Anton's attempt at a Rocket

[kingofthetwisties]

I'm Anton and I'm a novice builder (a lot to learn) that is going in at the deep end. 

I have been following the forum for a while and have put up some general posts for advice.  However, as I now have my kit and have started the build process I thought it was about time that I started a build diary. 

Lets be be clear I don't think anyone will learn anything new from my build as I'm keeping it as simple as possible (going for a build with a mildly tuned 2.0L zetec) due to my lack of experience but I thought it would be a great way to keep track of what I'm doing and also give me a forum to ask for advice and help as I need it (and I will). 

Well my kit was delivered on the 28th of July (just over a week ago) so my first few posts will be a little behind my build progress but I should catch up soon. I will also add pictures at some point over the next few days 

thanks for reading and thanks in advance for any advice and wisdom that comes my way. 

[BobN]

Hi Anton. Look forward to seeing some pictures. Have you added your details to the Owner Location Maps in the General section?

Bob

[kingofthetwisties]

Within 60 mins of the kit arriving I got started with the build. First up was the floor as this seemed to be the way that most other builds progressed. No real dramas here. After reading Jack and Dads build diary I made myself a little tool to help mark the floor and find the centre line of the chassis prior to drilling and cutting. And of course before I went ahead with any riveting I took the mandatory picture of the chassis upside down with the rivets in place (pic to follow). 

[kingofthetwisties]

Aug 6, 2014 6:32:00 GMT BobN said:

Hi Anton. Look forward to seeing some pictures. Have you added your details to the Owner Location Maps in the General section?

Bob

Hi Bob

Thanks for the reply, yes I have added my location to the maps ( great idea )

[kingofthetwisties]

I know there is has been some debate on several forums about the best way to stop any resonating or vibration from the floor and it appears everything from draught excluder to sealant has been used. I decided to go with Sikaflex around the chassis and dropped a little into the holes drilled in the chassis to hopefully help seal against any water ingress. I realise drainage could be a challenge if I'm caught out in a downpoor but I don't see this as a challenge.

[juddyjuddster]

Hi Anton, don't put yourself down your build will be the most important build ever to you and that's really important. Don't try and worry about anyone else it's your car. Also I think reading the forum you can get bogged down with people's high powered bling machines and then feel inferior. For me being on the journey of building the car put me in a group that most people never get into so welcome along, I look forward to any updates.

IMHO some of the best builds have been first timers so don't let that bother you.

Happy building.

[kingofthetwisties]

Next up was the bushes and I spent a thrilling Saturday afternoon completing this task. Armed with a vice and my trusty rubber mallet (which incidentally is my new favourite and most used tool) I got the job complete and decided to go for a mock up of the suspension. Unfortunately In was short a couple of items from my kit but I have to say Paul at RTR was great. I pinged a note over on a Sunday expecting to hear something back from them in the week but to my surprise Paul responded immediately and sorted everything out and delivery of the missing items came the next day. Great service.

[kingofthetwisties]

Aug 6, 2014 6:49:03 GMT juddyjuddster said:

Hi Anton, don't put yourself down your build will be the most important build ever to you and that's really important. Don't try and worry about anyone else it's your car. Also I think reading the forum you can get bogged down with people's high powered bling machines and then feel inferior. For me being on the journey of building the car put me in a group that most people never get into so welcome along, I look forward to any updates.

IMHO some of the best builds have been first timers so don't let that bother you.

Happy building.

Thanks for the advice and inspiration. Your right, whilst I can't wait to get my car on the road I am really looking forward to the build and making the car my own.

[kingofthetwisties]

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[kingofthetwisties]

Hi all. I could do with a little advise. I have been putting together the front hub assembly and I have a spare part that I'm not sure what to do with. The link above shows the parts I have left over. I have fitted one metal bush that the track rod end fits into but in the kit there were two.

Any ideas where the second one goes?

[juddyjuddster]

Yes it was the same with my Rally Design hubs about 5 years ago so I think they were spare can't really remember wit but I kept them in a box.

[kingofthetwisties]

Cheers. That's what I was hoping

[kiwicanfly]

Check all the bushes supplied to see if there is a variation between them, or in the case of RD check to see if you can get ANY to match!

Is matching important? Well to some degree but it is more for the fun of it to see how bad they got it this time

[kingofthetwisties]

OK, so I'm a bit behind with my build diary, Ive been spending all my time with the car and not enough keeping my diary up to date. But here goes with a few updates of progress so far.

Bushes all done and I’ve started to put the suspension together. The rear suspension is quite straight forward and has gone together without any hitches.



All looks to be operating as it should.

I am just waiting for the delivery of my new hubs and bearings now before I can move on from this point at the back

[kingofthetwisties]

Front suspension set up was next.

This was a little concerning to start as the gap on the frame for the upper wishbone was significantly wider than the wishbone bush.

To start with I was questioning if the chassis was correctly built but after a quick review of a few build diaries it appears that this is the same for most.

A couple of 5mm spacers placed in here have solved the problem.




Apart from this the front suspension set up seems to be right.

I have not put any grease nipples on as yet and to be honest after speaking to a few people I think I may have some creaks and squeaks in the suspension.

I think I may switch to the Powerflex Polybushes before I finish off.