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I bought four cheap steel
wheels from the Ford Escort Shop in Boondall for $80. This allows
me to get the car off the stand and try adjustments, roll it around
etc. without the expense of alloy wheels, which I cannot afford
right now. You can just see the wooden dowell I used for the steering
shaft in this shot. I need to make some minor adjustments to the
tilt and height of the steering wheel, but it shouldn't be a problem,
as there is adequate leg clearance now with the big factory steering
wheel. I may have to re-run the front driver's side bundy brake
line, as it is too close for comfort.
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amazed at how low the car is on it's wheels. The front wishbones are
not quite parallel to the ground, but with a bit more weight, they
will be. We jumped up and down on the chassis (in the interests of
scientific experimentation and having a laugh), and it seems very
stiff. The shocks work really well. Then of course we sat in it and
took turns getting pushed up and down the driveway, (again in the
interests of etc. etc). This thing is going to be great fun! I need
to get the steering and brakes connected, then we can push it up and
down the road. Woohoo. |
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After connecting everything and checking for leaks, there was no reason not to take it for a blast around the block. It's amazing how much attention these cars get, I only passed about 10 people, but at least half of them either pointed or smiled. The car feels awesome on the road. Very noisy and windy of course, but a lot of fun. Can't wait for rego so I can really drive it without worrying about the police.
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It's a pity to have to cover it up with body panels. I think it looks just fine as it is. Unfortunately, the authorities do not agree and I must at least attach the body and bumpers. I don't know how the Arial Atom will ever get registered in Australia!
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The body is attached, and pretty much everything is done. The car has been sitting on it's wheels for some months, and has obviously settled. I took it for a quick spin around the block, but fairly slow. The diff or tailshaft was banging against the tunnel whenever I turned or accelerated. So the next job is to jack up the suspension. This will have to be done for rego anyway, as the tailpipe is sitting about 50mm off the ground! I'm amazed at the sound of the engine. It sounds more like a truck than a 1600 cc engine, though I never got above 2500 RPM.
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