Polimar have worked their magic on the Car-o-Liner. We needed a new radiator panel, wing and headlight, and a new bumper and its support frame to complete the rebuild of the front end, but as good as their word, they’ve brought the entire chassis back to the shape Nissan intended.
Having separated the engine from the gearbox, the reason for the reluctant gear-changing became apparent. The diaphragm spring has about a dozen ‘fingers’ which disengage the clutch when pushed in by the release bearing. Or at least it would, except that most of these ‘fingers’ were lying in the bottom of the bell-housing, and the release bearing was shot. Unfortunately, Marks 4WD (who supplied the original conversion parts) are unable now to supply an identical 12” clutch, unless I’m prepared to wait a few months and accept buying it with a new flywheel – which I don’t need! So I’ve had to opt for the same design of 11” clutch, with the same clamping force, which will hopefully do the same job.
The car is now back at A2B for the engine, gearbox and new clutch to be fitted. Their job list comprises:
• remove and straighten the front axle
• drill out and replace the hub bolts
• cut the new wing for the snorkel to be re-fitted
• fit the bonnet fan
• improve the engine mountings
With the engine and axle out, it’s the ideal opportunity to make any modifications that can improve reliability, and Gareth has carte-blanche to use his initiative in that area. We’re hoping to have the work finished by the end of the month, assuming Trinity Engineering can succeed in straightening the axle. Then we can move on to testing, and some further work on the cooling system.
These are the voyages of the starship 'Newtrix'. Its multi-year mission: to compete in any rally within striking distance of Dubai, and to acquire shiny trophies. To boldly go wherever this quest may take us, as long as we can be home in time for tea.
