Technical Project Bucket.

[VmanC]

With the frame just about ready we have now started to modify the boat trailer to accept it.

When I took Bucket to Birmingham for dipping I found that the trailer wheels were very close to the sills and there was a risk of them rubbing when the suspension was compressed. So when Bucket and the frame are all attached to the trailer I want the wheels to line up with the rear wheel arches to give maximum clearance. I don't think there would be a problem anyway as the frame will cause Bucket to sit a few inches higher, but at least by lining up with the arches there will be no doubt.

One other thing I'd like to do while I'm dealing with the trailer wheels is fit the same Alfa alloys that are fitted to Oslo, then when Oslo is towing the trailer there will be matching wheels all round.

Well I like these little details!

First job was to remove the trailer axle..........



Then, after cutting the stub axles off an old omega axle that had rusty spring cups, weld some brackets to the stub axles so that they can be bolted to the trailer axle in place of the original hubs...........





The 'L' shaped brackets may look flimsy but they have now been strengthened further, will get some pics tomorrow. The original wheels had way too much positive camber so by making the angle of the 'L' brackets slightly more than 90' we have been able to bring the camber back to neutral when unladen, and slight negative camber with Bucket on board. Well we hope we have, Bucket hasn't been tested on it yet.

 

[VmanC]

Quick update:-

Here's a pic of the trailer hubs finished......



Just a little more on the trailer then it's all Bucket.

The movable frame is now mounted to the trailer with a couple of detachable brackets......





And one at the front......



Also, I needed something to mount the light board to as I didn't want to strap it around a newly painted Bucket. So after running an extension lead through the chassis frame to the back of the trailer we made and fitted this removable section to slot the board into......



All that's needed now is for everything to be painted.

With everything now useable the only thing to do was use it. So last week Bucket was taken away, destination, paint shop........



And here he is unloaded safe and sound........



As you can see from what's in the background they're a classic friendly bunch. If all goes well I could be picking Bucket up from them before Christmas - just.

 

[pooroldcodger]

I think that should be limited editions.

Only the 1242cc's is the same as Panto's, this one is having the 8v unit with single point injection. With a decent exhaust system it should be good for 65-70bhp, Panto is nudging 100.

Hi Vern
can you tell us anything about the "decent" exhaust you will be fitting?

 

[VmanC]

Hi Vern
can you tell us anything about the "decent" exhaust you will be fitting?

Yes, same as Panto really, custom stainless system.

 

[VmanC]

Forgot to mention, I wasn't able to line the trailer wheels up with Buckets wheel arches, as you can see from this pic.....



This was because too much weight was bearing on the tow ball with the axle that far back, so now the axle is as far forward as possible without interfering with the mounting of the mobile frame.

 

[pandawoman]

hi vern....are you quite sure you have taken bucket to a paint shop and not a graveyard for classic vehicles ? .... only joking .... have to say i'm impressed with all the attention to detail with the trailer .... if that is anything to go by he should be one stunning little bucket once completed.

 

[VmanC]

hi vern....are you quite sure you have taken bucket to a paint shop and not a graveyard for classic vehicles ? .... only joking .... have to say i'm impressed with all the attention to detail with the trailer .... if that is anything to go by he should be one stunning little bucket once completed.

That's the plan!

 

[VmanC]

Anyone want to see a Bucket in primer?

 

[VmanC]

Ooh, shiny!

 

[blu73]

very nice!!!

 

[VmanC]

More shiny shiny.........

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Like a work of art :slayer:

 

[blu73]

pretty impressive turn-around that... Know so many people that have stuck their cars in a bodyshop to be painted and been told it'll be ready in say 2 weeks and they end up 2 months down the line and still don't have the car back lol.

 

[VmanC]

pretty impressive turn-around that... Know so many people that have stuck their cars in a bodyshop to be painted and been told it'll be ready in say 2 weeks and they end up 2 months down the line and still don't have the car back lol.

Yeah, happens in restoration workshops too.

 

[scout]

Yeah, happens in restoration workshops too.

How many months so far?

 

[Dragon Man]

man that looks good.. pandas look awesome in black. the one my mum and dad had when i was but a baby was black. i have seen pictures of it and it looked awesome.

 

[pandawoman]

How many months so far?

best not to ask that one..... hopefully many months in a restoration workshop equals one superb bucket.

 

[pandawoman]

think black was the right choice of colour

 

[VmanC]

think black was the right choice of colour

It's gonna look like Batman owns it rather than Pandawoman!

 

[pandamaniac]

Vern,
What I want to know is how many bits have you nicked off Bucket to save other Pandas in the many months since you stripped her.
Question is?
Can you find them again!
Dave