GrahamC
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| posted on 18/5/05 at 08:24 PM |
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Sierra Rear Caliper Confusion
I'm confused about the Sierra rear calipers. My understanding (from the Haynes manual) is that there is one guide pin with a dust-boot and
another pin possibly without a boot.
Does it matter which pin has the boot on (ie the top one or the bottom one)?
I've only got one pin (the one with the dust-boot on) so does anybody know what the part number is to get the other pin from my friendly Ford
garage?
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craig1410
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| posted on 18/5/05 at 08:34 PM |
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Graham,
I'm sure someone else will answer more authoritatively but my calipers had dust boots on both guide pins. I bought caliper reconditioning kits
from a local motor factors and did the whole electrolysis, strip and rebuild thing. I can't think why a dust boot would be left out on
purpose.
Cheers,
Craig.
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GrahamC
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| posted on 18/5/05 at 09:06 PM |
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I think what's confused me is that I got the caliper mounting brackets as part of a "donor package" with my kit from MNR. I know of
another guy who has done this also and he is missing at least two guide pins as well.
Next time I build a car I'll strip the donor myself - then I can be sure I've got everything; I've lost count of the number of
problems I've had with my "complete donor package"!
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smart51
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| posted on 18/5/05 at 09:39 PM |
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mine have 2 identical guide pins with boots. All 4 boots were split and the pins corroded. My local ford dealer ordered two sets for me which were
delivered to the dealer the same day. Not too expensive either.
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craig1410
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| posted on 18/5/05 at 10:03 PM |
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Graham,
I may be stating the obvious but have you contacted MNR to highlight the shortages? These guys will be trying to build a reputation and will (or
should) be keen to resolve any such issues if you give them a chance.
Just a thought...
Cheers,
Craig.
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GrahamC
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| posted on 19/5/05 at 10:13 AM |
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Thanks for the info.
Depsite my problems with my donor package, in fairness MNR have replaced everything that was missing or broken.
My constraints really revolve around my time and the distance to MNR - which I can't blame them for!
And I guess the real advantage of stripping a donor yourself is that you learn through experience how things bolt together and you know for sure that
you've got everything - that's definitely the root I'll take on my next build - which will be another MNR Vortx; I've learnt
so much from this build that I'm eager to get it right the next time and not make the same mistakes.
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NS Dev
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| posted on 19/5/05 at 10:23 AM |
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Yes, have to say I have only good things to say for MNR.
I had some guide pin issues as well, but it was more to do with the fact that I sent them complete calipers with brackets as exchange for ones without
brackets!
I got some new pins from Ford as well in the end though, two of mine were bent. Not too pricey.
Should certainly both have boots.
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smart51
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| posted on 19/5/05 at 11:27 AM |
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GrahamC
What problems did you have in your VortX build. I am about to build one and don't want to make any mistakes. To be forewarned is to be
forearmed, as they say.
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GrahamC
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| posted on 19/5/05 at 09:13 PM |
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Build wise I've had a fair few problems - but this is the first car I've ever built so some of the problems lie with me and not the
kit!
First and foremost, get your donor bits sorted up front; I've had a few problems with mine so if you sort these up front then your life will be
sooooo much easier.
My chassis was #5, and MNR have really put some serious effort to improve the kit since I've had mine. The main area that they've improved
is the bodywork. It's a really funky one peice tub affair now, mine was the old style and it isn't great and I've spent a fair
amount of time getting this sorted. Heaven only knows how I'm ever going to get the back panel to fit - it's like it's off a
different car!!!!
I'd seriously consider asking MNR to fit the bulkheads and brake lines as part of your kit - both of these were a real pain to do but for MNR
it's a walk in the park.
My kit wasn't powder coated - BIG mistake. All their stuff is powder coated now and looks fantastic.
I've also had some problems with a couple of the laser-cut parts, but I think we can put this down to growing pains on their part.
I don't think the MNR pedal box, wiring loom or fuel tank are great value; although they're changing the pedal box to a built-in jobby
which looks like it'll make the build easier.
Trying to be objective I think the kit is really quite easy to build; you just need time (I've none!) and the tools/space for the job.
I'm only just getting to rolling chassis stage so I've probably got a lot to go through yet...
MNR have always been very helpful. In someways they're victims of their own success but the quality of their engineering and their depth of
knowledge is truly impressive.
And despite all my problems I'd buy from them again - which has got to be the best recommendation I can give.
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GrahamC
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| posted on 20/5/05 at 07:49 PM |
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And if anybody ever needs to buy a "glide bush" or two (the proper name apparently) the Ford part number is:
6141154
They cost me £9.23 for two from my hugely expensive local Ford dealer - oh and you need two for each caliper and they don't even come with the
dust boots!
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marc n
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| posted on 23/5/05 at 07:21 AM |
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hi graham
i think you have done a good job so far on the car considering you have done very little in the past , admittidley some jobs are a bit daunting (
namely the back and side panel fittment ) and the hole making for the wishbones in the side panels hence why we have one piece sides and rear section
now with pre notched holes. for me this part of the car is not a problem but i have done 12 now so fairly confident!!!
re donor parts
problem with the sierras is they are all rusty as hell and in most cases parts are bent / broken / siezed
our aim providing donor parts was to help speed up the build and to avoid the rotting sierras on peoples drives
but it has been a pain in the arse and we dont make any money out of them, this is why we only supply people who are building kits with these parts
i should be over your way in about three weeks time i will see if i can pop in and fit the back panel for you
best regards
marc
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NOTE:This user is registered as a LocostBuilders trader and may offer commercial services to other users
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GrahamC
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| posted on 23/5/05 at 12:11 PM |
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Marc thanks for the response. This weekend has been a turning point for me cos finally I got the car on the wheels - kids at the in-laws for the night
and additional muscle provided by fellow Vortx builders Roger and John.
The car (even in it's partly-built state) looks the dogs danglies. Even the wife likes it, and she hates kit cars!
Thanks for the offer on the back-panel; who knows where I'll be upto by then (I feel inspired once more) but I'd value your opinion on the
build to date and if you could give directions on the back panel that'd be great. Make sure you bring your passport and I'll let the
border-guards know we're expecting visitors - they don't let just anyone into Cheshire you know!
Cheers
Graham
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Dillinger1977
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| posted on 24/5/05 at 02:46 PM |
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it was good to see it on its wheels, I cant wait to get to that stage. the bits after that scare the s..t out of me though.. 
they're a lot heavier than they seem, even without an engine! (those damned sierra uprights.. )
-Rog
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