Project Blue Book

[Skoosh1970]

 

[Chief]

Good thoughts Skoosh.

Well more progress towards the finishing line this weekend.
Managed to finish off the sub speaker bracket and get it all buttoned up.




Glad to get this bit sorted out. I just need to run through the wiring and start to set up the speakers for balance.

Next was to assemble the seat frames and install.



Seatbelts match a treat.




Passenger one now has the strengthend bracket installed for the fire extinguisher.

The extinguisher is actually installed in these photos, so you can see it's right out of the way of your legs and near invisible. Result!

I even managed to fit the mirrors. Not needed you but it gives me the sense of closure!





I pushed the car back on the ramp to get some better shots of the finished front end.




The poor old Cayman here being used as a 'Book Shelf' AGAIN!

So there was the weekend gone.....

 

[Skoosh1970]

Those flared arches look the absolute business!!!!

 

[Cunno]

It’s getting close, can’t wait to see the finished car.

 

[Chief]

Good Morning All,
Last few bits before the car goes off to Greatworth Classics for Angus and Sam to install engine & box along with all the hidden ECU wiring etc...
It seems odd to have best part of nothing on my white board in the workshop. I appreciate there is interior trim to be dealt with, but the Lion's share of the work is done.
One of my last jobs was to sort out the steering wheel. I didn't appreciate how many moody Momo wheels are out there on Ebay and such. I managed to find a genuine supplier after some searching. Any you guesses it I have to crackle finish the boss!

The finish now matches the dash and steering column.


The latest Momo wheels have an 'RF Chip' in the left hand spoke padding to be able to register the product. The copies online are a third of the price but they just aren't made to the same quality. Buy cheap, buy twice.....

So after some hunting around the garage I couldn't fine the battery clamp. I do remember buying a new one and thinking it just looked a bit flimsey.
Well you know what's coming don't you.....



Right on display as you open the engine lid. I couldn't just copy the original. It took a bit of shaping but fits into the battery tray like someone cared.


So one finishing up this last tiny bracket, that's pretty much me done.

I have owned the car for several years and have been in the process of restoring it for pretty much 5 or even 6 of those years. I have had lots going on in that time but the determination to create something that my father would look upon and say " You know what son, that doesn't look too bad" has driven me to hopefully create one of the best 9Fourteens out there.

This is where it all started. Greatworth Classics, Angus supplied me the car after lots of looking. He was brilliant and I always said that he would be involved with the engine and box. So here we are. On it's way back to Greatworth. Full circle....























A BIG 'Thank You' to Ross for coming to collect the rolling shell. What a fantastic service. If anyone wants his telephone number just PM me.
Well insured and so very professional. Could not recommend him highly enough.
Within an hour and a half it was with Angus at Greatworth. Angus kindly sent these last two pictures to say it had arrived safely.





Well there you have it. The Pilgrimage to by late father is almost complete. So Angus it's now over to you.....

Thank you to all that have read this thread and added comments and encouragement along the way. I appreciate it very much.
There is still stuff to do, I get that, but this I believe is one of those moments for reflection.

 

[Skoosh1970]

Fantastic Chief..... the end is nigh (?) and she looks friggin awesome as she is.... he'd be super proud, your dad...!!!

Any more thoughts on the seats..?

I'm not at all jealous of your garage either by the way.... gonna seem a little empty for a while.

Si.

 

[Skoosh1970]

ps: no plans for a porsche bonnet crest...?

 

[Chief]

Thank you Si. I really appreciate your support.
You are right. Next project is trim and interior. I need to be having a conversation with ‘Dave The Trimmer’ and between us come up with something interesting…..

No bonnet crest as Porsche didn’t fit one. So what you see is what you get.
I kinda like the clean look.

 

[Chief]

Popped over to Angus and Sam at Greatworth Classics to discuss the last details of the engine, box and axle install.
There was actually a lot to get in order, especially the exhaust side of things which we finally have a plan going forward.
It was great to catch up with them and their professional approach just sits soooo well with me. Can't thank them enough.
The car is booked to go on the rolling road in two weeks time, so the pressure is mounting.



The little 9Fourteen is keeping good company alongside another GT project!





The next pictures are of the ECU being created. What we have done is re-used an original control box that fit/ hangs from the battery tray so is sort of part of the look of the car and is very noticeable. Sam has done a fantastic job of disguising all this.





This should look fit neatly into place and Sam have crackle finished it to match the engine tins













The amberglass of the engine shroud looks amazing in the flesh. It was great to see it all together. The gearbox sits will in black too.
So with the car away and out of my hands I have been given the opportunity to deeeeep clean the garage and workshop. With all the fabrication and painting done it was time.....







That's it for now.
Thanks for looking in.

 

[Cunno]

That is looking so good

 

[Chief]

Thanks Jon and others for the likes. Much appreciated.
Looking forward to seeing the dyno figures. I have been in search of torque and everything has been pushing in that direction. I guess the proof is in the pudding. Watch this space. I will be honest, nothing hidden. If i'm an idiot I will put my hand up, no political spin here.......

Si,
Interior is still a hot topic in the Chief household. More to come.

 

[Skoosh1970]

If this thread is anything to go by, you'll defo make the right decision Chief.... you have so far on every other decision.