09-02-2020, 11:24 AM (This post was last modified: 09-02-2020, 11:24 AM by Chris Garner.)
I've always though tthe Speedy screen is perhaps a little too large for the car. It is disproportionate. With respect Howard, I think my assertion applies to yours and I would consider lowering it a little. I know it's a trade off between often ineffective aeros and a full screen but with your car being SWB, the screen overpowers more than it does on a Speedy, which is LWB.
Just my personal opinion, otherwise you're doing a great job in constructing a lovely special.
Sometimes you have to trade off aesthetics to practicality.When I built my trials car I made the screen what I thought looked right,and was high enough to deflect the wind. In practice it was just right to deflect the wind into your eyes.
It will depend on how high you sit in the car relative to the height of the scuttle. Howard will know when he gets the car on the road.
I made the screen quite high and just low enough to look over. I think I will use the plexiglass to start with. I can then experiment when the car is on the road before getting some glass cut.
On a separate note I’ve spent the morning cutting valve seats. So what, the experienced engine builders might say. However I used a “very” cheap cutting set (£26 off eBay and instructions in Chinese). I was a bit wary and had to machine a long bush as the mandrel that came with the kit was too narrow for the valve guides. The set also came with grindstones that finish the seats off nicely. Just needs a very light lap now.
However a milestone was reached today. I’ve finally got the engine in and bolted up the carb and exhaust manifold. I think it looks neat!
Next job is to sort out the dashboard which has been de-constructed and will be modified to provide more space to wire up without the possibility of shorts against the fuel tank!
Yes bespoke it is. It’s a standard sports type inlet manifold with the flangecut off and a 80 degree elbow welded on. The carb is an H2 SU with the float chamber to carb body link modified to bring the chamber closer to the carb and get the float level right.
Two benefits I see are a lower carb position allowing gravity feed from the Chummy tank and avoiding the heat rising off the exhaust manifold. The air intake is low down and should bring cold air in.
A club member had it hanging in his garage! It isn’t that well made, actually. No 1 pipe is too close to the inlet manifold and the steel spacer pipe and washer only just fits. It exits very close to the flitch plate so I had to modify the flange to fit. The flange had been brazed on (which caused some sparks when I tried to weld it ?) so I assume the rest is brazed too. Better not get it too hot ?.
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