Saturday 29 December 2018

A Call to Arms

Continuing with the upgrades, next up are armrests. I was inspired by seeing some Caterham armrests - not only do they act as straps to hold the door against the side of the car, they also prevent water splashing up into the cabin.

So, first up was some measurements transferred to a sheet of 1.5mm ally (sorry, pretty rubbish picture):


The strange shape is because my drivers side door has a bulge for my elbow. This was then cutout and bent into shape, using a combination of Black and Decker workmate and plain old bending by hand (quite surprised it worked so well):

 

Then a layer of foam to protect my delicate elbow:


...and vinyl applied with contact adhesive:

 

A set of M3 stainless steel bolts (hopefully won't go rusty and look crud) with countersunk cups, through the door material and into the flange on the armrest and job done:

 


Not been out to test them yet but looks great, doors feel firm and they lift up easily enough.

I also replaced the side mirrors with some funky (read 'tiny') numbers:


I've also got a new gear knob and USB sockets to fit...all good fun...

Happy New Year to you all!

Sunday 9 December 2018

Breakfast Blat

I had a great run out to meet up with the SKCC forum guys for breakfast at a golf club near Horsham. We met at 9am so I got up a bit early for a little  40 mile thrash which turned out to be awesome.

By some  fluke, I found a great couple of roads (must remember them for future) which were small B roads but not too small that you're worried about having space to pass cars. Traffic was light at 8am on a Sunday and I had a great time - Zedster sounded great, performed well and, most importantly, nothing broke or fell off!

Breakfast was nice, good chatting with other members and we've pencilled in a long weekend to Wales next September (I was already thinking of doing an earlier one by myself in April/May).