For fans of Vinyl

Saturday 7th July

As I plan on fitting the side panels soon, I thought it best I approach a few tasks that are easier to tackle with the side panels off the car, I have ensured all the holes in the tunnel are capable of taking the 4mm rivets that I am using, I have lined up the speedo sensor bracket with the differential and mounted the speedo magnets and 180 degrees apart of the differential flange, using some epoxy resin to help secure them in place.

I have started fitting the under dash panels, the drivers side panel is fully secured with rivets and has had some vinyl applied to provide a neater finish, the passenger side works on a hinge so the fuse box can be accessed, at present the panel is only held in place by some screws, this will be covered in vinyl and riveted later on in the build.

Saturday 21st July

I took the decision to get my side panels vinyl wrapped by a professional and I am glad I did because I don’t have the expertise (it would have taken me an age, not looked great and probably cost me a fortune in wasted material), the panels look great, I got them covered by a chap called Chris who runs a local company (www.wrapiton.co.uk) based in Southampton, he even collected and returned the panels for me.

 
I have placed the panels on the side of the car and secured them with a few screws for the time being, I am really pleased with how the panels look in place.

I have taken the opportunity to start fitting the front suspension set-up, the front suspension is quite different from many of other lotus 7 inspired cars which often run a double wishbone and coilover system, the striker utilizes roller rockers, inboard coilovers and a single lower wishbone set-up.



Vinyled side panel fitted to the car

I started by fitting the roller rockers and front coilovers, followed by the lower wishbone to which the lower ball joint is fitted and locked in place by knocking the locktabs back. The cycle wingstay holds the upper ball joint which is fitted to the roller rocker, the wingstay is secured in place by the clamp and pinch bolt on the rear of the sierra front upright (which would clamp the Sierra McPherson strut in place).

At present only the roller rocker bolts have been tightened, the rest will be done once the car is underload, the wishbones on the striker are adjustable, I will probably get the suspension set-up correctly by Raw once the car has been built.

Thursday 9th August

Well we have finally moved house, the bad news is there is much decorating ahead of me, the good news is the Striker has a home so my parents can have their garage back.

Saturday 1st September

 

Still decorating

 
Saturday 29th September

Still decorating
 
Saturday 13th October

Getting there, not too much more decorating.
 
Saturday 27th October
 
The garage seems to fill up with rubbish quicker then I can empty it. This isn’t what I wanted from a garage.     :(