MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Common Room => Reader's Rides => Topic started by: Felix on August 2, 2022, 13:28

Title: Martin - The Daily Grand Tourer
Post by: Felix on August 2, 2022, 13:28
Hello folks.

I haven't done one of these threads in about 10 years, but here we go:

My name's Felix, I'm a mechanical puzzle designer based in Croydon, South London. In the past I've had:

A 1989 Honda Prelude:
(https://i.ibb.co/2ZgbZsY/24236072904-7a0508f2f7-h.jpg)

A 1989 Volvo 740:
(https://i.ibb.co/ZSkK7Gk/23004622-10155127363482781-3536514282245140386-o.jpg)

And a 1989 Honda Accord Aerodeck:
(https://i.ibb.co/zb57400/s-l1600.jpg)

..But given the constant expansion of ULEZ in London, I've had to opt for something newer, and figured that an MR2 roadster is about the most fun you can have inside the ULEZ zone without spending £15k.

So I bought this beauty with only 51k miles and a solid looking MOT history:
(https://scontent-lhr8-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/295955249_10159108740492781_2376360591053391461_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=5-0umV9uDAoAX_-XQrO&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr8-1.xx&oh=00_AT-e0dkSaXOgYZdIPs-V4ELPCskb8Z734ggcFlyFSu3dSg&oe=62ED0FB5)
(https://scontent-lhr8-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/292583614_1271177777031960_7654520430183013373_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=ae9488&_nc_ohc=2ZvW9LG2dzUAX-Kb0hk&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr8-1.xx&oh=03_AVKK_8WdS9MkZbzX4qv7G93QSAEHL7Jd09b1MFVO_0uEyw&oe=630D350C)

He's called Martin.

My goal is to make him the perfect luxury daily grand tourer.

That will involve:

-Making the interior/dash look less like it came off a cheap van.
-A good satnav solution.
-An awesome sound system.
-Exterior mods - probably just lowering and a small spoiler.
-A bumper exit exhaust.
-Lots of other little changes to make it a joy to use daily.

Watch this space!
Title: Re: Martin the daily MR2
Post by: Felix on August 2, 2022, 13:41
Private plates swapped off the old Honda:

(https://i.ibb.co/H7FDHrR/DSC03465.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/Th1xMSq/DSC03464.jpg)

More coming as soon as more parts arrive..
Title: Re: Martin the daily MR2
Post by: puma2 on August 3, 2022, 07:13
 :) good range of cars there :)
lets us no what you get up to with your 2 :)
especially the sound set up 8)  8)   
Title: Re: Martin the daily MR2
Post by: Hammond on August 3, 2022, 20:22
Looking forward to seeing this unfold 8)
Title: Re: Martin the daily MR2
Post by: Ardent on August 3, 2022, 21:32
Hello! loving the opening shot, that would go nicely in the photography corner thread. Great shot and car.

Short number plates really lend themselves well to these cars.
A stick on for the front with a lot of the white removed and a square type plate to the rear would look the mutts nuts.
Title: Re: Martin the daily MR2
Post by: Topdownman on August 4, 2022, 08:11
@Ardent I agree about that 1st picture!

The rear square plate does transform the look imho.

The 4th picture  looks like you are carrying a miniature hatchback on your bootlid!
Title: Re: Martin the daily MR2
Post by: puma2 on August 4, 2022, 08:14
 :) love the 1st picture and love the car as well :)  :)
Title: Re: Martin the daily MR2
Post by: Felix on August 8, 2022, 18:52
Thanks for the warm welcome everyone!

I started the interior improvements today. Firstly with this CNC-machined solid stainless steel doorknob (I used to be a doorknob designer), which I drilled out to make a really nice weighted gear knob, along with some gaiter adjustments:

(https://i.ibb.co/cQ1N217/DSC03504.jpg)

Then a set of red carpets, which are admittedly not great quality. Maybe one day I'll use them as a template to make my own. But they look good in photos at least:

(https://i.ibb.co/nMCBhv1/DSC03497.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/R2BT7fS/DSC03498.jpg)

Currently awaiting delivery of a stainless exhaust manifold and a steering wheel...
Title: Re: Martin the daily MR2
Post by: McMr2 on August 8, 2022, 19:19
Quote from: Fefelarue on August  8, 2022, 18:52Thanks for the warm welcome everyone!

I started the interior improvements today. Firstly with this CNC-machined solid stainless steel doorknob (I used to be a doorknob designer), which I drilled out to make a really nice weighted gear knob, along with some gaiter adjustments:

(https://i.ibb.co/cQ1N217/DSC03504.jpg)

Then a set of red carpets, which are admittedly not great quality. Maybe one day I'll use them as a template to make my own. But they look good in photos as least:

(https://i.ibb.co/nMCBhv1/DSC03497.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/R2BT7fS/DSC03498.jpg)

Currently awaiting delivery of a stainless exhaust manifold and a steering wheel...

That's novel! If you want to get rid of the exposed gearstick a cable tie or rubber band under the collar of the black cover will allow you to push it up against the underside of the knob.

Title: Re: Martin the daily MR2
Post by: Ardent on August 8, 2022, 22:00
Liking that.

Title: Re: Martin the daily MR2
Post by: Felix on August 9, 2022, 00:59
QuoteThat's novel! If you want to get rid of the exposed gearstick a cable tie or rubber band under the collar of the black cover will allow you to push it up against the underside of the knob.

I actually want more of it exposed. I did what I could with the tools I had at work, but i'll be changing it again when I have a bit more time to play  :)
Title: Re: Martin the daily MR2
Post by: McMr2 on August 9, 2022, 07:14
Quote from: Fefelarue on August  9, 2022, 00:59I actually want more of it exposed. I did what I could with the tools I had at work, but i'll be changing it again when I have a bit more time to play  :)

I realised that was presumptive of me after posting!

Nice to have the skills and tools to be able to make the mods you want.
Title: Re: Martin the daily MR2
Post by: puma2 on August 10, 2022, 07:07
 :) I like your detail and personal touches on your 2 :)  :)
even better when hand made by yourself  :)  :)

what other plans have you got for your 2 :)

work wise can you what sort of things you have done 8)  8)
Title: Re: Martin the daily MR2
Post by: Felix on August 10, 2022, 10:37
Quote from: McMr2 on August  9, 2022, 07:14I realised that was presumptive of me after posting!

Nice to have the skills and tools to be able to make the mods you want.

Not at all! I like bare metal, most people don't as much  :))
Thanks - I can't weld yet but i'm fairly handy other than that!

Quote from: puma2 on August 10, 2022, 07:07:) I like your detail and personal touches on your 2 :)  :)
even better when hand made by yourself  :)  :)

what other plans have you got for your 2 :)

work wise can you what sort of things you have done 8)  8)

Thank you! My main plans are to basically make the car interior look and feel like it was made by the Italians  ;D

Work-wise, I have a website here: www.felixure.com and my instagram is @felix_ure if you're interested in the sort of stuff I normally do and make.
Title: Re: Martin the daily MR2
Post by: Topdownman on August 10, 2022, 12:14
Having had a look at your website, I can see how making a gear knob is no problem for you!

Keep the mods coming.
Title: Re: Martin the daily MR2
Post by: Chilli Girl on August 10, 2022, 12:39
Quote from: Fefelarue on August 10, 2022, 10:37Not at all! I like bare metal, most people don't as much  :))
Thanks - I can't weld yet but i'm fairly handy other than that!

Thank you! My main plans are to basically make the car interior look and feel like it was made by the Italians  ;D

Work-wise, I have a website here: www.felixure.com and my instagram is @felix_ure if you're interested in the sort of stuff I normally do and make.
Great work Martin, well done. ;D
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: Felix on September 20, 2022, 18:56
After 2 months of waiting, this finally arrived:

(https://scontent-lhr8-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/307829882_10159195028757781_884162293012292538_n.jpg?stp=cp6_dst-jpg&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=MFbJJ44uLHAAX8kh20R&tn=k_-lj5TF_r64YkJo&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr8-1.xx&oh=00_AT8xcs-F7zDDc51f7g4m8r2J9OEu3PBS4LIBTu349FFRyA&oe=632E349D)

It's a 320mm Momo Prototipo, and it should feel amazing and suit the look i'm going for.

So I put it on:

(https://i.postimg.cc/c4dkdbzs/DSC04792.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/15MCXKxD/DSC04794.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/JnJYhVmh/DSC04795.jpg)

And yes it feels awesome, but unfortunately it's way too close to the indicator and wiper stalks, so next update will be me adding a spacer to bring it further towards me. But you get the idea of how it'll look.

Comments welcome. Thanks for looking!
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: Ardent on September 20, 2022, 20:57
Damn it.
I have been on the look out for a suitable  325mm wooden steering wheel.
But that looks the mutts nuts.

Out of interest which boss did you go for?
I've already bought a HKB.
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: Topdownman on September 20, 2022, 21:43
That does look very nice and looks good in your car.

Have you thought about changing your door handles? With your skills I expect you could come up with something very nice!
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: Felix on September 20, 2022, 22:48
Quote from: Ardent on September 20, 2022, 20:57Damn it.
I have been on the look out for a suitable  325mm wooden steering wheel.
But that looks the mutts nuts.

Out of interest which boss did you go for?
I've already bought a HKB.

Thank you! The boss was a cheapish one from ebay which required a bit of modification to work - I would recommend getting a good branded one instead.

Quote from: Topdownman on September 20, 2022, 21:43That does look very nice and looks good in your car.

Have you thought about changing your door handles? With your skills I expect you could come up with something very nice!

Thanks! Yes I have thought about it and have some ideas  :)
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: Gaz mr-s on September 21, 2022, 10:11
Others have found under 350mm inhibits view of the top of the clocks. Will depend on seat position though?
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: Felix on September 21, 2022, 14:42
Quote from: Gaz mr-s on September 21, 2022, 10:11Others have found under 350mm inhibits view of the top of the clocks. Will depend on seat position though?


I'm very tall so it was already inhibited. The smaller wheel actually allows me to see the top over the it. It's not perfect but it's not really any worse than with the standard wheel.
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: Gaz mr-s on September 21, 2022, 15:24
Quote from: Fefelarue on September 21, 2022, 14:42I'm very tall so it was already inhibited. The smaller wheel actually allows me to see the top over the it. It's not perfect but it's not really any worse than with the standard wheel.

Would you prefer if the steering column was higher?
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: Felix on September 21, 2022, 16:11
Quote from: Gaz mr-s on September 21, 2022, 15:24Would you prefer if the steering column was higher?

Probably not, as it would need to be a lot higher which might compromise ergonomics of the position of the wheel. Why? Can it go higher?
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: Gaz mr-s on September 21, 2022, 18:07
The mechanism that the column rises in can be modified. The bottom of the wheel 20mm higher or so.
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: bobbe on September 22, 2022, 12:35
Quote from: Gaz mr-s on September 21, 2022, 18:07The mechanism that the column rises in can be modified. The bottom of the wheel 20mm higher or so.

Interesting - is there any information online about this?
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: Gaz mr-s on September 22, 2022, 15:48
Quote from: bobbe on September 22, 2022, 12:35Interesting - is there any information online about this?

Nope, I don't know of anyone else having done it. You need a drill & bits & a round file.
Take off the under dash plastics & view how the column is controlled. Open the slot out of the guide at the top.  A little achieves quite a lot.
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: bobbe on September 24, 2022, 14:13
Quote from: Gaz mr-s on September 22, 2022, 15:48Nope, I don't know of anyone else having done it. You need a drill & bits & a round file.
Take off the under dash plastics & view how the column is controlled. Open the slot out of the guide at the top.  A little achieves quite a lot.

Okay, thanks!
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: Felix on September 27, 2022, 20:10
After 2 months of waiting, I finally have one of these:

(https://i.postimg.cc/gmjyKG6Q/DSC04802.jpg)

So I booked my car into Powerflow in Mitcham for a full custom system. They had a slot 5 days away which I took, then realised there was a bit of work to do because I want a bumper-exit system.

So I borrowed my mother's garage for an evening:

(https://i.postimg.cc/bpZbtL7j/IMG-8210.jpg)

took the bumper off:

(https://i.postimg.cc/Vm2tBnw0/IMG-8211.jpg)

Then realised it was a Sunday evening, and I hadn't brought a deep enough 15mm socket to remove the crash-bar. But I had a hacksaw and an adjustable wrench (and am planning on running crash-bar-less) so I made it work:

(https://i.postimg.cc/7HXtQDMc/IMG-8215.jpg)

But on to the bumper: The plan was to have no rear grille, and to clean up the bumper a bit so it looks like it was like that from the factory. So here it is with the grille removed:

(https://i.postimg.cc/ZTSyXmCT/IMG-8212.jpg)

Then with the little clips cut off:

(https://i.postimg.cc/1y6qWXRC/IMG-8213.jpg)

Then with the longer trims also cut off:

(https://i.postimg.cc/NgkrcnHR/IMG-8214.jpg)

Then I stuck the plate back on and drove it home like this:

(https://i.postimg.cc/NBCDhKcQ/DSC04797.jpg)

But wasn't happy with the plate positioning. It didn't really work with the "that could be OEM" look I want to go for.

So I went to my workshop, grabbed a hammer, and turned this 3mm stainless wire..

(https://i.postimg.cc/Kmd5zCjV/DSC04798.jpg)

..into this:

(https://i.postimg.cc/QsXJHQNX/DSC04799.jpg)

Which goes on like this:

(https://i.postimg.cc/37nCpkW2/DSC04801.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/JMFN6SNn/DSC04800.jpg)

Then finally drove it to Powerflow last night, picked it up today, and it currently looks like this:

(https://i.postimg.cc/mbY7rD0z/DSC04807.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/Ytm1J8Rx/DSC04806.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/38hCjpgF/DSC04805.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/hD082jsW-/DSC04804.jpg)

Thanks for reading!
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: Hammond on September 27, 2022, 22:39
Quote from: Fefelarue on September 27, 2022, 20:10After 2 months of waiting, I finally have one of these:

(https://i.postimg.cc/gmjyKG6Q/DSC04802.jpg)

So I booked my car into Powerflow in Mitcham for a full custom system. They had a slot 5 days away which I took, then realised there was a bit of work to do because I want a bumper-exit system.

So I borrowed my mother's garage for an evening:

(https://i.postimg.cc/bpZbtL7j/IMG-8210.jpg)

took the bumper off:

(https://i.postimg.cc/Vm2tBnw0/IMG-8211.jpg)

Then realised it was a Sunday evening, and I hadn't brought a deep enough 15mm socket to remove the crash-bar. But I had a hacksaw and an adjustable wrench (and am planning on running crash-bar-less) so I made it work:

(https://i.postimg.cc/7HXtQDMc/IMG-8215.jpg)

But on to the bumper: The plan was to have no rear grille, and to clean up the bumper a bit so it looks like it was like that from the factory. So here it is with the grille removed:

(https://i.postimg.cc/ZTSyXmCT/IMG-8212.jpg)

Then with the little clips cut off:

(https://i.postimg.cc/1y6qWXRC/IMG-8213.jpg)

Then with the longer trims also cut off:

(https://i.postimg.cc/NgkrcnHR/IMG-8214.jpg)

Then I stuck the plate back on and drove it home like this:

(https://i.postimg.cc/NBCDhKcQ/DSC04797.jpg)

But wasn't happy with the plate positioning. It didn't really work with the "that could be OEM" look I want to go for.

So I went to my workshop, grabbed a hammer, and turned this 3mm stainless wire..

(https://i.postimg.cc/Kmd5zCjV/DSC04798.jpg)

..into this:

(https://i.postimg.cc/QsXJHQNX/DSC04799.jpg)

Which goes on like this:

(https://i.postimg.cc/37nCpkW2/DSC04801.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/JMFN6SNn/DSC04800.jpg)

Then finally drove it to Powerflow last night, picked it up today, and it currently looks like this:

(https://i.postimg.cc/mbY7rD0z/DSC04807.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/Ytm1J8Rx/DSC04806.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/38hCjpgF/DSC04805.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/hD082jsW-/DSC04804.jpg)

Thanks for reading!

Looking good so far! Is it sounding as you hoped?
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: Ardent on September 27, 2022, 23:36
Well played.

Just my personal preference, I would look to lose some of the excess yellow of the plate.
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: Topdownman on September 28, 2022, 09:14
Impressive work. That hacksaw got a good workout! I thought you had some plastic grille to go in at first but in later photos I realised that was the floor mat!

Any chance of making up a smaller crash bar that wouldnt be visible but would add a bit of strength/ protection back?
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: Felix on September 29, 2022, 08:48
Quote from: Hammond on September 27, 2022, 22:39Looking good so far! Is it sounding as you hoped?

Thank you! Honestly it's louder than I wanted, i'm taking it back today to ask for an additional resonator or silencer to be plumbed in.

Quote from: Ardent on September 27, 2022, 23:36Well played.

Just my personal preference, I would look to lose some of the excess yellow of the plate.


I hear you, but I honestly prefer it with the full plate, as it looks less 'modified'. I want the car to look like Toyota could have made it that way.

Quote from: Topdownman on September 28, 2022, 09:14Impressive work. That hacksaw got a good workout! I thought you had some plastic grille to go in at first but in later photos I realised that was the floor mat!

Any chance of making up a smaller crash bar that wouldnt be visible but would add a bit of strength/ protection back?

Thanks! It's something I'm trying to decide on at the moment. I'm less fussed about protection and more about trying to hide the ugly crash-bar mounting points. Maybe just a coat of matte black paint is in order.
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: Felix on November 2, 2022, 12:47
So a couple of small updates. Firstly I got myself a spacer for the steering wheel so I can actually use it without hitting the indicator stalks all the time:

(https://i.ibb.co/2yFy72d/DSC04881.jpg)

Secondly, the exhaust was far too loud with the single box, so I took it back to powerflow, and they re-made the whole thing with a Y pipe, each side then going through it's own silencer. And I love it even more than the last one:

(https://i.ibb.co/zPPMcNt/DSC04882.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/hcXK9jW/DSC04886.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/Z6cGG4D/DSC04883.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/LNnrcwh/DSC04884.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/6Wwpv1q/DSC04890.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/6PCdBt2/DSC04889.jpg)

Yes I know the plate is wonky  ;D
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: puma2 on November 3, 2022, 08:03
 :)) wonky may be still nice job  8)  8)
looking good keep up with the good work :)  :)
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: Hammond on November 29, 2022, 19:08
Coming together nicely now! Keep it up pal.
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: Felix on February 4, 2023, 14:19
After scouring the internet for months for an original navpod, I eventually came to the conclusion that I'd never find one for any amount of money, so I made my own.

I started off with the original storage bin lid, and a double din cage:

(https://i.ibb.co/WPTV1JY/DSC05080.jpg)

Then I chopped it up:

(https://i.ibb.co/KDt8KP4/DSC05084.jpg)

Then cut some MDF to size:

(https://i.ibb.co/9t4pH67/DSC05085.jpg)

And epoxied it all together:

(https://i.ibb.co/HtH7pVd/DSC05086.jpg)

I used a hammer to curve some ally, and attached it all for added strength during the next stages:

(https://i.ibb.co/VxkC6tF/DSC05128.jpg)

Next up was to put a box in to act as a dummy stereo while adding the expanding foam:

(https://i.ibb.co/BjvPdrD/DSC05130.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/vD4n84p/DSC05131.jpg)

Luckily my partner is a professional prop-maker, so she carved it down into a nice smooth shape for me:

(https://i.ibb.co/6R5NxjT/DSC05141.jpg)

I then stretched some old fabric over it:

(https://i.ibb.co/sKCNZc0/DSC05142.jpg)

Then saturated it with polyester resin to make a hard outer shell:

(https://i.ibb.co/mDJyyjd/DSC05144.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/FzhQ09T/DSC05240.jpg)

Then I upholstered it. (Having done similar jobs before which eventually peeled off, i decided to be extra safe and use all the staples in the world):

(https://i.ibb.co/6ZcqLr2/DSC05242.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/wQpNDfM/DSC05243.jpg)

Next up was the front panel, cut from 2mm aluminium sheet using a jigsaw, then smoothed with various files and lots of sandpaper:

(https://i.ibb.co/b39PnZQ/DSC05244.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/58B7rQ2/DSC05250.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/6mVVsHY/DSC05251.jpg)

It looks good, but I needed a sun visor too, so I cut up this plastic bin which was vaguely navpod-shaped:

(https://i.ibb.co/G9hQjQY/DSC05247.jpg)

And after lots of measuring and fettling, I had this:

(https://i.ibb.co/d0Tsbqz/DSC05252.jpg)

Which goes on like this:

(https://i.ibb.co/343DnMd/DSC05253.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/k11vj5H/DSC05254.jpg)

And would you believe it, the whole thing fits flawlessly:

(https://i.ibb.co/XSN1nH2/DSC05256.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/rtWG1DP/DSC05259.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/VpPd5ch/DSC05258.jpg)

Now to take the entire car to pieces to fit a good sound-system...
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: Topdownman on February 4, 2023, 14:30
Top work as ever.

Any other plans for it?
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: puma2 on February 5, 2023, 09:56
 :) love the picture and detail you put into this :)  :)
keep up the good work 8)
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: Felix on February 6, 2023, 15:16
In my last post I installed the navpod and head unit, but it didnt have any power to it, so I had to get on and do what i'd been dreading - wiring, wiring, and wiring.

So here we go. Interior out:

(https://i.ibb.co/2tXK70T/DSC05263.jpg)

Power cables in (I ran two 8 gauge cables which is far easier to manipulate than one thicker cable):

(https://i.ibb.co/f2GZkjN/DSC05286.jpg)

And this is what an entire day of speaker wiring looks like. I also extended all the head unit wires to reach the top of the dash, and pre-wired for the sub install.

(https://i.ibb.co/yWt9N6R/DSC05266.jpg)

Then onto the audio; i'll be running a 400w RMS 6.5" sub under the dash, and 2 100w RMS 5.25" component speakers, so I went with a 4 channel in phase 9704D 800w RMS amp, which will power everything nicely, and for the power it puts out, it's tiny. Installation-wise, I cut a piece of MDF:

(https://i.ibb.co/wRVDXp7/DSC05264.jpg)

Painted it black:

(https://i.ibb.co/Z8V0YQw/DSC05265.jpg)

Drilled and screwed it from behind into the driver's side rear compartment:

(https://i.ibb.co/R9S2vST/DSC05268.jpg)

Then put (stuffed with a lot of force and swearing) it back in:

(https://i.ibb.co/NyNmrjv/DSC05269.jpg)

Then after spending far too long cutting the wires to the exact right length that they were almost invisible, I finished what I would call my neatest ever amp install:

(https://i.ibb.co/JmJwgZ1/DSC05271.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/61h7bS2/DSC05284.jpg)

Onto the speakers. I cut this rather janky-looking hole in the original door card:

(https://i.ibb.co/F5NQ9kk/DSC05273.jpg)

Then bought these pre-cut MDF speaker rings:

(https://i.ibb.co/3Rf2PyZ/DSC05261.jpg)

Upholstered two of them (not super happy with this job, will probably re-do in future):

(https://i.ibb.co/25cMkwf/DSC05272.jpg)

And sandwiched the door-card with them:

(https://i.ibb.co/WkNXqS9/DSC05274.jpg)

Then I modelled up and ordered these laser-cut speaker rings:

(https://i.ibb.co/Qc62vjg/DSC05260.jpg)

Which I countersunk, smoothed, and polished:

(https://i.ibb.co/4MWvYkL/DSC05262.jpg)

And ended up with this:

(https://i.ibb.co/V3VhnbQ/DSC05277.jpg)

Then after putting the car back together, I'm pretty happy with the result (though considering changing the red mats, as the red and yellow is a bit much):

(https://i.ibb.co/vhtsbz1/DSC05287.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/j4322Vc/DSC05283.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/2gP025T/DSC05278.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/XLNK6d7/DSC05282.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/TMg9nZB/DSC05280.jpg)

Thanks for reading!



Quote from: Topdownman on February  4, 2023, 14:30Top work as ever.

Any other plans for it?

Thanks! Loads, I can't not tinker with a car, so i'll keep doing stuff like this until me or the car dies  ;D
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: puma2 on February 8, 2023, 07:22
 :) for some who hate wiring that is some top job there by the looks of it 8)
you time and effort will be rewarded on every drive out now 8)  8)
when are you going to install mine now :))  :))
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: Felix on February 25, 2023, 14:18
So on my last post I left a convenient sub-woofer shaped hole under the dash with the wiring poking out, and it was time to fill it. I pickup up this adorable little 6.5" DS18 subwoofer which will apparently put out 400W RMS. I also got a box made to the right size and shape:

(https://i.ibb.co/SQF04kR/DSC05289.jpg)

I raided my aluminium stash and found these:

(https://i.ibb.co/8xVnth6/DSC05351.jpg)

It's times like this I wish I could weld, but I cant, so I spent 3-4 hours measuring, cutting, filing, drilling and tapping them into this:

(https://i.ibb.co/mqmTMC4/DSC05353.jpg)

Which assembles in the car like this:

(https://i.ibb.co/Xs78D2S/DSC05354.jpg)

I gave them a polish:

(https://i.ibb.co/4jdtRsn/DSC05355.jpg)

And attached to the box:

(https://i.ibb.co/Vq9gZK1/DSC05356.jpg)

Then wired the sub into the box:

(https://i.ibb.co/HVgTzFS/DSC05357.jpg)

And here it is installed:

(I think I will try to brace it to the underside of the dash too in future. It's solid but it could be solider.)

(https://i.ibb.co/TLQhBrh/DSC05358.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/g38rPLg/DSC05359.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/zxq0wtZ/DSC05360.jpg)

Quote from: puma2 on February  8, 2023, 07:22:) for some who hate wiring that is some top job there by the looks of it 8)
you time and effort will be rewarded on every drive out now 8)  8)
when are you going to install mine now :))  :))

Thank you!

Never ever again for any amount of money  ;D
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: puma2 on February 25, 2023, 14:45
 :) never say never now how much do you want ££££

I do like the work you did and the placement  8)  8)
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: Felix on February 28, 2023, 17:42
Quote from: puma2 on February 25, 2023, 14:45:) never say never now how much do you want ££££

I do like the work you did and the placement  8)  8)

Thanks! To wire in your amp and speakers? Probably about what you'd pay for a road-legal MR2 ;D
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: puma2 on March 1, 2023, 06:46
Quote from: Fefelarue on February 28, 2023, 17:42Thanks! To wire in your amp and speakers? Probably about what you'd pay for a road-legal MR2 ;D
fair to cheap for me :))  :))

glad to see how you did plus the satisfaction you get when done 8)  8)

now get out there and enjoy all the work you put into your 2
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: McMr2 on March 1, 2023, 09:57
This is such a cool thread with a unique take on things. Keep it up.
Title: Re: Martin
Post by: cptspaulding on March 1, 2023, 10:55
Quote from: Fefelarue on February 25, 2023, 14:18I also got a box made to the right size and shape:

Such a disappointment  :-\

Although top marks for everything else. Envious of your skills & dedication.
Title: Re: Martin - The Daily Grand Tourer
Post by: Felix on March 2, 2023, 00:46
Quote from: cptspaulding on March  1, 2023, 10:55Such a disappointment  :-\

Although top marks for everything else. Envious of your skills & dedication.

Thanks!

Haha, if it makes you feel better I designed it myself in CAD first:
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/7RwAAOSw5wVjhjW8/s-l1600.png)
Title: Re: Martin - The Daily Grand Tourer
Post by: Felix on April 12, 2023, 14:38
The interior was starting to look to my liking, but i can never have too many shiny bits, so i accumulated another pile of parts:

(https://i.ibb.co/zbdYNX4/DSC05505.jpg)

And basically fitted all of them. So here's the old hvac panel:

(https://i.ibb.co/VxqrfrN/DSC05507.jpg)

And the new:

(https://i.ibb.co/3BRwzRF/DSC05508.jpg)

And some new knobs fresh from aliexpress:

(https://i.ibb.co/grLpBtk/DSC05509.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/WvKQrv7/DSC05511.jpg)

Speedo surround, before:

(https://i.ibb.co/7Jz8CtR/DSC05512.jpg)

And after:

(https://i.ibb.co/BjsWP28/DSC05513.jpg)

Then this laser cut bit:

(https://i.ibb.co/nQQS1tD/DSC05514.jpg)

Which I spent a bit of time countersinking, sanding, and polishing:

(https://i.ibb.co/0QYwMLr/DSC05515.jpg)

And here's the cockpit now:

(https://i.ibb.co/bdCX06h/DSC05528.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/kxH38Kz/DSC05526.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/WtryXLY/DSC05523.jpg)

I'm starting to run out of things to do in here, so i'll probably have to start on the exterior soon  ;D

Thanks for reading!
Title: Re: Martin - The Daily Grand Tourer
Post by: Topdownman on April 12, 2023, 17:21
You could always just quickly rustle up a new centre console before you finish inside.

Should only take you a few minutes.....
Title: Re: Martin - The Daily Grand Tourer
Post by: Felix on April 13, 2023, 14:10
Couldn't resist snapping a couple more today with the sun out

(https://i.ibb.co/mJ2h9Fq/DSC05539.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/7bSYM4r/DSC05540.jpg)
Title: Re: Martin - The Daily Grand Tourer
Post by: Felix on May 1, 2023, 19:16
Starting on the exterior; the roof looks like sh1t:

(https://i.ibb.co/BCmvFsr/DSC05560.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/j5kNR4N/DSC05561.jpg)

So a trip to our guy in Swansea sorted that right out:

(https://i.ibb.co/D7rdn2H/DSC05562.jpg)

But more importantly, Martin has cataracts, as well as a scuff from someone reversing into him in a car park, making the whole front look a bit old and tired:

(https://i.ibb.co/tcXwLsn/DSC05685.jpg)

I can't do much about the scuff until I decide to respray the bumper (or maybe the whole car), but it was time for a new set of lights at least:

(https://scontent-lhr8-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/344612708_622022739822068_1791707174860881708_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s2048x2048&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=ae9488&_nc_ohc=lF7iGAZGrT4AX9mYicJ&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr8-2.xx&oh=03_AdTeGoz4L6kuFCQRuw0-FJXE6yfhbi_67h3OgzDNABCeXw&oe=6477712C)

The difference is nuts:

(https://i.ibb.co/T1Jp9Zq/DSC05686.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/f2tfytJ/DSC05693.jpg)

I am also trialling some bolt-in exhaust baffles, as I'm driving to Italy later this week, and the exhaust drone gets a bit much after the first couple of hours. So far they sound surprisingly good, and cut out almost all of the 3k rpm motorway drone, but i'm looking forward to them getting covered up with a layer of exhaust deposit, as they don't look great.

(https://i.ibb.co/zVJs1Rr/DSC05694.jpg)

Much love.
Title: Re: Martin - The Daily Grand Tourer
Post by: Joesson on May 2, 2023, 10:53
@Felix
Sorry, I have to agree about the hood.
The rest is looking good.
Enjoy your visit to Italy.
Title: Re: Martin - The Daily Grand Tourer
Post by: Felix on May 9, 2023, 23:58
We're back from our trip to Lake Como, and Martin absolutely smashed it.

It's rare that a car can drive to the Klausen Pass in one piece, redline most of the way along it, then drive another thousand miles with absolutely no issues.

(https://i.ibb.co/7XpJKqG/Screenshot-2023-05-09-231301.png)

(https://i.ibb.co/qk2827Q/DSC05901.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/W62jCn4/DSC05703.jpg)
Title: Re: Martin - The Daily Grand Tourer
Post by: Alex Knight on May 10, 2023, 07:50
That's amazing. Great photos.
Title: Re: Martin - The Daily Grand Tourer
Post by: Mezula24 on May 10, 2023, 09:04
Brilliant.
Congratulations Martin!
Title: Re: Martin - The Daily Grand Tourer
Post by: Joesson on May 10, 2023, 09:16
Your car doesn't just look good ( apart from the hood).
How did you manage that trip with so little luggage space?
Title: Re: Martin - The Daily Grand Tourer
Post by: Topdownman on May 10, 2023, 10:50
Great to see people on long road trips.

Good to see that you solved the problem of remembering which side of the road to drive on!
Title: Re: Martin - The Daily Grand Tourer
Post by: Felix on May 10, 2023, 19:43
Quote from: Joesson on May  2, 2023, 10:53@Felix
Sorry, I have to agree about the hood.
The rest is looking good.
Enjoy your visit to Italy.
Quote from: Joesson on May 10, 2023, 09:16Your car doesn't just look good ( apart from the hood).
How did you manage that trip with so little luggage space?

Thanks!

By hood do you mean the roof? You saw I already got a new roof in my post on 1st May right?

Easy, flipped the spare wheel in the front so I could fit a sports bag and a coat in there, another sports bag and a backpack behind the seats, and a small bag and road trip snacks in the passenger footwell  :) Okay, not exactly easy, but perfectly comfortable.
Title: Re: Martin - The Daily Grand Tourer
Post by: Joesson on May 10, 2023, 22:27
Quote from: Felix on May 10, 2023, 19:43Thanks!

By hood do you mean the roof? You saw I already got a new roof in my post on 1st May right?

Easy, flipped the spare wheel in the front so I could fit a sports bag and a coat in there, another sports bag and a backpack behind the seats, and a small bag and road trip snacks in the passenger footwell  :) Okay, not exactly easy, but perfectly comfortable.

From the www:
Hood is used by British English-speakers to refer to the waterproof cloth top covering the passenger compartment of a car or pram.
I missed your 1st May post, I will look for that.

My mention of luggage space was because there are those that think there is insufficient luggage space in our cars when compared with a MX5! I took an unwanted freezer to the recycling plant yesterday in my daily, wouldn't  have thought of using a sports car for that. My wife and I have been away for a week in our 2, I also use the space behind the seats for a hanging bag of clothes.

Title: Re: Martin - The Daily Grand Tourer
Post by: JohnGee on May 11, 2023, 05:18
Quote from: Joesson on May 10, 2023, 22:27My wife and I have been away for a week in our 2, I also use the space behind the seats for a hanging bag of clothes.


Apologies for going off topic, but is that a hanging bag simply 'pressed' between the back of the seat and the rear passenger compartment, or do you have a more elegant solution. Suspect I know the answer to this, interested to learn more.
Title: Re: Martin - The Daily Grand Tourer
Post by: puma2 on May 11, 2023, 07:12
 8) now that is some trip with excellent views and love the picture of your 2 in the middle of the road 8)
Title: Re: Martin - The Daily Grand Tourer
Post by: Joesson on May 11, 2023, 09:00
Quote from: JohnGee on May 11, 2023, 05:18Apologies for going off topic, but is that a hanging bag simply 'pressed' between the back of the seat and the rear passenger compartment, or do you have a more elegant solution. Suspect I know the answer to this, interested to learn more.


One could confuse simplicity with elegance or vv but  I opted for a loop of Paracord over the headrest portion of the seat and hung the bag hangers from that.
The fore/ aft position of the seat of course dictates what can be fitted in and can contribute to holding the bag/s in position
I do use a similar idea in my daily on the frame of the rear headrests and drape the bags over the rear seat.
In both cases I find that the clothes arrive uncrumpled.
I have seen similar on dailies with the hangers on the rear grab handles but that does look like your hanging the washing up!
Title: Re: Martin - The Daily Grand Tourer
Post by: JohnGee on May 11, 2023, 14:10
Quote from: Joesson on May 11, 2023, 09:00One could confuse simplicity with elegance or vv but  I opted for a loop of Paracord over the headrest portion of the seat and hung the bag hangers from that.
The fore/ aft position of the seat of course dictates what can be fitted in and can contribute to holding the bag/s in position
I do use a similar idea in my daily on the frame of the rear headrests and drape the bags over the rear seat.
In both cases I find that the clothes arrive uncrumpled.
I have seen similar on dailies with the hangers on the rear grab handles but that does look like your hanging the washing up!

Simplicity, elegance, practicality - just as I expected from a stylish chap.
Title: Re: Martin - The Daily Grand Tourer
Post by: Joesson on May 11, 2023, 16:08
Quote from: JohnGee on May 11, 2023, 14:10Simplicity, elegance, practicality - just as I expected from a stylish chap.


I could not but "like" your comment, like minds I'm sure!
Title: Re: Martin - The Daily Grand Tourer
Post by: JohnGee on May 12, 2023, 11:10
Quote from: Joesson on May 11, 2023, 16:08I could not but "like" your comment, like minds I'm sure!

If only!
Title: Re: Martin - The Daily Grand Tourer
Post by: Felix on July 21, 2023, 20:22
Popped down to France last week for a wedding, and once I got back I noticed this rather terrifying crack right through one of my wheel spokes:

(https://i.ibb.co/kKL6WVG/362692312-693778612579017-6258497482352073552-n.jpg)

All the tyres needed replacing as well, and the wheels are generally a complete mess, so I decided to go shopping for a whole new set of wheels. I found these 90s Borbets for a steal at £150:

(https://i.ibb.co/nsFzsGr/362706375-695975239239801-5785932946899339223-n.jpg)

I took the passenger seat out to pick them up:

(https://i.ibb.co/hmyzz3h/362697901-1007915157071915-6494432974634202772-n.jpg)

I wasn't sure I'd like them on the car, but they needed a refurb regardless, so I gave them a quick but effective rattle-can job:

(https://i.ibb.co/g4Tf37c/362630995-311463914579222-7440684126578159617-n.jpg)

And here they are fitted with 4 new tyres. Turns out I like them a lot!

(https://i.ibb.co/n8Y766g/DSC06045.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/BPg19wt/DSC06044.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/Jyh2wXQ/DSC06047.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/w7hbq2x/DSC06043.jpg)

I think I need to commit to coilovers and slam it now though, so that's probably coming soon.

Peace out.
Title: Re: Martin - The Daily Grand Tourer
Post by: Topdownman on July 21, 2023, 22:29
That was a timely spot with the wheel, could have been very nasty.

Got to love a rattle can wheel refurb!

(Nice valve masking!).
Title: Re: Martin - The Daily Grand Tourer
Post by: puma2 on July 22, 2023, 08:39
 :) good effort on that and they do look good to me 8)  8)
Title: Re: Martin - The Daily Grand Tourer
Post by: Felix on August 11, 2023, 18:38
I usually like to show the progress of anything I do here, but I was too excited this time that I just did it.

I found some barely used MeisterR coilovers for £550. I immediately fitted them after work in the work car park.

I also got some toyota centre badges for the wheels, then realised they were really boring, and went for ferrari ones instead. The wheels look similar enough to the wheels on a Ferrari 550 or 360, so maybe i'll fool a couple of people.

Anyway, here it is, sorry everything's filthy, it needs a good clean. I'm very happy with how it looks:

(https://i.ibb.co/X2tRSYb/DSC06096.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/j8SS94n/DSC06098.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/BfQxYC4/DSC06099.jpg)