Dan's Exocet Build

[bewgy]

The sub frame arrived back from the power coaters, they did an excellent job. I am amazed how well the sub frames clean up all credit to the MX5. So I ordered my bushing from Flo Flex and looked forward to their EASY installation and starting the rebuild.

The bushes come in two halves and fit in fine. But when I press in the crimp tube the bushes mushroom out. It seems to me that the crimp tube is too big causing the bush to mushroom. There is no powder coating on the inside of the suspension arms and I am confident nothing is interfering with the fit.

I have tied all methods of installation, as soon as the pressure is removed the bush mushrooms out and the bolt cannot tighten on the crimp tube. I have a call into flo flex, their awaiting a call back from their technical person. Has anyone experienced similar problems?







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[Stiggy]

if you use a socket or tube either side that is slightly bigger than the crush tube and slightly smaller than the bush then they will press home properly

[mikeeyboy]

As Stuart said, I had a similar problem. They just need a bit of persuasion, also using a suitable grease all over them will help.

[p2tav]

i used the same bushes but I  had no issues I think its like Stuart and Mike say a bit of lube. have you had the same issue on other wish bones

[bewgy]

Thanks guys, I will try again when I have my allotted 1 1/2 garage time tonight. 

[p2tav]

hi Dan,


when I got my bush kit it was very specific on which bush went in which wishbone. I did notice slight differences between them not teaching you how to suck eggs but did you get the same instructions from flow flex. I was quite pleased with my bushes but don't know how long they will last I hope you find a solution I used copper slip for lube. hope all goes well


 

[bewgy]

I double checked the instructions, when I first fitted them I thought the same maybe that I had used the wrong bush. Then I wondered if flow flex had made a mistake in the lettering on the packing. I removed everything and start again last night, using the tip from Stuart, managed the get the fit better with a lot of jiggery pokery (technical term). But the bush still overlaps the crush tube at each end by about 0.5-1mm, so maybe this is ok?

Also noticed that the fit is dependent upon the bush not the location in the suspension part. Its is the rear upper inner bushes I am working on a  the moment, these are the most problematic. I will try some more tonight.....

[p2tav]

hi Dan,


looks like your getting things sorted it might be better when you put the outer washers on and put them in place as when you nip them up they might pull in.


fingers crossed 

[bewgy]

A quick update, nothing progressed over Christmas because I was away and work has been hectic since the near year. But we do have progress, finally I got the top rear wish bone bushes to fit. The only way I could do it was to put the crush tube in the pillar drill and slowly remove material with emery cloth. All of the other bushes fitted in no problem. Convinced they sent me the wrong crush tubes.

Next on the list is brake clean up, gearbox/engine clean up and some painting before I can put the rolling frame together. It is very nice to be reassembling, the kit is ready for collection next week.

[bewgy]

I am over due to update my thread, the build is progressing and I will post an update with picture soon. In the meantime I am getting ready to fit the wing stays.

I need to get an extended bolt for the rear caliper to hub bolt and some for the front brake shield bolts. 

Can anyone tell me what bolt size and thread pitch I need for the two types of bolts. I cannot find anything on the interweb other than direct replacement bolts.

I will need to buy replacement bolts for the font caliper to hub bolts because I seem to have lost them!

[bewgy]

Mar 12, 2018 14:54:19 GMT bewgy said:

I am over due to update my thread, the build is progressing and I will post an update with picture soon. In the meantime I am getting ready to fit the wing stays.

I need to get an extended bolt for the rear caliper to hub bolt and some for the front brake shield bolts. 

Can anyone tell me what bolt size and thread pitch I need for the two types of bolts. I cannot find anything on the interweb other than direct replacement bolts.

I will need to buy replacement bolts for the font caliper to hub bolts because I seem to have lost them!

I found two bolt which I think we'e for the front calipers, which so happened to be 5mm longer than the rear caller bolts. So I think on the Mk 2 you can use the front caller bolt to hold the rear wing stay. The front brake shield bolt are m8 x 20mm and I am going to get some replaceent front caliper bolts because I figure the rear ones are not long enough and I'm still missing two. I think the rear caller bolts are M10 x 30mm, so hopefully I have answered my own question!

[bewgy]

I need to get the wheel spacers, I want hub centric but I am struggling to find some. 32mm seems an odd size. I have found some for 30mm which I am not sure would work. Also noted lots of people ordered some from freaky parts, does anyone have suggestions?

NB I am using the stanard Mazda wheels

Thanks 

[miket]

I used Freaky's 32mm spacers with stock wheels and would recommend - better value than others available.

Me being a rookie; Stewart/Freaky obligingly provided guidance without laughing at my incompetence more than was appropriate

[timbo]

Recommend freaky parts, quality item, good price.
Tim

[bewgy]

work has been progressing, but I have been neglecting the blog. My last post showed the fitted Bushes, since then I have replace the half moon seal and main seal on the engine. I cleaned it up a little, although not as well as some engines I see on the forum. I will clean up the cam cover, this job shall be saved until last. Brakes have been cleaned, painted and refurbished. Springs and shock cleaned and painted, gearbox cleaned and painted. A lot of cleaning and painting going on. Finally I have reassembled the skate....