Progress Report

The car is still a fair way from completion, but I hope to get it road legal before the end of 1999, even if it is scruffy as otherwise I will have to put it through the SVA test and get it re-registered.  
These are the only pictures I have of my car at the moment. The one above was taken in the spray shop after being painted white with blue pearl, and the other two were outside my house. 1998.
4th image. You can see what I have to contend with, with all the toys in the garage. I have to move everything just to get into the garage:-).

Well 2000 came and went and guess what? Yes still not much more done.
Due to changes in construction regulations my straight cut chassis is no longer acceptable. It has to be a diagonal cut now. That is from top to bottom and not side to side in the centre tunnel.

On to plan two.
Seeing as the chassis is now scrap, I need a replacement. The shortened VW chassis is still very heavy and not very good if you want to make modifications, so I have decided to build a tube frame of my own. This way I can put the engine where it should be in the middle.
Next problem. The VW engine won't fit where it should go, not enough room unless I want to extend the car (no thanks).
So the plan at the moment is to use a Rover K series engine and gearbox transversely mounted behind the driver. This should give better handling and performance.

OK I know you can get performance out of the VW engine, but the price/power is getting rather high.

I would like to "try" Sprinting/Hilclimbing as I do a bit of marshaling for my local Car Club (Curborough Sprint Course). So therefore intend building the car to suit. If anyone has any advice they can offer I would appreciate it.

I will try to keep you up to date of progress.
12/03/2001

No turning back now, I've just sold my engine and gearbox!
Hopefully it will fund the new engine. Anyone got a 1.4 K series with MPI they don't want?
Now to get that chassis from under the car!
26/03/2001

Well no return now. The chassis has been chopped up.
It is still siting in the middle of the front lawn as I have no transport. Main car broke (head gasket) and I don't fancy striping that down (bl---y Renault). Has been there that long now it is a landmark.

Good news.
I have a new donor! A Toyota MR2 mk1.
More junk to add to the pile on the lawn.:-)
28/07/2001

The donor is now in a serious state of dismantlement.

Renault was not as bad as thought. Only a core plug behind manifold gone. However it is now not big enough for the family(4 children and only 5 seats).
Good news; I now have a Toyota Spacecruiser to ship the increasing family around.
Bad news; Head gasket and radiator shot. Boy did they see me coming! £600 in repairs, Ouch!
Kit Car money gone again.

Not a lot to report since last update really.
No progress on car due to health problems. Looks like this could be a long term thing.

Have started rewiring the garage as it was originally wired as a spur off the house ringmain.
More lighting put up as well. Should be able to get a tan under all those lights now! :)
Am in process of plumbing in my two compressors and air tank so I have access all round garage. A ten foot length of hose should do it! :) (only a small garage)

As soon as wiring is connected up I will be able to start on chassis in ernest.
Can't wait to get constructing again!
March 2004