew - the beast won't be that low realy, I like suspension travel as it saves on kidney transplants, I will need a replacement right rear brake line though due to suffering a rooted bundy nut on the slave cylinder end.

Chris