Free GRP course

[Alan D.]

Hello all,

Sorry left this event for David to post on the forum. I'm a bit busy at the moment! So far there seem to be six Midas people interested at the moment.

Myself
George Sutherland
Alberto Venegras
David Manifold
Jonnie
Eddie the Mini
Russell Wilcox

Eddie and anybody else, who wishes to come from afar. I may be able to organise a bed for you on the Saturday night in Newcastle upon Tyne, about 8 miles from the venue. So then a number of us can travel from Newcastle on the Sunday morning (7:30am after my paper round). Anybody who is requiring overnight accommodation (free) please PM me. If the whole forums wants to come, I think it will be six to a bed!
I'm in touch with John Dickens, so if anyone needs further information let me know. I'm lead to believe John is an ex teacher and offers a very interesting and informative talk. ECF want to lift their profile in the Kitcar world, which is really the reason for the courses.

Regards Alan

[eddiethemini]

Just a quick note to say Thank You to Alan from Dayle Snr & Jr for his hospitality, they both seem to have enjoyed the first session and are looking forward to the next.

[Alan D.]

Thanks you, you are more than welcome.

Just a short report on today's event John Dickens ( Technical Editor of Complete Kit Car magazine) was on top form, an engaging and articulate speaker. John made the three hours or so go by very quickly, with his humorous and informative banter! The black art of fiberglass of which I new nothing, was suddenly made to look easy. ( Which I'm sure it isn't) We were encouraged to start on some small projects. This course is also on going and next time we are going to look at body repairs and plug making.

The host for the event was East Coast Fiberglass, who made us very welcome at their facility. The have a vast range of fibreglass products available, including big head fasteners as recommended by our own David M.! They will sell these in small quantities and the ones which we saw were in stainless steel, which are ideal for refitting your front and rear bumpers. The staff at East Coast were very knowledgeable and helpful, don't be frightened to contact them and pick their brains. Their main business seems to be in the Marine field, judging from their catalogue. I think that they are wanting to branch out and achieve a foothold in the Kit Car market.

http://www.ecfibreglasssupplies.co.uk/store/

I think that today was another successful Midas Forum event, with seven Midas owner in attendance and four Midas associates there as well! ( Aren't we getting posh associates as well!)the next course is on the 31st inst.

As most of you will know I would dearly like to transplant a modern engine into a Midas and the only real obstacle is the drivers side headlight. The problem was actually solved years ago by a gentleman called Richard Brabbins. (Another Complete Kit Car contributor and the best kit car mag in my opinion) He created a sort of flip front on a Mk 1 Midas, which in my opinion would allow us much more maneuvering room in the engine bay, be it an A-series engine or whatever. Well today's informed talk has probably given me the confidence to do it. I think this bonnet modification may work on the Mk 3 too! I will try and add some pictures to this post later tonight and you will see what I mean.

Regards Alan

From the pictures.

Look at the difference in the bonnet opening, the car would be a joy to work on with this amount of space around the engine. Is this the way forward? Your comments please!

Don't forget about Classic Le Mans, in association with the Mini Marcos club and now our friends with Domino Pimlico's. My aim is to get your cars out of your garages, the world needs to see our Midas's, a recycled and therefore green car!

[Alan D.]

Hello All,

I know the Mk1 Midas in the first picture, looks very sad, it's a rescue Midas and now has good home, took-ed up nice and warm in one of my garages. This car has actually been rolled in three axis. A maneuver normally performed by aerobatic pilots! ( he was trying hard, I still have the original tuned to 90bhp A-series engine) The roof deflected, the screen broke, the roof returned to its original position. The car suffered a few scratches and the driver walked away, shaken but not stirred, as in J.B's Martini. Such is testament to how strong these body shells are! No roll cage needed!

One day it may resume its former Glory, but for now,as I am now a fiberglass expert (after three hours tuition), it's a development shell!

Alan

[johnnyfixit]

Don't get carried away with the cutter just yet remember next course is how to put it right


I found the course well informative and can't wait to try bits and bobs for myself
picture of what Alan was/is using if I'm not wrong hope this helps
Another guy (N E Fibreglass services)there offered, if I wasn't confident enough to take on small projects as long as we buy the gear off Gary.So I could have copyies of my Domino bumpers made nice chap

[Alan D.]

Yes Jonnie,

That's the correct tool, only mine is the Fein version, which has a bigger variety of tools. Its great, but the blades are expensive!

By the way, I had already discovered the Domino website,

but thanks anyway!

http://www.dominopimlico.nl.nu/

Alan

[Alan D.]

Hello everyone again,

This Saturday is the fibreglass course again. Anyone requiring accommodation on the Friday night, please get in touch. I can probably help out.
This week after the course, I'm proposing that the Midas people and friends go for a bar lunch. The chat was good after the course last time, but everyone was rushing off to do this and that. So lets make it a proper forum get together.Please let me know your thoughts either way.

Alan

[eddiethemini]

The 2 Dayles would like to stop over again Friday night if thats OK and will be more than happy to go for a bar lunch afterwards

[Alan D.]

Hello Dayle and Dayle,

You are more than welcome to stay over.

Kevin, what about you?

Two of our group cannot make it, so it it is possible that we may be able to squeeze someone else in, any takers?

Alan