Blue Invader

[spegru]

Hi it's taken me a while to post anything although Ive been in contact with Brian Gent a few times.

Since 23Oct I'm the owner of MRD617J, a Mk2 that was in a terrible state with no Engine/Box, a disintegrated interior with no dash and a very rusty chassis.
Since then Ive managed to get the floors out and the body off in order to repair the chassis - esp the sills and the rear spring hanger. Odd to find so much mud *inside* the tubes! Anyway that's all pretty much done so I've moved on to a replacement drive train. So far I have, not so much fitted, more dangled in place, a Jaguar AJ30 3 litre v6 connected to a Mazda RX8 6 speed box ('cos of the ratios). A very tight fit but looking very promising.
Along with this I aim to fit direct acting (dual circuit) brake master cylinder/servo and Corsa-based electric power steering. That's also looking promising.
Finally I am trying to fit some modern seats although the shape/size of the transmission tunnel is problematic, requiring some alterations.
Eventually I'll also need a dash, - at least the top (presumably GRP) moulding.

TTFN and I'd love to hear any constructive comments!

spegru

[Fareham GT]

Mazda MX5 seats are narrow enough to fit between the transmission tunnel and out sills, there are always several variants of the MX5 seat on Ebay.

[6sabre]

Hi Spegru,
I will be interested on how you get on. I am in a similar position with a MK2 Estate.

I have looked at a MGB direct servo/brake MC but don't think there is room. The chassis has a fillet which creates some problems, as may the tyre of full right lock?
Also the steering rack pinion is so long it will be interesting how you get around that with the Jag engine.

I have been looking at seats as I'm not a fan of the MX5 style seat, the MGF or Audi TT look favourite at the moment. XJS may be ok as they are a favourite in early scimitar circles, which also need narrow seats, but are now becoming rare.

I've not actually started my resto yet but doing some planning on wet evenings

Keep update coming
Steve

[Tony Hayward]

Steve

MX5 seats are available as detachable headrest not just tombstone variety, I have leather pair in my Mk3.
I hoped to retain the built in seatbelt mount, but couldn't due to width and non compatibilty with the Securon belts fitted.
They may be cheaper and more readily available, mine cost £220 in mint condition.

Hope this helps

Tony

[R_D_Olivaw]

.

[R_D_Olivaw]

The Mazda tombstone seats, as shown on the front cover of this month's Rarebit, fit very well and if recovered in leather look very attractive.

Phil Ivimey welded a simple bracket to the bottom of mine to enable them to be bolted easily to the car.

[spegru]

Hi and thanks for the answers. I wish I'd noticed them a couple of days ago
Does anyone have a width measurement for the MX5 Seats? I have some Porsche 911 seats that are really nice but they wont fit in far forward enough unless I modify the tunnel. Perhaps I should have chosen some from a car that actually has a transmission tunnel......
For the MGC rack steering shaft I was thinking of cutting it off and welding on a much shorter input shaft from a corsa - to match the epas column I have, together with a UJ or two plus brackets/bearings welded to the chassis - I did something like this before on another project.
On brake pedal/servo/cylinder issues I am currently considering one from Landrover but haven't proceeded very far as I am concentrating on Engine/Gearbox mountings

regards
spegru

[Blackpool Plastic]

Have a look at Vauxhall Tigra seats. I have fitted a pair and they fit my Invader fine. They are in black leather with adjustable headrests, wheel rake adjustment, height adjustment and heating elements. They also fold to give access to the rear.

Above all I find them comfortable and I think the style suits the car.

Mike

PS : several articles in Rarebit on Corsa EPAS fitting over the last year or so which will help. Clearances are a big issue.

PPS : many of us would be interested in your proposed Jag engine swap so please submit article(s) with photos for Rarebit !

[spegru]

Thanks Blackpool. I really wish I'd seen that message a while back as I now have the Porsche seats and have half modded the tunnel to suit. They were alot more expensive than the Tigra ones I saw on ebay just now too! Still, I will report on progress.
Although not fitted with mounts the engine/ box combo are offered up albeit without exhausts yet. I can see how the engine mountings will work when I get them (Landrover) and the sump also looks reasonable (need to check ground clearance
On EPAS I can see that it may be difficult to use the whole Corsa column - although the yellow EPAS Invader advertised on ebay right now appears to have the Vauxhall steering wheel (I guess the logo are similar)

[6sabre]

Steve

MX5 seats are available as detachable headrest not just tombstone variety, I have leather pair in my Mk3.
I hoped to retain the built in seatbelt mount, but couldn't due to width and non compatibilty with the Securon belts fitted.
They may be cheaper and more readily available, mine cost £220 in mint condition.

Hope this helps

Tony

Thanks Tony, will keep my eyes open.

[spegru]

Progress is progressing and I am now wanting to sort out pedals (with servo) and EPAS Power Steering.
However I have no dashboard at all and so there is some uncertainly on position.
I am not that bothered about the instruments as I'll probably be using new electronic ones, but what I do need is the (presumably) fibreglass parts for the top and bottom.
Can anyone help with that please?

Thanks
Steve

PS. I have some videos up on YouTube. Check out 'Spegru's Garage'

[Gavin McArdle]

Hi Steve, GOC has one of these very rare, therefore very expensive fibreglass dash tops in stock!
There was no fibreglass below the dash just the cardboard trim to hide the wires.
Gavin

[Gavin McArdle]

Hi Steve, we also have a very used dashboard that could be handy as a template.
Gavin

[spegru]

Gavin thankyou. I am slightly clutching at straws because of having nothing to work with although I have photos online of course.
I would definitely be interested in even a very rough one (but definitely do not need any instruments)
How to set about getting that?

Underneath the dash in the photos I have seen I seem to see a curved black piece under the wood part? Isn't that a moulding? Perhaps it's just edge trim?
Regards

Steve

[6sabre]

Hi Spegru,
Many classic cars used 'Millboard' to make covers etc under and around the dash. This can be curved etc and this is may be what you are thinking about.
This is one type https://www.woolies-trim.co.uk/category/146/millboard

Also Bay Plastics do a patterned black abs which can be formed with a heat gun and can be quite handy.
http://www.bayplastics.co.uk/abs_sheets.htm

I managed to pick up some MX5 seats for £40, they are not too bad but I will recover them anyway in my chosen colour whenever I decide what it is

Cheers
Steve J