Tuesday 25 November 2014

Finished.

For some strange reason, the 25th Nov 2014 feels like a bigger milestone than passing the IVA. So, whats happened?......Well, the V5C form arrived today, and when I checked online the car had also been taxed. I had to check as the DVLA no longer issues tax discs, and there was no paperwork.

So, I picked the kit up on the 10th Nov 2012, and completed it on the 25th Nov 2014. Just over two yrs to build...not bad I suppose.

I've had a few moments recently where I've stood back and pondered what I would do differently if I was to build it again, and I guess its good to report that the answer was not a lot. I should have hacked off the steering lock gubbins and fitted an immobiliser (much neater), and also moved the key ignition to the side pod. Apart from that I think it's car I intended on building.

So, I should stop the blog?

Well, as anyone who has built a kit car knows, getting through the IVA is just a start, I'm now looking forward to some track days next year and trying to 'develop' the car into a quick track car.

Things I will ponder over the next year or so:
  • Anti Roll Bars
  • Side impact protection
  • New camshafts / remap
  • Brake balance adjustment
  • Suspension set up 
  • Aeropackage - front splitters / rear diffuser
Watch this space!


Sunday 16 November 2014

Aeroscreen!

 I had a letter from the DVLA on saturday...Dear sir, you enclosed the incorrect amount for the first years tax payment...etc...etc....

Turns out, the first year you tax a car, it must be for a year...DOH!. Oh well, a few more weeks to wait then.

Meanwhile, a job I've been itching to do for a long long time......THE AEROSCREEN :-)

The standard Sylva offering for a windcreen is fairly tall and clear perspex. Point being it's tall enough that you need be able to actually look through it. It's a nice design though, just not exactly what I wanted.

I've always like the lip aeroscreens like you see on Caterhams, but the shape of the J15 does not lend itself to this sort of screen. The plan was to use some flat carbon, wrap it around the lip on the tub and secure it...Job done!..note quite. As there are two curves to contend with my so called simple job turned out to be actually quite difficult. To a point three attempts at a card template, and I gave up. What now?......A call to a fellow builder who has yet to fit his screen was the answer (thanks Chris). I took a template, and few hrs work on the weekend the J15 was sporting it's new aeroscreen. Still needs some further securing, but that can wait until the tub comes off.










Monday 3 November 2014

Side duct number 1.

I promised I would keep everyone updated on this, so will try my hardest to keep taking photos as I go.

Moving on from the top vents in the engine bay, I've now installed the first of two NACA ducts in the side pod. After some measuring I realised I was able to squeeze in a 75mm duct. The main issue here was the fact that the side pod is not flat over the area of the duct. However, by strategically tightenin the rivets in an order so it pulled the fiberglass out evenly, I was 'JUST' able to get the duct flush to the body work.

The 75mm ducting came from ramair, and is good stuff...feels nice and strong.

The pipe work in the engine bay is pointing towards the air filter. No idea if it will make a real world difference, but as it was getting genuinly warm around this area, I can't see why not. By having a very slight

upwards angle on the duct, I was able to route the 75mm tube between chassis tubes. This holds it nicely.