So, umm...it's been a while between updates!
I wonder if any of the people who read and contributed to this blog are even still around today on the forum. Trav? Dylan? Jay? James? Darren? Rob? Drop me a post below if you guys are still around!
What's happened between the 25th of September 2009 and today the 30th of December 2016? Not terribly much to be honest. The MR2 (I think I'll call him/her BEEV from now on) has been mostly sitting parked on various streets in Sydney for the last...7 years (geesus). I moved on to Brissy 3 years ago and did not bring BEEV up North with me. So, for the last 3 years, Dylan has been babysitting BEEV. The body kit has received a few more holes and cracks, and the body panels have received a few more dents here and there, the brake pads (same ones as from ~2006) have finally worn down, as have the tyres (also from ~2006)...but the motor is still going strong i have to say!
As of a three weeks ago, BEEV has finally joined me in Brisbane. BTW, if anyone needs car transport from NSW to QLD, look up Kevin Foy (send me a PM for his number). Great guy, very affordable, has a low tilt tray for lowered cars, and takes pride in his work.
Having BEEV available for me to drive at will has really rekindled my love affair with the MR2. So much so that I am restarting/recontinuing this build/rebuild of BEEV.
It's only been about three weeks since BEEV arrived in Brisbane, so not much has been done yet. But, I have set out a build schedule (see below) which (assuming funds make themselves available) should be hopefully complete by Q3 2017. Looking forward to continuing this blog/story for anyone who is interested:
BEEV Re(Build) Project Schedule
- Get in touch with QLD chapter of MR2OC (Complete)
- Get BEEV registered in QLD (Complete)
- Install new tyres (Advan AD08R's installed)
- Install new brake pads (El Cheapo SCA brake pads temporarily installed)
- Source and Install cylinder slider bolt for rear left caliper [thank you Superautobacs Osaka for forgetting to replace the cylinder slider bolt when installing the Project Mu brake pads 10 years ago. Easily overlooked of course...it's after all only the main bolt that makes that damn caliper work properly...] (In Progress)
- Source and Install new steering rack boots (In Progress)
- Fix ride height issues [too low] and tune suspension (Almost In Progress)
- Source and Install Border "scoop style" bonnet (Not Yet Commenced)
- Fix body damage, reinforce all FRP body parts in preparation to take aero load, and respray (Not Yet Commenced)
- Source and Install new rims with lower offset (Not Yet Commenced)
- Source Varex muffler. Fabricate custom "center exit" exhaust. Install custom exhaust and Varex muffler. (Not Yet Commenced)
- Fabricate custom rear diffuser [from cross member rearwards] with central aperture for central exhaust (Not Yet Commenced)
- Source and Install upgraded radiators (Engine, and AC), and relocate radiators for "above body" airflow route in preparation of closing off underbody airflow route (Not Yet Commenced)
- Fabricate custom underbody tray and front splitter, which together with rear diffuser from (10) will completely seal off all of the underbody (Not Yet Commenced)
- Source and Install W2A intercooler system...maybe (Not Yet Commenced)
- Source and Install Border "Roof Cling" and "Side Scoops" (Not Yet Commenced)
- Look into possibility for functional front canards that can actually take on and redirect aerodynamic load to chassis (Not Yet Commenced)
- Sound proof and heat proof interior with Dynamat products (Not Yet Commenced)
- Replace Japanese-frequency radio system
- Re-upholster interior
- Rice up car (e.g. gauges, bucket seats, steering wheel, etc.)
On this note, can anyone in Brisbane recommend me:
- A good body and spray shop that will work WITH me to get what I want done, done;
- A good exhaust fabrication shop that will work WITH me to get what I want done, done;
- A good general mechanic who is not afraid to do custom work (e.g. relocate radiator, cut into bulkheads, etc.)
Cheers All. It's good to be back!
Brendan
Some photos to add colour:
MR2 being loaded in Sydney
post edited by MR2Vaeth - 2016/12/31 00:44:01