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Post by snowbird1 on Aug 29, 2013 5:37:42 GMT
This is a Replicar build that will be heading for Arizona, the plan is to get the build started here in Mid-Wales then crate and ship it to the USA. After about 50 years in the automotive business I need something to keep me busy in retirement. This will be the second build, the first was a Furore F1 replica that we sold this spring. The missus wanted something with side-by-side seating for the next car, surprisingly difficult to find a kit car that uses parts from an easily available US donor. The Replicar seems ideal, the Miata is popular in the US and the DBR1 has an interesting history with a US, the Shelby collection includes a model DBR1 (I have one to use as a guide for the build). I realized it would have to be RHD, it wouldn't be the same car in LHD even if Stuart planed to make one. So far it seems the only specific RHD components are the steering rack and front sub-frame, but as I have zero experience with the MX5 I got a complete car here even though I won't use much of it!  One sad looking Mazda, it has been sitting for a couple of years, non-runner, brakes rusted on etc. Actually started and ran fine once I untangled the aftermarket alarm, a good 1.6 engine if anyone needs one!  Learned a lot taking the thing apart, good workout undoing rusty 12mm bolts on the sub-frames and suspension.  Picked up the chassis from MEV at the beginning of this month and got it powder coated in light grey, similar to the original. |
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Post by snowbird1 on Aug 29, 2013 5:52:32 GMT
Guess there is a limited number of pics that I can put in each post;  Lots of aluminium panels - helpfully all labeled   Front fire wall and trans tunnel in place.  RHD front sub-frame and steering rack fitted, I rebuilt and de-powered the rack, even managed to find blanking plugs for the hydraulic ports. |
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Post by snowbird1 on Aug 29, 2013 6:11:41 GMT
Test fit of the fuel tank, this one is too rusty, hopefully I'll have a better one from the US donor.  The front flange needs a bit of 're-profiling' to clear the chassis braces and allow room for the pipework.  Pipes in place, all cupronickel - copper is not approved for brake lines in the US. I actually still had rolls of cupronickel left over from when I built cars over 30 years ago  Glad I hung on to it!  |
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Post by snowbird1 on Sept 1, 2013 6:25:50 GMT
A couple more jobs completed:  Radiator mount, used the original brackets off the donor for the lower mounts.  Handbrake and cables fitted. |
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Post by gwnwar on Sept 2, 2013 5:00:39 GMT
What engine are you planning on running. Miata 1.8 or what..
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Post by snowbird1 on Sept 2, 2013 18:55:32 GMT
What engine are you planning on running. Miata 1.8 or what.. I will be looking for a 1.8 donor when we get back to the US in October, one of the things I have learned about the MX5/Miata is that the 1.8 has braces on the rear subframe, useful for attaching the Replicar rear body frame, although I'm sure it is possible to fit it to the 1.6 frame. Planning to keep this one simple but looking at the possibility of fitting a DOHC I6 engine, not many modern ones around - the Toyota JZ looks the part (if you remove all the plastic covers). It will need a transaxle to maintain some sort of balance, the C5 Corvette trans might work and I think the Volvo 300 also had a transaxle and a De Dion - like the original. |
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Post by snowbird1 on Sept 4, 2013 6:35:00 GMT
Time to tackle the dash - initially want to use the Mazda dash, especially as my UK donor is an early one with a 'real' oil pressure guage. In the future I would like to do a more realistic dash with the big rev counter etc. A bit nervous making a big hole in the dash panel:  A tile saw does a great job, I'm impressed with the quality of the GRP molding, good gel coat, consistent thickness - easy to work with. Hope the body is as good!  Need to make a clear plastic face plate now.  Tight fit in the 'hump' but it should work. |
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Post by gwnwar on Sept 6, 2013 4:13:09 GMT
Nice clean look..
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Post by snowbird1 on Sept 13, 2013 5:53:52 GMT
Didn't realize the piece of Perspex I scrounged was smoked until I peeled of the backing, looks good though, may need to wire the panel lights to the ignition.  Got the rest of the alloy panels fitted, all the outer ones are screwed on as they will need to be trimmed to fit the body.  Next job; back to Ratcher Hill Quarry to pick up the body and get it ready to ship to the USA  Attachments:
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Post by snowbird1 on Sept 13, 2013 6:13:01 GMT
The chassis leaves Mid Wales for it's trip to Arizona;  Picked up the body, looks great, not much time to check it out as we head straight to the shipper for crating.  Hope fully it will show up, in a really big box, at the Port of Los Angeles in a month or so, fingers crossed   To be continued..... |
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Post by gwnwar on Sept 14, 2013 3:38:10 GMT
What is it costing to ship to AZ. Boxing and trans port..is there any insurance on it to arrive safe..
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Post by snowbird1 on Sept 14, 2013 6:45:34 GMT
Packing, shipping and insurance about 1K GBP.
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Post by snowbird1 on Oct 1, 2013 6:06:20 GMT
How to pack a Replicar:   |
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Post by James on Oct 2, 2013 13:21:34 GMT
Hi Snowbird. Impressive packing matey! Good luck with everything on your adventure. When you get to USA look for a donor with good wishbones! Even with the shipping etc I bet you finish yours before we finish DeBoRah! Cheers, James and Larry.
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Post by snowbird1 on Oct 8, 2013 23:29:23 GMT
Found a US donor, 1994 Miata 'M' with a lot of miles but drives well. Beat up body, ratty interior and top plus a cracked windshield so I don't feel bad about scrapping it.  Usually find a few coins when you get the carpets out - hit the jackpot with this one - about $10 worth of change!!  |
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Glad I hung on to it!
