Tomcat Project

DaveP_Tomcat · Feb 8, 2019

Hi folks,
I'm new to LZ so thought this would be be a good place to start....

My project is finishing a Tomcat 88" build started in 2001, then dry stored for 17 years... The original tyres even have their moulding whiskers!

When I picked it up it had only been driven around a yard and onto a trailer.... The electrics were only just enough to start the engine. Hopefully when I've finished it will have a v5 and be road legal - currently it can't be used on the road. :-(

It's got a carb V8 with a Torqueflite 3sp auto with Disco2 axles on a shortened chassis. Any help with IVA would be happily accepted.

Bobsticle · Feb 8, 2019

Itll probably have to have a Q plate but that wont make it drive ant worse. Looks good but we need lots more pictures. We like pictures as most members cant read too well.

DaveP_Tomcat · Feb 8, 2019

Bobsticle, here is a video walk around and of it ticking over:

Hicap phill · Feb 8, 2019

May fail on the distance of the bumper to the body work.

Enquire about what is needed for IVA you may need lots of invoices for parts used.
Hardest part is the sharp edges & caps on ball joints etc. Last Iva was 20years ago & I found it intense.
Good luck & a nice motor

Henry_b · Feb 8, 2019

That thing looks like heaps of fun!!

FlatbedPilot · Feb 8, 2019

Cool looking Landy. It's so heavily modified that it'll need the full IVA. You can download the IVA inspection manual from here which will tell you everything you need to know to get it through the test. Good luck with it and keep the updates coming.

DaveP_Tomcat · Feb 8, 2019

Hicap phill said:
May fail on the distance of the bumper to the body work.

First step.

DaveP_Tomcat · Feb 8, 2019

Handbrake Time.

The handbrake is totally not functioning, no cable - no brake shoes - no springs - no expander, just a drum and the lever in the passengers footwell. :-(
So... I purchased an X-Eng disk conversion.

Fitting sounds dead easy:

_Just_

Remove the rear propshaft,
take off the drum,
remove the backing plate,
fit new backing plate,
fit disc,
fit caliper,
refit propshift.

Then cable the lever, and adjust to fit...

Sounds great but someone fitted 9/16th chunks of cheese instead of nuts on the propshaft.
9/16ths!?! Too big for 14mm, too small for 15mm!! But at least a 14mm stripped/rounded nut extractor eventually shifted the mushy little buggers.

After smacking my head for the third time on the diff, the propshaft came away along with the drum. A 15mm socket and lube got the backing plate off with ease.

With the plate off I had access to the speedo port on the LT230

I've no speedo, so I picked up a late model speedo transducer off flea bay for £10.. I got quoted nearly £90 for the hook up cable alone, but a search through the forums revealed that the connector is the same as a brake lamp connector at £7!

So now to reverse the process fitting the new gubbins.

DaveP_Tomcat · Feb 10, 2019

First fit of the X-Eng Disc and handbrake caliper... Next for the cable stop and cable.

1988smithy · Feb 10, 2019

Watching this

DaveP_Tomcat · Feb 10, 2019

Oh Bugger!

The top caliper bolt fouls the cable, when it's done up fully...
I'm going to need a couple of M16 washers on the back to space it correctly.
So the whole thing needs to come back off!

Time for a coffee and some cake. :-(

marjon · Feb 10, 2019

Watching this it’s going to be great when done.

As suggested earlier get the IVA regs and follow it as you do jobs because nothing worse than having to undo 3 things to change 1.
Also take a peak on some kit cars sites for info on IVA(SVA) to get some hints. Alot seem to struggle with internal things, and many exhausts.but lots of tips on where you can trip up on the way and how to avoid.
Also photo proof of your work and receipts as apparently sometimes they need to see stuff that maybe covered.

I can see you might need to bulk buy cake and coffee to keep you going

Good luck.

J

DaveP_Tomcat · Feb 10, 2019

Small victories..... Got the internal rearview fitted.

Kev12 · Feb 11, 2019

9/16 is correct for prop bolts

DaveP_Tomcat · Feb 11, 2019

Kev12 said:
9/16 is correct for prop bolts

And made of cheese....

Ordered some Britpart ones for the rebuild.

DaveP_Tomcat · Feb 11, 2019

I removed the bumper yesterday, and 4inch of unrequired chassis. This morning I welded the bumper back on closer to the body.

This afternoon I finished the Disk handbrake conversation:

Now to wait for the, hopefully, tougher propshaft nuts and bolts...

Hicap phill · Feb 11, 2019

Where's your headlights?

Also do you need 2 mirrors to look backwards.
Good to see you cracking on

DaveP_Tomcat · Feb 11, 2019

I've got a passenger side mirror, somewhere.... Just need another 2inch tube mount to hold it in place.

As the wings are smaller than standard the 7inch lamps in their square surrounds don't fit, so was thinking of 5 inch dip/main units.... Or something else..

Hicap phill · Feb 11, 2019

My wings were series/90 cut down.
Headlights were behind Ali cover. Removed for night races.

You sure 7" won't fit?

I see you have a 3wash/wipe to fit to.

How are you doing reading the IVA?

DaveP_Tomcat · Feb 11, 2019

To be honest I've not '''tried" 7inch lamps...

IVA docs doing my head in... Think the 1950's door catches are going to be an issue.

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