Right, having gone the cheap way and buying a nose cone second hand, I have found the bloody thing is too wide for my chassis. I have come to the engineering conclusion that I have to shrink the bugger by one inch, but am wondering whether to just cut the bugger in half and glue it back together, or make a mould out of the "modifided" bit. As my grp experience is rather limited (I have none!) was wondering if cutting and glueing would have an effect on the strenth on the nosecone.

Also is it me or is or is there a serious spelling error in ron's book, should there be an extra 0 on the end of £250?

[Edited on 5/4/03 by flyingkiwi]

[Edited on 5/4/03 by flyingkiwi]

Last question first...yes there is a spelling error!
Back to your nose cone. Do you have a standard chassis? Where did you purchase your nose cone? How about trying to swap with some one who needs a wider nosecone?

Cheers, Stu.

[Edited on 5/4/03 by Stu16v]

Hi Chris,

How's things going with the build?

should be getting my new chassis in a couple of weeks, so back to the garage then!

the chassis is book width.

If you get stuck for a nose cone, mine is available, the one in the pictures I sent you initially.

i expect i'm going to get some gel-coat ones, so nose and front cysle wings will be taking up space.

let me know how your getting along.

Kelvin

Thanks for the tips!

Have found a guy at work who does GRP stuff (the bonus of working for the navy) and he said he could rip the inch out and refinish it like new, but before I do that I can offer the nose cone to anyone who want's to swap it for a standard size, its in good nick and red. I can get a photo for anyone interested.

The build is going well, just repainted the engine and starting to put it back together again. My mate took it apart, whilst I demolished the escort, but he's out in the gulf at the mo, and I'm having a bit of trouble working out which bit goes where! Starting on the wishbones hopefully next week. thats if I can source some cheap steel tube!

Sorry Kelvin, just worked out who you are!

The chassis is fine, looking at taking the steel flooring and back paneling out and replacing it with ali. Still debating that move. I'm rather tempted at the nose cone, especially as the brackets on the car should fit it! Is it in blue like the wings? I have a set of clam shell wings for the front, in green! so I have a bit of a rainbow car at the mo.

Taking the side panels off too, as have noticed they are a tad short and don't rap around the frame. Other than that things are dandy.

Good to hear about the chassis! Will have to pop down and show you the motor when its finished!

Hi Chris,

it is blue, but as with the rear wings, could do with a proper spray job, previous owner just dusted them i think with a Halfords spray can to get an idea of colour. The scuttle is probably being replaced as well.

It's not going anywhere, so if you want it no probs, if not, no probs also!

Cheers,

Kelvin

Hiya

How much do you want for the pair? Rather than beat up the nosecone I've got will more than likely go for yours. If I get the scuttle, will save me the hassle of building one.

I thought this was going to be fairly easy! THE BOOK LIES!

oh, the book definitely lies!!!

Errr, as for price, not sure! i don't really know what they go for.

best thing would be to hunt around for some prices and make me an offer. What I would say though, if you do replace that steel floor and back panel, if you have no other use for it, let me know!

kelvin

Chris,

I bought a nosecone for the standard width chassis, even though my chassis if 4" wider than book (nobody made a nose 4" wider), knowing I'd have to "modify" it slightly.

Pics in the archive.

Cut it down the middle, clamped it to the chassis (so it was definately the right width), bolted some wood to it to hold it in place, then stuck (with 3M brown tape) some 1/32" ply to the outside to to act as a mould, which I then covered (inside) with more brown tape to act as a release agent - worked perfectly).

Poured resin into that and let it set, the poured more resin in, along with glass matting and let it all go off for a couple of days.

I'll put some "very nearly finished" pics of it up tonight if I get a chance.

ATB

Simon

PS I've never done that amount of f/glassing b4:-)

Soon to mould and take an orig from scuttle plug, then the bonnet!!

Thanks for the idea's Simon,

Will go for Kelvin's nosecone, as I brought the chassis from him and the nosecone he's got came from that car. Will end up selling the old one I think.

What did you use to cut the fibreglass with? I have found that a normal hacksaw make's a hell of a mess.

Chris

Chris,

Used a wood saw. One of the log bendy ones. Not being a chippy, I've no idea what they're called.

Worked a treat.

ATB

Simon