BE 646

[nikbj68]

Oh wow, I just noticed the tax disc on the drivers` seat only expired in April this year,
   
   
   
   meaning that the Aceca was road legal when you bought it! So technically, there shouldn`t be too much to do to get it on the road again, but obviously the restoration you want to achieve is way above & beyond that! Great engine/box, we know it will be fantastic when you`ve finished, and we look forward to following progress. [:)]

[AEX566]

Peter;
   Do you plan to convert to left hand drive?
   Art

[dkp_cobra]

quote:Originally posted by AEX566
   
Peter;
   Do you plan to convert to left hand drive?
   Art
   

   
   Art,
   
   I think I will do it. I drove a Cobra replica (the starting of this hobby some years ago) with right hand drive. It is nice to drive but the action of passing other cars on country roads is not so nice.
   
   Also, I think that the current steering will contact the new engine and must be modified. Why not modifiy it to LHS.
   
   Peter

[dkp_cobra]

Oh wow, I just noticed the tax disc on the drivers` seat only expired in April this year, meaning that the Aceca was road legal when you bought it! So <i>technically</i>, there shouldn`t be <i>too much</i> to do to get it on the road again,

   
   Well, I got the impression that there are little differences between the german and the UK demand for "ok for the street" [;)]
   

but obviously the restoration you want to achieve is way above & beyond that! Great engine/box, we know it will be fantastic when you`ve finished, and we look forward to following progress. [:)]

   This process will take much more time as the MK IV since my new mechanic will take some time before she is able to help me. Currently, she uses her car (in the middle) much more:
   
   

[Gus Meyjes]

looks like about the same ride height as your Cobra...

[dkp_cobra]

Today, I tried to get a historic registration for german roads, but the car is too ugly for that kind of registration [xx(] I can get a normal on but not this special kind of registration.
   
Well, than the restauration has to start. To do this in a nice atmosphere I prettify my garage:
   
This picture shows the Aceca 1959 at the Monte Carlo Rallye, driven by the first owner Stan Coldham.

[Gus Meyjes]

That is your car? Very cool!
   
   Gus

[Gus Meyjes]

with that new drive train, you may want to get a few more spokes in those wheels...

[dkp_cobra]

quote:Originally posted by Gus Meyjes
   
with that new drive train, you may want to get a few more spokes in those wheels...
   

   
   Gus,
   
   do you want to say that I should buy your wheels [:)] Maybe Berit could put them into her suitcase ...
   
   Best regards,
   
   Peter

[Gus Meyjes]

Peter,
   
   I never thought of that! But now that you mention it...
   
   I think we could stuff a few wheels in her suitcase...
   
   Gus

[dkp_cobra]

New year is a chance to start with the restauration. I love the diversity of the used screws:
   
   Since I want to start with changing the drivetrain, first with the differential I think it is good to remove the panels from the boot in order to have space for the work:
   
   The previous owners change some things:
   
   Below the panels it doesn't look so bad as the panels and the wood in the doors (!!!) would suggest:
   
   

[dkp_cobra]

Removing the exhaust:
   
   It was fixed at the frame without any rubbers between:
   
   That gave a quite nice sound [xx(]
   
   There were some corrugation on the left rear wing:
   
   I found 4,5 mm body filler:
   
   I thing there was a light accident there and it was not so easy to get behind the wing to buckle this.

[dkp_cobra]

These Aceca doors are not what I would call a "lightweight construction". One door weigh 18.3 kg. I will investigate what is so heavy.

[dkp_cobra]

No tank anymore ...
   
   ... and no engine, nor transmission:
   
   I think a little bit color and the car will be as new [B)]
   
   The Dart 2.5 V8 engine is not so small as I expected when it was inside the engine bay. Comparing it with the Ford 289:
   
   But the Moss box is really sweet:
   
   Does anybody know these front brakes and calipers?
   

[Aceca289]

Peter,
   
   Thanks for sharing all the pictures of your naked Aceca. Many of the shots are familiar to the ones I took of my car over the last 5 years of restoration work, although you have a number of areas exposed that I didn't get to with my work.
   
   The pictures of the old 2.5 liter Dart/Daimler Lump next to the 289 make it look like it weighs as much or more than the 289. I was curious so I checked Wikipedia and found the 2.5 Lump weighs approximately 419lbs (190kg) and the 289 weighs 506lbs (230kg). It must be those massive aluminum heads on the Daimler that make it look so heavy. Does anyone know the weights of the AC six, the Bristol six, and the 2.6 Zephyr six for comparison?  I've always understood that the 289 didn't weigh that much more than the AC or Bristol engines due to its thin wall casting.
   
   John