Mk1 restoration-race car to road car

[mini13]

This is looking better and better Matt

Is it going back to standard spec? or will there be a tweeked lump & suspension in there?

Also I suggest leadloading the joints on the front end, I wish I'd done mine.

good to see you on here to roberto, ho about some pics of Veronica's Mk1

[medwaybeat]

Inspirational stuff Matty, well done. Progress looks great and so fast and all without a spit.

[Matty]

Thanks for all the comment guys.

Ive not had much time to work on it over the past week, and ive got the rest of the panels I need to finish the back end sitting there looking at me...I really want to get it on 4 wheels.

Joe - I had one to many the other night and I was considering fitting my 16v lump in this, ready for Avon next year. But then I thought...drum brakes, 3.5" tyres, rediculously big steering wheel, and I don't think the magic wand gear stick would be the best idea either! Definitely sticking with an 850 lump as im planning to drive to Le mans next summer.

I did manage to squeeze an hour on it today, and sorted out the back panel. This doesn't look to bad but its rippled all over the place. After attacking the rear panel with a wire brush, it looks like the whole offside of the rear panel has been 'skimmed' with about 6-7mm of filler!





Those conversion panels do come in handy!

[robert]

good to see you on here to roberto, ho about some pics of Veronica's Mk1

you too joe , seems like theres a lot of mellow people ,being polite to each other on this site too ,which is nice !

[Matty]

Well ive had an eventfull day! Spot welder is now fixed, made lots of progress, ended up in A&E having my eye scraped to get a metal splinter out (and I was wearing goggles)! Unfortunatley ive got to go back tomorrow for a second dig.

[robert]

Well ive had an eventfull day! Spot welder is now fixed, made lots of progress, ended up in A&E having my eye scraped to get a metal splinter out (and I was wearing goggles)! Unfortunatley ive got to go back tomorrow for a second dig.

ooooeeeouch , i had that , if your really lucky they use a little cotton reel shaped thing with a tiny drill in the end ,then you have to hold you lid open as they drill into your eyeball .mmm lovely !!

[Matty]

More progress has been made today...very happy!





I think I can get away wothout any filler on this join. Fingers crossed the other side has turned out as good, that'll save loads of time during the prep stages!

[mk1]

Matty, Each time I visit this thread I am absolutely knocked out by the quality & speed of your work! You are genuinely an inspiration!

I hope that your eye is feeling better now. I doubt that there are many people who have read your thread who won't sympathise with you having made the same walk of shame to casulaty at some time or other.

I think my count is 3 or 4

Can't wait for the next installment!

[JC T ONE]

Well ive had an eventfull day! Spot welder is now fixed, made lots of progress, ended up in A&E having my eye scraped to get a metal splinter out (and I was wearing goggles)! Unfortunatley ive got to go back tomorrow for a second dig.

ooooeeeouch , i had that , if your really lucky they use a little cotton reel shaped thing with a tiny drill in the end ,then you have to hold you lid open as they drill into your eyeball .mmm lovely !!

Hi Matty& Robert
I can relate to this too also wearing protection? = fullface cover, and still I got a sharp splinter in
also had to go several times, and yes its not easy to keep your eye open, when he starts to drill


Jens Christian

PS great stuff Matty can I send you a couple of shells??

[Matty]

The eye is all better now thanks. It has reminded me on how about both eyes are though...judging distances isn't too easy with only one eye!

Progress is going to be slow for a few weeks, whilst I finish off some exhaust manifolds.

Does anyone know where you can buy the top bulkhead panel from?

Jens - feel free to send me some shells, I can't guarantee there return though.

[mk1]

Not sure what you mean by

"top bulkhead panel"

Please elucidate.

[robert]

good point mark , , i assumed he meant the panel with the speedo hole in ?

[Matty]

Sorry, I mean the panel with the speedo hole in. The panel that is sandwiched between the scuttle and top dash rail.

I have tried to repair it where it was cut for a weber box, but it hasn't turned out as well as expected. Also I have noticed it has been patched either end where it meets the inner A panel.

[mk1]

I know that heritage do the midle bit with the hole in seperately, but don't think that the full panel is available as a seperate part. may be worth giving Rich a ring at work to ask 01423 881 800 or ringing Doreen @ M-Machine.

[Matty]

Its been a while since my last update! Ive been snowed under fabricating exhaust manifolds, but I thought I'd treat myself to a day off and crack on with the restoration.

Today ive manged to:

finish the welding of the rear quarters and blended in the welds
Wire brushed the last of the paint off the rear bench
Fit both companion bins and ash trays

So the back is now finished and I can crack on with the front end...happy days!

Pics will follow. I got carried away and before I knew it, it was to dark to take any pics.

[tomkidd]

Looking forward to the pics Matt

[mk1]

Well done Matty,

I take my hat off to anyone who can get into their garages at the moment.

It was MINUS 14°C at ho,me this morning!

[guru_1071]

Well done Matty,

I take my hat off to anyone who can get into their garages at the moment.

It was MINUS 14°C at ho,me this morning!

you big puff

yesterday i dug the drive belonging to the old guy who lives opposites my parents house - he was 82 and was swinging a pick axe around breaking the ice up whilst i shoveled - after 1/2 and hour i was huffing and puffing and he was ok

i then spent all day in the garage with the doors open to get the light in - some prat has parked a bus across the windows which blocks the light!!!

[coopertim]

They make em hard oop north Rich!!

Your'e a braver man than me gungadin!

Tim.

[Richspec]

Well done Matty,

I take my hat off to anyone who can get into their garages at the moment.

It was MINUS 14°C at ho,me this morning!

you big puff

yesterday i dug the drive belonging to the old guy who lives opposites my parents house - he was 82 and was swinging a pick axe around breaking the ice up whilst i shoveled - after 1/2 and hour i was huffing and puffing and he was ok

i then spent all day in the garage with the doors open to get the light in - some prat has parked a bus across the windows which blocks the light!!!

Can you not ask said prat to move bus so you can get some daylight in?

I've been in the garage lately and have to agree, its bloody freezin, and I've got a heater on in there