MX5 Fisher Fury build diary

3rd February

E-mail at last from Martin that he got the wishbone and knuckles and will endeavour to get them back to me soon. Very concerned for him and there is a rumour that he will have to sell KCW. Talked to Catherine and we feel I should order the body asap as it is the only bit left unique to the Fury, so I e-mailed Martin again to see if he can handle this.

Great response from the Google Sylva group about MX5 engine mounts. Clearly I’ll not be able to do this in the drive but recommended to speak to Neville Powell of NHP Motorports, who runs the Liphook group monthly meet and has apparently done this for several cars. He says he can pick up my engine from the scrappy, take it and the chassis back to his workshop, modify the gearbox supports, fabricate mounts and make sure it all lines up. Also he says the best prop maker is in Feltham! Alistair phoned to say that he has successfully swapped out the engine on his MX5 (the boy continues to impress) and I can have the flywheel. All I need is the clutch. £70 or so apparently.
Today sunny so after going over to Sunbury to fix up with the scrappy about the engine collection by Neville (engine looked good on the shelf) I got out the torque wrench, tightened up the rear suspension to 60lb/ft per KCW, got the Panhard rod bolted in at last, got the back axle alignment right (I think), and fitted the front springs and dampers. Of course my sockets were the wrong size for the torque wrench so another £20 on sockets, but essential. Then I tightened the steering column but I think I may have a problem with the adjustable one I bought. When slotted into the UJ it does not seem long enough to leave the wheel boss clear of the adjustment gubbins. Not crucial but another consequence of Martin’s illness when I could not get answers, not that I blame him!