Hi,

The 10 year build marathon is over -- yes its bodyshell no 3 -- and my Libra is on the road but there are a number of niggling issues that I've not seen addressed anywhere. Help with any of the following would be greatly appreciated.

1. Knocks and clonks from the rear end -- I know there's no compliance in teh suspension/mountings but couls this be a faulty damper -- are they still available to suit 1.9" springs?
2. Dead steering -- standard camber and caster -- tyre pressures?
3. Brakes have no initial bite -- would EBC ilo standard pads help?
4. Slight smell of fuel in the car when its been standing overnight -- I was never very impressed with the filler neck in the passenger compartment -- more sealing needed?

Regards,

Steve S

I've heard of the neck for the petrol tank to point up rather than down on some Libras. As you say, check for leaks and make sure that no fuel can stand in the filler neck.

Body shell no 3

Knocks and clonks, I'st thing to try is put 2 washers on the eight mounting ball joints.
The nut can reach the end of the thread before seating properly.

Bodyshell no 3

You'll have upside down Avo shocks then with 190lb springs on the rear and 140lb on the front?

The rear shocks should be ok for a while but will lose fluid eventuality.
The front shocks should be ok [right way up].
190lb rear springs collapse on the offside when going round left hand corners.
You'll need 300lb rear, 200lb front unless you have anti-roll bars [very doubtfull].
Might be best to change the rear shocks [to Pro Tech] with 2.25id springs.

Brakes, suppose you've got Metro front and rover 200 rear callipers?
Several ways to go.
EBC greenstuff pads.
But you would be better off getting Montgo/Maestro 2.0L front callipers and MGF/Rover 800 rears.

Smell of fuel IN car ?
Either a clip not tightened up or where you fitted the filler trumpet/flange?
Have you got a valve on your vent pipe? [smell of fuel outside].

Bob S
Bodyshell no 2.

Tim/Bob,

Thanks for suggestions -- looks like I'm going to be grovelling around under it at the weekend -- and I thought that was all over and I could just hack around in it!

Seems I might have to cost out a suspension upgrade as well -- best not tell my good lady right now.

And yes it is bodyshell 3 and it has taken 10 years to finnish -- its a long story including work assignments abroad, some issues when GTM cahnged hands and a digital approach to enthusiasm -- I had quite a reputation with Pete and Paddy as my Coupe took even longer -- in fact its not really finnished yet.

Steve S

Kit cars, once started never finished

Hi,

Suspension knocks and clonks solved -- 2 washers helped -- thanks Bob -- and a damper rebuild at AVO has sorted it. The guys at AVO were really good -- checked the damper over, rebuilt it and refilled the oil and all for free -- this was a 10 year old part don't forget -- didn't even charge the postage -- highly recommended.

A weeks vacation now before tackling the fuel smell etc.

Steve Shield