Weds.13.12.06. Chris has been determined to reinforce the boot space with extra glass and resin. The original construction is a hotchpotch of different materials and methods of build: marine ply, hardboard, angle iron, nuts, bolts, nails, screws, aluminium and glass. These have been brought together subsequently strengthened using fibre matting and resin. The boot space is as a result much more rigid this should prevent any possibility of the adjacent modifications of twisting then cracking due to the natural movement of the rear of the car. “It’s belt and braces but let’s have it right”.
Thurs.14.12.06. I have had another pleasant trip to Paddocks of Chester for some essential components.
Along with the order I also exchanged the clutch. We had formally received a 1500 Spitfire Borg and Beck clutch but only this week have discovered that it does not fit the fly wheel or the input splines on the overdrive box. The clutch is actually 7 inches in diameter having 20 splines on the disc. After speaking with John, who has confirmed that the box is probably out of a MK4 spit, he recommended that we can only fit a 10 spline 6 and half inch clutch. This would exactly match the input shaft and also the flywheel. Because of the extra power from the stage 2 head, twin one and a half SU’s, road race cam and big bore exhaust generates it would be advisable to fit a larger clutch; but this has proved to be impossible as that configuration does not exist. The damage on the flywheel purchased from Max in addition to the badly worn ring gear has persuaded us to use the original wheel. This is, unfortunately, is very badly pitted due to being stood for 15 years. It must be skimmed then polished.
We were becoming quite dejected having waded through the ‘yellow pages’ being dismissively rejected by all of the engineering shops. Most workshops had not carried out this procedure for many years as a result were not tooled up for such a simple process. ‘Engine Teckniks’ who were the favourites for the job, explained that removing the retaining plugs alone is a mammoth task, they would also need to use another company to skim the wheel. This would be quite expensive probably taking up to at least 7 days. Chris cynically remarked that we were plunged, yet again, into the world of ‘mythical’ bollocks. To prove this, he proceeded to comfortably punch out the plugs as I continued sifting through ‘yellow pages’. Eventually, “Wigan Engine Services” confirmed that they could skim and polish the wheel.
They had moved from the original premises 4 years ago presently having an extensive workshop in Rosebridge; somewhat fortuitously, I had been using a 2002 yellow pages which still had the company listed. Since their recent upgrade they preferred not to deal with the ‘public’ only choosing wisely, to focus upon trade customers. They hadn’t touched an engine for as many years but now specialised in the manufacture of unique, one off engineered parts. They were prepared to do the job as a favour for £20.00. I quickly drove down to their shop and was met by Cliff the owner. Short, stocky with bandy bulldog legs, cropped curly white hair, a battle scarred head and ruddy weatherworn face, horseshoe lip and barrel chest he smiled, examined the wheel. “Aye, no problem, we’ll have it ready tomorrow.
We don’t normally deal with public, they’re usually a bunch of tossers. You build them a brand new engine, they then run it dry, fry the head expecting to bring it back under guarantee. I prefer trade; sound orders, regular work and most importantly, appreciation,” he was blunt, succinct but correct. I hastily returned, that we were, in fact, trade; we were rebuilding a car for a friend, we normally only sell cars within the industry, never to the public for the very same reasons. “Yeah, trying to sound ‘trade’, I agree with you Cliff, they’re all a bunch of tossers”. Smiling shiftily but with a degree of false empathy I left Cliff speeding back to Westmead with the good news.
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