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

moose · Post by **moose** » Tue Apr 13, 2021 7:41 pm

The look of the mirrors suits the car, i have fitted these to a race imp and they look the part as well https://race.parts/Catalogue/Mirrors/Ra ... rror-Black

Must be down to the last couple of pages on the list now ?

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Mon Apr 19, 2021 7:19 pm

Yeh, the list is getting a bit shorter Mike but as you will know just as you think you have one thing sorted another issue jumps out and adds itself to the list.
Today I have sorted out the throttle and choke cables. For the throttle I used a tandem brake cable with a little mod at the soldered nipple end that it uses as standard to fit the Blackbird carbs. Basically making the barrel a little bit smaller so it sutis the throttle wheel on the car s. At the other end I modified the Imp throttle pedal so a solder less niple could be fitted easily and stay in place.

The Imp choke cable supplied by Malc needed no modification other than a being shortened slightly. It was more of modifying the Blackbird choke attachment to the car s that needed a bit of work.

Once I was happy with that part of my list I moved onto fitting the one piece rear window.. On the third attempt I got it in eventually but not without a few choice words I must admit.

Photos will follow I'm afraid as they are not loading from my phone like normal..
Frustrating to say the least.

Cheers
Col.

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Tue Apr 20, 2021 8:51 am

Here we go now that I've done it one the pc.

Throttle pedal mod.

Throttle pedal mod (1).JPG

The rear window which was a bit of a PITA...
I used a Mini front screen rubber and the window was 6mm smaller than the aperture.

One piece rear window rhs.JPG

One piece rear window rear.JPG

Now to sort out my oil leak

Cheers
Col.

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Fri Apr 30, 2021 7:52 pm

After a long 12 years The Pest moves under its own power at long last!!!!

A great end to a pretty crappy day.

https://youtube.com/shorts/8PGKHgDsSWw?feature=share

Still lots to do but it isn't far away now from being on the road.
Chuffed to bits..

Cheers
Col.

bks974c · Post by **bks974c** » Fri Apr 30, 2021 8:31 pm

Well done, Col. No looking back now

What was the "smoke" on drivers side

Scott

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Fri Apr 30, 2021 8:39 pm

Thanks Scott..
Yeh, the steam is a bit of a leaky water pump I think and possibly oil that leaked onto the exhaust burning of aswell.
Teething problems they call it I think

Cheers
Col.

bks974c · Post by **bks974c** » Fri Apr 30, 2021 8:51 pm

Whooohooo, exactly like an Imp

Scott

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Fri Apr 30, 2021 8:55 pm

I have to try and keep some authenticity with it Scott

.
The water pump I bought from you is leak free though so that's good.
Col.

bks974c · Post by **bks974c** » Fri Apr 30, 2021 9:03 pm

That's good, I've always found with leaking water pumps if you ignore it for long enough they all eventually stop

Scott

ImpManiac · Post by **ImpManiac** » Tue May 04, 2021 8:16 pm

Wow! Well done, Colin!

I'm going to watch your video right now.

bks974c wrote: ↑Fri Apr 30, 2021 9:03 pm That's good, I've always found with leaking water pumps if you ignore it for long enough they all eventually stop

Scott

Aye. When the coolant runs out.

IM

moose · Post by **moose** » Wed May 05, 2021 10:06 pm

Nice one. It is a brilliant feeling, driving to the shop for a new note pad to make longer lists

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Thu May 06, 2021 11:36 am

moose wrote: ↑Wed May 05, 2021 10:06 pm Nice one. It is a brilliant feeling, driving to the shop for a new note pad to make longer lists

It sure is Mike, I was buzzing all night

Like a kid at Christmas time so I was .

I now have it insured so a bit closer to being on the road now once I figure out wht my brake lights have stopped working it will be mot time very soon.

The list isn't getting shorter that's for sure..

Cheers
Col.

oli · Post by **oli** » Sun May 09, 2021 5:25 pm

Just going back to your rear windscreen - the aperture is the same profile as the front windscreen - a standard front screen seal (cut down or bought off the roll) is a perfect fit, and completely hides the recess...

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Mon May 10, 2021 11:48 am

Hi Oli,

Thanks for that bit of info regarding the aperture being the same as the front, I never even thought about it at the time of using a cut down front screen rubber

. Everything I have seen previously has mentioned using something other than a cut down front screen rubber.

It's in now I guess with a Mini one and hopefully it will be water tight.

Good reference for the future if anyone ever looks at the forum for that kind of info.

Cheers
Col.

Pog · Post by **Pog** » Sat May 15, 2021 10:57 am

colimp66 wrote: ↑Fri Apr 30, 2021 7:52 pm After a long 12 years The Pest moves under its own power at long last!!!!
A great end to a pretty crappy day.

https://youtube.com/shorts/8PGKHgDsSWw?feature=share

Still lots to do but it isn't far away now from being on the road.
Chuffed to bits..
Cheers
Col.

A massive congratulations Col! Mega milestone achievement - can't wait to get to that stage with mine.

Pog

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Mon May 17, 2021 12:18 pm

Thanks Pog,

It was a great feeling to finally drive it after all this time. It's only the second Imp I have ever driven so not much to compare it with but it seemed to go ok

. Now ironing out all the wee issues that have cropped up but have it booked for an MOT next Monday so fingers crossed I can get it there and all goes well.

You will get there with yours I am sure, good luck. Keep us all posted.

Cheers
Col.

ImpManiac · Post by **ImpManiac** » Wed May 19, 2021 4:25 pm

^^ So true!

IM

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Tue Jun 01, 2021 1:19 pm

So the last week or so I have been running around fixing leaks, changing certain things and adding bits an bobs all the little niggles from firing up an Imp that has laid dormant for many a decade.

One of the things I can show is a second expansion tank fitted to the front of the car to take care of the radiator overflow, bleed hose. An autojumble bargain from a few years ago getting put into use. A bracket made up so I can attach it to the fuel tank framework.

Expansion tank lhs.JPG

Expansion tank rhs.JPG

Expansion tank front.JPG

Now waiting on some T pieces and clips to plumb it in. Going to strip the carbs as they drip a bit which isn't good so an MOT is still a week or so in the future at the moment.

Cheers
Col.

bks974c · Post by **bks974c** » Tue Jun 01, 2021 7:39 pm

Tis it MOT'd then

Ready for the meeting on the 7th

Cheers
Scott

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Tue Jun 01, 2021 10:21 pm

No NOT yet Scott unfortunately but getting closer.
If I'm lucky I may get one on Monday so could be at meeting but that's a long shot .
Will see how I get on this week with it and let you know.

Cheers
Col

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Tue Sep 21, 2021 11:55 am

Well, its been a wee while since I last updated anything to do with the Pest... Simply due to me being busy rebuilding an MX-5 for my sons 18th birthday which is now ready for an MOT, the car not my son.

So the last time I had started and ran the Pest it had developed a ticking noise which when trying to diagnose it there was a clunk and engine stop/stall..
Oh dear!

After this happened I tried turning it over by hand which it did but not a full 360 degrees of rotation...

An endescope was bought and shoved down all four plug holes to discover number two cylinder had a valve head sitting on top of the piston..

Valve head on top of piston.JPG

Oh well, its now engine out and remove the head...

Cheers
Col

bks974c · Post by **bks974c** » Tue Sep 21, 2021 9:37 pm

Heads you win, tails you lose

No that's not right heads you lose

That's a real b'gger, from what can be seen the piston doesn't look damaged just a little witness mark hopeful that's the case when you get the head off.

Good luck

Scott

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Wed Sep 22, 2021 9:31 am

Thanks Scott,

I had a wee lookie last night after removing the carbs and exhaust and a few other bits to allow me to pull the motor and subframe assembly hopefully tonight.
Most definitely dropped number 3 inlet valve so I'm thinking the collets have let go or I haven't fitted them properly. In saying that if I had I would've thought they wouldn't have lasted the blasts up and down the farm road ands a round trip of around 12 mile to and from the MOT station a while a go.

Doesn't matter, its busted now and needs fixing.

Cheers
Col.

Roy Sims · Post by **Roy Sims** » Wed Sep 22, 2021 1:18 pm

Colin, I have valves, collets and retainers if you need them, for the cost of postage. Or if you need a carb head complete I have one of those I think, for not much money plus postage. I have never had a dropped valve on a Blackbird and mine spend a lot of time against the limiter.
Regards Roy

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Wed Sep 22, 2021 2:23 pm

Roy,
Thank you very much for the kind offer of valves etc. That would be great.
Let me know what you want for the head as well and I will send you some money.

Cheers
Col.

Roy Sims · Post by **Roy Sims** » Thu Sep 23, 2021 8:44 am

Hi Col,
I will sort it out over the next few days. The head is at my mates and i'm not sure what is on it, I'm pretty sure it has valves, springs and retainers complete, the correct cam caps and a pair of injection cams (not quite as good as the old carb cams. What i'm not sure about is whether the cam followers are there. I will find out.
Regards Roy

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Thu Sep 23, 2021 10:36 pm

Hi Roy,
Not a huge rush as I am busy at work still so fitting it on when I can. I appreciate your help with this.
Thank you.

I did remove the engine and cradle this evening though in readiness for the head being removed at the weekend to see what if any damage has been done.
Will need to order a few bits like head gasket and some new cv boot clips for it all going back together.

_20210923_222712.JPG

Had some help from my son which made it a little easier. Will make an Imper out of him yet.

Cheers
Col.

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Sun Sep 26, 2021 1:19 pm

Not long removed the cylinder head from the car and as expected the head of the valve was sitting on top of the piston in no. 2 cylinder.

_20210926_130935.JPG

Not sure if the collets let go or the head of the valve came of first but there is damage to the combustion chamber on the head.

_20210926_131028.JPG

Probably best just fitting another head and gasket which will be the easiest and quickest solution.

Whilst the motor is out I have also ordered up a sprocket to fit between the propshaft and diff so I can fit a starter motor which will give me a reverse gear.

.

Silver lining and all that, I was going to wait for the winter to do that but may as well get on with it now.
Cheers
Col.

bks974c · Post by **bks974c** » Mon Sep 27, 2021 9:30 am

Sometimes it's good to be going backwards

Glad to hear your fitting a reverse, as you know I have worried for you without one fitted.

Good luck with the reassembly.

Scott

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Mon Sep 27, 2021 12:29 pm

Thanks Scott,

Every time I have been pushing the Pest about the garage and over the gravel I've been thinking "if only it had a reverse gear"

No point in waiting till winter time now is there if the motor is already out and on the floor..

We got the MOT for the MX-5 today so that's good news regarding car restoration

coming together for at least one of the cars in the garage.

Cheers
Col.

The Nun · Post by **The Nun** » Mon Sep 27, 2021 2:38 pm

I had a car that jumped out of reverse, it was OK as long as you didn't give it much load, made the mistake of going down this narrow steep hill which ended in just a farm gate and no where to turn round and unable to back out and too steep for 2 people to push it back out, had to go and find someone to tow it out, so having no reverse just isn't on for a road car.

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Mon Sep 27, 2021 7:16 pm

We all live and learn Peter.

The gear sprocket that I ordered on Friday from MK Sportscars arrived today and looks like I will only meed to find 2mm of space between the propshsftvand diff arrangement for it to fit. Of course I will need to also find room for the starter motor as well as make up the brackets to hold it in place.

_20210927_191113.JPG

Apart from that it will be wiring and a button.

The repair to the cylinder head will also be a very good idea to also sort out.

Always something to do.

Cheers
Col.

Roy Sims · Post by **Roy Sims** » Wed Sep 29, 2021 8:22 am

Hi Col, The head is complete less cam followers, so it has all valves, springs, retainers, collets and cam carriers. Email me I think you have it, if not PM.

Roy

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Wed Sep 29, 2021 8:45 am

Hi Roy,

I have emailed you earlier. Thanks again,

Cheers
Col.

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Sat Nov 27, 2021 9:38 am

Thanks to Roy I now have the cylinder head back in place and the engine turns over without any issues that I can see without it actually running. Cheers Roy.

After buying the electric reverse gear from MK Sportscars I had a better look at the fitting of it to the engine cradle and unfortunately there just wasn't enough room for the starter and all the bracketry so it was back to the drawing board. There is a similar build going on at Retro Rides forum with a Chamois and a Yamaha R1 motor in the back very similar to how I have fitted the Blackbird motor to the Pest. The chap there has an electric reverse and used a ring gear from a Suzuki SJ410 with great results.
So of I went and ordered a Suzuki SJ410 ring gear from India... all £16.00 worth delivered to me in 2 1/2 weeks later, then it was of to the machine shop to have a centre made to suit the MX-5 diff.
That was all dropped of yesterday so this weekend I will be messing around to see if it all works out in round 2.

Electric reverse mk2.JPG

Looks like the images are so much easier to load now to.

Top job John.

Cheers
Col.

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Sat Nov 27, 2021 10:18 am

Nearly forgot I have this going on as well to help keep the revs down a bit..

Fuji 3.6 LSD (2).JPG

It is a MX-5Fuji lsd differential that I bought from an ex Imp grasstrack racer who raced in the 80's from Dunfermline.

Cheers
Col.

moose · Post by **moose** » Sat Nov 27, 2021 12:16 pm

All projects must go backwards at some point

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Sat Nov 27, 2021 12:49 pm

This one has certainly went backwards a few times Mike. Never under its own steam unfortunately.

Cheers
Col.

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Wed Dec 08, 2021 9:28 am

Fitted the new diff and all the other bits for the drive train that I removed from the engine cradle to allow the reverse gear to be trial fitted before painting and so I can see what I need to fit the starter motor to allow me to have a reverse.
All a bit tight for space but it is in and now waiting on various nuts/bolts spacers for me to finalise it all this weekend hopefully.

Electric reverse gear in situ (2).JPG

Electric reverse gear in situ.JPG

Not a lot of space here between the nuts and the clutch slave cylinder but have ordered some slimmer nuts and may remove some material form the slave.

Electric reverse gear spacing2.JPG

Cheers
Col.

The Nun · Post by **The Nun** » Wed Dec 08, 2021 9:32 am

You seem to be going backwards and forwards on this one, oh wait a moment you can't go backwards yet.

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Mon Jan 03, 2022 7:11 pm

Happy New Year to you all, wish you all the best for 2022.

Some more work done to give the Pest a way to reverse as it happens I originally had a starter motor that didn't go in the correct direction for the space I had to fit it.. Doh!!

Between Xmas and New Year I managed to order and receive a clockwise starter from a Kia Sorento which does fit and is now fitted to the engine framework allowing the diff to reverse.

Here's a few photos of it in place.

DSC_0003.JPG

DSC_0001.JPG

DSC_0002.JPG

Still to remove it all so I can fully weld the starter supports on the main frame. Wire it all up before refitting it all back into the Pest and try it all out.
Cheers
Col.

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Wed Jan 12, 2022 10:11 am

Got some colour onto it all the other night , ready for assembly later this week.

Reverse motor mounting painted.JPG

Hoping to have it all back in the car this weekend for wiring it all back in , fitting fuel and cooling lines.

Cheers
Col.

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Tue Jan 25, 2022 10:19 am

Been a busy few days with a bit of frustration thrown in but finally got everything back together on the engine and frame and now have it all back in The Pest. Great having an extra pair of hands to help from my son to get it back in although I still need to put in the coolant, oil and hook up the fuel lines along with a few other bits.

Whilst I was waiting on parts I fitted the new headlamp seals I had received from Roger Gill, removed the seats and revised the brackets to the floor to give more leg room and put in a cool air hose to the heater. Also had the stub axles out for a camber modification to help remove the huge amount of negative camber it had.. It still has a bit but nothing like it was so happier with that little lot.

A similar photo of the engine that has been seen many times before back in the car once again

..

Engine back in with reverse gear.JPG

Carbs and the airbox along with the exhaust still to be fitted. The exhaust will be something that will be fitted even though it will be getting modified at some point to increase the ground clearance but that may be later this year.

Cheers
Col.

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Mon Feb 21, 2022 7:00 pm

A little update from the last time I was on.
Engine is in and once again and he car is moving under its own steam, only seems like about a year ago I said the same thing

A few things have happened since I last updated here's the list

Front stub axles removed and the camber revised to not look so wonky, still has a bit of negative camber but nothing like before, think I took of 4mm from the top of the stub axle.
Front wheels changed for 6x13's as the 7's rubbed on the outer arch once the camber was modified.
Seats removed and the runners set back a further 3"s to give more leg room for driver and passenger.
Wiring to the ECU properly soldered instead of the inline connectors I used initially.
Air intake formed for cool fresh air to reach the heater for those hot balmy summer we have

New front number plate bracket made and fitted.
Fresh fuel line suitable for the rubbish they are selling us now along with a fresh filter.
Carbs removed , stripped and cleaned before refitting.

Front end 6x13 wheels.JPG

Things still to do.....

Increase air flow to carbs. Airbox modification to be done with a bigger air filter to resemble the Honda air intake areas. Existing one is a bit too small.
Modify the sump shape to give more ground clearance as it is 4" at the moment and would like more. Aiming for 5".
Modify exhaust which needs to be done to help with the increased ground clearance so will be done along with the sump modifications.

Some of it will be done sooner than later and hopefully in time for Imp Ecosse.

Cheers
Col.

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Tue Mar 01, 2022 9:56 am

Work on the Pest this weekend included removing the airbox for a bit of modification and chopping up a spare sump I bought to allow more ground clearance as listed in my previous post,
I'm taking out around 25mm which will give me around 5" or 125mm of clearance from the bottom of the sump to the ground.
Marking up the sump after making a jig from 40mm angle so when it is being welded back up it won't twist out of shape.

Sump marked up to be cut.JPG

Once I was happy with that , take a deep breath and cut it up..

Sump bottom removed.JPG

The shiny area round the edge of the sump is where the removed volume will be replaced with 5mm alloy to build up to the new bottom plate that will be welded back in. Little baffle plates will be added around the shortened pick similar to how it was originally and more holes drilled to allow oil flow in the sump.
I already have a sump baffle fitted.

Cheers
Col

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Thu Mar 03, 2022 9:58 am

The hole saw came out last night for making oil passage ways in the existing sump, well what's left of the original sump, sidewalls made up and the bottom of it shaped ready for the welding process.
A few photos.

Sump drilled (1).JPG

Sump drilled (2).JPG

Sump sides.JPG

Sump bottom plate.JPG

Drain plug still to be positioned and one or two little baffles to the bottom plate will be added.

Next will be the exhaust for the chop to give that clearance I am after.

Cheers
Col.

bks974c · Post by **bks974c** » Thu Mar 03, 2022 7:51 pm

Sweet

Scott

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Tue Mar 08, 2022 12:47 pm

Oops!!

Exhaust cut to bits.JPG

Well, that's done it!!
I have to relocate the exhaust now to give more clearance

all cut up into the major bits that I wont need and some that will require further cutting and fettling for it to go back on.

Cheers
Col.

colimp66 · Post by **colimp66** » Fri Mar 18, 2022 9:43 am

So after more than a week of waiting for other exhaust pipe in the correct diameter and bore I managed to attach some of it back to the Pest so it is starting to resemble an exhaust.
First I have to cut up the 180 degree bends so I have 4 90 degree sections.

Exhaust sections (2).JPG

Then start welding bits onto the original well not Imp exhaust but the one I made originally

Exhaust main to 4into1 collector.JPG

Once the collector was in place it was time to cut and shut number one downpipe and tack in place.

Exhaust main to 4into1 rear.JPG

The exhaust now is level with the lower frame rails that are bolted into the gearbox mounts on the rear crossmember giving so much more ground clearance than it had before.

Ground clearance.JPG

Might get number two tacked in this evening

Cheers
Col.

Uncle Henry · Post by **Uncle Henry** » Fri Mar 18, 2022 1:24 pm

Most excellent !

UH