Deman SR7 build

[ayseven]

OK, since a couple of people have kindly asked:

I am building the above. It's Miata based, although I am using a Celica 22RE motor with a W58 transmission. I bought the car before I had the frame. Started everything in about February/March.

Things done so far, in no particular order:
- stripped Celica, removed engine, trans, seats, carpets, wheels, rear end (that is now melted I assume) and a lot of useless stuff
- had car remains squished at a scrap metal guy
- Changed clutch in engine. Had the trans rebuilt.
- Received frame in May, with roll bar and pedal box welded in.
- Painted said with TremClad - several coats and a zillion touch ups. I don't really recommend it because it scratches off pretty easily (but you are supposed to leave it a month or so before bashing into it regularly!!) Should have sprung for powdercoat. I hear RDL does a good job on bikes

- Bottom (alu) rivetted on. Diff and most of rear suspension on. Rear underside panel installed and metal shaped around rear lower bar. I was quite proud of myself for that. Never done any of this sort of thing before. Cut out small piece of aluminum to be used for under the steering rack. Anything to improve the bad aerodynamics of this thing!

I spend a lot of time going around buying tools and bolts etc., and looking at other builds from the net. The learning I've done so far has been huge.

- Next steps: Finish the rear suspension, using proper bolts. Start on Front suspension steering, then onto brakes and all that. Keep my eyes peeled on Fleabay for more stuff I might be able to use. I recommend keeping your wallet in another room when on the computer...

[ayseven]

Update: different engine/transmission being fit as we speak. New Motor: Nissan CA18DET; more power, not much more weight, fits better the the frame than the 22re, and I can get the engine and trans installed by someone who can do the wiring (very important!) at the same time.

Meanwhile: collecting lights, fibreglass seats, nose, scuttle, as well as painting alu panels for interior. Tires are on order.

To do: run brake and fuel lines, install fuel tank, seats and seat belts, wire lights and instruments, and get another roll bar installed. Find rear body panel, and rear fenders. Windscreen is for last.

Summer 2008 is a realistic target for going on the road in Quebec and going in autocross sessions anywhere nearby!

[ayseven]

Pic of finished car.

[manotickmike]

We wait 2 years, and get ONE pic?

Looks great! A 7 build is definiely in my future.

More pics, please? Don't be stingy with the details!

[ayseven]

Send me an email and I'll link you to my Picasaweb. I know most people don't actually finish these things, but I'm a bit stubborn I guess. The name is actually "Lotus Artisanale" according to the Quebec Government. I am presently waiting for my inspection date. I'm definitely taking this thing out to Autocross. I made the cover over Christmas.

[ayseven]

The new name is a bit of a stretch, admittedly, but I don't argue with the government (well, I do, but not in this case...) Car at the inspection garage as we speak. Of course, the left headlight bulb quit as soon as I got into the garage itself, but it shouldn't flunk because of that.

I'll keep you posted.

[ayseven]

My message contains "too few characters". First time that's been said around here I'll bet.

[John Powell]

Nice job.

[ayseven]

Looks good, but I flunked. They are even saying I need bumpers, which is NOT in the regulations here in Quebec for these vehicles. But they had a lot of good points: no "running lights" and a few other minor details that I can repair pretty easily. Importantly, I have my plaquette, so it's a real car now.

[Chris_A]

Looks good, but I flunked. They are even saying I need bumpers, which is NOT in the regulations here in Quebec for these vehicles. But they had a lot of good points: no "running lights" and a few other minor details that I can repair pretty easily. Importantly, I have my plaquette, so it's a real car now.

What does the CMVSS say about bumpers? I have a really old copy here if you can't find it online.

As for the rest, when they do a safety they are to follow the provincial standards, no? As such they are not required to verify what is in the CMVSS relevant to the car - including bumpers?

Can you take it to a more custom car friendly garage? I know the place you get the car inspected can make a big difference. From what I hear the Quebec inspection process is a lot more "terse" than the Ontario process but there must be a garage that is realistic about such things...

[rmicroys]

Well... The Tapp mobile didn't have bumpers. Super7s from www.super7cars.ca made in BC road legal in Canada don't have anyy bumpers... they're on crack.

[DEye]

Can you take it to a more custom car friendly garage? I know the place you get the car inspected can make a big difference. From what I hear the Quebec inspection process is a lot more "terse" than the Ontario process but there must be a garage that is realistic about such things...

Only two place in the *Gatineau* to get you car safety checked... QC dropped the "Bring it to your friendly nudge nudge wink wink, Garage" many years ago...
Now you go to a Goverment Checkpoint that Only checks the car - Does NO work ... - $90
You take it away - correct the issues then come back

Things may *have* been different in Montreal, when they were sneaking in the Skylines but thats mostly over now.

[Chris_A]

Can you take it to a more custom car friendly garage? I know the place you get the car inspected can make a big difference. From what I hear the Quebec inspection process is a lot more "terse" than the Ontario process but there must be a garage that is realistic about such things...

Only two place in the *Gatineau* to get you car safety checked... QC dropped the "Bring it to your friendly nudge nudge wink wink, Garage" many years ago...
Now you go to a Goverment Checkpoint that Only checks the car - Does NO work ... - $90
You take it away - correct the issues then come back

Things may *have* been different in Montreal, when they were sneaking in the Skylines but thats mostly over now.

For the record, I'm not suggesting the nudge, nudge approach. Some technicians are intelligent about stuff and can see the real issues. Some are mouth breathers that need velcro sneakers. It may be a matter of getting the correct technician?

[ayseven]

They made some very valid points about it all. I am repairing what needs doing, getting someone to help me with bumpers (still to be arranged, but design ideas welcome, although they may not be too sturdy...), and moving on.

[andregt6]

Nice seats.

A.

[ayseven]

Actually they are the originals, that I repaired.

And for the record: NO BUMPERS REQUIRED. This is from the SAAQ engineer in Quebec City. "Any questions from the mechanic testing it again, have him call me..."

[manotickmike]

[Chris_A]

Actually they are the originals, that I repaired.

And for the record: NO BUMPERS REQUIRED. This is from the SAAQ engineer in Quebec City. "Any questions from the mechanic testing it again, have him call me..."

That's what I figured. Mechanics are not able to make a decision on engineering and/or interpretation of the CMVSS.

[ayseven]

It's not so easy. I was just told I might need an engineering certificate. This was never mentioned before, and can cost up to $2000 apparently. I am no longer interested in putting money into this car nor finangling a way to do it in Ontario.

Please u2u me if you would like to discuss purchase. I can list all the good and bad at that time. It has a VIN plate on it.

[DEye]

G H C !

They are just trying to make life difficult !
DAM !

[ayseven]

I was sent to have an inspection at a garage that wasn't qualified for "voitures artisanales", although it is on the list for the government's inspection. How is that my fault? OK, I'm an anglo who does everything in their language, who can't say anything when he gets upset, but that's not it; it's an engineering/mechanical competency issue. They aren't TRYING to make it hard. They just don't know how to react. People just don't understand these cars and that is a problem everywhere in Canada. This emotional rollercoaster is killing me. Honestly.

[ayseven]

I am only posting as a warning. Don't get your hopes up. Ever.

If you're an anglo who lives in Quebec, do yourself a big favour and move out of the province ASAP. We are truly second class citizens. And my French is as close to perfect as it gets for someone from BC. I being the idiot I am, followed my wife's instructions, like a good boy, and went where she wanted to go. I think the indigenous population (I mean the majority) gets bad treatment too, but they don't know any better. When my wife had two cars tested at this place she couldn't believe how nice they were, wanting to see our dog pictures etc etc. Me on the other hand... (wearing a tie no less)... on two occasions...

I have got nothing but sneers and hand waves (and lectures) from those guys at the testing station in Hull who obviously had no idea how to treat my 3 years worth of labour. Absolutely rude. I don't want compliments, I want a bit of effing manners and maybe even some respect.

Engineering certificate, from a certified engineer from QUEBEC required. Anyone know where to get one - cheap???

[wing]

Damn that car looks great!!!! I hope you can solve your issues!

[ayseven]

Thanks. I'll take it even though all I see are problems.

Anyone know where to get ANSI Z26.1 marked flat windshield glass? The place that put mine in didn't leave a mark. But did leave a bad taste however.

[DEye]

Can you go back to the place that did the glass and get some paper work ... or do they insist on the eching in the glass... ( probably the later )