Manxter #127 -Build

[Buggy Brian]

Congrats on a huge milestone!
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-(Loretta) Manx # M2940D910E on customized 1970 chassis by Joescoolcustoms
-(Scarlett) Manx Resorter #12 (R0012B931S) on 1969 chassis.
-Original Home built buggy that started all. I learned to drive in it back in 1985.
Manx Club Member # 4436

Check out my Loretta here: http://www.manxclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=65&t=3365Manx

Scarlett is getting a Makeover! http://manxclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=82&t=3745&p=24983#p24983

[TSFR]

That's awesome and huge hurdle you just got over.
Congratulations!
I'm Hoping to beat your 2 years, 4 months and 2 days by at least a day or two.
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Thanks,
Jeff

Manxter 2+2 #160

[manxvair]

Way to go! Congrats!

[dbsmith]

I can't believe a year has gone by since I decided to put the 2" lift in. I was all ready to paint everything and mount the body, and was trying to figure out how to stiffen the pan, since the lift came about. But I'm really satisfied with the end results. I've gained extra room above the motor and trans, front end and the seats can be mounted higher for more leg room. Modifications had to be made to the side bars, rear horn, gas tank supports and steering column angles.

When I hear others say "it took me 4 years to built it", I think wow that's a long time I can beat that, but it seem life keeps getting in the way. I wish I had another one to play with while building this. But it always comes down to a money thing. I threw the budget out on this one a long time ago. I decided I'm going to get the parts I want even if it delays the build. It's going to be my retirement toy and that's still a few years away. I could have taken the donor bug and just made a quick swap of parts and been up and running. Nope I wanted something custom that is mine..

When we were looking a used buggies, all I could think of we're the modifications needed to make it my own. (Tire and rims, disc brakes, paint, fiberglass repair, etc.). So we decided to transform the old bug into a Manxter. I've been in construction for over 30 years and can tackle just about anything, so why not a custom buggy. The problem I have is that I want to do everything myself.. That is within reason and possible. I could have had the pan sandblasted for about $75, but no David can do that. Well double that price, hours and hours later it got done. ( maybe I should start therapy sessions). I've farmed out the structural welding, trans rebuild and will have the motor done. Most everything else is mine. I have definitely made mistakes and had to go backwards a few times adding to the experience.

It'll be ready to start the electrical soon, but as somebody told me "it's just one wire at a time" so that's the approach I'll take.

Hindsite on the pan and chassis - I would have had Dave Barrett build one. The effort and cost I have into mine, the custom one would have been well worth the investment.

It's been a challenge but a great experience, but thanks really needs to go to the forums and buggy world for the advice and support. One of the reasons we decided to do this, was all the great people we're meeting along the journey. Where else can you converse with people from all over (GA, SC, PA ,CA) sharing the same passion you have for something. Maybe we can figure a way to have a beer with Jeff when he picks his up and blows through So Cal.

Another Manxter owner and I played hooky today and and went down to PRP Seats. He ordered a set of Daily Driver's. Want fun to spend somebody else's money.

David
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dbsmith
SoCal
#127 Manxter - 99.5% done....

[TSFR]

I'm definitely in for the beer! I can relate to everything above, everything. Pencil me in on April 16.
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Thanks,
Jeff

Manxter 2+2 #160

[manxvair]

Keep up the good work David!

[dbsmith]

Jeff
No problem. I'm about 1 1/2 hour north of Bruce's. Keep in touch and let me know where.

This weekend's adventure is to get the clamp made for the steering column and get it all mounted..
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dbsmith
SoCal
#127 Manxter - 99.5% done....

[TSFR]

I'm Flying into Ontario on 15 April and staying with my friend in Redlands. I'm Planning to pick up my kit on the 16th. You're welcome to join us for delivery or a drink closer to home. We can work out the details as it gets closer.
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Thanks,
Jeff

Manxter 2+2 #160

[dbsmith]

Jeff,
Sounds great. Maybe either the night you come in or the next day if your staying the 2nd one. I don't want to rain on your parade picking it up. You'll be too excited and all. I live about 45 min from Redlands. On your front end..at least in my case.. It's always two steps forward and one step back..
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dbsmith
SoCal
#127 Manxter - 99.5% done....

[dbsmith]

I done did it. I got the steering column mounted. Bracket fabricated. Just need some SS hardware to complete. Ended up using a double u joint as the angles weren't quite right.

Enjoy the pics

David

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dbsmith
SoCal
#127 Manxter - 99.5% done....

[TSFR]

Nice! What colomn did you use?

I'm Supposed to land at 11:20pm so by the time I get in I will not be a good date LOL
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Thanks,
Jeff

Manxter 2+2 #160

[shifty6d]

So did you replace the stock rag joint with a solid piece? Otherwise you have three joints with no support, from what I understand that will fight itself into a potentially bad scenario....just a thought, I may be wrong.

[jrailer]

looking great Dave

[dbsmith]

I didn't think about the rag joint..

Would love more input..


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dbsmith
SoCal
#127 Manxter - 99.5% done....

[Iguana]

[dbsmith]

Thanks
I'll pull the rag joint out.

Speaking of timelines, how is the #126 blue metal flake coming along.?

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dbsmith
SoCal
#127 Manxter - 99.5% done....

[Iguana]

[dbsmith]

I'm sure it went to a good home
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dbsmith
SoCal
#127 Manxter - 99.5% done....

[dbsmith]

Here is the story on the roll cage. I had it powder coated, told him I wanted a light texture, either semi or satin finish. It came out looking like 150 grit sandpaper (flat). The other half didn't like it either. So sanded lightly, and sprayed it Black.
A lot of the under body parts I painted Rust Bullet Silver and had some of their Black Shell leftover. Sprayed two coats and still not quite happy, so I tried fogging two coats and this is how it came out. Cool...
It'll eventually get pads on it. I'll get them from PRP to match the seat vinyl.
Everyday an adventure

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dbsmith
SoCal
#127 Manxter - 99.5% done....

[Iguana]

Looks good, are those rear tabs on the main hoop for your seat belts ?

Whats up with your seat mounts ? Are you going to replace the cardboard box's ?