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Post by Stiggy on Dec 19, 2012 16:42:05 GMT
Fitted the cover over the tank today. There will also be a cover for the filler pipe. The floor below the tank has had holes drilled in it for IVA purposes, this is to allow the floor to drain and not fill the passenger compartment with fuel if the tank leaks at some point. The alloy in the kit is all cut and pre folded, you just need to trim, fettle and fit. But those using the MX5 tank can do so like this, it is a tight fit but it fits.
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Post by Stiggy on Dec 20, 2012 10:39:51 GMT
I clamped the battery in the corner behind the drivers seat today. Just two 6mm dia threaded bars. There are drilled holes through the chassis rails. I may box it in later, still some stow space there for a tool box. I shortened the battery leads but this can be done easily if you get bolt on cable terminals rather than crimp type that need a special tool. I also fitted the cover over the filler pipe. Then I completed the alloy panelling to the centre tunnel and bulkheads. I just need to tidy it up and fit gear lever and handbrake gaiters.
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Post by Stiggy on Dec 21, 2012 12:37:34 GMT
Silly me! It would have been easier to fit the seat belts before I fitted the tank cover. Those fitting harness's will be able to use the in-built harness bar with wrap around instead of bolt on fittings.
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Post by Stiggy on Dec 22, 2012 12:31:25 GMT
Just realised you cannot see the VIN number on the chassis. Nicely covered by the screen frame. I need to weld another one on. The first kits have not gone out yet so all MEVSTER chassis' will have the VIN number clearly visible on the drivers side under the front clam, not under the screen frame!
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Post by Stiggy on Dec 29, 2012 18:47:19 GMT
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Post by Stiggy on Jan 2, 2013 15:32:25 GMT
I got the universal belts (E marked too) they are worth the £21 as they look much neater. I also got these rather nice real leather gaiters from a Fiat Uno for only £20, and the orange stitching matches quite nicely thank you.
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Post by Stiggy on Jan 3, 2013 16:07:55 GMT
Only had an hour on MEVSTER today but I started the wipers. I am delighted to report that you can use the MX5 wiper system. I found it better if you shorten the arms although not essential. Replacement 13" blades are available from Halfords. I have only fitted one at the moment and that is all that is legally required but I intend to fit the other one when I get an hour. The following measurements will help but are not set in stone; Wiper blades 320 mm long. Wiper arms 350 mm long from pivot to centre of bolt. Hole centres in GRP are 400 mm apart. Holes are 45 mm down from the bottom edge of the glass screen. You can see below that I have cut the arm down. I did try it with the longer arm and an 11" blade. This works fine if you move the pivot box so that it is above and directly between the two 25mmx6mm bars for the pedals. Then you only need one wiper. I extended the wiring by 300mm and made 2 brackets to mount the motor. I will suplpy these brackets in the kit as they are a little tricky unless you can weld.
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Post by Stiggy on Jan 4, 2013 15:26:03 GMT
Passenger side wiper was easy to do. I just had a calculated guess at where it would travel to and from and then drilled a hole. I then shortened the link shaft by 280mm by cutting it down overlapping, flattening the ends and drilling for 2x 6mm bolts. Perfect and all done for £14. That was the blades cost. If you are on a very tight budget you can even cut the blades down.
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Post by Stiggy on Jan 7, 2013 12:04:16 GMT
windscreen washer jets fitted and tested, all from the MX5, I did have to replace one thing though, the water, it stank! I then stuck the sides on with PU adhesive. and held them in place with, well anything knocking around.
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Post by Stiggy on Jan 8, 2013 13:12:52 GMT
Side repeaters now fitted from the MX5 with MEV logo stickers. Mirrors fitted including an interior mirror held with stick on pad.
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Post by Stiggy on Jan 8, 2013 15:43:54 GMT
The dash board slots in and is then secured with self tap screws. After a trial fit it was removed to cut out for the heater units. These are wired to the MX5 heater fan switch which has a 30 amp fuse. Just right for these 2 cab heaters, found on ebay for £6 each. Below you can see then installed. The rotary switch should be positioned under the front edge of the dash though as it fails IVA where it is shown. To get around this on the test I switched it on on pulled the knob off, no requirement to turn the demister off, just on! You can also see the optional GRP instrument cover here. This is neater and covers the sides of the cluster. I have fitted a fog light switch in one corner with an indicator light on it. In the other corner is a hazard switch. This does not need to light up as when hazards are switched on it causes both indicator dash lights to come on. Wiring is simple as it is just a single pole (2 contacts) switch that is used to put the orange wire to ground once cut off the MX5 hazard switch plug. The other wires in this plug are for headlamp lift motors. Then I connected the speedo cable and plugged the wires back in for the instrument cluster. I then fitted an IVA compliant steering wheel. The previous one had slots in the alloy which is not allowed. In the morning I will take it for a test drive. Job done.
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Post by Stiggy on Jan 8, 2013 16:31:50 GMT
Couldn't wait until the morning, I would never sleep! She drives very well, delighted.
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Post by Scott on Jan 8, 2013 20:31:29 GMT
Well done Stuart, great fast easy build!!
That colour looks a lot better, nice choice,,,
Scott
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Post by Stiggy on Jan 9, 2013 10:05:53 GMT
This thread is now un locked, I kept it locked so anyone looking to build a MEVSTER can follow the un interrupted build. Thanks for your patience. S
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Post by Stiggy on Jan 9, 2013 13:56:45 GMT
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