And So It Begins....

[SanRemo78]

I need to make an idiot list of the parts and tools I'll need to ship across on Monday to start assembly.... it's a 45 mile round trip if I forget anything....

[SanRemo78]

So glad that sunroof went! If anyone needs sunroof components (except the steel panel itself) drop me a message - they're all still around somewhere in the garage and won't be thrown out.
Guy

[Sandro]

Thanks for sharing Guy ! it looks super.

It's interesting because the bottom photo on your last post is the first time that I've seen the 'Fulvia' in the design! ( around the C pillar ) anyway I digress,

I wanted to ask if the Silver is the Factory Light Silver ( like on mine ) or a 'special' custom one you've specified.
apologies in advance if it's already mentioned on the thread I had a look but couldn't find it.

It looks ( better than ) new again, great Job!
Thanks for sharing.

Andrew.

   
 

[lancialulu]

It's interesting because the bottom photo on your last post is the first time that I've seen the 'Fulvia' in the design! ( around the C pillar ) anyway I digress,

I guess you know its the same designer who penned both!

[peteracs]

Hi Guy

Getting very exciting for now….

Peter

[SanRemo78]

It's the later VX colour that I specified Sandro. To be honest, if it's lighter than that I won't be unhappy as it just looks great! I'll know more when it comes out of the paint shop on it's wheels in the next week. I hope.
Guy

[Sandro]

Thank you both for your replies!

Yes that Sliver looks great! ..it's a beautiful body shape with subtle transition panels along its length 
and the silver or the metallics accentuate these body planes. ie: offer great depth.

( sorry Industrial designer by trade ) I tend to go on about this.

Can't wait to see it on Wheels.
 
Thanks again.

Andrew
 

 

[SanRemo78]

Well I managed to load everything to put it back on it's wheels into the Skoda Superb Estate this morning, all carefully wrapped, covered and tied down with the exception of the wheels. It just swallowed the front subframe assembly, the steering column, the cross engine bay bracket and the steering rack, two front struts and hub assemblies, the rear crossmember and transverse arms, rear hubs, struts and the anti roll bar assembly. Plus two bumpers and tool kits. All the required fixings are packed too I hope. Day two will see the wheels nailed on I hope! Then it's just waiting for the painter to declare it finished, pay him and find someone to transport it home.

[SanRemo78]

And everything I took to the paint shop got fitted to the car today. I had to borrow two nuts from the front suspension to fit to the rear anti roll bar to floorpan and one of the studs for the rear bumper is iffy so I may have to get a tap to run down that before the rear bumper can go on.

But there was a real bugger, b*****cks and f**k moment.

The painter said, the second I walked through the door, that the petrol flap was the wrong one. So, has anyone got a good petrol flap for a Coupe? Luckily he still has enough paint to do it when I find one...

Photos to follow, kinda wrecked, you may have to wait until tomorrow when I put the wheels on.....

[SanRemo78]

Photo overload to coming...

First parts reattached were the rear crossmember that was preassembled with two sets of adjustable arms set to the same lengths left and right, front and back. All with Marks polybushes of course!

[SanRemo78]

Next up it was the rear struts followed by the rear ARB. Attaching the outer end bolts with the brake shields in place was a bit of a challenge but ultimately successful. Attaching the right front transverse arm caused a slight hiccup as it was resting on the floor. So I had to undo the outer end, counting the turns, lift the arm and wind it back on. Got there in the end!

[SanRemo78]

Then moving onto the front the subframe assembly went on first. On my own, no help except from a wooden stool that was the right height and a trolley jack. Very easy to manoeuvre into place and lift by hand the last inch or so to locate the spikes and slot the bolts in. Might be harder with an engine attached....

[SanRemo78]

Next was the struts, despite concerns about alignment they both pulled into place easily enough.

Looking at the picture I realise that I'd attached the steering rack with it's grommet before that. The first part put on was the transverse servo frame followed by the inner steering column bracket and the column itself plus steering wheel.

[SanRemo78]

Steering assembly inside the car.

[SanRemo78]

Day two, took the wheels over and attached them to the hubs, there is a little play in the rear wheels that I think is the wheel centres settling onto the disc spigot. But the bolts don't seem overly long enough for me to want to tighten them too much in case I strip something. Investigation required when I get it home!

The front bumper had been attached the day before, the rear today.

[SanRemo78]

And from the rear, on it's wheels, on the ground for the first time in eighteen months.

[SanRemo78]

Once it was on the floor I could do a very quick visual check of the suspension geometry. Needless to say ground clearance isn't an issue. Rear wheels looked pretty parallel and even down the sides (as would be expected by having the transverse arms set equally) but the front displayed significant toe out. A little turning of the rack adjustors had them parallel and a gentle push showed it rolls very very easily. No brakes. At all. It has to be chocked at the moment.

Collection is planned for early Thursday, it should be home later that morning!

[WestonE]

Very Nice and Satisfying ! Those wheels are thick around the bolts so likely you need longer bolts so take care.

[SanRemo78]

Bought longer bolts Eric.

Sadly they are not long enough. There's sufficient bite to get it home on the (covered) trailer and into the garage but no further.

Live and learn!

[smithymc]

Looking very nice, Guy. You must be excited to get on with the work.

Mark