Paul Y
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,948
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Really like the wheels, Completely changes the feel of the car.
As for the load bay... Mmmm... Understand what you are trying to do but not 100% convinced with the look you have arrived at. Can you remove the rear seat belts as, with the hinge, it still looks (to me) as if you have the rear seat folded down.
I would add the chrome rubbing strips and lose the handle and have another look but then what do I know about taste and style!
Spinners would be ace, what about getting a plate made that goes between the wheels and hub with a pipe welded to it to fit through the central 'hole' and then attach a spinner with a grub screw or the like rather than thread it? Was thinking that you might be able to adapt the knock ons from the wire wheel baskets that were available a few years back.
Looking forward to seeing how you develop your project.
P.
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Its different!
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Last Edit: Apr 8, 2014 10:57:40 GMT by guinnal
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filly
Part of things
Posts: 62
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Yep, agree with all comments! I've ditched the handle and ordered a leather one from ebay. I think once the chrome and rubber strips are on it will make all the difference. Also needs some period style buckets to finish it off.
I've spent today taking out the old switches and making plates for the new ones. Still not sure how to make it look good - will add some pics soon.
Phil
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filly
Part of things
Posts: 62
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Ah, not cheap! I was thinking about fibre glassing the large hole, the painting over and re-drilling the hole. Thing is, I'm sure i won't be able to replicate the finish on the dash. Will look into Wrinkle paint, but I bet it will stand out!
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filly
Part of things
Posts: 62
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Apr 12, 2014 17:32:52 GMT
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Small update - I've always liked the MKI and II toggle switches better than the awful BL rockers, and had planned to change them. Thanks to some period toggles from eBay and some switch legend's the job was pretty simple. The main problem is filling the large rectangular hole used to fit the old rockers. Short of removing the dash and welding in a plate then re-painting, I thought this was the most straight forward plan. While I had it apart I also added a washer squirt switch - pushing that button whilst operating the wipers is not nice - and the car came with a washer reservoir with built in pump so again a straight forward job. Current look: I guess its obvious that the next thing which needs sorting is the centre console. I'll come back to that later.. Dunlop wheel stickers also arrived. Not for everyone, but they are genuine dunlop wheels so.... Fitted some new latches to the rear hatch, just waiting for the new leather handle. Looking better, but still not convinced with the wood... So today I won this on fleabay: The plan is to cover my the wood 'deck' with this, then add the chrome and rubber bump strips if needed. Thoughts?? Centre console wise I was thinking about making a faceplate and covering it in the same material. I like the retro tape deck, but its beyond useless and I have bought a motorcycle FM radio with AUX super cheap from the bay. If I can mount this neatly in the centre console (its only about 3" square) I can then wire it to an amp under my newly created front hatch. Never wired an amp to a sound system before, but I seem to remember a friend telling me it needed a high amp connection constantly to live?? Cheers Phil
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Apr 12, 2014 17:48:03 GMT
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Looks like you're having fun with the little car. I quite like the wooden deck. It's pretty practical for a couple heading off for a weekend away. I think the chrome strips you had in mind at the start would add an air of class. The tartan doesn't do it for me, but hey, it's your car, do your thing
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I like where you are going with this but personally, I think the wood could be darker with a higher gloss, more like the Riva boats. Finished with the strips, should look good. Also can you get full width piano hinges, which are a bit lower profile than current?
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Mike
Part of things
Posts: 352
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i love the wood! think it looks amazing! do you still have the le front valance?
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filly
Part of things
Posts: 62
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Apr 17, 2014 18:54:11 GMT
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Sorry Mike - just seen your post. Still have the front Valance - all yours if you'd like it? Anyway, not much car work this week - had to be boring and do the garden at the new place. The one bonus of this was I got to use a different Retro Ride - Villiers Engine, 1950's I guess - but what a machine..... Anyway - today the tartan arrived! Hooray! As Chloe was on nights I needed something to keep me out the house and cracked on with it. I'm the first to admit I'm no upholsterer - but I did my best with some £2.70 spray glue from Boyes (East Yorkshire reference), and a staple gun borrowed from work (school). The front board has come up well - may need to re-do the rear board with someone there to help me. Anyway; the pictures... Looks better on top! I know it's not perfect, but... The final finish is much more of the look I had wanted in the first place, really happy (I think) now.. Also, finally managed to drill through from the Kitchen to the outhouse and we now have power in the shed - this was a big moment! That's me done for a few days. Have a good friends stag to go on this weekend which should prove a much needed break. The challenge was a car for under £500 that's going to get us to Ireland - our's isn't that inspiring, but it is a V6! Absolutely hoping to sell her on when we return and maybe make some pennies to help pay for the MG project. Either that, or I really fancy a Lotus Elite project.... argh! Have a good Easter, Phil
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