AP2289 Build log 'stage 2'

[BJ's Snake]

Can you drill through the crossmember for the cable to pass through without compromising strength?

[xb-60]

BJ - no, that would compromise the strength of the tube.
Also.....there is a section of 3mm plate triangulating the area behind the cross tube through to the firewall; the upper steering column bearing is mounted to that plate.
I'll get to a solution

Cheers,
Glen

[xb-60]

Speedometer is now fitted




I made up a 'wedge' to kick the speedometer out at the bottom to clear the horizontal structural tube. The speedometer cable and the odometer reset cable now fit and function correctly.

Here's the wedge...




Incidentally, the reason there is an adaptor ring for the speedometer is because I was not sure whether I would be using the 4" metric speedometer, or my 5" E-Type 160mph speedometer. In the short term, common sense dictated the use of the metric speedo.
The adaptor ring is in tune with the concept of an English FIA road/race car similar to COB6008


Cheers!
Glen

[1795]

Glen,

Way to use your noggin! Barely noticeable.

Cheers,

Jim

[Harpoon PV2]

Look great!

[xb-60]

Thanks, 'commenters'
I am finally at the point where I'm looking for things to do on the car (has only taken 5½ years so far).
Engine and trans. are now the choke point ....will have to continue pestering my mechanic...
I've ordered the dash switch knobs from UK, so will be nice to be able to fit them soon, increasing the authenticity look.

Stay safe, all.
Cheers!
Glen

[tkb289]

Very clever way to solve the speedo cable / structural support brace interference issue Glen. A seemingly simple solution but not so simple to find.

Originally Posted by xb-60

... I am finally at the point where I'm looking for things to do on the car ...

So ... looking for things to do?? Well this idea will fall into the category of 'Gilding the Lilly', but here is a thought. The adapter ring around the speedometer looks good but a bit out of place / balance, when comparing it to the tachometer. Perhaps try to cover the ring with leather or better yet paint it with wrinkle paint to try and match the color and look of the leather?

Or, add a superfluous trim ring to the tachometer, to balance the symmetry of the ring around the speedometer?

Or, just leave it well enough alone and keep focused on getting the car up and running.

No matter what you decide, you have a beautiful and unique FIA that will be a thrill to drive and enjoy!

- Tim

[xb-60]

Tim, I thought I had finished the speedometer fitting
However….my phone camera does seem to accentuate the matte finish of the leather (ie… looks more matte in a picture) but also makes the shinier finishes (that trim ring) more glossy than it should be.

Hence, I thought it was OK, but …. you have me thinking.

I have two black spray cans - different brands, but both labelled as “black, satin”. Last night, I sprayed test pieces with ‘satin #1’ and ‘satin #2’. Result is that ‘satin #1’ looks well towards ‘matte’ and ‘satin #2’ (what I used on the speedometer trim ring) does look quite shiny. (Note: satin #2 is on the left, if it's not obvious)



So – well spotted!

Re-do in process

[tkb289]

Good plan ... don't you just love those pesky comments from the peanut gallery ...

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by tkb289

.... don't you just love those pesky comments from the peanut gallery ...

Love them! Keep them coming
Fortunately, those "pesky comments" usually add perspective, which is handy in my situation where I'm working very much in isolation....there is only one other 289FIA that I know of in Australia.

[xb-60]

These came back yesterday from ceramic coating...

[Harpoon PV2]

Looks like your FIA get treated better then I do! Cheers, Dennis

[xb-60]

Dennis - if you visit my Cobra's garage, I'll give you the red carpet treatment too

Cheers!
Glen

[carmine]

Hey Glen,
Do your engine a favor and top it off with the latest and greatest in distributor options.
I had problem with my MSD distributor so i ripped everything out and replaced with PROGRESSION IGNITION all in one Electronic Distributor.
No more MSD box.
No more bundle of wires to route.
Reads manifold vacuum.
Down load the app for your phone and change your map on the fly while driving.
Greatest thing since sliced bread.

Ps: I run 48 IDA Webers! ( all i can say is WOW)

https://progressionignition.com/

[xb-60]

Carmine, I wish it was that simple
The story is ....to be able to register my car for road use, it needs to be emissions compliant. Hence, at this point in time, it keeps its fuel injection.
I have Webers on my Alfa, and love them! But no IDA's for my Cobra at this point, unfortunately....
A local club member has a Morrison cross ram fuel injection system, but he had to wind it down to - from memory - around 150bhp to get it past emissions testing.
Hence, my comment of "no IDA's". I need a car that can be easibly road registerable to be able to enjoy it

Cheers!
Glen

[Chicagowil]

I have been lurking on your build for some time! I am fascinated and intimidated at the same time with the quality and creativity of your project. You are truly a "Master Craftsman" and should be very proud!

And I plan to copy your paint scheme.

[Alfa02]

Afternoon Glen, I saw 'Alfa+Webers' and thought you were talking about me But like you say, 'Not everything is about you Tom' You're getting close every day is one less step, it's getting exciting. Here's wishing you the BEST!! Tomorrow is the big day on which way I go with the Cobras Yesterday was an Epic day, took the Silver car out for basically the first long drive, nothing like spinning the tires in 3rd gear @60+mph, Long live HP !!! Either way I go, I'm fine with that decision. I'll let you know tomorrow night with the results. As always thank you for all your great Input Glen, it's means a lot. Cheers Tom.

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by Chicagowil

I have been lurking on your build for some time! I am fascinated and intimidated at the same time with the quality and creativity of your project. You are truly a "Master Craftsman" and should be very proud!

And I plan to copy your paint scheme.

Thanks mate. I'm just doing what any Cobra replica builder would probably do, and that's to build the best replica that circumstances permit.
The colour? Hard to beat Viking Blue on a 289 Cobra replica, but then I'm biased

Cheers!
Glen

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by tkb289

....The adapter ring around the speedometer looks good but a bit out of place....

Tim, I took your advice. As posted previously, I did that 'black paint' comparison..... which resulted in pulling out the adapter ring and repainting it today.
The result is definitely better



Cheers!
Glen

[Sycraft]

Thanks, now I am looking at the Progressive distributer for mine, get rid of the old MSD