PREPARATION ~ MAY 2002

I will be using my father's double garage for the build, having twisted Mum's arm to move her car onto the drive.  Intend to build a bench, knock up some shelves and perhaps even lay a carpet, but plenty of time yet.

05/05/2002

Visited the Stoneleigh show, whilst this is not exactly preparation, it is part of deciding the specification I desire.  I also started buying tools, I already have basics such as spanners and socket sets, but added a large riveter, tin snips, clamps, tap and die set to these.  Meant to get four axle stands, but remembered half way home.  I may well go the route of trestles to bring the car up to comfortable working height, so axle stands may be surplus to requirements anyway.

A few comments and some pictures from the day are included in the 'Out & About' section, click here for direct access.

11/05/2002

Was meant to be going for a demonstration drive at Dax today, in order to finalise the V8 or Haybusa decision.  However, when I rang to confirm yesterday the MC is out of action, something to do with damaging a gear when trying the 0-60-0 dash.  Also, Gary is not in today and to use their words "somebody else could take you out but they won't scare you like Gary would".  Therefore I have postponed, will reschedule sometime in June as next few weekends are busy and then Gary has his holiday.

A letter arrived from Dax today, with an order form for me to complete and confirmation that they will start on my chassis, week commencing 19^th August.  Now that's what I call a birthday present.  Yesterday I was told that eight Rush orders were taken at the show last weekend, certainly makes me glad that I placed a deposit before the show in order to book a build date.  The waiting list is now into October.

13 to 17/05/2002

The Dax list helped me through the understanding of the trade offs on the differential.  Taking as read that it must be from a Sierra or Scorpio Granada there are three points to consider;

	Size and therefore strength.  This boils down to 7" or 7½".
	Ratio.  Ford seem to use 3.36, or 3.63.
	Limited Slip

The holy grail for a V8 Rush, seems to be hailed as a 7½", 3.36:1, LSD.  However, obtaining this is likely to be difficult.  Dave Daniel believes it is worth the hassle to get the 3.6 7½" LSD from a 2wd Cosworth and a 3.36 7½" Open from a Granada, then pay a transmission company to assemble the desired diff.  I might however, see what Dax can do for me, even if it means a few more £'s, but it would certainly be easier to buy it already done.

My thanks to the two Dave's for all your help on this, I think I understand the options now.

I also have sent off enquiries on the cost of the donor components, hopefully I should receive a fax back with the costs for new, reconditioned and straight off the donor.  Then I can decide which route and search out the place with the best price.  I feel a need to get my hands dirty, to really start the project.

I also have emailed V8 Developments, I had already had a read of their website and as Mark Porter (whom I met at Stoneleigh) recommended them I thought I would see what they could do.  Basically sent them a rough specification, I have yet to hear from them.

18 & 19/05/2002

Nothing done this weekend, went up North to see my Gran on Saturday and my sister and her twins are over for the weekend.  Never mind the four wheels of a Rush, how about the six wheels of a pair of Barbie scooters, riding down a hill with a three year old on your shoulders.

Although as a good way of escaping the twins, have updated this website including adding the pictures from Stoneleigh.

20 to 24/05/2002

An extremely busy week at work, which meant I did little more than a bit of reading around the subject.  

Figured out one of the commonly used Dax list abbreviations, BTW means "By The Way", I could not work out why when talking about a Rush they kept banging on about the 'bearing to waypoint'.  Still have ISTR , IYSWIM and IMHO to work out.

25 & 26/05/2002

Spent the weekend sailing as Mate on Ingotism, training the team that will deliver her to Brest for the start of the Tall Ships Race.  The wind was between Force 6 to 7 for the entire weekend, although should be thankful that we at least saw some sunshine.  It was an enjoyable weekend with a great crowd of people.  Came back both tired and refreshed.

27 to 31/05/2002

Still heard nothing from V8 Developments, guess they probably have an email address as it seemed a good idea when setting up the website, but do not respond to it.  I should have guessed this would be the case as I had previously requested their brochure via a website form and that never appeared either.  I will give them a ring next week.

Tim's Rush has now passed its SVA (congratulations), I was surprised to see it tipped the scales at over 900kg, I was expecting more like 750kg.  Checked Duncan's diary and his too was around this mark.  Guess I will just have to up the power of the engine!

Really must start sourcing components and prepare the garage.  Thinking of the garage, if I don't get on with my CIMA log, I will not have anywhere to put the chassis in September.

Go to June

Go to Preparation Index

Last Updated 31/05/2002