A Happy Chappy with a Chassis

Greetings all!

So what news? Well, big news - the chassis has arrived!! Went up last weekend to GKD HQ to pick up the lurvely fabricated Euro Chassis:

A fine piece of automotive fabrication

 Couldn't resist the urge to try it out immediately:

What instantly struck me was how compact it was - can seriously see just how you can get the weight so light- everything is well engineered into a very small package! When finished, this machine will be an O'Mara-guided missile :-) Looks like I might have to start a kit car diet - i was pretty much wearing the chassis rather than sitting in it. Plus, size 12 safety shoes will have to go - in that picture I'd be pressing all 3 pedals with one foot! I'm sure it's something I'll get used to though. Indeed, others have built these cars with a similar *ahem* "girth" to myself, and not had any issues.

It was great to meet Peter at last, and his helper "handsome Rob". Two extremely nice chaps, I could have spent all day chatting away to them; really looking forward to working with Peter on this project!

Weather was nice, and the drive was lovely (save for the M25 - it's always busy, glad I don't rely on it for commuting any more!), and despite a 9 hour day with 520 mile round trip; I was still beaming when I got it back into the workshop

vroom vroom! vroooooooooooooooooooooooooooom - stayed there for hours like this

also got a collection of smaller brackets and fabrications - pretty sure I know where these all go, or at least they should become apparent as the build starts.

So there you go, no excuses now! 

Firstly, need to focus on the dismantling of the old E36. It'll just never get done and stay in the way forever, so need to get that shell cut up and off to the scrappy. This weekend will focus on getting the diff and rear suspension off. Then really need to start refurbing the parts that have come off the old beemer - some things in desperate need of wire brush and hammerite. Peter mentioned about Land Rover engine mounts being the ones to go for (lucky I've got an account with the local Land Rover spare centre then, although I never ever thought I'd need it for this project!!) I also want to put a short shift kit on the gearbox - there was a finished car at GKD HQ and the gearchange felt really slick and sorted, so for £30 it's worth it. Also need a clutch in the old 328 lump, rather do it now than wait until I find it's knackered on the first drive. So it's time to smash the piggy bank open and see what's inside.

Talking to Peter it seems entirely possible to fit the engine and box first and work around it, perhaps slightly less efficient, but definitely possible. So that's where we'll go next!

Cheers,

Steve