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OnePaintedMan
04-03-2013, 07:01 AM
Shameless lift and paste from another forum but I thought I'd post here as well to bring users who only frequent this forum up to speed with my car, Ronin.

This has been a labour of love for me over the last 3 years. When I started I was driving a Porsche 993 (pictured) as my daily.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Porsche%20Carrera%204/IMG_0394.jpg

I had originally bought the Roadster for my wife. However, it had been left languishing in a garage for almost 3 years after the birth of our first son. Then one day I decided to take it out to blow the cobwebs off. Within 20 mins I realised that the Roadster could deliver almost all of the thrills at real world levels that my 993 had to be taken to illegal speeds to savor. Now don't get me wrong I LOVED my 993 with a passion but for the £23,000 difference in price tag I couldn't defend it as a driving expense when the Roadster pushed so many of the fundamental Petrolhead buttons in terms of feel, smell, etc. I was blown away by how fun it was.

So I put my 993 up for sale and started modding. I wanted an old school 1960's style feel to my build and I think I have succesfully stuck too that direction. I hope you'll agree.

My starting point. . . rolling on WORK RS Alpha wheels (Still got 'em - they are sitting in my garage waiting to be refurbed.Stupidly I mislaid one of the four original centre caps. . . they are as rare as rocking horse poop)
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/DSCF0542.jpg

Racing Beat style bar . . .
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/ProjectRonin1.jpg

Rare OEM knee pads. . . pocket on tunnel side
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/IMG_7009.jpg

. . .plain on door side.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/IMG_7004.jpg

Added a Garage Vary lip (couldn't quite shake the Porsche thing - thats the Rainforest Green 986 Boxster in the background that I'd just purchased as a new toy. . . oops)
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/225.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/227.jpg

18" Racing Roundels
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/230.jpg

Hardtop was next up, along with an offset plate.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/IMG_9719.jpg

Front (and rear) tow hooks (which I sprayed up red)
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/IMG_9727.jpg

Momo Prototipo (Only one wheel for me . . . I'm a big Porsche fan)
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/025.jpg

14" Panasports!
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/IMG_0378.jpg

Starting to look OK. . .
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/IMG_0111.jpg

Oh, and I'd added a MazdaSpeed Chrome Style/roll bar as well . . . love seeing this through the rear window!
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/IMG_0139.jpg

Retro dash switches . . .
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/IMG_9748.jpg

Joyfast Supershort shift knob . . . my first parcel from Japan. I was stupidly excited about this piece of metal! lol
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/IMG_0381.jpg

Followed Adams (Revlimiter) excellent instructions (I wish I had the same talent for writing them) as a basis to make these TSIs. They look the bomb!
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/IMG_0199.jpg

Let me suck up some air!
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/IMG_0404.jpg

Dynobond (?) plastic/aluminium sandwich slam panel. . . very limited run by Skuzzle Motorsports in UK
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/IMG_0421.jpg

OnePaintedMan
04-03-2013, 07:03 AM
I.L Motorsports Cobra irro - hard won on ebay!
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/IMG_0443.jpg

. . .it was worth every penny!
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/IMG_0532.jpg

ARC Chamber. Woohoo! This is what it looked like after some hard polishing!
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/IMG_0445.jpg

Already tapped for an intake air temp sensor! It was a pain in the arse to find a plug to fit!
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/IMG_0447.jpg

Purchased an OEM front strut brace at around this time too. . .
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/IMG_0446.jpg

Sunglasses holder . . . to replace the horrible Bongo cup holder that was sitting in the ashtray recess
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/IMG_0301.jpg

Just in case. . .
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/DSCF2661.jpg

Skuzzle motorsport plexiglass side window and vent
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/DSCF2659.jpg

Homemade window switches (using Landwombles guide)
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/DSCF2651.jpg

Chrome step/sill covers
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/DSCF2665.jpg

Radyot style racing mirrors (Spun aluminum. . . stupidly light! When they were deliered I thought the boxes were empty. Seriously)
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/DSCF2668.jpg

I love this photo so much . . .
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/DSCF2702.jpg

M2 style pedal set . . . Mmmm.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/DSCF2819.jpg

Begs for the open road!
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/DSCF2823.jpg

New OE DM mats to replace the rubber universal ones
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/DSCF2856.jpg

Zoom starter button . . .
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/DSCF2871.jpg

This. . .was a great day! K.G Works. Sublime.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/DSCF2905.jpg

My Roadster now feels special from behind the wheel. . .
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/DSCF2931.jpg

Lets make it more retro. Bought some leather and learned to sew diamonds!!!!
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/DSCF3019.jpg

Not bad. . . even if I do say so myself! (All the more satisfying when you do it yourself and it turns out ok)!
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/DSCF3081.jpg

OnePaintedMan
04-03-2013, 07:04 AM
Added some 'homebrew' retro interior door handles
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/20130310_160009_zps6fc6c8b3.jpg

Things start to get serious. 60 hrs+ of sweating, swearing, fibreglass fingers, filler, leather, metal, experimentation and a little blood sacrifice (my own . . . clumsy) and my bespoke dash is born. . .
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/269.jpg

So pleased with the result (Switches from right to left: Starter button, Lights raise/lower, hazard, Two way light switch for fog lights rear/front and Rear)
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/266.jpg

My favourite place to sit an enjoy the open road
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/1f647823-8aa9-4cde-a1b6-a89655b7810f_zps6212491e.jpg

Warbirds. . . just when I was looking for dial faces Adam creates the perfect set!
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/20130101_123939.jpg

Just stunning when lit with OEM bulbs. Perfect retro lighting. No LEDs here my friends.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/IMG_6176_zpsa61c196f.jpg

I drive my car a lot at night for no other reason than to enjoy their glow
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/IMG_6180_zpsba2a5d23.jpg

I deleted the tombstone and wrapped the whole dash, glovebox door, column panel and crashpad in soft grained leather. Then I built up and re-carpeted the tunnel. To finish it all off I added a chrome shift ring and sewed myself up a new shift boot.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/Ronin072_zps66faefc2.jpg

OnePaintedMan
04-03-2013, 07:05 AM
:)Bought a chrome harness bar
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/20130216_153956_zpsfc99f9e0.jpg

It matches my MazdaSpeed style/roll bar exactly!
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/20130216_153906_zps79d39ecd.jpg

Car Make Corn*s type 1 (1 piece) exhaust.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/20130320_211934_zpsce118c31.jpg

It took a lot of polishing!
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/20130320_212104_zpsa8af60bd.jpg

ARC Titan Tower Bar (Ultra Rare - have you seen another?)
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20130326_075128_zpscfef5f67.jpg

Sweet titanium . . . weighs just 1.28kg. Like jewellery for cars. . .
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20130326_075142_zps9ef85bcf.jpg

S-Limited Seatbelts
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20130331_182327_zpsd0db9da6.jpg

Period decals. . .
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20130401_125347_zpsed0d75d2.jpg

My philosophy. . .
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/20130302_105804_zps69b950d2.jpg

kung fu jesus
04-03-2013, 07:10 AM
Wow!

Now more pics of the 993!

;)

OnePaintedMan
04-03-2013, 07:32 AM
Wow!

Now more pics of the 993!

;)

Just for you. . . click here (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/library/Porsche%20Carrera%204)

Beautiful car. . .amazing build quality and very fast. Had TechArt sports back boxes as well so it sounded like thunder! Owned it for 3 years and sold it for £900 less than I paid for it. Only cost me 3 services and a set of tyres (they were nearly £1000 a set to be fair though)

kung fu jesus
04-03-2013, 07:34 AM
Tease.

tsingson
04-03-2013, 08:32 AM
I love Silver Miatas. Your build is just awesome! Great Job so far!

Demon I Am
04-03-2013, 09:49 AM
Insane car built. I have a spare dash begging for leather.

kung fu jesus
04-03-2013, 12:20 PM
I want to visit England just to lick the ground your cars drive on.

Martin
04-03-2013, 12:59 PM
Steven, have you been vaccinated for foot and mouth disease?


OPM, beautiful car!

kung fu jesus
04-03-2013, 01:03 PM
Is that what this rash is? I thought it was a chemical burn...

OnePaintedMan
04-03-2013, 02:14 PM
I want to visit England just to lick the ground your cars drive on.

They all taste of Win!:8):

treeafodo
04-03-2013, 10:41 PM
Wow, great job! I really like the tombstone delete.

Boris
04-03-2013, 11:17 PM
Best dash I have ever seen in a Miata

OnePaintedMan
04-04-2013, 08:14 AM
Thanks for the comments guys. I have few more things I want to add to my car still and new ideas poping up all the time. Its difficult to gauge when to stop. Hopefully I won't overdo it!

RyanG
04-04-2013, 08:45 AM
These kind of cars are never finished. There is no stopping.... you just take breaks.

94R
04-04-2013, 09:17 PM
I love this car! I've said it before, I'll say it again, that's the most creatively beautiful interior I've seen yet.

OnePaintedMan
04-05-2013, 07:37 AM
I love this car! I've said it before, I'll say it again, that's the most creatively beautiful interior I've seen yet.

Cheers dude! Its everything I wanted it to be when it was only in my head. It's not quite finished yet though. Still got to do the seats, parcel shelf and one or two other details to add.

OnePaintedMan
04-07-2013, 12:58 PM
Changed my 'leccy windows for manual winders. Mo' retro! :)



http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20130407_182004_zpsdfba9946.jpg

Also trimmed the ragged hole in my tunnel carpet I'd cut for the handbrake with some carpet tape. Not 100% sure I'll leave it like this though. Need a something neater!

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20130407_182108_zpsf5fb6852.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20130407_182054_zpsebffac17.jpg

Hyper
04-20-2013, 01:11 PM
Can you put better pics of the center lower portion of your dasH?? how did you delete the radio, and all that stuff? The interior design is freaking genius!! love your silver roadster!!! FYI, I voted this thread 5 stars!

OnePaintedMan
04-20-2013, 03:22 PM
Here's a clearer shot of the lower part of the dash (Glovebox and steering column panel weren't wrapped in leather at this point but main dash body was). You can just see the cut out you need to make at the bottom of the dash if not removing the heater blower (or modifying the mount).

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/259.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/259.jpg.html)

. . . and some in progress shots.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/20130206_121130_zps94bda556.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/20130206_121130_zps94bda556.jpg.html)


I cut off the two side panels that hang down from the dash to the tunnel behind the tombstone with a dremmel (making sure the lip that leaves where they join the dash was sanded down COMPLETELY flat). Then I cut off the central steel supports that connect the dash bar to the tunnel.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/20130206_121208_zps73d5a6dd.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/20130206_121208_zps73d5a6dd.jpg.html)

I also cut off the mouldings for the bank of 3 switches to the side of the steering wheel and the cigarette lighter socket and removed the interior lights.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/20130206_121147_zpse74b3a96.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/20130206_121147_zpse74b3a96.jpg.html)

Then I fibreglassed a spare glovebox door into the gap left in the centre which I had cut to shape. I used a glove box door as it is already moulded to exactly the same curve at the top. It doesn't quite fit all the way to the top though so I had to use a piece of metal (aluminium Bathroom tile edging I had left over from fitting a bathroom) to create the 'lip' that the crash pad sits in.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/20130206_121414_zpsa10ee868.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/20130206_121414_zpsa10ee868.jpg.html)

I then fibreglassed over all the holes from the back of the dash and then filled them from the front with plastic filler before sanding everything completely flat.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/DSCF2971.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/DSCF2971.jpg.html)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/20121013_121500.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/20121013_121500.jpg.html)

Then I wrapped the whole dash, glovebox door and steering column panel with 1mm soft leather hide using high temp web spray adhesive and a wallpaper roller. I used one piece for the top and another for the bottom butting up the join at the windscreen pillars (You can just see the joins in these photos where the two pieces meet).

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/255.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/255.jpg.html)
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/253.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/253.jpg.html)


The custom crashpad with switch panel was lot more complicated and I'm not sure that I could make sense of how it was done in words but I'll try.

Basically I used dowel and gaffer tape to close the gap which originally accomodated the tombstone and sprayed it with cavity filling foam. Once set this was cut and sanded back to shape. The foam was then cut from the centre portion of the crash pad by making two parallel cuts (the width of the air vent apart) along the length of the crash pad and the foam peeled away. This created the inset for the diamond pressed aluminium fascia panel.

I then stitched and wrapped the crashpad in matching leather hide.

I cut the fashia panel from a 1m square sheet which I had to purchase from a DIY store in order to get the length I need. I make the straight cuts using a knife to make multiple scores along the panel and then bending it to snap it. The curves were shaped using a rough sanding drum on a Dremmel.

I then cut out the shape of the switch panel in the same manner but had to score the straight lines until I had gone all the way through as bending the panel would effectively junk it (once bent it would always show). The switch panel itself is aluminium plate which I polished up and drilled the holes in for the switches. To create the inset panel I sandwiched 5mm hardboard between the switch panel and the diamond pressed aluminium fascia which I had first marked out and cut a corresponding hole in and sanded to a perfectly smooth finish on the inner edges. Once all the layers were epoxied together I then used a fine paintbrush to paint the inner edges of the inset black.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/20121013_121420.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/20121013_121420.jpg.html)


Does that make sense?

Total materials cost for the build including the spare dash (about $30 from ebay) was £365 ($555) and took me about 60 man hours of effort.

Dave737
04-20-2013, 07:30 PM
60 hours well spent. A one of a kind that looks DYN-O-MITE!!!

Grip Driver
04-20-2013, 08:48 PM
the outcome is well worth the cost and time spent IMO, definitely one of my favorite dashes ever.

OnePaintedMan
04-21-2013, 02:07 PM
Thanks guys. I've been asked several times to do a build thread on my dash but given that it was a lot of trial and error I ended up not taking that many photo's so thats about as good as its going to get I'm afraid.

Hyper
04-22-2013, 09:59 AM
Congratulations on your build. This is the stuff I like to see on miata builds

lowandrusty
04-24-2013, 04:33 AM
Holy cow! Simply amazing! I Have been thinking of doing custom door cards and a few other things but you're on a whole different level! Love it!

OnePaintedMan
04-25-2013, 05:49 AM
Engine was meant to be next but I've currently got seats to sort out and a spare front bumper sitting around waiting for me to attack with a dremmel, fibreglass, filler, lexan and rivets!

OnePaintedMan
04-25-2013, 08:02 AM
Getting very frustrated now.

I'm trying to find somwhere to buy a Brey-Krause miata fire extinguisher mount. I have found several suppliers in the US where the mount is $85 (very reasonable) but they all seem to want ~$175 for shipping to UK via UPS (absolutely not reasonable). Had too many bad experiences with USPS to trust them with this.

Really need this before my trip to the Nurburgring at the end of next month. Grrrrr

maharaj
04-25-2013, 08:47 AM
Wow, this car is freaking awesome! Next time I am on the other side of the pond I MUST see this car!

OnePaintedMan
05-03-2013, 10:34 AM
Finally got round to having my cracked windscreen replaced today. . .

Had a custom Tax disk vinyl made up for me for me (With Ronin's logo), which I had been holding off fitting until the screen was in

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20130503_160843_zps23f4aeb4.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/Project%20Ronin/20130503_160843_zps23f4aeb4.jpg.html)

Nice stickie for my rear window too!

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20130503_160918_zpsdafb89a2.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/Project%20Ronin/20130503_160918_zpsdafb89a2.jpg.html)

OnePaintedMan
05-17-2013, 02:55 PM
Photo of my car at a local meet I attended last night (Photo credit to Nicholas Horne aka as Horney on MX5Nutz in the UK).

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Ronin160513_zps65b9eae9.png (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/Ronin160513_zps65b9eae9.png.html)

smac
05-17-2013, 03:49 PM
Looking good Drew, any progress on your front bumper plans yet?

OnePaintedMan
05-17-2013, 04:51 PM
Nope - too busy fixing stuff to get it through its annual road test!

OnePaintedMan
06-22-2013, 03:32 AM
It's been a long held ambition of mine to take my car to the Nordschliefe at the Nurburgring, Germany. Finally made the trip at the end May/beginning of June. It was an unforgettable experience. . .

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/IMG_0558_zps38959cf0.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/IMG_0558_zps38959cf0.jpg.html)
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/racetracker_305070_zpse2250e61.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/racetracker_305070_zpse2250e61.jpg.html)
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20130531_130237_zps5652036b.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/Project%20Ronin/20130531_130237_zps5652036b.jpg.html)
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20130531_145950_zpsa62296ec.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/Project%20Ronin/20130531_145950_zpsa62296ec.jpg.html)
[URL=http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/Project%20Ronin/20130601_112105_zpsab1c85f6.jpg.html]http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20130601_112105_zpsab1c85f6.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/Project%20Ronin/20130601_112054_zps7df1476c.jpg.html)

[URL=http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/Project%20Ronin/20130602_094417_zps6c0acc9d.jpg.html]http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20130602_094417_zps6c0acc9d.jpg (http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20130602_125545_zpsc41bb7b0.mp4)
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20130602_103024_zps3d0eb6ff.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/Project%20Ronin/20130602_103024_zps3d0eb6ff.jpg.html)
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20130602_103105_zps9a256e80.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/Project%20Ronin/20130602_103105_zps9a256e80.jpg.html)

SM16RMSM
06-22-2013, 08:39 AM
Very neat. How was the track overall? Very fun, worth the time and money? I want to go over and rent a Miata and have a day at Nürburgring. One of these day.

OnePaintedMan
06-22-2013, 02:43 PM
Very neat. How was the track overall? Very fun, worth the time and money? I want to go over and rent a Miata and have a day at Nürburgring. One of these day.

The track was everything I dreamed of. . .I can't wait until I can go back. The speed difference to some of the machinery out there is quite intimidating and thrilling and the track is challenging, outright scary sometimes but absolutely awesome!

Here's a quick look

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P44nRGNL13Q

and one lap following my car from the supercharged Mk1 behind me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzCIzWsi5E0

OnePaintedMan
10-11-2014, 11:07 AM
Its been a while since my last addition to this thread. Full update coming soon - as soon as I've finished my JR Supercharger and Megasquirt install. . .

:lol:

What can I say . . . the Nurburgring made me want more power!!

OnePaintedMan
05-18-2015, 12:34 PM
. . .and, I'm back in the room.

Its only taken me since last August to get Ronin back on the road!

I started installing the supercharger kit but then decided to install a Reverant built Megasquirt MS2 as well, which also led to the installation of an Innovate LC-2 Wideband sensor. Funds were scarce so it took a while to get it all together but I finally got everything sorted last week and after a couple of minor teething troubles I'm glad to say I am finally enjoying Roadster life with supercharger performance. :)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/20150416_131026_zpssigaddfi.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/20150416_131026_zpssigaddfi.jpg.html)


I'm currently only running standard injectors and fuel pump but will upgrade when I can afford a better clutch, brakes and cooling as well. Will either go with a charge-cooler setup or an over the radiator inter-cooler. Swapped out my HKS Super Power Flow filter for a K&N paper one as well.

OnePaintedMan
05-26-2015, 02:23 PM
So my new Cobalt 3 point strut brace turned up today. To say I'm pleased would be an understatement. Fits like a glove around my custom intake pipe! Couldn't have designed it to fit better around it. :thumb-up2:

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/20150526_193243_zpssaaipmym.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/20150526_193243_zpssaaipmym.jpg.html)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/20150526_193252_zpsfftohmyl.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/20150526_193252_zpsfftohmyl.jpg.html)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/20150526_193300_zpsgwzauzvn.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/20150526_193300_zpsgwzauzvn.jpg.html)
Now to start tidying up the engine bay a bit!

OnePaintedMan
07-16-2015, 08:24 AM
Rocker cover wrinkle painted. Not the greatest job but it will do for now

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/20150716_131747_zpsinxofbms.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/20150716_131747_zpsinxofbms.jpg.html)

Greasemonkey2000
07-16-2015, 07:17 PM
Very clean roadster sir! Jealous of the m45 and that dash!!! :bow:

OnePaintedMan
07-18-2015, 12:23 AM
Thanks man. Have to say I'm lovin' life with a 'charger!

When wrung out, the whine from the charger at the top end, together with the roar from my Car Make Corn*s exhaust really gets the blood pumping and raises the hairs on my neck! :)

Madaboutmx5s
07-18-2015, 02:13 AM
Nice work mate. I've the same strut brace on my supercharged car. Bet it sounds nice as you saw with the corns exhaust too.

OnePaintedMan
07-21-2015, 11:07 AM
Spent quite a bit of today driving round country roads and enjoying the new grunt. Even my wife (who is not a car enthusiast in any way, shape or form) really enjoyed the run - she did comment "It's LOUD, isn't it" as we drove down a little village high street though. hehehe

OnePaintedMan
12-01-2015, 01:27 PM
Winter is coming.

Ronin has been tucked away in the 'Man Cave' for a refurb and to give me time to work out whats wrong with my engine/ECU setup (Haven't driven him for a while as my AFR readings suddenly went absolutely haywire and I've not managed to establish whats been causing it. Looks like it's running very very rich despite reverting to the original basemap).

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/20151120_121316_zpsuosvknck.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/20151120_121316_zpsuosvknck.jpg.html)

Planning to strip and redo the underseal and I am going to rebuild my dash as its started to disintegrate much to my disappointment. The original adhesive I used was just rubbish. I may incorporate a few little suprise tweaks whilst I'm at it too.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Ronin%20-%20Resurrection/20151120_125102_zpsow9zilsd.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/Ronin%20-%20Resurrection/20151120_125102_zpsow9zilsd.jpg.html)

I think the Corn*s exhaust will be coming off too. It's just too loud :(

My daily hack is a bit more comfortable during winter months anyway and is not exactly a chore to drive ;)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/20151128_112905_zpsnzeknto6.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/20151128_112905_zpsnzeknto6.jpg.html)

Greasemonkey2000
12-01-2015, 02:54 PM
I'm sure dash version 2.0 will be even better, look forward to it! :drinkto:

OnePaintedMan
02-27-2016, 01:34 PM
Custom rear panel badge to replace the Roadster one :) This is something I have wanted, literally for years!

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/IMG_20160217_215346408_zpsjwehnhuu.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/IMG_20160217_215346408_zpsjwehnhuu.jpg.html)

. . . and matching keyring. All thanks to the talents of Mr. Craig Cunningham! Props.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20160227_101325-1_zpssdlwieoz.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/Project%20Ronin/20160227_101325-1_zpssdlwieoz.jpg.html)

Martin
02-27-2016, 02:13 PM
That's awesome

Ryryna6
02-27-2016, 04:55 PM
Gotta love craigs work ;)
http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a529/Ry_Marsh/j-ltd/20160220-_DSC1176_zpsl9m2tplc.jpg (http://s1282.photobucket.com/user/Ry_Marsh/media/j-ltd/20160220-_DSC1176_zpsl9m2tplc.jpg.html)


So much love for your car buddy

OnePaintedMan
05-19-2016, 05:56 AM
Well. It turns out that all my running/tuning issues were caused by erratic timing resulting from a worn keyway on my shotnose crank. I discovered this during strip down of the front of the engine to replace the leaking main crank seal.

The wear wasn't excessive so I decided to carry out the Loctite 606 fix. Fitted a new front crank seal (a story in itself - what a PITA that was), new cam seals, water pump, cam belt, pulley and tensioner, camshaft pully, camshaft bolt and cam belt covers whilst I was at it and carried out a thorough degrease of the whole engine and underside of the car.

I'm pleased to report that the Loctite fix has worked brilliantly and I now have a fully functioning supercharged Roadster! It's running better than it ever has and I've now unleashed the extra ponies provided by the supercharger.

I also wire brushed and POR15 treated the rear suspension, rear underside body and rear arches of the car over the winter.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20160514_191021_zpsjbkwomgi.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/Project%20Ronin/20160514_191021_zpsjbkwomgi.jpg.html)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20160508_170204_zpsl6bwwxen.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/Project%20Ronin/20160508_170204_zpsl6bwwxen.jpg.html)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20160508_165850_zpsfdsnf6bj.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/Project%20Ronin/20160508_165850_zpsfdsnf6bj.jpg.html)

In other news. . . I sold my Corn*s exhaust and replaced it with a Cobalt stainless steel single exit setup. Much more refined and now I can hear the supercharger getting busy! #addictedtowhine

OnePaintedMan
05-22-2016, 06:12 AM
So a dyno session yesterday (very accurate dyno) revealed Ronin is running 130.6 bhp at the wheels (c150 at the flywheel).

Not bad for a 26 yr old 1.6 running a JR Supercharger, standard 1.6 injectors and no intercooler.

More to come. . .

NCGreasemonkey
05-22-2016, 06:18 AM
^^^ Sweet! :cheers:

Martin
05-25-2016, 10:50 AM
You mentioned that you would be rebuilding your dash. Have you finished that yet?

OnePaintedMan
05-25-2016, 01:08 PM
Not yet. In fact, I've not started it. I have a big idea in progress but need to conclude some research before proceeding with doing anything with this dash. So I'm currently driving around with a less than perfect dash. But the point is, I'm driving. . .

Hoping to start my front bumper mod next as I have a spare silver one kicking around.

I'll update you on the dash front as soon as I can.

OnePaintedMan
05-25-2016, 01:11 PM
I can live with it for now. . .

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20160524_190240_zpstxbumquo.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/Project%20Ronin/20160524_190240_zpstxbumquo.jpg.html)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20160508_165850_zpsfdsnf6bj.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/Project%20Ronin/20160508_165850_zpsfdsnf6bj.jpg.html)

Driftdevil
05-25-2016, 01:27 PM
This may be a stupid question but, does this kind of mod to the dash render the vents and defrost pretty much useless?

OnePaintedMan
05-25-2016, 02:05 PM
Not a stupid question. Outer eyeball vents and defrost still all work as normal. Heater controls are in the former glovebox area. I just lost the centre vents and fiberglassed the opening that fed them from the heater closed, to stop it pumping heat onto the back of the switches.

Demon I Am
05-25-2016, 02:14 PM
It truly is one of my favorite interiors!

Driftdevil
05-25-2016, 02:19 PM
Not a stupid question. Outer eyeball vents and defrost still all work as normal. Heater controls are in the former glovebox area. I just lost the centre vents and fiberglassed the opening that fed them from the heater closed, to stop it pumping heat onto the back of the switches.
Thanks for the explanation. I've always thought this was a cool look. As far as the huge plastic heater/ac box, how did you find the best way to "hide" it.

OnePaintedMan
05-25-2016, 03:41 PM
I haven't touched that. It's all still where it is behind a standard dash.

OnePaintedMan
06-05-2016, 01:29 PM
Whichever way I look at it. . .I'm pretty pleased with the way I've changed my car over the years. Excited to see what direction it goes next.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20160605_190020_zpsidvqya4r.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/Project%20Ronin/20160605_190020_zpsidvqya4r.jpg.html)
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20160605_190009_zps9lgxqbgh.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/Project%20Ronin/20160605_190009_zps9lgxqbgh.jpg.html)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20160605_191532_zpsbfpn9j0y.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20160605_185807_zps8dyctf3v.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20160605_190333_zpsjqt5xkx8.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/Project%20Ronin/20160605_185807_zps8dyctf3v.jpg.html)

OnePaintedMan
07-10-2016, 04:49 PM
Finished my new switch panel mod today. Really really pleased with this.

Pretty much nailed it!

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/IMG_0864_zpsiwptdr4j.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/Project%20Ronin/IMG_0864_zpsiwptdr4j.jpg.html)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/IMG_0849_zpsavhgba9i.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/Project%20Ronin/IMG_0849_zpsavhgba9i.jpg.html)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/IMG_0845_zpsg2sbpvkt.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/Project%20Ronin/IMG_0845_zpsg2sbpvkt.jpg.html)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/IMG_0836_zpsmtwfbedv.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/Project%20Ronin/IMG_0836_zpsmtwfbedv.jpg.html)

theothersawyer
07-11-2016, 02:16 AM
Looks incredible!

OnePaintedMan
12-03-2016, 09:03 AM
Next stage . . .
Dual throttle body set-up to be fitted. I've got a 45° pipe to angle the intake pipe to the charger outlet. Then bigger injectors, crank overlay and small nose pulley. http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20161203_110318_zpsgvgbubtl.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/Project%20Ronin/20161203_110318_zpsgvgbubtl.jpg.html)

atlex
12-03-2016, 03:39 PM
oh yes :D

OnePaintedMan
02-17-2017, 03:30 PM
It's happening. . .

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20170217_182832_zpsukvqwsxu.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/Project%20Ronin/20170217_182832_zpsukvqwsxu.jpg.html)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20170215_140202_zpsza5ycome.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/Project%20Ronin/20170215_140202_zpsza5ycome.jpg.html)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20170214_100711_zpst3glxqoy.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/Project%20Ronin/20170214_100711_zpst3glxqoy.jpg.html)

OnePaintedMan
02-20-2017, 02:00 PM
Nearly done. . .

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/20170219_180634_zpst4gjpcbi.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/Project%20Ronin/20170219_180634_zpst4gjpcbi.jpg.html)

OnePaintedMan
05-17-2017, 07:39 AM
Ronin has an exotic new stablemate arriving this weekend.

I have just purchased Alfa Romeo GTV Cup Edition no 60 of 155 rhd cars built to commemorate the single model Italian GTV Cup Championship.

3.0ltr 'Busso' V6. 6 speed gearbox.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/Project%20Ronin/Nutz%20stuff/20170517_100536_zpsjlrzjawy.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/Project%20Ronin/Nutz%20stuff/20170517_100536_zpsjlrzjawy.jpg.html)

Guess who can't hold back their excitement!!!

Martin
05-17-2017, 08:33 AM
Whoa, that's awesome - even though it's wrong-wheel-drive :p

OnePaintedMan
05-18-2017, 02:30 PM
I'm finally fulfilling my dream of owning a V6 Alfa, and a special one at that :)

CollinMB
05-18-2017, 04:29 PM
pics or it didn't happen

OnePaintedMan
05-18-2017, 05:07 PM
Will post some up on Sunday once I've picked it up, be assured!! I'm wishing days away until then!

Martin
05-18-2017, 09:38 PM
That really is a sweet car! I was joking with that wrong-wheel-drive comment :)

OnePaintedMan
05-19-2017, 12:59 AM
Hahaha Martin. Don't worry - I'm pretty much the same re: fwd. Hopefully this will change my mind. If not I'll just look at it/listen to it!

RustRat
05-19-2017, 04:26 AM
Sporty fwd are fine, if you are not a snob elitist and appreciate all cars for what they are. Yes, rwd is the right wheel drive, and way more fun, but fwd have their perks too. I hope you enjoy it!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

OnePaintedMan
05-21-2017, 10:06 AM
pics or it didn't happen

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/20170521_134410_zpsojt3y0ar.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/20170521_134410_zpsojt3y0ar.jpg.html)
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/20170521_134628_001_zps5apjhaly.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/20170521_134628_001_zps5apjhaly.jpg.html)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/20170521_134420_zpszzt88msh.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/20170521_134420_zpszzt88msh.jpg.html)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/20170521_134437_zpsxngxxijw.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/20170521_134437_zpsxngxxijw.jpg.html)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/20170521_134456_zpsfy3pp8mp.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/drew_collier/media/20170521_134456_zpsfy3pp8mp.jpg.html)

OnePaintedMan
09-19-2018, 12:02 PM
I've been quiet for a while but I've been busy! Ronin now has TWO garage buddies :-)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/20180522_194354_zpsujosnxgv.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/drew_collier/20180918_082702_zpsa44t0alr.jpg

Cermivelli
09-19-2018, 12:17 PM
Those are some really nice cars!!

OnePaintedMan
03-06-2020, 10:49 AM
Planning a new look for Ronin. . .

21700
21701
21702

Roadster7
03-06-2020, 12:08 PM
Love it

MaRcOp01o
03-06-2020, 12:13 PM
Jeez that looks good.

Greasemonkey2000
03-06-2020, 02:34 PM
Really great to see a update! I like it!:slayer:

HarryB
03-07-2020, 03:54 AM
Looking good and really unique! Respray or vinyl?

OnePaintedMan
03-07-2020, 05:22 AM
Looking good and really unique! Respray or vinyl?

Photoshop atm to gauge opinion (100% positive so far)! Waiting for the weather to dry/warm up here in the UK and then will spray it.

OnePaintedMan
03-07-2020, 05:25 AM
Current colour is all Stone Silver/Gold wheels

21703

OnePaintedMan
03-15-2020, 12:30 PM
Test paint. . . On a spare Hot Wheels :D
21739

atlex
03-15-2020, 01:11 PM
next level stable genius drew. 100% support for this colour combo vision :) it really suits the bodyline.

OnePaintedMan
07-26-2020, 08:11 AM
Rust stopped play unfortunately (Offside sill totally rotten by the rear arch).

22381

It's being cut out, new panels welded in, then stone chip and primer applied ready for finishing on 30th July.

Once its back I'll then be tackling the respray myself. :shocked:
I've bought a 100ltr 3HP Hyundai (116 psi, 14 cfm) compressor, spray gun (gravity fed) and panel stand with extension bars in preparation. Just need to sort myself a) orbital sander attachment, b) a decent spray mask (3M 6000 series) and I'm good to go.

Wish me luck!

OnePaintedMan
01-31-2021, 04:29 AM
22896

The sill repair got sorted but COVID restrictions and crappy British weather combined have so far stopped my respray from happening. I haven't even used the compressor I've bought yet as my garage is full of cars in winter storage so I have no room to do anything ☹

OnePaintedMan
01-31-2021, 04:42 AM
Thought I'd post a pic of all my toys together for once. The others have also been getting maintenance attention at the expense of Ronin if I'm honest.

22897

LagBlu
01-31-2021, 06:01 AM
As an Alfa Romeo driver (156) I really like the gtv.
Such cool cars.

Cermivelli
01-31-2021, 09:46 AM
Wow! what a great collection! DS, 968, and that GTV doesn't look like a base model! Love the eclectic nature!

kung fu jesus
01-31-2021, 10:28 AM
The DS is such a quirky-cool car. We have very few of them here in the US, but I love them. (Though I don’t think I could own one ;) )

OnePaintedMan
01-31-2021, 11:27 AM
Wow! what a great collection! DS, 968, and that GTV doesn't look like a base model! Love the eclectic nature!

It's a V6 GTV 'Cup'. Limited Edition run out model to celebrate the single model race series. They only built 155 V6 models. All in Alfa Rosso. Mine is #60. ��
22898

OnePaintedMan
01-31-2021, 11:32 AM
The DS is such a quirky-cool car. We have very few of them here in the US, but I love them. (Though I don’t think I could own one ;) )

I think it's the coolest car in my collection. Swiveling, self levelling headlights, hydro-pneumatic suspension that goes from slammed to on stilts (at the pull of a little lever), hydraulic assisted steering, hydraulic brakes that you operate with a 'button' on the floor, semi-auto gearbox, first production car with Bosch fuel injection. It was a technological marvel. It is also a sublimely comfy cruiser.

OnePaintedMan
01-31-2021, 11:36 AM
Japanese, Italian, French, German and Swedish (Volvo XC90). I'm working my way round the globe (Unfortunately, spares are now going to cost me a fortune because of stupid Brexit ��).

OnePaintedMan
01-31-2021, 01:02 PM
Hoping to get the brakes changed on Ronin this week (Drilled, grooved disks and pads arrived this last week. I also plan to pull the dash again. The leather has shrunk and has pulled away around the instrument binacle so will need to be re-covered.

Unfortunately he's refusing to start though, so need to get to the root cause of that issue first!

HarryB
01-31-2021, 02:03 PM
+1 on the DS. Guess the best sounding is the GTV though.

OnePaintedMan
01-31-2021, 02:18 PM
+1 on the DS. Guess the best sounding is the GTV though.

Busso V6 with a Ragazzon exhaust. Oh and I also fitted stainless steel equal length down-pipes. It's an epic soundtrack ��

Hoping to upgrade to a 4 tip exhaust in future but its $$$.

atlex
02-01-2021, 10:20 AM
Busso V6 with a Ragazzon exhaust. Oh and I also fitted stainless steel equal length down-pipes. It's an epic soundtrack ��

Hoping to upgrade to a 4 tip exhaust in future but its $$$.

I remember it at the dyno day :D

OnePaintedMan
02-02-2021, 05:21 AM
I remember it at the dyno day :D

Alas, the Skuzzle Dyno days are no more 😭

OnePaintedMan
04-11-2021, 09:49 AM
Been playing with a bumper/lighting today. . .

https://i.imgur.com/OnpurqK.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/zHQZxRl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/DHNfQ0n.jpg

Greasemonkey2000
04-11-2021, 01:46 PM
Links don't work.

OnePaintedMan
04-11-2021, 02:39 PM
Hopefully fixed now?

Greasemonkey2000
04-11-2021, 02:44 PM
Yes sir, looks great!

Agent☣Orange
04-12-2021, 12:17 AM
Beyond great!

HarryB
04-12-2021, 04:44 AM
These are super nice! What are the light units?

OnePaintedMan
04-12-2021, 08:45 AM
These are super nice! What are the light units?

These are the details of the units I've used HarryB

https://i.imgur.com/qArLziN.jpg

OnePaintedMan
04-12-2021, 08:50 AM
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2X-FRONT-HALOGEN-SPOT-FOG-LIGHTS-CHROME-CASING-12V-YELLOW-LENS-LAMPS-CAR-VAN-BUS/323345757573?hash=item4b48e8b585:g:SAQAAOSwic5bR1P V

HarryB
04-12-2021, 09:13 AM
Thanks a lot! I have bought original MINI fog lights to use, but these seem so much better (being 40+ years newer)!

oldgrayleather
04-12-2021, 10:19 AM
They look great! Did you use an OEM fog light harness? I have a switch and a pair of fogs (including the rear) but haven’t been able to track down the harness just yet.

atlex
04-12-2021, 10:52 AM
How did you do such clean cuts on your bumper ? :D

OnePaintedMan
04-12-2021, 11:38 AM
They look great! Did you use an OEM fog light harness? I have a switch and a pair of fogs (including the rear) but haven’t been able to track down the harness just yet.

I've not wired them up yet, but as I don't have a conventional dash/switches I'll make up my own harness.

I planned ahead when I built my dash and already have a switch installed ready.

OnePaintedMan
04-12-2021, 11:43 AM
How did you do such clean cuts on your bumper ? :D

Measured up carefully, using masking tape lines to follow the moulding lines and curves of the bumper. I then drew the shape of the aperture onto the bumper with a permanent marker, followed by drilling multiple holes inside the radiused corners, followed by a steady hand with the Dremel using a cutting disc to cut the sides. Then finished up with a drum sanding head on the Dremel.

OnePaintedMan
04-14-2021, 01:57 AM
Both sides! Excuse the scruffy peeling front bumper. . . Ronin is shortly to be repeated (I think he deserves it at 31 years old)!

https://i.imgur.com/dSvOvvb.jpg

HarryB
04-14-2021, 03:19 AM
These look super nice! Are you going forward with the two-tone scheme?

OnePaintedMan
04-14-2021, 06:59 AM
These look super nice! Are you going forward with the two-tone scheme?

Yeah. Still going two-tone, although I am debating whether to go Paul Smart Sea Green (Ducati bike frame colour) and Silver and keep the wheels Gold (I think this would be more 'vintage' and could look absolutely killer), or stay with Red/Silver with Silver wheels, as per my original Porsche 908 influence.

OnePaintedMan
04-15-2021, 02:03 AM
Er. Just photoshopped the alternative Sea Green/Silver colour scheme. :whistle:

Will definitely be sticking to Red/Silver with Silver wheels :toomuch:

atlex
04-15-2021, 02:53 AM
Er. Just photoshopped the alternative Sea Green/Silver colour scheme. :whistle:

Will definitely be sticking to Red/Silver with Silver wheels :toomuch:

This post is useless without fugglies. :D

OnePaintedMan
04-15-2021, 07:28 AM
This post is useless without fugglies. :D

Sorry. Deleted. Once seen, cannot be unseen :shocked:

OnePaintedMan
04-18-2021, 10:04 AM
So today has been a day experimenting with 'drape forming' acrylic windows to the fog-light cutouts in my 'Endurance racer' (that's the theme I'm building on anyway) bumper.

I've only done one side so far but I'm pretty pleased with how the process has worked so far.

The covers will be rivetted in place, but here's how the first one looks atm.

https://i.imgur.com/gpULprH.jpg

Yes, there is acrylic there! It's soooooo clear.

https://i.imgur.com/qEIti70.jpg

Follows the contours of the bumper perfectly :)

https://i.imgur.com/M6KRi0a.jpg

HarryB
04-18-2021, 02:26 PM
Hats off once more; this looks factory.

OnePaintedMan
05-02-2021, 03:13 AM
They say that 'Necessity is the mother of invention', and it's a maxim that holds true!

Our dishwasher broke last week and before it got taken for recycling I salvaged a useful looking piece of galvanised steel from the base of it.
https://i.imgur.com/chRLxjL.jpg

It's now been 'fettled' with my Jigsaw, Dremel and a hammer to create the perfect bracket to recess the fog-light and provide a mounting point for the shielding to box it in.

https://i.imgur.com/GJetDIm.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/tbWmYO4.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/AsKlW5W.jpg

Just got to repeat for the other side now!

Agent☣Orange
05-02-2021, 04:24 PM
Damn, that's creative! I threw out a broken down water tank but then pulled it back into the garage to strip the brushed, stainless steel panels off it first. Someday, they'll come in handy for a project.

OnePaintedMan
05-02-2021, 11:09 PM
Damn, that's creative! I threw out a broken down water tank but then pulled it back into the garage to strip the brushed, stainless steel panels off it first. Someday, they'll come in handy for a project.

Good man. My garage contains boxes of hoarded bolts, fixings, sheet metal, wood, leather, etc that I've salvaged. Lots of it has come in handy over the years and saved me money!

Agent☣Orange
05-03-2021, 02:20 AM
For sure, given the cost of building supplies nowadays, I'm glad I save stuff. I was going to buy a new, windowed entry door but since the last time I bought one, it was $300 and the new one is $1100, I'll just recondition the old, windowed entry door.

OnePaintedMan
02-27-2022, 04:57 PM
Well, Ronin is currently in a very sorry state. 2 years of Covid restrictions, personal economic challenges and too many cars meant that he got neglected and the weather and standing idle for too long has taken it's toll. . .

https://i.imgur.com/cKo1hv3.jpeghttps://i.imgur.com/fhc85Do.jpeghttps://i.imgur.com/tLjJc6m.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/mrkMipm.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/hVJbyVz.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/oyqSOgB.jpegPulled the gauge pod last year to ensure my K.G. works gauge cluster and Revlimiter custom gauge faces didn't get ruined by damp over the Autumn/Winter.

I'll be pulling the dash and completely recovering it though. Another enhancement planned as well, as I left one control unaddressed last time.
https://i.imgur.com/dD0AG7H.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/FR879Do.jpeg
�� I have a LOT to sort out in the engine bay. The damp has rusted lots of bolts and the wrinkle paint has all flaked off the cam cover.

OnePaintedMan
02-27-2022, 04:59 PM
I've now got regular employment secured though, sold my Porsche 968 Sport in December and with my Alfa Romeo GTV Cup for sale as well, my attention has turned back to my poor Roadster and the long awaited resurrection has commenced.

Only one small problem. He won't start.

My fuel pump wasn't priming so believing it had died I installed a new Walbro GSS250 190lph pump. Still didn't prime. Then I discovered I'd inadvertently put a fuse back in the ST-SIGN socket in the fusebox, which had (luckily) burned out the failsafe in my Reverant built MS2:

https://i.imgur.com/5deNix6.jpeg

I've sorted that by bridging it with a single strand of copper wire soldered in place so now the pump primes!

Battery is fully charged and showing 12.6v on the multi-meter, but he still won't start.

Pulled the plugs, which are new and they are wet but only a weak spark.

Car cranks but won't even cough. Then after about a minute I get a big backfire!

I've ordered up B8S6 and B5S4 injection system relays to ensure they can be ruled out but don't think that's the problem.

Suspecting immobiliser.

In the meantime I have replaced the rear light seals, which will hopefully stop the damp issue I've had in the trunk. . .

oldgrayleather
02-28-2022, 02:40 AM
Really glad to see you back and hoping you aren’t getting discouraged!! Best of luck and looking forward to following the journey as always!

OnePaintedMan
02-28-2022, 02:58 AM
Really glad to see you back and hoping you aren’t getting discouraged!! Best of luck and looking forward to following the journey as always!

Thanks oldgrayleather. It's very frustrating, but I'm determined to not only get Ronin running again but to make him better than ever this year.

I'd forgotten how truly enjoyable it is to work on a car I know inside and out and have totally customised myself. It's been a great pleasure to get my tools out the last few days and with warmer, drier weather on the way I'm sure significant progress will be made.

ScratchNSniff
02-28-2022, 11:52 PM
Quite the project on your hands to get it back to tip top shape. Look forward to the progress though.

OnePaintedMan
03-01-2022, 02:48 AM
Quite the project on your hands to get it back to tip top shape. Look forward to the progress though.

Pace of progress will only be limited by spare funds now, not enthusiasm! With lighter evenings and warmer weather on the way here I will have more time to work on things.

All progress will be shared, as before.

My mojo is back and normal service has resumed ��

OnePaintedMan
03-07-2022, 02:38 AM
Well, things aren't going well.

I've replaced the B8S6 relay, coil pack and CAS, checked belt/timing alignment (in line and 19 teeth between Mark's on the belt) and the car still won't start.

I'm now thinking maybe my fuel settings are off and my yellow Denso RX8 injectors (# 195500-4450) maybe flowing more fuel than anticipated although I've 195500-4450 increasing the injector size/reducing req. fuel in the MS2 settings (set at 425cc/6.4 as standard, with dead time set to 0.8 - no longer sure this is right with the new walbro 190lph pump installed?), but no joy.

I may have to pull the injectors and get them flow tested.

It may also be the ignitor I guess. I need to slowly check everything again with a multimeter.:?

oldgrayleather
03-07-2022, 11:22 AM
Keep the enthusiasm up, we’re rooting for you!!!

OnePaintedMan
03-14-2022, 02:42 AM
After confirming my wideband is working and MS2 tune appears ok, I went back to basics again this weekend. Switched my coil packs around again and still had a very weak spark. Have decided to rule out component failure and have a brand new coil pack and yellow 8mm ignition leads on their way. Hopefully that will sort things out?

In the meantime I have fitted a spare cam cover on the car and got to work stripping the wrinkle finish off the scruffy one, ready to repaint. . .

https://i.imgur.com/dRLdQkr.jpeg

HarryB
03-15-2022, 06:47 AM
It may be a good time to go to Toyota COPs. Cheap and plentiful, and far more reliable than the stock item. Loom/adapter is quite easy to build as well with basic wiring skills.

OnePaintedMan
03-15-2022, 08:01 AM
It may be a good time to go to Toyota COPs. Cheap and plentiful, and far more reliable than the stock item. Loom/adapter is quite easy to build as well with basic wiring skills.

Funnily enough I was just looking at Audi R8 COPs this morning. Decided I was better off getting Ronin running first, with hardware that's familiar to me, rather than throwing something new into the mix.

Will definitely go COPs in the future though.

HarryB
03-15-2022, 08:08 AM
MS2 cannot directly drive R8 coils as far as I am aware. Your logic makes sense though, sticking with what you know.

OnePaintedMan
03-15-2022, 02:39 PM
MS2 cannot directly drive R8 coils as far as I am aware. Your logic makes sense though, sticking with what you know.

Yep - that's what I discovered :rofl:

atlex
03-15-2022, 03:07 PM
NGK make an R8 coil. Looks perfect. Good luck with the continued diagnosis Drew!!!

OnePaintedMan
03-19-2022, 07:31 AM
He lives!!!!!!!!

The combo of new ignition leads, fully charged battery and new ignition leads appears to have done the trick.

Belts were a bit squeaky after standing for so long, but it the engine is running once again.

Let the cleaning, bolting on of all things previously removed and prep for his road worthiness test begin! (Now to find that box of new brake rotors and pads that I ve had hidden away for 18 months ).

I've a bonus due from work in May so the fabled respray my even happen this year!

Feeling the Roadster love once again. . .

HarryB
03-19-2022, 11:26 AM
YESSS! That must feel proper nice!

OnePaintedMan
03-19-2022, 12:41 PM
YESSS! That must feel proper nice!

It's not only a big relief, but doing all the work has reminded me how much time I've put into Ronin over the years and made me even more determined to make him better than ever before.

OnePaintedMan
03-21-2022, 03:01 AM
Aaaaand. . . He's dead again. Turns over and over, but won't even cough.

No idea what's wrong now.

HarryB
03-21-2022, 03:34 AM
Intermittent issues like this usually point to some sensor/wiring problem, except if it fried a coil pack (I would not see why though). Do you have fuel delivery?

kung fu jesus
03-22-2022, 05:27 AM
Well, things aren't going well.

I've replaced the B8S6 relay, coil pack and CAS, checked belt/timing alignment (in line and 19 teeth between Mark's on the belt) and the car still won't start.

I'm now thinking maybe my fuel settings are off and my yellow Denso RX8 injectors (# 195500-4450) maybe flowing more fuel than anticipated although I've 195500-4450 increasing the injector size/reducing req. fuel in the MS2 settings (set at 425cc/6.4 as standard, with dead time set to 0.8 - no longer sure this is right with the new walbro 190lph pump installed?), but no joy.

I may have to pull the injectors and get them flow tested.

It may also be the ignitor I guess. I need to slowly check everything again with a multimeter.:?

B8S6 is the one in the engine bay?

OnePaintedMan
04-07-2022, 01:12 PM
Aaaaand. . . He's dead again. Turns over and over, but won't even cough.

No idea what's wrong now.

Well, after fiddling with virtually EVERYTHING for weeks, he now starts and runs. . .

. . . but I now have no indicators! ��

oldgrayleather
04-07-2022, 05:56 PM
First achievement unlocked!!! Don’t despair, fantastic news!! Keep going, there’s bound to be nice weather on the horizon in the UK to take advantage of in your fantastic roadster!

atlex
04-08-2022, 08:25 AM
Batteries. Batteries! :D

OnePaintedMan
04-08-2022, 10:36 AM
More progress! Indicators working :slayer:

Just need a new wiper motor and I'll have a passable impression of a roadworthy car again!

OnePaintedMan
04-24-2022, 10:50 AM
Wipers sorted and I've made significant progress tidying up the engine bay.

From this:

https://i.imgur.com/FR879Do.jpeg

To this:

https://i.imgur.com/Pnsken7.jpeg

HarryB
04-25-2022, 12:03 PM
Looks a gazillion times better!

OnePaintedMan
09-05-2023, 02:28 AM
After a long break from all things Roadster related (abandoned the starter motor replacement part way through, in frustration), I've now turned my attention (and wallet) back towards Ronin.

MeisterR Sportive coilovers ordered this week, to replace the 33 year old Bilsteins (they have served well, but I have a single broken spring at the rear, so it's time to finally retire them).

23984

oldgrayleather
09-05-2023, 04:10 PM
welcome back and thank you! Came here to find some inspiration after being out of the country for a couple weeks and avoiding the lack of progress my turbo NA has made (still on jack stands since April :(. Glad you're back at Ronin, I need to be doing the same!!

OnePaintedMan
09-06-2023, 12:33 AM
Thanks for the welcome back @oldgrayleather! It's good to know that I'm not the only one who's life distracts them from their project car. Some of us have been doing this for a looooong time! :-)


It's going to be slow progress due to commitments to my sons athletics (which basically dictates our lives), but I hope to have Ronin into rolling recovery soon!

OnePaintedMan
10-04-2023, 01:42 AM
Well progress is. . .er, Zero %.

Coilovers have been on backorder since I ordered them on Sept 2nd, and I've been advised it will be at least another 3 - 4 weeks until the supplier has stock from the manufacturer :(

Frustrating, as the weather here in England is starting to turn (less daylight hours, colder and wetter) and I have to work on Ronin outside (Garage space is taken by my Alfa Romeo and Citroen DS.