V8 Mk1 conversion from N.Z

[jewels]

this build up done by a New Zealander Simon P.

very extensive and lots of fabrication

and nothing left untouched

very neat and look forward to seeing and hearing more on this car :)

[jewels]

specs on this car

Ford 302 GT40 crate engine
Procharger supercharger
Intercooled
Custom fuel injection using Edelbrock manifold with a MSD throttle body
Link ECU

Tremec close ratio 5 speed

Falcon narrowed diff
Alcon 4 wheel disc brakes

love the fuel tank :)

[jewels]

further specs

Rear end suspended by QA1 shocks on 15x8.

special frame to support the watts link

4 link with tops bars under seat

front suspension is mustang with bilsteins

subaru power steering

[jewels]

the engine is setback around 14 inchs to allow clearance for the belt drive for the super charger

it will also now have better weight distribution

front seat need to be narrowed and moved back to be inline with the manual shifter

it has also has a half cage fitted which extends along the sides of the sills

pedals are hanging type with remote reservoirs

[pimtina]

We need more of this one!!
Since I've decided to dump the Zetec and go 5.0 now!
I'll be watching this space with great interest.
Get us more info on the front suspension if you can. Since I live in Mustang country this may be a good way to go for me.

[jewels]

yes it certainly is a great fresh thinking build up

[speryer]

Other than the front struts being Mustang with Bilstein inserts, the lower arms have been fabricated to suit, which means having to have them x-rayed for engineering/compliance.
The bracket for the rearward link for the suspension has also been fabricated to suit... I'll sned some more photos to show the above.
The power steering rack is Subaru Forester, attached to the front cross member with fabricated brackets.
The steering column goes through the inner arch a little, since the whole steering is a little futher offset than normal.

Regards,
Simon

[speryer]

Another front suspension photo.
I guess the Cortina in some ways is a Mustang in a Cortina body!
But it'll go a bit better than my 65 Fastback!

[speryer]

Thanks Jewels for loading the photos.
Attached are the latest photos.
It's now in the final assembly stage, which should be 1-2 weeks before being sent for tuning set up (one week) and finally upholstery, which should be a week also, since the seats, door cards and dash are already done.

I'm looking forward to having it on the road in time for the Beach Hop ... a 50/60's festival of cars and music.
http://www.beachhop.co.nz/

[jewels]

hi simon,
what is the alloy box near the scuttle ?
air intake?

[speryer]

That's a cold air intake, which will feed air into the back of the Supercharger down the passenger side, through the intercooler which is in front of the radiator and back up the other side of the engine bay into the throttle body intake.
The airbox is a neat design with a flat rectangular air filter inside accessed through the lift off top.
The air comes from the high pressure zone at the base of the windscreen through the air vent, and has a lip and drain to prevent water getting in.

[jewels]

ahh
thanx simon as i thought :)

[dmulally]

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh that is nice.

I shudder to think what it would all cost but looks very nice.

NZ guys have it so much easier over there compared to here for mods.

Imagine rocking up for a blue slip in this one!

[jewels]

yea certainly would not be possible here....

[zombie289]

We're not worthy! We're not worthy! Holy sheeeeet that thing is insane!!!!

Im building my own Mk1 V8 (nowhere near as neat as yours!, and I love the idea of the mustang struts...(as I live in the USA)...BTW...what year mustang are the struts from? I have a zillion questions mate, would mind if i picked yer brain every now and again....? Looking forward to seeing the finished product...
Cheers
Pauly
Zombie289

[WilliamBodie]

Hey Pauly how is that tina coming along anyway, I was looking at the pics again the other day and noticed that some one has gone and put the steering wheel in the passenger side ???, gonna have to steer it on the throttle mate !!

[speryer]

Hi Pauly,
The struts are from a 2000 Mustang. I'm also looking forward to seeing the car finished. I checked it out today and most of the plumbing in the engine bay is finished... man those fancy connectors are expensive! The brakes are connected and ready to bleed.
Happy to answer questions about the car.
Cheers,
Simon

[zombie289]

Ok cool, first off,
1.What are you using as a front sway bar?
2.What was the crossmember originally, escort?
3. Is the engine dry sumped?

Cheers mate
pauly
Zombie289

[benny]

Absolutely beautiful build......sort of like my car, but taken to the next level.

[jewels]

welcome benny :)
glad you got the registration sorted...

is your car now fitted with downdraught webers?

check HERE (http://www.cortina-mk1classifieds.com/forum/showthread.php?t=113) to see some others mk1s with v8s

[benny]

Thanks Jewels,

No, the car with the Dellortos is Mike Haynes' car, mine is "just" fitted with a Holley double-pumper.

[dmulally]

is that all?

:-P

[jewels]

benny,

maybe you give some details on your car

for the benefit of others here ? :)

in the your cortina thread HERE (http://www.cortina-mk1classifieds.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=21)

[benny]

Sure, be glad to....you interested in my Datsun (Nissan) Bluebird powered Cortina also?

admin edit :heres the link to his 'L' series datsun powered MK1 HERE (http://www.cortina-mk1classifieds.com/forum/showthread.php?t=258)

[jewels]

yea for sure benny
please post away :)

see details about bennys v8 HERE (http://www.cortina-mk1classifieds.com/forum/showthread.php?t=259)

[speryer]

Hi Pauly,
Sorry to take so long to reply.
1.The front sway bar will be custom made... it's on the to-do list.
2. I think you're right that the crossmember is Escort. When I bought the car it was being set up for a Cosworth conversion and had the crossmember and Escort rack in it.
3. The engine isn't dry sumped. The sump has been baffled and reshaped to take out the original hump, which gives it more capacity. With the supercharger, the engine will put out lots of heat, so the more oil the better. In fact there's an oil coller in the inner wheel arch... a neat arrangement with a stone shield to protect stones from the front wheel.
You can see the inlet/outlet through the inner guard in the attached photo just behind the radiator.

Cheers,
Simon

[speryer]

Absolutely beautiful build......sort of like my car, but taken to the next level.
Benny,
Awesome loking car.
That's exactly what I had in mind when planning to build my car.
Something that is retro cool, but fast and fun to drive.

Cheers,
Simon

[zombie289]

Hi Pauly,
Sorry to take so long to reply.


No worries Simon, I appreciate you sharing your build with us all, we can all learn from each other :)

Every time I see the pics of your car I am inspired to do the best job I can (and afford) when I start building mine!

Many more questions to come mate!

Cheers
Pauly

[dr_ed]

Hi Simon, Very nice build... Hi Im very interested if there is any possibility of having a look at the setup for your rear end and having a chat to you, I am currently in the planning process for my rear suspension and for front suspension also. Is there any possibility of adjusting the camber or toe on the rear live axle setup that you have. I am Located in Auckland and any Ideas or comments would help..
Cheers Eddie

[speryer]

Hi Eddie,

There isn't much adjustment available on a live rear axle, but you can get a bit of negative camber.

I'm happy with the work on the rear suspension. I've seen similar 4-link set-ups before, but I like the frame and Watts linkage.

The car is only a few weeks from being finished.

Send me an Email to
simonperyer@hotmail.com and give me your number and we can arrange to have a look at the car.

Cheers,
Simon

[speryer]

I thought I'd better do an update on the Cortina.
It's now getting the interior done, then next week it gets started!

[jewels]

:) oh yea looking real good simon

the fuel filiing will be done with the boot open i gather

whats the steering wheel ?

[speryer]

The fuel tank is bigger/higher than standard, so I couldn't use the original filler, since it was too low. So the original cap is permanently shut... now i have to open the boot!

The steering wheel is Triumph 2500! With a new billet centre boss. I'm happy with how it came out.

[jewels]

yes its very nice

[zombie289]

Lookin fantastic there mate!!

[benny]

The fuel tank is bigger/higher than standard, so I couldn't use the original filler, since it was too low. So the original cap is permanently shut... now i have to open the boot!



That's just how mine is, you'll get used to it in no time....the puzzled looks at gas stations are always refreshing.

[jewels]

i have moved some posts to a new thread on weight distribution alone sorry if any confusion :)
HERE (http://www.cortina-mk1classifieds.com/forum/showthread.php?t=322)

[jewels]

any updates ?

[speryer]

The interior is all done, but the driver's seat looks crap.So I'm going to replace it with a Corbeau classic seat, if I can figure out where to buy one in NZ. One person altered the frame to fit the smaller space and someone else upholstered it and it turned out horrible.. overstuffed and out of proportion.The passenger seat is almost okay but needs some alterations to the frame to get it to not lean forward!

Now it's time to check everything and get it started, which should take a week or so. Lots of little fiddly bits, but getting close.

It's probably holding them up, but I also have the Bolwell at the same place improving the feel to the brakes... currently the pedal nearly hits the floor under hard braking. The 302 now has a new Motec, sequential injection and a cold air intake and now makes 430hp at the wheels, which is truly frightening in such a small car, thus the need for the brake work!

I'll be interested in how the dyno comes out for the Cortina. With 6lbs boost it should in theory be around 450hp, but it's only a basic crate motor so it may not hold together that well.

[benny]

Those are the Corbeaus I have in my Mk.1 Mini Cooper. I'm 6'1" with a fairly slender build, and I find them too tight in the hips....they pinch pretty badly. You should try sitting in a pair before dropping the money on them.

One of these days I'm going to figure out how to bow the frames out without damaging the upholstery.

[speryer]

I took the Cortina for a test drive today for the first time. Other than a few teething problems like running too hot and losing power steering fluid, it was pretty good really.
It's firm to drive, due to solid engine mounts and suspension etc, but has some serious grunt. I was scared to use more than half throttle, but even then things were happening very quickly.
The blower is fairly quiet, but the car makes enough noise to get a grin going!

[Dr Danger]

Many awesomes.

What is the cooling solution and how do you make the blower louder? :)

[speryer]

Both the thermostat and the setting for the thermo fan were set at 90-95c. Ok for racing, but not so good for a new tight engine in traffic.
The timing is also a little retarded (like owner?) as part of the detuning. Since the boost was nearly 9lbs instead of the 6 we were expecting, the dyno tuners retarded the engine(amongst fuel settings etc) to bring the power back down to around 500hp. But I'm getting a new pulley and belt to lower the boost.

Since the belts are not toothed, there isn't much blower noise, but there is still a bit of a high pitched screem. Don't worry though, it sounds fantastic and has people scratching their heads!

[Dr Danger]

What's the idea behind lowering the boost? Drivability?

I hate it when I have to restrict power back to 500hp.... :)

[jewels]

looks great simon wish i could here it
im glad you have had it out for a spin
must feel pretty good to finally get to start her up and put it into gear

you will have those teething problems sorted real soon im sure :)

[speryer]

I hope to have the car for the weekend. Just waiting on the low volume compliance plate to arrive.
I had to reduce the boost as the crate engine can't handle more than 6lbs boost, mainly the torque, which is over 900ft lbs as it is!
At some stage I'll build another short block with steel bits and lower compression and raise the boost... but then the gearbox and diff will be the weak link.
But in the meantime I'll just do some miles, then take it back in a week or so to change the pulley to lower the boost and retune.
Shame I can't send a film clip so you can hear it. Maybe I'll figure out how to load it onto Youtube

[jewels]

simon did you put it on a rolling road dyno ?

what was the rwhp figure in its current state of boost ?

[zombie289]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh !!!!!!! Me drooling much!!!!!!!!!! Looking absolutely killer mate!!! :) :) :)

[benny]

......the dyno tuners retarded the engine to bring the power back down to around 500hp.

I just wet myself.....at least, I hope that's just urine.

Any pics of the exhaust system? Is that a Flowmaster? I found my car way too load even with a 3-chamber Flowmaster because it had such a short tail-pipe. Flowmasters really get quieter with longer tail-pipes.

[Dr Danger]

I just wet myself.....at least, I hope that's just urine.

Think I'd rather it be the other Benny ;)

[speryer]

Attached is the dyno report. 302kw at the wheels and 830Nm of torque. Enough to play with for a while.

The muffler is a Forzaflow. Here's some photos before the exhaust was coated etc.

The mechanic just called to say they need to take me for a drive to show me how to drive it, since I was a bit of a wimp the other day. I was too frightened of it.. a bit like pulling the pin from a grenade.
They recon it has potential to be a 10 second car "with the right tyres and driver"... but who knows.

[jewels]

very nice simon
300 kw a the wheels
well you will need to be on top of your game when its on full noise

very nice power curve just keeps going up :)

[speryer]

I've loaded a brief video clip to Youtube so you can hear what it sounds like.
Under "Supercharged V8 Mk1 Cortina"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4AnW-sUum8


S4AnW-sUum8

[yashiel]

hi guys.

firstly car looks awesome!!!!

ive just joined this forum. 26 yrs old from SA - building up a 64 Cortina - 3.4 Ford V6
4 Speed Bullet Box
308 Diff
Capri Suspension
......

just wondering if you guys would be able to assist - i'm looking for the beadings for this car. mine is the 4 dr.

your assistance will be highly appreciated

yash

[Dr Danger]

Beadings? Do you mean the chrome trim that came out on GT's? If so, someone here will have some or know of someone that does. I will have a chat with some people at the Mk1 club meeting tomorrow night, see what they have.

What motor is the 3.4 V6? Essex?

[yashiel]

hi.

yes it is the chrome beading i'm talking about. the 3.4 motor is from a Ford courier.

your assistance is highly appreciated. my e-mail: yashiel.naras@siemens.com
+27 82 5856546

thanks again

[speryer]

Hi Jewels,
The cortina is now legal and on the road. It's got fantastic acceleration and feels easy to drive. The power steering feels really good and handling is responsive and neutral. ... and did I mention the acceleration!! Frightening.
We weighed the car and it's 55% front and 50/50 left/right and 1100kg.

But it looks like I may have to move to Aust. Any idea on the legalities of getting it engineered in NSW?

The Bolwell and Mustang I can bring in no hassles since they are still on the Aust records.

Cheers,
Simon

[Dr Danger]

*Suggests massive bribes...*

Not sure about NSW but that would be near on impossible to engineer in Victoria I think. There may be some loopholes but you will have to get a magnifying glass out I reckon.

I don't think there is THAT much difference between the rules of different states but you may get lucky.

[jewels]

thats great to hear simon
must be a great relief to have it finally on the road...

but on the subject of legallity here in Oz best to check the nsw gov site on dotars and see but like dr danger has said....may be tough :(

[speryer]

I've made some enquiries and looks like I'm well and truly buggered. There's a ratio of original weight in kg's x 2.5 for supercharged engines for maximum capacity.
With Mk1 2 door being 1775 lbs (807 kg) this means I can have a 2 litre engine!
I'm only 3 litres over

[europatek]

Your only option may to be approach some car clubs in the hope that one of them will issue you with a club permit, for club use only. An long as its roadworthy and you can show due competence with the enginerring you may be lucky.
As for the 2.0ltr - a YB Cosworth engine could provide the power and torque you want - would be a shame to re-engineer though.

[jewels]

yep that was my next suggestion
club permit with a cortina club in NSW

[jewels]

these are the conditions for here in vic

HERE (http://www.cortina-mk1classifieds.com/forum/showpost.php?p=757&postcount=3) in another thread



here is part of the formula used in selecting an engine for transplant

first you must take the original weight of the vehicle

vehicles (original unmodified tare) weighing less than 800kg (1764lbs)
naturally aspirated = car weight X 3.0 = max capacity in CCs
turbo or supercharged = car weight X 2.5 = max capacity in CCs

vehicles (original unmodified tare) weighing between 800kg (1764lbs) and 1100kg (2425lbs)
naturally aspirated = car weight X 4.0 = max capacity in CCs
turbo or supercharged = car weight X 2.75 = max capacity in CCs

vehicles (original unmodified tare) weighing more than 1100kg (2425lbs)
naturally aspirated = car weight X 5.0 = max capacity in CCs
turbo or supercharged = car weight X 3.0 = max capacity in CCs

not based on a station wagon
sedan models only


.

[speryer]

It's been a while so I thought I'd better give an update with the Cortina:
after completion, the boost was a bit too high for the compression... it was heading for 600hp, which a crate engine couldn't really handle.
And it didn't! The timing sprocket sheared some teeth, the timing chain broke and all the valves bent.
So I had the engine rebuilt with lower compression, which brought the power down to around 400hp at the wheels at 11lb boost.
I had been doing some track days as well, so I tweeked the handling with a front sway bar, since the rear seemed a bit light.
I also got rid of the intercooler, since it was blocking the air flow. And it enabled a bigger radiator to be made, since it was overheating..
Then I fitted a resonator to keep the drumming down, but that cost 50hp and caused a misfire, which dyno tuning has fixed.
All was going really well the last time i drove it, until the bonnet flew up at around 210kph.
I nearly soiled my y-fronts!

The hinge mounts have been ripped up, the bonnet destroyed, the window smashed and the roof badly buckled. The bonnet stay even reached nearly to the rear of the roof, ensuring maximum damage.

It's a bit of a problem, since it really needs a new roof, according to a panelbeater who has had a look.
The only trouble is they're a bit thin on the ground, even in NZ.

I wonder if it's possible to graft in a 4-door roof?

I've now moved to Sydney and miss having a toy to play with, since I haven't brought any cars over!

Cheers,
Simon

[jewels]

hi simon,
thanx for the update
sorry to hear you have had some dramas
its a real bugga

the bonnet flying up is a common thing with mk1s

having had that problem myself

but the roof damage well 2 door roofs are different to 4 doors

but i spose you could use part of the skin to repair

[benny]

It's a bit of a problem, since it really needs a new roof, according to a panelbeater who has had a look.
The only trouble is they're a bit thin on the ground, even in NZ.

I wonder if it's possible to graft in a 4-door roof?



I find it hard to believe that a hood flying open could cause enough damage to require a new roof.....have you got any pictures? Have you got any second opinions?

A lot of so-called bodymen aren't much more than panel replacers nowadays.

[Phil]

Unfortunately Benny, its definately possible...especially at 210kph. I had the misfortune to have the bonnet come up on my Blue Corty. That was only at approx 60kph and I was quick enough to grab the brakes and still the bonnet pulled up verticle and damaged the hinges,inner guard/strut top area,both guards and the plenum,not to mention the written off bonnet. My bonnet incident was the straw that lead to the current rebuild. Sorry to hear about the drama's Simon. At least Mk1's dont rust in the roof,hopefully you can get another roof soon.

[jewels]

now i use a nylon buckle and strap to ensure this does not happen

the 2 door has a little leather buckle on corner of the bonnet on each side

[speryer]

It seems that the early Cortina bonnet catches are pretty flexible... the wire ones. After having the bonnet come open it's amazing how many others have had the same experience.
So once rebuilt, I'll use the leather buckles in the corners as suggested.

Looking at the photos, the roof does look repairable.
I'm sure a good panelbeater can get the job done.

A good excuse to tidy up the rest of the paintwork, since some panels have slight bubbles in. I had the rear guards resprayed and now they are a slightly different shade to the rest of the paint, but the body is pretty much as I got it.

I had a photo shoot for NZV8 magazine, so I've attached a couple of photos, as well as of the roof

[benny]

Unfortunately Benny, its definately possible...especially at 210kph. I had the misfortune to have the bonnet come up on my Blue Corty.

Phil,

Sorry I don't buy it......scrapped hood, easy........scrapped roof, not likely.

Spreyer,

That "panel beater" you spoke to needs to find a new job-title. That roof is an absolutely easy fix for anyone worth a damn with a hammer, dolly, and spoon. I'd say even I could get that roof back to about 90%+ in an afternoon, and that's after just one evening-course in panel beating.

Don't even think about grafting another roof onto that car, there's far more work in that job, and it's very doubtfull they'd ever get the window and door aperatures right......and for God's sake, don't use the guy that told you a new roof was required, he's obviously a parts replacer, not a bodyman. :no I've seen cars that have been upside-down have their roofs repaired!!

[MK1CortyGT]

Spreyer,

I agree with Benny. If a body guy is worth his profession he would be able to work out the problems with your roof. Most panel guys these days only want to replace instead of using the old method of bodywork. A friend of mine (body guy) in Seattle, Washington repaired my wife's MG 1100 front headlight bucket that was smashed from a parking lot smash and leave shunt and was able to work out the metal without any bondo...it looked as if it didn't happen!
You have a nice car too!

Steve

[speryer]

Having read the replies and thinking about it, it'd be silly to chop the roof! It's just dents and anyine worthy of the panelbeater name should be able to fix it.

I went to the Australia Day classic car meet and was talking to a Lotus Cortina owner. He made the comment that I had "butchered" my Cortina!

It pissed me off at the time, but I've met numerous Lotus owners in NZ and never had a negative reaction, so I don't think it reflects the opinions of Lotus owners in general.

[zombie289]

Hey Speryer, don't let those tossers get to you, they are just stuck in they're anal little world, that car is a work of art mate.
Nothing more cooler than a big HP Mk1 corty.

[benny]

I went to the Australia Day classic car meet and was talking to a Lotus Cortina owner. He made the comment that I had "butchered" my Cortina!



Hahaha....those are the best people to mess with!

A Sunbeam Tiger owner (of all people) came up to my buddy and I at a car show once and says "You guys bastardized these cars".....we just laughed, and said "That's a bit like the pot calling the kettle black, don't you think?":stir

The best is when people ask (with a look of real concern) "What did you do with the twin-cam?":unsure. You can vary your response depending on the person, but telling them that you threw it in a dumpster seems to work well on most of them.

[Phil]

I went to the Australia Day classic car meet and was talking to a Lotus Cortina owner. He made the comment that I had "butchered" my Cortina!



Sounds like the same club that I had some issus with a few years ago:argue The first time I took my car out to the Australia Day Motorfest I coped a mouthful for modding a 2 door mk1 shell...needless to say that club(and their attitude)is dwindling:cheers

[jewels]

arh yes we too have met 'these' groups of ppl

heres a classic... from a couple of UKers and some from closer to home...


.....why would you ever want to put a nissan in a ford....? then my reply would be


..well you use rovers and vauxhauls (GM) in fords

whats the difference? :argue


the bottom line is

its your car do what you like

everyone to their own 8)

[pimtina]

No problems here in the Midwest. Back when it was stock people would ask "when are you gonna slap a V-8 into that Rambler, Fiat, Triumph or whatever it is"!! It was like they were daring me to cut it up - so I did!!

[zombie289]

Hey Speryer, Been meaning to ask you, how did the car handle on the track?? Are you happy with the Mustang strut setup?? Any understeer issues with the s/charged V8 hanging up front??

[jewels]

and how is the roof repair going ?
or not yet ?

[speryer]

The car handles very well, with the weight being 55:45 front:rear. There's no understeer, but the rear still feels a bit light and it's hard to feel what the rear end is doing.
I was starting to push it a bit faster each lap when the bonnet flew up!
But a friend drove on some fast windy rural roads and I nearly crapped my pants it was going that well. It's very easy to drive fast, giving alot of confidence on those corners where you come it too fast, with huge grip and amazing brakes.

I haven't made progress on fixing the Cortina yet. It's waiting until after I have some work done on the 65 Mustang ... the 289 has been blueprinted, the T10 replaced with a period Richmond 5 speed, factory type power steering installed and some rear end work, including a Panhard rod. I'm trying to keep it as original as possible while making it nice to drive fast.

[benny]

Are you happy with the Mustang strut setup?? Any understeer issues with the s/charged V8 hanging up front??

When are you finally going to believe that these cars handle well with V8's in them?! :D

[zombie289]

Oh I believe Benny, I belive...
My question was related to the use of the mustang struts in the car and as to whether or not the altered geometry had an effect on the handling...In caveman terms...Do they work in the car or not??
... Also, as I was previuosly unaware of the weight dist. of speryers rig, and was interested in the effect (if any) of the added weight up front of the high (relating to the cg and to the front of the engine) mounting of the Procharger and its various accesories.

Try hard as you like mate, theres no conspiracy here :D.... I'm probably one of the biggest advocates for V8 cortinas...(just ask europatek hehehehe:D) and can't wait till I have mine done.

[pimtina]

While thumbin' through magazines at the local book store I came across Retro Cars. In the readers ride section was a photo and a brief write-up on this one! Got most of the spec wrong (big block Chevy powered) but still cool to see it! Not enough to make me buy the mag though!

[benny]

After a buddy of mine had his car "featured" in a magazine, I realized that many magazines are written by a bunch of morons.....they had more information wrong than they got right.

I've never read a magazine article in the same way since.

[speryer]

I'm not sure how they thought it had a big block Chev!?!
Maybe if it was a drag car for straight line only.

The giveaway is that Chev's have the distributor at the back and Fords at the front.

[jewels]

but keep in mind it was a pommy small ford mag

they wouldnt see many chevs or windsors

[speryer]

Progress update.
The roof has been hand beaten with no bog and looks fabulous.
I have also sourced a rust free bonnet.
While I was there, they stripped the drivers door to repair some bubbling due to previous poor preparation. I was expecting the worst, but it was pretty good.
You know how things escalate... now the whole car is being repainted, since more than half the car was being done anyway, and it's easier to blend the colour. It's surprising how white/cream is hard to match?

[jewels]

thanx for the update simon
...now what are you doing to secure the bonnet in future ???? :clown

[speryer]

Good question.
Firstly I'm converting the safety catch to later model version, since the early "wire" one must be responsible for many flattened roofs.
I had planned to get leather straps in the corners, but I haven't sourced anything yet.
In the meantime I'm having a bourbon and coke to digest the quote for the bare metal repaint!

[jewels]

simon we have used very simple nylon strap with a clip in the center

also on another car we have in each corner leather straps

better make it a black jimmy.. :)

[garyeanderson]

simon we have used very simple nylon strap with a clip in the center

also on another car we have in each corner leather straps

better make it a black jimmy.. :)

Get a couple of nylon dog collars at the pet store, (for the bonnet, I mean)
My 90 pound yellow lab hasn't ever broken one but my friends (45 pound) Glen of Amal terrier has killed several.

Gary

[toycortina]

Im interested about the difference between the early model latches vers the late ones as I have a pre airflow and have had the bonnet pop up a couple of times. Luckly with no damage.:oops

[speryer]

6027602660256024Finally got the car back from over 2 years at the panelbeaters. What started out as a roof re6023pair soon escallated after discovering some well hidden rust. Lots of repair sections and new panels later and it's looking lovely. And I 6022now have bonnet pins! The bonnet has the airflow catch which I will need to make work some how since I want the backup on top of the pins.6021

[jewels]

good to see you and your car back simon :thumbs

[zombie289]

Awsome, glad you've got her back on the road!
How long till the next track day??!?

[Dr Danger]

The videos of epic skids on a closed road don't seem to be loading?

Can this issue please be addressed? :)

[jewels]

The videos of epic skids on a closed road don't seem to be loading?

Can this issue please be addressed? :)

what vids al the ones on here ? as they seem to be working ok ??

[Dr Danger]

Not the ones of epic skids... :)

Unless I've missed them?

My phrasings are what all the cool kids are using to suggest that Simon should go out a cut some mad heli's and then post the videos up here for all to enjoy.

[benny]

Finally got the car back from over 2 years at the panelbeaters. What started out as a roof repair soon escallated after discovering some well hidden rust. Lots of repair sections and new panels later and it's looking lovely.

Two years. Guess it wasn't at the top of their priority list, eh?:headscratch

Car looks fantastic.....bet it feels good to know it's done properly now, doesn't it.

[speryer]

I wasn't in a hurry to have it done since I got transfered to Sydney and the car is in Auckland, NZ. At least it's been free storage!
I had a few electical problems with the brake lights and electronic speedo, so I didn't manage to get a warrant of fitness while I was back, but I still used a whole tank of gas driving it unregistered. I just had to look out for the police. And it's damn hard keeping to the speed limit when it's such a fun car to drive.

I'll have to work on the Cortina video, although I did take one of a friend "driving" the Bolwell which resulted in me having to wash off the black rubber that had landed all the way to the front of the bonnet. I took the Bolwell for its 6 monthly warrant of fitness last week and the inspector suggested there was something wrong with the rear suspension due to the unusual wear pattern on the rear tyres. I told him it was just from burnouts and he gave it a pass.

[speryer]

6037603660356034

[benny]

My God....that's some pretty considerable (structural) rust. How could that possibly have been covered up?

[speryer]

Good question. Looking at the old photos underneath it wasn't obvious. It must have been masked by all that gleaming undercoat... and I probably didn't look hard enough since the body seemed so tidy.6050

[raised by monkeys]

Wow, bloody nice car, awesome. When are you bringing it over?

I know who not to use lol.


KW

[speryer]

Unfortunately I can't bring it to Aus, since I couldn't register it due to the engine size... unless I got sponsorship from a Hot Rod club.
But I'll head back to NZ when I can.

[raised by monkeys]

Unfortunately I can't bring it to Aus, since I couldn't register it due to the engine size... unless I got sponsorship from a Hot Rod club.
But I'll head back to NZ when I can.

I could arrange sponsorship but I dont know how you would being from a different state and all lol.

Bring it over and use it as a targa or rally sprint car, shit if you wanna sell it let me know....


KW

[speryer]

More teething problems!!
I have to run an electronic speedo with the Tremec gearbox and it seems that it's been shorted or something, so that's off being repaired.
The good news is the shift light is connected and working. I know this because my friend tested it on the motorway (I'm sure he kept within the speed limit). The shift light is between the speedo and rev counter.
Then the clutch hydraulic release bearing failed. I suspect it failed because there was too much travel in the pedal/master cylinder which popped the seal in the release bearing. I think there was too much travel because the Wilwood pedal box is hanging off the roll cage under the dash well away from the firewall and I can't recall if there is a stop to limit travel.6084

[speryer]

The Cortina is all good, speedo repaired and licensed etc. There was a problem with electrical surges from the ignition blowing the chip in the electronic speedo inside the stock Cortina face. Give me an old fashioned speedo cable any day. Less electronics, less problems when the car sits for months on end.

Anyway, the previous owner posted a clip from when I went around to his place to show him the completed car a couple of years ago... before I discovered the rust and subsequent second build!
Note that the previous owner does a fair bit of classic racing, including Mk3 Zephyrs, which you can see on his other posts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VECaS2EPC0


8VECaS2EPC0