PES 989J... "The Pest" ....Knockhill prep

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Sun Dec 06, 2020 7:02 pm

Back to The Pest this afternoon to trial fit the pedal box to see if it will work with my modifications..... Well it didn't quite fit like I thought it would so back to a little bit of modification to the bracket so the radiator return hoses fit better underneath the master cylinder. The way it is at the moment it crushes the hose a bit to much for my liking.

So after that disappointment I moved onto the interior and started to fit the 4 way stretch carpet I bought ages ago to the area behind the dash and the inner front arches.
Here is my effort..

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dash and carpet 2.JPG

I also made sure I placed a bleed valve into the heater circuit to make it easier to bleed the cooling system

dash and bleed valve.JPG

Cheers
Col.

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Sat Dec 26, 2020 8:19 pm

Merry Christmas to all on the forum and hope you have all had a good time.
Today I had a bit of time to spend on the Pest which was nice. Copper openwork from the master cylinders to their respective reservoirs, AN-6 alloy fittings connected to the braided fuel line, braided lines hooked upto the oil cooler and the door windows painted around their edge so you can't se the closed cell foam strip I have between the polycarbonate and the door.

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Cheers
Col

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Sun Dec 27, 2020 8:25 pm

Today I fitted the door windows I painted the edges of yesterday.

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After both were fitted with the help of my son I crawled under the car so we could then bolt on clips to the underside for the fuel line and throttle cable and using the same bolt to attach the p clips for the clutch line inside the car.

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Before I went to the car I removed the engine from the engine frame so I could test fit the frame within the engine bay and check measurements for the gearshift arrangement.

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I now have the gearshift sorted more or less and will be stripping it all down for refurbishment and a coat of paint. New bushes and gearlever ball end that I bought from Malcolm a month or so ago.
Cheers
Col

bks974c · Post by **bks974c** » Mon Dec 28, 2020 8:14 am

Can't be far away now

Scott

The Nun · Post by **The Nun** » Mon Dec 28, 2020 9:11 am

What's the hump for on the rear bulkhead gutter it doesn't look like it's needed now? Oh I see no engine at the moment

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Wed Jan 06, 2021 9:27 pm

Tonight it was small progress after receiving a length of brake line thst I was short off to complete the system so I can bleed it.
From the master cylinder to the 4 way junction I had bolted to the bulkhead ages ago. Tightened and checked all the unions and now hopefully ready for a bleed come the weekend all going well.

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As well as that I have ordered colour coded wiring to match the original Blackbird wiring all 36 wires at 5 metres long each....

.. Going to be fun doing that after the brakes are finished

.
Also dropped of the gear linkage and gearstick assembly to the powder coaters so hoping to have that back later this week too.

Cheers
Col

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Mon Jan 11, 2021 6:26 pm

Rolling on from fitting the last piece of brake line I bled the system today with the help of my son on the pedal duties. After a few we leaks at a couple of joins(not tightened correctly

) we had a decent pedal.

Extending the wiring loom was also started the other night and more was done today as far as I could as I still need to order a few more length of the correct colour and diameter. I did think I did have it all but obviously not.

36 wires to extend and reroute.

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Cheers
Col

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Thu Jan 14, 2021 8:01 pm

Got around to building the gear shift all back together this evening after having it powder coated last week. The only part of the car that is powder coated as the rest is all painted. Basic reason is I couldn't be bothered with the prep work to paint it this time.

Also cleaned up the choke lever and gearstick knob and freshened up the white lettering on them both.

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Will fit it to the car this weekend hopefully.
Cheers
Col.

ImpManiac · Post by **ImpManiac** » Thu Jan 14, 2021 8:38 pm

Lovely work, Colin!

IM

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Sun Jan 17, 2021 7:29 pm

Thank you Paul,
Slowly getting there

.

So today I continued with the wiring loom extension and some more insulating of the floor and a bit of carpeting to the already insulated areas.

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This is the loom coming through from the engine bay like a standard car but I will have it coming out from the underside of the rear seat then it will be routed under the heater hose box.

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Hoping to get back to it tomorrow with the wiring at the dash end and possibly fit some more carpet to the tunnel and passenger side of the car.
The wiring looks unfinished and not covered with heat shrink as I want to make sure it all works before I fit that. It is not the finished product quite yet

Cheers
Col

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Mon Jan 18, 2021 6:43 pm

Not as much done today as expected but did follow on from yesterday with carpetting the passenger side and transmission tunnel.

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As well as that, the loom extension had connectors fitted so it can be joined at the dash end. Gear shift flitted, passenger seat fitted although no photo and tightened up all of the roll cage bolts.

Cheers
Col.

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Wed Jan 27, 2021 9:22 am

I've run out of carpet to complete the interior and waiting on a few bits for the wiring too..
Soooo.. I put the ujs onto the driveshafts last night as progress is progress..

Had the ujs in the freezer for an hour or so before fitting , also heated up the shafts so it all went together easily enough with no dramas.

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The other halves of the drivetrain are still in the hubs.. In the car so will knock those out this week and complete that job.

Cheers
Col.

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Thu Jan 28, 2021 9:56 pm

No uj fitting tonight but a bit more interior carpeting for the drivers side completing the interior more or less apart from fitting the drivers seat and dash... Oooh and the steering wheel.

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The seats really need a bit of work to make them look better and I have some leather treatment on its way so should be on that next week.

Cheers
Col.

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Tue Feb 02, 2021 9:33 pm

The leather treatment balm I think it's called arrived on Saturday so I gave the seats a good soaking with it. Turned out a lot better than they were making the seats all one shade of black with no scuff marks or greyness on them. Chuffed with the results although I have no photos of them,

Back onto the wiring though and it's a slow process, mostly because my head doesn't work that great around wiring tbh.

Anyway getting there slowly with it and have working indicators, rear lights, brake lights and at the moment only one sidelight..

I ran out of cable.

. The sidelight that is working is the one inside the headlamp that I have fitted.
Would I need to have the original Imp ones working as well for an mot?? Anyone know? Would d it matter that they aren't working?

Here's a wee video of the indicators working at least.

Cheers
Col.

bks974c · Post by **bks974c** » Wed Feb 03, 2021 9:04 am

Usual rule is if it's fitted it has to work, so I'd say yes.

Scott

The Nun · Post by **The Nun** » Wed Feb 03, 2021 9:12 am

If you've got sidelights in the headlights and you don't want the originals too, then paint the original lens where the sidelight was Amber and then the whole light unit looks like the indicator, I did mine using model paint Tamiya Acrylic "Clear" Amber you won't know it ever had a sidelight there then.

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Wed Feb 03, 2021 11:00 am

I think you are correct Scott with that one, if its there they have to work. I will wire them upto the other sidelight in the headlamp.

Peter,
I have clear lenses so I wont be painting them orange but I understand what your thinking on a standard lense that would be a good idea so it looks like an indicator.

Cheers
Col.

The Nun · Post by **The Nun** » Wed Feb 03, 2021 3:46 pm

If you've got clear lens then why not fit an orange bulb in the sidelight and then link it to the indicator then so both flash together, you just need a higher wattage flasher unit which can be had by fitting a modern electronic one which can do up to 180w or put LED bulbs in for lower wattage?

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Wed Feb 24, 2021 9:32 am

Peter,
I eventually made the Imp sidelight work along with the sidelight in the headlight together keeping the clear lenses and the indicator with an orange bulb.

Thanks to Scott I now have working lights all round high/low beam with flash/pass light as well which I am grateful for him sorting out for me as my head was pickled with what seems such a simple thing for some folks.

Not me though Thanks again Scott for your time and patience.
Since Scott was down I've tidied up all the wires showing and hidden the main loom away below the heater hose tunnel at floor level all behind the carpet so It cant be seen or damaged.
The engine frame has been removed for a bit more welding of brackets etc and final paint on it so I can fit the engine and diff very shortly. The car is now on it's wheels so I can move it about before engine refitting next week.

On wheels 240221.JPG

Cheers
Col

Bobbycham · Post by **Bobbycham** » Wed Feb 24, 2021 8:57 pm

VERY NICE Col

Bob

tiker · Post by **tiker** » Thu Feb 25, 2021 4:47 pm

Looking mint Col

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Sun Feb 28, 2021 12:15 pm

Thank you Bob and Gary, slowly getting there.

Last night I primed the engine framework so I could get up early this morning and put some colour onto which will allow me to lacquer it later today
Here is the result..

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A little bit closer now for the engine and diff etc to be fitted hopefully this week.
Cheers
Col.

bks974c · Post by **bks974c** » Sun Feb 28, 2021 6:01 pm

Wasn't expecting that colour but makes sense tying it in with the rest, think it will look sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet.

Scott

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Sun Feb 28, 2021 6:18 pm

Maybe I should've surprised you Scott??

It was either the body colour or the wheel colour and I thought the contrast would be better than the blue.

Cheers
Col.

bks974c · Post by **bks974c** » Sun Feb 28, 2021 9:08 pm

Just imagined that it would be blue but I agree the contrast will really set it off nicely, just try not to chip it when fitting the engine

Scott

bazzateer · Post by **bazzateer** » Mon Mar 01, 2021 6:52 pm

That's going to look really good Col'.

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Mon Mar 01, 2021 7:30 pm

Thanks Baz.
Will do my best not to chip the framework or the car when fitting it Scott.

Cheers
Col.

bks974c · Post by **bks974c** » Mon Mar 01, 2021 8:28 pm

I was so taken with the orange, I thought I'd try it too.

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Scott

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Mon Mar 01, 2021 9:18 pm

Is going to be an Irn Bru van now Scott?

bks974c · Post by **bks974c** » Mon Mar 01, 2021 9:30 pm

No, but I see where your coming from

Scott

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Tue Mar 02, 2021 9:28 pm

Tonight I collected all the parts for the engine transplant and lay them out ready for assembly.

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Once I got me around where they all were and what was what I placed the frame over the engine and started putting it all together

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Of course once I did all of that which isn't 100% complete yet, I rolled it over to the car just to see.....

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Now that I have it nearly there for fitting I have a list of things I need to do and collect before it goes in later this week.

Cheers
Col.

ImpManiac · Post by **ImpManiac** » Thu Mar 04, 2021 4:52 pm

Fantastic work, Colin!

Your car looks amazing!

IM

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Fri Mar 05, 2021 10:16 pm

Thank you Paul.

The engine is finally back in the car tonight

. Bit of a struggle on my own but got it in with the driveshafts connected to the diff so it can be moved.

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It may have to come back out but for now it's in..

Cheers
Col.

bazzateer · Post by **bazzateer** » Sat Mar 06, 2021 9:01 am

Like a glove!

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Sat Mar 06, 2021 9:04 am

bazzateer wrote: ↑Sat Mar 06, 2021 9:01 am Like a glove!

If it only went in as easy as my hand into a glove Baz. A wee bit of tooing and frooing but its in.

Cheers
Col.

Pog · Post by **Pog** » Mon Mar 08, 2021 10:59 am

This. Looks. Awesome! The orange is such nice contrast to the light blue - a bit like Gulf colours. I'd be buzzing if I were you, be way too excited about starting her up, you're almost there!

Pog

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Wed Mar 31, 2021 9:50 pm

Thanks Pog, I'm pretty chuffed with how it's turning out but I've waited this long to get this far so I can wait a bit longer to fire it up eventually.

The engine and frame came back out as I had the cv joints in the wrong way round

it did make it easier going back in though the second time having them the correct way round

Sorted out the gear linkage and it's self centring on the lever once a gear is engaged which it wasn't doing initially. Carbs, airbox and exhaust all on now too.
Clutch pipe all hooked up but needing bled still.
Needing to complete the throttle cable but that is only attaching it to the pedal.
The wiring is not 100% complete but not far away as is the fuel line.
So I have a list on the garage wall which I'm slowly going through and crossing of but as usual I find other things to do and have to make.
For instance the last two nights it's been making brackets..
Like this

Expansion tank bracket.JPG

So it could hold this in place on the inner rear wing.

Expansion tank fitted.JPG

A better view if the engine bay

Expansion tank in engine bay.JPG

A further bracket was made this evening to hold the air intake for the carbs which will be just above the oil cooler as I'm running out of room anywhere else that makes sense to me. Cheers
Col.

moose · Post by **moose** » Thu Apr 01, 2021 12:21 pm

Getting close. You can see things going on and staying on at this point and it feels great until you think nearly there ! and then make a list which seems endless

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Thu Apr 01, 2021 5:48 pm

Yeh, your right Mike the list does seem to be a very long one when I thought almost there.....
Sure I will get there though..

Cheers
Col.

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Thu Apr 01, 2021 10:15 pm

And another bracket for the air intake made last night and fitted temporarily tonight.

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Cheers
Col.
Ps. Mike that's another off the long list

moose · Post by **moose** » Fri Apr 02, 2021 8:55 am

Yes, but i bet you added something like buy stainless steel allen bolts, nuts and washers to mount air intake bracket for final fit

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Fri Apr 02, 2021 9:22 am

moose wrote: ↑Fri Apr 02, 2021 8:55 am Yes, but i bet you added something like buy stainless steel allen bolts, nuts and washers to mount air intake bracket for final fit

C'mon Mike.. I already have a bucket load of stainless fittings but always room for some more

Some silicon hoses have been ordered though..

Cheers
Col.

moose · Post by **moose** » Fri Apr 02, 2021 9:25 am

I knew you would have added something to the list

wait till you think you have finished and been up the road and then post pictures on here and someone points something out that you need to finish and out the list comes again.

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Fri Apr 02, 2021 10:03 am

I think I might as well have post it notes on the dash to keep up with the list once it is ready for the road Mike.
There will always be a list of things to do no doubt.

Cheers
Col.

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Fri Apr 02, 2021 11:25 am

As we were saying....
This lot just arrived from the postie

Silicon hose and connectors.JPG

Let me knock something else of the list ..

Cheers
Col.

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Sun Apr 11, 2021 7:29 pm

Slowly scoring of things to do on my list from the Xmas white board now, so far today.......

Fit the hoses from above with the suitable clips.
Cut down the seat belt bolts that were sticking too far from under the floor,
Re-bled the brakes after fitting a new brake light switch and losing the fluid.. Oops!!!

Bled the clutch which uses a dry break inline so it will bee easier to remove the engine and refit it if I ever need to.
Fitted the front wheel bearing hub seals, refited brakes and wheel's(fronts only are on at the moment).
Remove the fuel tank as it needs a breather welded on lower so the bonnet can close properly as with an AN6 fitting there isn't enough clearance

Drained the oil from the engine, removed the exhaust, removed the sump and cleaned it all up and refitted it using rtv sealant instead of my home made(leaky) gasket so hopefully when full of oil it doesn't drip oil(just like a proper Imp)

I did have a wee helper (my son) today though for bleeding the brakes and clutch which was great as he also fitted the mirrors for me after I drilled the holes.
I best show of his work...

Mirrors front.JPG

Mirror rhs rear.JPG

Mirror lhs rear.JPG

I used motorbike mirrors , can't remember from what motorbike though but they are pretty small and unobtrusive and hopefully stay in position once on the move. Still to fit an interior mirror as well but that will happen soon enough.
Be back at it tomorrow so I can continue scoring through the list of things to do.

Cheers
Col.

The Nun · Post by **The Nun** » Mon Apr 12, 2021 7:55 am

Thought you might go hi tech and fit cameras instead of mirrors

bazzateer · Post by **bazzateer** » Mon Apr 12, 2021 8:50 am

Do you have a close up of how the mirrors are fixed to the car?

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Mon Apr 12, 2021 7:09 pm

Peter,
No hi tech for me I'm afraid, easy fit and replaceable mirrors will do the job just fine.

Baz,
The mirrors are fitted to the windows as they are perspex which you won't be doing on a standard Imp. I drilled through the perspex and added penny washers either side to spread any load. I will get a close up photo the next time I am up at the car.

Cheers
Col.

bazzateer · Post by **bazzateer** » Tue Apr 13, 2021 8:18 am

I guessed as much. Although modern they do seem to fit in with the general look.