September 23, 2003
Day 10/11 - finish handbrake and rear suspension
Spent a couple of hours over the last two days doing bits and pieces. The large handbrake pin arrived from Caterham so I finished fitting the handbrake although the driver's side cable is a bit short to loop round everything and still avoid the driveshaft and De Dion/brake pipes. It seems I'm not the only person with this problem. Brake pipes are all attached and the system is ready for filling and bleeding - first time experience so it should be interesting. I decided in the end to go for Castrol Super Dot 4 fluid which is supposed to exceed the DOT4/5.1 spec and be suitable for racing. Engaging the handbrake allowed me to torque the propshaft bolts which are really difficult to get to!
I took the rear axle stands off the chassis and onto the De Dion in order to torque up the rear suspension. I still need to fill the diff but couldn't get the drain plug undone (not enough leverage from an allen key) so need to get a proper drain plug socket. Whilst I was waiting, I fitted the front brake pipes properly.
Have almost finished the boot cover (which has taken an inordinate amount of time!) and so can then refit the harnesses. Hopefully I should be on track to finish all the bits and pieces before the weekend and can then spend Saturday morning attaching the gearbox, bell housing and engine together before reinforcements arrive Saturday afternoon and help me put the engine in.
Caterham Engineering are trying to work out how I should attach the crutch straps given the lowered floor.....
2 hours, 38 hours total.
Posted by charles at September 23, 2003 6:45 PM