Subframe mods and alloys

I bought a subrame - complete with everything except the steering box and wheels.

VERY rusty but the subframe itself looks in better condition than mine.

Also all the parts fitted are the maintenance free type from series 4 onwards.

I might refurbish this one complete to install on the series 3 with all new bushes and springs.

The upper wishbones are proving difficult to release!

The original engine mounts need to be cut off and the new engine mounts welded in place only once the engine has been test fitted in situ.



The lovely sunbeam came with a set of alloy wheels.
I don't like the look of them but having realised that some vibration I was experiencing at 60-70 mph was caused by a flat spot on a rear tyre, I fitted them to test.

The handling has been transformed. Straight line is more stable, steering is much lighter. Wish I'd done it before. I would prefer a set of minilites. So will get some for next year.

Radiator mod

Before













After


Home again and the spare radiator has been delivered from Hereford Radiators.

It has been up-rated to 3 row core and the inlet and outlet ports have been swapped over for the cologne V6.






November 2017

Recently had the thermostat cover modified.
This now puts the water a bit too close to the radiator.

So I've started to modify the radiator again

Rotated the bottom hose 180 degrees and angled back a bit.

Now a Ford Capri bottom hose will fit with a few mods.

Lasercut Fan fittings and alternator bracket.

The viscous fan still seems to work but as it is a bit bulky and also as I have a water pump without the viscous thread I designed a Fan mod kit as per  This Link    and also the alternator adjuster bar.
Sent design to be laser cut.

laser cut results... Simple..

Now I have so many things I want to design and cut!

• Engine lifting eyes
• Electric fuel pump Bracket
• Thermostat spacer..

and when fitted...
The little ring aligns the water pump pulley


The Alternator bracket looks Ok, Once in the engine bay I can adjust the overall length (if required) by the addition of extra bolt hole at the engine end.

and with fan fitted...

I have run out of bolts...

At the moment the fan just skims the steering pump pulley so I either need a two row pulley or trim off the third pulley in Russell's lathe.

The Fan offset will be determined once engine is installed, to ensure it is close to the radiator but with the engine as far forward as possible.

And of course - how does it fit with the radiator - is it too big.. too small..

and then the thermostat housing also needs to be considered, it's pointing down so will clash with the crossmember.


Just noticed - the fan belt on the first pulley row will foul the thermostat housing, the second pulley row is Ok.  Fan update here


just sent radiator away for modification
refering to http://v6alpine.blogspot.co.uk/p/blog-page_7.html


note for info - cooling flow route http://www.capripower.co.uk/boardold/lofiversion/index.php?t1858.html

Alternator bracket test

Alternator brackets fitted - as per design.
The brackets swap the alternator from the original lower (uk) drivers side to high on the passenger side. This is to avoid the brake servo.

Water pumps are hard to get right. So many versions,  There are different impellors some will not fit on the engine plate, then there are the various pulley options, viscous, threaded or un-threaded.

Here is how the Alternator bracket fits with my Ford Capri 70A Alternator (0120 469 571).
The kit was designed for the US version alternator probably with mounting points at 180 degrees apart.
Best plan is to modify or make a new adjuster bar that is a straight bar,  Easily done.


Water pump pulley is hard to align due to no shoulder on the pump, So I need a new bush to take up where the viscous fan would have fitted.



Also need a new thermostat housing to modify it to miss the front crossmember as this one is a bit corroded.

Any colour so long as it is black..

I might have to redo the crackle black rocker covers.

Must remember to do the valve clearances tomorrow
ref: http://v6alpine.blogspot.co.uk/p/valve-adjustment.html