Gaz's build (ST170)

[brownie]

Ok so i thought it was about time i FINALLY put up a build diary.
Had the kit for about a 15 months now but due to a few manufacturing problems with the chassis its only been with me for about a year (defo not going to win fastest build) ;D

First a bit about me. I've never had anything to do with cars never mind building one but i wanted a toy and fancied a challenge. I'm an aircraft engineer by trade so i do know how to use a spanner and defo know how to use a hammer ;D (must admit since starting the build my favorite tool has to be the angle grinder tho).

I bought the rocket as it looked like a nice simple build but still complex enough to challenge me and allow me to put my own stamp on it. Oh yeah and i LOVE the way it looks. I'll try and keep this thread up-to-date from now on




To the best of my knowledge i was the first to put wilwoods on the rear and i@m pleased with how they came out. Glad to see RTR have now come up with a solution also. I wish this option was available when i got the kit as the hi-spec caliper allows you to fit smaller wheels.




Being vertically challenged, adjustable seat rails were a must. also made my own seat mounts.






Steering column link made.




Brake lines done, also swapped out the MC's for the intergrated type and modified the caps to accept a float switch to keep Mr IVA happy.











Used a clio rad I think.



Had to use 17" wheels to clear the wilwood handbrake calipers





Modified the ST170 gear stick and fitted an OMP steering wheel




Mini bear claw used for bonnet release and made a bonnet stay.







Engine now in ;D Had to significantly raise the gearbox mount as to get clearance between the box and lower wishbone mount. Engine is nice and level tho.





Clearance with brake lines not to bad but will prob elongate the mount holes to get the engine to sit further back.


The GRP panels are going to be painted the same as the RTR Demo atomic i.e blue with a white stripe





Just waiting for my coolant pipes at the mo and going to order my gear cables 2moro. Has anyone used cable-tech recently ? I know some people have had trouble with them ?

I'll try and take some more recent pic's 2moro. Hope u like it guys, all comments welcome ;D

[brownie]

Got my gear cables from cable tec today, very happy as I only ordered them yesterday. They are 2.4 meters long but to be fair I could have got away with 2.2

[brownie]

Spured on by the good weather I got a few more bits done today. Refitted the rad/fan and all the side panels










Also got the clutch connection sorted




Due to some of the guys running a 2L blowing their coolant under heavy acceleration i'm going to run an electric pump.

Removed the old pump and took an angle grinder to it,Not sure what the bearing race is made of but it destroyed 2 of my flexovit ultra thin cutting discs (these normally slice through grade 12.9 steel like butter) and made a blank which i wet assembled to what was left of the original pump.Very happy with how it turned out.









Next job is to sort out the gear and acceleration cables.

[Tim Kerr]

I have done the same thing with my pump. I am still waiting on my engine coming back from the engine builders but making up a blanking plate is the last thing i need to do. Would you consider making one for me? If you have the pattern sorted it would save Neva lot of time and hassle. Pm if you are interested and let me know how much.

Also have a look at my post in the tech section about cooling. Would be interested to see how you plan to plumb in your electric pump. What you intend to blank off etc. I take it it's a David Craig pump your using?

Tim

[MevST]

GULP... lets hope mine dont come off!
Im sure ill find out when i fire her up......

I had to raise the gearbox mount also to get the sump and g/box to clear.

You going to the 2AMM?

Ade

[brownie]

Hi Tim,

I've already been watching your posts with great interest . Still a bit unsure about how I'm going to plumb it all in. Is it just the plate to attach to the cut up pump u want ? If so mate I'll do it for free, as I still have some alloy plate left over. You'll just have to cover the p+p. I prob won't be able to make it this weekend as the bird is bugging me to go away for the weekend. I'll get it done Monday as I will only take an hour. If you want me to do the whole assy you will have to send me your pump.

Ade, not sure if the car will be ready by then but trying my best.

[brownie]

Well after 5 months away , finally got some time to work on the car this week. First thing i did was fit the gear cables and make a bracket at the stick end. Also fitted the accelerator cable





Next I primed and bleed the brakes and clutch. both pedals feel nice and solid but think i'm going to re-bleed the rears as they were a pain and i'm not conviced they are 100%. Also filled the gearbox,horrible stuff by the way but it feels good to be putting some fluids in her tho

I really wanted something to cover the engine mounts and after months of looking for something i decided i would try my hand at making some. I ordered some modelling clay and set about making a rather big mess all over the back of the car but ended up with these.





After deciding i was happy with them i looked on line for a guide on how to make GRP items and ended up with these.




The pics dont really show how bad the surface finish was but trust me it took a lot of filler and elbow grease to get them looking good. (To be expected for a first attempt at grp-ing I guess). Gave them a coat of high build primer and fitted them ;D






Very happy with the way they came out. Next up was to do the cooling. As mentioned earlier in the post i'm using the Davis Craig pump and controller. Also had a custom header tank made with a sight glass so i can see the level without opening it up. As you can see from the pics i managed to get coolant everywhere










thats all for now but hope to do a few more things this week. Thanks for looking ;D

[Deleted]

Nice..!! Have you removed the thermostat with using the Davies Craig pump? Or are you leaving it in??

[brownie]

I removed it as I did not see much point in keeping it, the controller basically does the thermostats job.

[brownie]

Got a little more done today. Ordered some bonnet vents, mainly for styling but should help with the cooling, by allowing the airflow from the rad to escape better. The rockets bonnet grill is to far forward IMO.

Cut two holes in the bonnet and glued the vents into place.






Then filled the gaps in with filler.




Only managed to get one rubbed down but the result looks good. will do the other one tomorrow if i get time







Should look nice once all the GRP is painted.

[airforceone]

Looks good Gaz.

What did you use to cut the holes in the bonnet?

Ned

[brownie]

Thanks Ned, I used a dremmel with a cutting disc then filled it to shape.

[mabbs]

Hi Gaz,

Build is looking very nice - like the vent idea. They fit the car nicely. Also the engine mount covers are superb. Should be seeing yours on the road next summer also ?

[brownie]

Cheers mate, got nothing on your build tho. Yeah that's the plan mate, only a few little bits to do before the dreaded wiring.

[JimK]

Hi Gaz,

Really like those air vents, looks like you have taken a lot of time and care fitting those, same can be said for the engine mount covers....
I remember looking at your build thread many months ago, good to see you are back on the build
Look forward to seeing more! I also dreaded the wiring...in fact I continue to struggle with the wiring!!
Hope to meet you and your build next year....

Regards
Jim