MNot's Bimmer M42 > Getrag > T-bird IRS Haynes Roadster

[Mnot]

Larry, the charger charges the "good" battery and the "good" battery charges the AGM? I will try that if i get here again. Luckily they warrantied the battery for me That being said, I put the new battery on my trickle charger to make sure it was full and it has been charging for 6+ hours and still going. i wonder how strong the other battery really was (Miata AGM battery).

[benny_toe]

gavin,

The first battery acts like a shunt. The charger only 'sees' that battery and is fooled into keep charging and that flows over to the target battery.

I had Lifeline AGM batteries on my boat, a small starting battery and a larger house battery. don't recall their sizes exactly but what I do remember was they were still cranking when I sold the boat 11 years later.

Cheers

[Mnot]

Thanks Larry. We found the issue. I had the 12v power supplied to the alternator on the main power supply instead of the keyed power. It was pulling 3-4 amps constantly which is why the small Miata battery died so quickly.

[Mnot]

I have been getting some things done on the car despite other distractions. When I was able to drive the car last year it had a hesitation off of idle. It didn't affect drivability too badly but it was annoying. I thought it might be my linkage system so I deleted it and made a cam for the throttle body but it didn't fix it (looks better though). My buddy pointed out that the TPS was different between the M42 and the m20 so I made an adapter to allow me to use the original TPS that is meant for this motor. That didn't fix it either Then, my buddy suggested making sure we are getting the right signal at the right position of the throttle, so I marked the TPS recorded the readings on the original throttle body, then mounted it on the car and recorded the readings. Low and behold, this throttle body rotates in the opposite direction. Luckily, it was easily fixed by switching two of the three leads and it is now in spec and seems to work much better. I plan to hook up the ICV to see how it does.

IMG_3756.jpg

I also worked on the grille and I am very happy with how it came out. I used grille material I found on Walmart.com on clearance.

IMG_3755.jpg

[Mnot]

I have been intimidated about wrapping the rear fenders but I gave it a try with the help of my oldest. The first attempt was a complete fail.

IMG_3757.jpg

This was my "punt"

IMG_3758.jpg

What do you guys think of this look if it were done better. I reused the wrap from the first attempt so it isn't perfect. Additionally, the black paint was sanded in order to give the wrap a good surface to adhere to and wasn't meant to be visible.

[benny_toe]

I can't make out the flat vertical part very well. What I can see it looks pretty good. I have a seam at the apex of the curve that is not to awfully noticeable. What I refer to as the 20-20 look. Great from 20 feet away or 20MPH.

Have you tried to wrap the nose cone yet?

Cheers!

[Mnot]

No, I haven't tried the cone yet. Nor have I tried the cowl. I am trying to figure out good ways to punt when it goes wrong

[benny_toe]

Hey Gavin,

The Locost is bold project for first time wrap attempts. Looks so simple but those rear fenders are a bear. The nosecone not quite as much. Ran out of skill or patience or something doing the nose cne. Did learn how to do a near invisible seam on the rear fenders and when my patience ran completely out I put seams in. Using the cutting tape doubled down is the key to the seams. Don't recall which video but there is a couple out there dealing with seams. If you go that way.

Best!

[Mnot]

I painted the black and reinstalled the fender with fender welting. It only has 3 bolts loosely holding it on. I think you can see the black lip better in this picture.

IMG_3759.jpg

[horchoha]

You know Gavin, with the fender painted black like that, that fender looks finished to me. But that's just my opinion.
I do have to ask...... what's the story of the 1-7/8's hitch ball on the floor? Can't picture that and vinyl wrap working together.

[Lonnie-S]

@Mnot

I'm with Perry on this, Gavin. I think the fender looks good with the black contrast. Maybe you have invented a new look here.

Cheers,

[rx7locost]

I like it the way it is

[Mnot]

Wow, thanks for all of the positive feedback guys!

Any advice as to the best way to install the hood springs? Is it okay to just bolt it through the aluminum body and use a fender washer on the back? It came with M8 hardware but M10 can be used if that is better to distribute the tension on the body panel.

IMG_3762.jpg

[rx7locost]

I used common washers and 1/4" hardware below double nutted to keep the spring free to rotate, and pop rivets with fairly small reinforcement washers behind for the upper. So long as the spring is not pulled too much, it should be OK IMO. Mine didn't give me any problem with 6k miles. The attached pic is after that 6K.

FWIW, and it does matter, All my aluminum was 3003 0.040 thick. I can't remember the H-suffix.

[Mnot]

Chuck, did you use 2 on each side like Larry did or did you use an over the center style latch too?