My name is Paul & I live in Long Eaton (half way between Nottingham & Derby) I'm 55 years old and I'm retiring early at the end of August. The buggy is a retirement present to myself, should keep me from under my wife's feet and keep me sane in retirement.
Bought the Predator on Saturday, a nice 3 hour drive home + a not so nice 1 hour queuing on the M25.
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/Buggy001_zps52ff2826.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/Buggy001_zps52ff2826.jpg.html)
Day 2 Sunday, out came the tool box. The bonnet was catching on what you would normally call the slam panel, a jig saw + electric sander and an hour later the offending fiberglass had been trimmed back and shaped to perfection. Next I replaced 250ml Evian bottle that was being used as a washer bottle with something more substantial. Now time to see why the speedo had stopped working, yes the cable had snapped. Ordered one up + a carb to inlet manifold rubber connector that was split. Next I tightened up every nut & bolt I could lay a spanner on. Replaced the battery strap with a nice wide webbing one with clip buckle for easy removal. Finally the ride had been hard so I checked the tyre pressures (way too high) reduced them to 17psi front and 22 rear and now its smooth.
Day 3 Monday, Lowered the seats by 2 inches, and raised the seatbelt top guide by about 10 inches.
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/Buggy004_zps2d86effa.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/Buggy004_zps2d86effa.jpg.html)
Day 4 Tuesday, Supplies arrive. Fitted the new speedo cable also rerouting it through the bulkhead so that there were no tight bends or kinky bits. Now the first bit of extravagance, I'd bought one of those surfboard rear view mirrors from ebay (27 quid) and it had arrived, so it just had to be fitted.
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/Buggy002_zps2f8bbb96.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/Buggy002_zps2f8bbb96.jpg.html)
Hoovered out the inside, then washed a polished the outside, rerouted, tidied up and tied back all the engine wiring so non of the wires could touch any hot surfaces, then a 50 mile drive just for fun.
Day 4 Wednesday. The buggy came with a fiberglass pulley guard but it wasn't fitted because the exhaust was in the way, out came the jig saw & sander again, marked up where to cut and an hour later it was ready to fit, I even managed to make an extra bracket to anchor to the carb bracket.
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/Buggy003_zps989caab7.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/Buggy003_zps989caab7.jpg.html)
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/Buggy006_zpsb98fa827.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/Buggy006_zpsb98fa827.jpg.html)
Next replaced the rubber inlet manifold connecter + fabricated and fitted a piece of engine tinware that was missing. Painted the heads of all the bolts that came through the sides of the tub with matt black hammerite to match the black fiberglass (there weren't many and were hard to spot but I new they were there). Made a slight adjustment to the carb & got it running smoother on low throttle. Another evening run out !!!! Having a few days rest now might do one more job on Monday.
Excellent stuff ;-)up
Quote(there weren't many and were hard to spot but I new they were there)
;D ;D A man after my own heart.....its a pain isnt it :D
Looks very cool ;-)up I think you are going to enjoy your retirement 8)
Looks brilliant. You just need a soft top and doors for the wet weather that we get.
a few simple jobs and a bit of tweaking to suit you, looks good now enjoy the summer weather.
Had time to do a few more jobs on the Predator, Fitted a full flow oil pump with filter, an extended oil sump, made up some new orange silicone HT leads and finally fabricated a hot air intake from aluminium and orange silicone tube, all turned out looking quite nice.
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/P1000248_zpsd9a81083.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/P1000248_zpsd9a81083.jpg.html)
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/P1000249_zps0af50f09.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/P1000249_zps0af50f09.jpg.html)
At the front end I fitted a fuel filler flap so now I no longer have to lift up the bonnet to fill up with petrol, The flap was one of those alloy ones that had been advertised on the forum, I removed the magnetic latch, fitted a cam lock and then sprayed orange. You'll also see I've grafted some Mk2 Cortina stainless wiper arms to the VW splines.
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/P1000250_zps0469b759.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/P1000250_zps0469b759.jpg.html)
More jobs & upgrades planned over the next 10 days, the biggest one being wheels and tyres.
happy retirement, maybe see you arround my area. its all good fun. ;-)up
Its been a busy 2 weeks on the buggy, I've now fitted a fuel gauge, an oil temperature gauge and a manual choke, I also whipped out fuel sender to shorten the float arm and calibrated it so that when the gauge reads empty it has 1 gallon left.
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/P1000267_zpse702db7a.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/P1000267_zpse702db7a.jpg.html)
I've also put together an emergency kit that all fits nicely in the void behind the rear seat, there's a tool kit, a foot pump, a can of puncture repair gunge and the type of puncture repair kit that enables you to insert a plug into the tyre to repair a hole. there's also a set of points, some wire, electrical connecters and cable ties. The seat bolts back into place and you wouldn't know any of it was there.
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/P1000266_zps02fd2e5d.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/P1000266_zps02fd2e5d.jpg.html)
and finally I now have wing mirrors.
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/P1000269_zps8b43a631.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/P1000269_zps8b43a631.jpg.html)
Very neat job indeed ;-)up
Looks great well done ;-)up
Very nice ;-)up
Looking good. Might see you about if you ever over in Lincoln way :)
New front wheels but they took 2 whole days of laborious paint stripping, buffing and polishing, I'll give them 1 more coat of orange paint on the edge of the slots and then they'll be ready for tyres. I'm glad the rear wheels came buffed & polished already, and yes that is the kitchen table!!!!!!!
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/S7301254_zps9587bb6a.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/S7301254_zps9587bb6a.jpg.html)
Quote from: Merscury on November 12, 2014, 10:07:55 AM
and yes that is the kitchen table!!!!!!!
Standard procedure mate! good work! ;-)up
Wheels look great too!! 8)
Looks fab. Where did you get your wing mirrors
The mirrors came from a shop called Motorman, they are in the Netherlands. Obviously they are designed for a motorbike and are extendable but once fitted I found there wasn't enough swivel movement to get them adjusted to the correct angle, so I had to chamfer out the hole in the back of the mirror so I could set the to the correct angle and the one on the passenger side I had to modify the arm slightly to get even more angle. They look nice but the mods were a bit of a faff
They look great well worth the effort ;-)up
New wheels and tyres went on yesterday, wider on the rears and slightly higher profile on the front.235/70/15 and 195/55/15. The sharp eyed out there will notice they are only held on with 2 bolts, that's because I only have 8 and still haven't managed to source anymore, I've been told the bolts are no longer available new, so its either hunt for 2nd hand or go for new conversion studs with separate nuts.
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/S7301257_zpsbe873261.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/S7301257_zpsbe873261.jpg.html)
Try these guys for the bolts part number SB43 http://www.bma-autosport.com/site/pdf/grayston-catalogue2010.pdf
You can fit dome or taper washers to suit think mine are 60 degree taper but no t 100%without checking
Quote from: snoopy on November 21, 2014, 06:31:31 PM
Try these guys for the bolts part number SB43 http://www.bma-autosport.com/site/pdf/grayston-catalogue2010.pdf
You can fit dome or taper washers to suit think mine are 60 degree taper but no t 100%without checking
Thanks for the link, that's one I hadn't seen, I have a question though. I see they have flat top to 30 deg wolfrace taper washers to fit those 5/8 Grayson shank bolts, but wolfrace are actually 41/64 is OK to use the slightly smaller 5/8 bolt ?
thought they were 39/64th ( I see I hit 49 up above) as I had the bolts I got from supa lite wheels ( now closed) and they needed turning down to fit, may be to 5/8ths from larger but mine are 21mm spanner size which is odd. I will measure one now they are off for the winter.
1/64th will make little difference as old wheels may be slightly worn and crushed, the taper keeps them centralized, there will be a loading on the bolt shank but you have a large rim to drum surface area to grip on.
there again you could have the shanks built up with metal spray if they are 41/64th or have sleeves made to go over straight 14mm bolts to suit rather than a shank on the bolt to start with.
a few possibilities to look at.
They are definitely 41/64, Wolfrace did 2 sizes of shank 41/64 and 11/16 with the unusual taper angle of 30 deg. I'd already been in touch with Maurice at Mr Tee, he was the person who told me that you can't get wolfrace bolts anymore, it's just the nuts & washers available now. You can't get a 14mm nut with 41/64 shank because the wall of the shank would be too thin, his only suggestion was to have 14mmx12mm conversion studs & then 12mm nuts with a 41/64 shank.
I might give speed shack a call and see what they say.
My bolts are deffo 5/8 the washers are a fraction larger at 41/64th but they have done the best part of 35,000 miles on the buggy so 1/64th smaller does hurt.
They are easier to fit with studs than bilts so I have 2 long bolts with the heads cut off to use as location guides when fitting the wheels to save thread and wheel damage.
I also use 2 rods with 14mm threads on the end for locating the wheels onto the hubs, looks like those Grayston sleeve bolts might do the trick, but because they don't have a taper I would also need the SW15 flat to 30 deg taper washers. I think i'm right in saying Grayston don't sell direct to the general public so I'd have to go through somewhere Speed shack anyway.
Quote from: Merscury on November 22, 2014, 02:18:02 PM
I also use 2 rods with 14mm threads on the end for locating the wheels onto the hubs, looks like those Grayston sleeve bolts might do the trick, but because they don't have a taper I would also need the SW15 flat to 30 deg taper washers. I think i'm right in saying Grayston don't sell direct to the general public so I'd have to go through somewhere Speed shack anyway.
I have been to Grayston http://www.grayston.biz/ (http://www.grayston.biz/) in chessington and they were very helpful even gave a discount for cash so I would ring them if I were you.
I spoke to Grayston Eng and they don't make the SB43 sleeve bolt anymore so that's a non starter, also spoke to speed shack and the only solution they came up with was to drill the wheels out to 11/16, then fit 14mm studs and 14mm x 11/16 nuts & washers. Drilling the wheels is going to be a last resort for me, I'll have to put more thought & research in first.
My Wolfies are held on with tapered washers (correct size) that have been modified by my local machine shop to take a tapered bolt down the middle. The bolts centre themselves perfectly and because all the contact angles are correct, they stay tight too.
You could do 14mm studs with washers and plain nuts then use a tube over the stud in place of the missing shank as you saty drilling out the rims is a last resort
Right then, I've just bought 8 14mm x 12mm conversion studs and 8 12mm x 41/64 wolfrace sleeve nuts & washers from http://www.mistertee.co.uk/ £45 which included postage. out of the places I tried Maurice at mistertee was the only person who came up with & offered a sensible off the shelf solution, So the outcome is, I'll be using the 8 wolfrace bolts that I already had, on the front and studs & nuts on the back.
Paul, thanks for your time today, great looking buggy you have there....
Quote from: Mikeohope on November 25, 2014, 08:53:25 PM
Paul, thanks for your time today, great looking buggy you have there....
Yes It was nice to meet up with you Mike.
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Today I pressganged my wife into doing a job for the buggy, 5 minutes in she started to curse, so I bid a hasty retreat before the steam started coming out of her ears. After an hour I heard the sewing machine being packed away so I went back in the room to find a slightly calmer wife and a nice pair of leather gaiters for the handbrake and Scat quick shift.
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/S7301266_zpsa5355314.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/S7301266_zpsa5355314.jpg.html)
Boots look good, will there be anymore made as there may be a market.
Quote from: snoopy on December 01, 2014, 05:04:11 PM
Boots look good, will there be anymore made as there may be a market.
I don't think she'd want to make anymore, It's only a domestic sewing machine and really struggled to cope with leather, hence the cursing.
Wife's been busy again with the sewing machine and over the past 2 days we've redone the seat covers. Not anywhere near the standard that toosh has had done with seats on his VoO DoO but I'm happy with them for now. After removing the covers my wife just replaced the silver panels with a black vinyl which is embossed with a snake/croc skin effect. (you can just see in the last photo). Before refitting I replaced all the foam padding, I also fitted the leather gaiters to the handbrake & gear lever + I made a brushed aluminium surround for the gear leaver.
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/S7301267_zpse79ba4f7.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/S7301267_zpse79ba4f7.jpg.html)
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/S7301268_zps211ff18f.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/S7301268_zps211ff18f.jpg.html)
Well the sewing machine has been out again today so the buggy now has a bikini top. The VW splashes on the sides came from Santa and I finally got round to installing music.
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/S7301285_zps11ced16a.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/S7301285_zps11ced16a.jpg.html)
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/S7301286_zpsd4bf58f2.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/S7301286_zpsd4bf58f2.jpg.html)
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/S7301287_zpsbbca3899.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/S7301287_zpsbbca3899.jpg.html)
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/S7301283_zps9c9f8eb8.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/S7301283_zps9c9f8eb8.jpg.html)
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/S7301284_zps40c8e504.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/S7301284_zps40c8e504.jpg.html)
impressed m8
Very nice. ;-)up
I think that type of exhaust header would work well on mine. Nice an low so it doesn't obscure the reg plate.
Quote from: Buggybaggy on January 17, 2015, 03:17:40 PM
I think that type of exhaust header would work well on mine. Nice an low so it doesn't obscure the reg plate.
It's a Thunderbird Baja, large flange with a Thunderbird quiet pack.
Do you mind showing some picture of your opening bonnet and under bonnet area?
Quote from: parmaynu on July 12, 2015, 02:37:13 PM
Do you mind showing some picture of your opening bonnet and under bonnet area?
No problem, when stops raining I'll take some photos for you
Quote from: parmaynu on July 12, 2015, 02:37:13 PM
Do you mind showing some picture of your opening bonnet and under bonnet area?
Here you go, I've put a self adhesive rubber seal fitted to the edge of the bonnet, you will notice the headlights are fitted to the bonnet so there are cables on the underside.
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/Mobile%20Uploads/20150714_121404_zpsxg0lpjan.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150714_121404_zpsxg0lpjan.jpg.html)
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/Mobile%20Uploads/20150714_121458_zpsbcihni7r.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150714_121458_zpsbcihni7r.jpg.html)
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/Mobile%20Uploads/20150714_121528_zpsftk02rov.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150714_121528_zpsftk02rov.jpg.html)
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/Mobile%20Uploads/20150714_122201_zps0yoqa1jt.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150714_122201_zps0yoqa1jt.jpg.html)
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/Mobile%20Uploads/20150714_122046_zpsukz5bchq.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150714_122046_zpsukz5bchq.jpg.html)
Thanks for that. Looks very neat. I've got an opening bonnet kit to use on mine so interested in how others have made them work!
Oh how I wish my bonnet did that.
Quote from: Hazel on July 14, 2015, 04:52:09 PM
Oh how I wish my bonnet did that.
Likewise..... A very neat solution! Looks great still and so much more practical!!
ive still got MELS lifting bonnet molds
Quote from: muzzy01 on July 15, 2015, 07:50:26 PM
ive still got MELS lifting bonnet molds
Could you email me some pics and prices please?
I bought a second hand stainless sidewinder exhaust from forum member Mikeohope (thanks Mike, I'm well pleased) its one of Beelzedubs creations. I just had to make a pair of stainless heat risers for it, plus I decided to make a db killer as I anticipated it being a bit too loud for me.
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/Mobile%20Uploads/20150813_190731_zpsgblksnzx.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150813_190731_zpsgblksnzx.jpg.html)
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/Mobile%20Uploads/20150813_190418_zpswu0przsr.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150813_190418_zpswu0przsr.jpg.html)
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/Mobile%20Uploads/20150813_190837_zpsyox8mk2a.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150813_190837_zpsyox8mk2a.jpg.html)
And yesterday I managed to get it fitted onto the buggy. I'm really pleased with the result. The db killer just takes the edge off the volume without losing the rasp on acceleration
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/Mobile%20Uploads/20150816_102458_zpsjbmlsaue.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150816_102458_zpsjbmlsaue.jpg.html)
Looks good that,
;-)up
That looks very cool ;-)up
That does look good ;-)up, won't if you get rear ended thou :'(, where's the cage ??? ::)
Thanks for the comments guys,
Quote from: HUDGE BUGGY on August 16, 2015, 08:24:52 PM
That does look good ;-)up, won't if you get rear ended thou :'(, where's the cage ??? ::)
Hudge a stainless rear cage is on the list but as a stop gap I have decided not to allow myself to be followed by any RED buggies ::)
Looks fab as it is without a cage ....... ;-)up
Quote from: Merscury on August 16, 2015, 08:50:00 PM
Thanks for the comments guys,
Hudge a stainless rear cage is on the list but as a stop gap I have decided not to allow myself to be followed by any RED buggies ::)
LMAO You had to be there ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Picked these up from Peter at Fibrecraft this morning
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/Mobile%20Uploads/20150817_134543_zpsb9qm9u0a.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150817_134543_zpsb9qm9u0a.jpg.html)
Spent the afternoon trimming, filing, sanding and generally fettling the first one to the point where it fits.
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/Mobile%20Uploads/20150817_181715_zpsg6f0mtml.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150817_181715_zpsg6f0mtml.jpg.html)
O yes .......believe it ;-)up
Looks awesome...Pete's the man for anything,good value too.....top job ;-)up
Nice buggy, looks good/better with the side pods 8)
Yep
looks sooooo much better with side pods...... me likey
Quote from: chris bulls head on August 18, 2015, 09:41:39 AM
O yes .......believe it ;-)up
What size of rims and tyres are you running ?
Quote from: bright blue on October 17, 2015, 09:42:18 AM
What size of rims and tyres are you running ?
Hi, Fronts are Wolfrace 6x15 rims with 195/55/15 tyres, Rears are Wolfrace 7x15 rims with 235/70/15 tyres
Update on the refurb of my new alloy wheels. On the 2 large rear wheels I've welded up the countersinks on the bolt holes and had them machined back to original spec so they will accept the correct lug bolts with flat washers, at the same time they also machine 8mm off the mounting pads so they don'y quite stick out so far. With the lips masked off they were then bead blasted which is where I've just picked them up from. Next job is to mask off the lips and mounting pads with high temp Kapton tape and they will go off to be powder coated on Friday.
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/IMG_0459%202_zpsnpf1aol3.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/IMG_0459%202_zpsnpf1aol3.jpg.html)
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/IMG_0517_zpshhm7yqnr.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/IMG_0517_zpshhm7yqnr.jpg.html)
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/IMG_0518_zpsmpr2mnjb.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/IMG_0518_zpsmpr2mnjb.jpg.html)
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/IMG_0516_zpsitne9n7a.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/IMG_0516_zpsitne9n7a.jpg.html)
Looking great Paul. Your garage floor under the wheels looks smarter than inside my house !
Quote from: Hugh on November 23, 2016, 12:09:01 PM
Looking great Paul. Your garage floor under the wheels looks smarter than inside my house !
Oh I wish, That's my conservatory not the garage !!
Very nice, what colour did you decide?
Unless I change my mind between now and Friday they will be done in a mid grey with polished lip
Great job! Where did you find the fuel filler flap? Just what I'm after. :)
Quote from: Mark Darby on November 23, 2016, 03:42:35 PM
Great job! Where did you find the fuel filler flap? Just what I'm after. :)
The filler flap came from a guy on the forum but I can't remember who it is, although he does also sell them on ebay, They come in plain aluminium or carbon fiber effect and are somewhere between £20 and £25. They don't have a lock on them that's something I added myself.
Quote from: Merscury on November 23, 2016, 05:25:54 PM
Quote from: Mark Darby on November 23, 2016, 03:42:35 PM
Great job! Where did you find the fuel filler flap? Just what I'm after. :)
The filler flap came from a guy on the forum but I can't remember who it is, although he does also sell them on ebay, They come in plain aluminium or carbon fiber effect and are somewhere between £20 and £25. They don't have a lock on them that's something I added myself.
Thanks Merscury. Just found the thread and checked on ebay. Seems he's run out and some people said a few were a bit dodgy. Does anyone know of an alternative?
All powder coated and tyres fitted, 275/60/15 and 195/60/14. Won't be fitting them yet as I've still got to get the bolts rechromed.
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh561/merscury/IMG_0522_zpsmrgsffow.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/merscury/media/IMG_0522_zpsmrgsffow.jpg.html)
Sexy ;-)up
Classy. Makes me think I should get my Wolfrace Turbos done as the white paint is beginning to flake off.