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Jan 29, 2013 12:22:09 GMT
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Got it in one. Wheels and purple are the easy bits, getting that front end properly repaired is going to cost a bob or two as I'd still like to get it properly jigged and new metal - bonnet, wing, slam panel, valance, headlight panel - bought and fitted so there's still a lot to do and spend on yet.
However, short term is just to get an MoT and the only thing holding that up is the bitter weather and business being a little slow at this time of year for me.
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Last Edit: Jan 29, 2013 12:22:50 GMT by Deleted
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Jan 29, 2013 12:30:57 GMT
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I know you've seen it already and I know it's already been quoted, but I just had to post this again (so it carries over onto this page as a reminder) This looks incredible with the Lotus wheels, just needs some altitude adjustment to pull them off 100%  I know you say you won't be able to make it ride that low, but in all honesty, it's not *that* low and would still have a decent level of clearance from what I can make out? Also, if the engine & box are getting a bit too close to the tarmac for comfort, it's actually fairly straightforward to space the engine (and box) up a bit. I'd put money on it being entierly possible to make it ride nicely at that height, with good clearance. Just think, you get all the benefits AND such a cool look too.... Oh, and bloody well done on the wheels, great choice and perfect for when you *do* get it riding like Paul's awsome photoshop....  |
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Jan 29, 2013 13:39:04 GMT
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You're all terrible people, I think you all know full well what's going to happen next. Stupid peer pressure  |
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Jan 29, 2013 13:46:03 GMT
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Pah! You're only having to deal with a bit of encouragement. If any plans are even hinted at down at Area 52, they are usually carried out after no shortage of intense peer pressure combined with a massive dose of beer pressure. ;D I'm glad you're starting to see the importance in realising what Paul has suggested. [edited for my terrible spelling] |
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Jan 29, 2013 13:55:32 GMT
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Rovamota, over on the Princess forum, tells me that Harris Mann wanted the car to sit lower for a sportier ride and since my motto is very much 'What would Harris Mann do?', I don't think I have a choice in the matter.
I'll do some measuring and obtain a hydragas pump before doing anything because while lowering is easy - screwdriver on the schraeder valve, and some care - it's easy to go too far so I want a back up in case I accidentally bottom the suspension out. If it turns out I don't like it lowered, we can always go back up again. Got to love the ease of that system.
I reckon I'll go for a bit of rake too, rather than a flat lowering. The back end is very close to where it should be but the front could do with a more substantial drop. It'll also help emphasise the wedgy shape.
It's highly unlikely I'll get the wheels on and the car lowered for Brooklands (March 10th), which is a massive shame, there simply isn't likely to be the funds to get everything together in such a short time scale because of the Maestro needing some attention. But, there's Gaydon in May which would work equally well, and numerous A52 days of course which I really should wobble on down to.
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Jan 29, 2013 15:26:20 GMT
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Hmmm not quite that straightforward actually. Merely letting fluid out will actually sacrifice the ride quality a lot (and the life span of the suspension spheres). The correct way is to machine/file/hacksaw the knuckles that sit in the spheres. When pumped up you get the same original pressure and ride quality but with the added bonus of lows. You can also increase the pressure to give it a firmer ride, but you have to do some trial and error/math in regards to the resulting ride height. If you find it too low you just refit with shims to raise it up. Can't remember if the Princess hydragas is interlinked, if so they should be easy to individualise (effectively making each corner independent) so the handling improves as a result.
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Jan 29, 2013 15:32:05 GMT
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^^ and this is all something I'd be happy to help with (along with some of the lads I'm sure) at Area 52 if you were to make it down? ^^ Obviously the A52 way would be to take out (for want of a better word) 'too much' from the knuckles to get it stuidly low. Then it's just a case of adding more shims to bring it back up a wee bit (only for us to pull them back out when your back is turned ) CustomsInc, the invite is there for you too...you could be out technical advisor, we do the dirty work and Pollitt can provide the jokes. Drinking the beer would be a joint venture. I see no flaw in this plan? |
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Jan 29, 2013 15:39:29 GMT
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Sounds good to me. I reckon even low low wouldn't hurt the ride as the tyres are a sensible profile, low-pros would look stupid on this. And some spacer arrangement/sumpgaurding should protect the engine. DO IT DO IT DO IT!!
Anyway I can't look at this thread any more as it's giving me rude ideas about getting a later Ambassador and ANOTHER project is not what I need at the moment!
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Jan 29, 2013 15:53:32 GMT
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Sounds sensible, definitely something to aim for post-MoT. All this talk of lowering got me looking for some pictures (only seem to have the one that's suitable to illustrate) to show just how little ground clearance these actually have compared to, say, my old Polo. The engine and box sit very low in the body to facilitate the bonnet's low shape, there isn't much space to lift the engine into without chopping a hole in the bonnet.  I'll get out with the tape measure and the camera when it stops raining sideways so I can tell you exactly what clearance there is. Annoyingly, the rest of the underside is pretty flat with very little getting in the way of going lower, it's the tall engine and 'box combo mounted low in the body that's the problem. |
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rysz
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 2,558
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Jan 29, 2013 16:04:51 GMT
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Dry sump, that is all.
Build your own from a power steering pump and a catch tank!
Then you can have a flat bottom all the way along and run it on the ground!
Rysz.
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Jan 29, 2013 16:08:25 GMT
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Low princess + titanium sumpgaurd =  |
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Jan 29, 2013 16:11:38 GMT
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I don't think dry sump would work, engine and gearbox share the same oil and, if I've got it correct, the gearbox is in the sump. Dry sump would, therefore, equate to a knackered gearbox, yes? Or have I completely misunderstood what a dry sump is?
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Jan 29, 2013 16:11:39 GMT
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Dry sump, that is all. Build your own from a power steering pump and a catch tank! Then you can have a flat bottom all the way along and run it on the ground! Rysz. . Gearbox is in the sump, which poses a problem. A problem to which I think the only sensible solution would be to convert to a conventional side-mounted gearbox. On the side of an O-series turbo block from a Maestro/Montego turbo. With the turbo still bolting on. Amen. |
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Jan 29, 2013 16:12:39 GMT
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Aluminium sump guard (I have the perfect thing down here at the unit) with removable/replaceable titanium inserts (also have some of that down here) and you're onto a winner. Plus I am sure there is a way to raise the engine/box somewhat....I have ideas! |
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Jan 29, 2013 16:12:44 GMT
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The spiral has begun!
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Jan 29, 2013 16:16:18 GMT
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A problem to which I think the only sensible solution would be to convert to a conventional side-mounted gearbox. On the side of an O-series turbo block from a Maestro/Montego turbo. With the turbo still bolting on. Amen. Hoooohhhh Yessss....AMEN +1 Angyl, just hand the car over. We'll return it back to you once we're done. Rich, you're welcome to stay at the unit for the week while we make this a reality. ;D |
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Jan 29, 2013 16:21:38 GMT
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Terrible, terrible people |
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Jan 29, 2013 16:31:41 GMT
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Surely it is an offer you cannot refuse.
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Currently: 1974 Beetle - Golf -
Previously: e38 735i, e34 525iSE, 1972 Beetle, 1991 Scirocco Scala, Morris Minor, 1983 Polo Breadvan, 1991 Mazda MX6
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Colin
Part of things
Posts: 239
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Jan 29, 2013 16:35:40 GMT
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Jan 29, 2013 16:43:27 GMT
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doctorblack: Those sorts of offers generally are, which makes them very dangerous, because I'm just the sort of person to take them up. colin: Cheers  I'm guessing they're straightforward to use, they don't look that complicated. It's exactly the type I've got on my shopping list so it'll be good to try one out before I commit to buying my own.
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[*]
[*]
I'm guessing they're straightforward to use, they don't look that complicated. It's exactly the type I've got on my shopping list so it'll be good to try one out before I commit to buying my own.