modsports - Page 7

Mike Bell · 29 Nov 2016, 06:31 (Ref:3691966)

Quote:

Originally Posted by delta

Well done Smudge. You now own my very first race car. Took me and my mates two years to build and I raced it in Modsport's way back in 1976.

Wow! Now that is really special, Smudge. Delta's first racer!

Welcome to the forum, and hope you are based close enough to Iain so you can meet up with the legend that is.

midgetman · 29 Nov 2016, 08:10 (Ref:3691983)

Blimey! What a coincidence! Of all the motor sport forums in all the world you happen to walk into this one!

You'll never be short of technical information now.

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

smudge2031 · 29 Nov 2016, 08:23 (Ref:3691986)

Well, I cant believe I actually found out about the car so quickly! Didnt think i would get any joy at all...... It was lying in an old Doctors shed for around 20ish years when I bought it........I would love to see some pictures of it back in the day if possible!

smudge2031 · 29 Nov 2016, 08:30 (Ref:3691988)

Thanks for the welcomes.....I am actually in the Scottish Borders. Always been a rally guy but love all motorsports. I would be keen to know what the engine spec is etc...very close to firing it up for the first time.

delta · 29 Nov 2016, 09:45 (Ref:3692003)

I can see this taking up a lot of time, but going to be very enjoyable. Smudge I will dig out some photos over the weekend. In the mean time if you can buy on amazon or e bay a copy of the Brands Hatch book by Chas Parker. There is a picture from 1976 Modsports race and the car is pictured on the grid.

smudge2031 · 29 Nov 2016, 09:56 (Ref:3692006)

Excellent...many thanks. I will post up some more pictures of the car later......hope the following pictures dont make you feel old!! 40 years after its first outing!!

p261brm · 29 Nov 2016, 10:14 (Ref:3692014)

Quote:

Originally Posted by bauble

John Chatham Cars
Wellinghouse Farm, Moorhouse Lane, Hallen, Bristol
BS10 7RT
tel: +44 (0)117 950 1836 +44 (0)7917 060 604
web: http://www.JohnChathamCars.co.uk

I do not know if this will help, I assume it is the John Chatham.

Only one Chatty, not enough room length or width on any circuit for another Chatty, very memorable, Chatty, Stuart Hands, John Britten and Gabby Konig in Midgets thrown in for good measure, not forgetting John Gott, (RIP) useful chap to have in one's address book as Chief Constable of Northamptonshire.......

Mike Harte · 29 Nov 2016, 10:32 (Ref:3692021)

Quote:

Originally Posted by p261brm

not forgetting John Gott, (RIP) useful chap to have in one's address book as Chief Constable of Northamptonshire.......

Who used to drive his race Healey 3000 to and from the circuits. Nice bloke , too.

p261brm · 29 Nov 2016, 10:58 (Ref:3692027)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Harte

Who used to drive his race Healey 3000 to and from the circuits. Nice bloke , too.

Jock, police mechanic the day job, the Healey the most of his time as it was kept at the police garage.

smudge2031 · 29 Nov 2016, 19:38 (Ref:3692182)

as she stands today....

**Peter Mallett** · 30 Nov 2016, 15:37 (Ref:3692410)

Looks to be in remarkably good condition.

zefarelly · 30 Nov 2016, 16:02 (Ref:3692416)

That looks like it will be a right hoot.

delta · 30 Nov 2016, 17:08 (Ref:3692442)

My first test was at Goodwood late in 1975. The plan was to do Boxing day meeting that year. Looking at the webbers on your photo reminded me what happened that day.
As we were just a bunch of numpty's with not a clue about race cars" OK Bob nothing has changed" I did not have any air filters on the carb's. Needless to say as I pulled out of the pits with the best and I mean best feeling in the world as this was the first time the car had moved I kept thinking why is the car accelerating and I am not on the gas.All the gravel from OSF wheel was now being sucked into the engine and the carb's jamed open.
Back to base head off and we had to start all over again but we did not go back to test until spring in 1976. I am sure more memories are going to come flooding back.
This is all very exciting.

smudge2031 · 30 Nov 2016, 19:55 (Ref:3692476)

Well to be honest it isnt too bad condition wise. I only bought it last week.

It does need new outer sills...but the resr of the bodywork just needs prepped and paint really.

My plans are to keep it original as possible....soo

I have re done the wiring...have ordered all new electric parts starter,solenoid,alternator,dizzy etc.....
new brake and clutch parts
just cleaned carbs and got new trumpets today
full stainless exhaust comes tomorrow
new rocker came today
new spax suspension to go on
new 1" front roll bar came today
new tank in boot with pump
fire extinguisher system
new perspex
seat and harness
possibly wilwood front brakes

Ive done a compression test and all seems good enough.....probably get it started tomorrow!!

Not sure about fitting a full cage or not.....any thoughts?

Paint...and thats it I think

My main worry is the seat....The seat that came with it was bolted to the floor and even when I sit on the floor with no seat I have around 4-5 inches clearance with no helmet.....

So advice on a narrow lay back seat is needed...alloy? or what regulation seat would work with the limited width etc??

smudge2031 · 30 Nov 2016, 21:00 (Ref:3692500)

Quote:

Originally Posted by delta

My first test was at Goodwood late in 1975. The plan was to do Boxing day meeting that year. Looking at the webbers on your photo reminded me what happened that day.
As we were just a bunch of numpty's with not a clue about race cars" OK Bob nothing has changed" I did not have any air filters on the carb's. Needless to say as I pulled out of the pits with the best and I mean best feeling in the world as this was the first time the car had moved I kept thinking why is the car accelerating and I am not on the gas.All the gravel from OSF wheel was now being sucked into the engine and the carb's jamed open.
Back to base head off and we had to start all over again but we did not go back to test until spring in 1976. I am sure more memories are going to come flooding back.
This is all very exciting.

Im sure you were'nt the first to do that!

I hope it brings back great memories...Im certainly not going to change it much....its good to have a bit of British motorsport history as you will know. To be honest I am not sure what I will do with it..but would love to get it back on the track where it belongs.....From memory can you tell me the spec of the engine...of course it could have changed but from what I have noticed it has a skimmed TR6 head with flat top pistons...with the flat top pistons its possible it may have the 2.5 crank,rods and pistons..is this correct? head has been ported to a degree also.....

Dougie · 1 Dec 2016, 05:58 (Ref:3692611)

I vintage race a big Healey here in the states and have a had couple historic Healeys go through our club. Here's some additional historic Modsport info:
http://www.specialsaloons.co.uk/mods...eys/4590575434

**Peter Mallett** · 1 Dec 2016, 06:06 (Ref:3692613)

It's worth checking but if you want to race rather than sprint you will need a full cage.

As to seats, they are expenditure but a Tillet may fit your needs.

smudge2031 · 1 Dec 2016, 14:53 (Ref:3692708)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dougie

I vintage race a big Healey here in the states and have a had couple historic Healeys go through our club. Here's some additional historic Modsport info:
http://www.specialsaloons.co.uk/mods...eys/4590575434

The Healey's do look good with the arches!

smudge2031 · 1 Dec 2016, 20:50 (Ref:3692805)

well.....the legend runs again....got it running today...will post video tomorrow....sounds good

smudge2031 · 1 Dec 2016, 21:09 (Ref:3692812)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

It's worth checking but if you want to race rather than sprint you will need a full cage.

As to seats, they are expenditure but a Tillet may fit your needs.

Thanks...I would prefer a full cage anyway....seems quite a vunerable cockpit to be in without it...Hats off to the racers of old.
I will look at the tillet seats could be the one right enough

delta · 2 Dec 2016, 18:35 (Ref:3693141)

Quote:

Originally Posted by smudge2031

Thanks...I would prefer a full cage anyway....seems quite a vunerable cockpit to be in without it...Hats off to the racers of old.
I will look at the tillet seats could be the one right enough

Smudge , that's the way it was back then . There were cars out racing with No !!! Cage . I have dug out the first race I did at Thruxton qualy sheet will post over weekend .

smudge2031 · 2 Dec 2016, 18:43 (Ref:3693147)

Quote:

Originally Posted by delta

Smudge , that's the way it was back then . There were cars out racing with No !!! Cage . I have dug out the first race I did at Thruxton qualy sheet will post over weekend .

Brave men when you think about it!...I believe I may actually have the original seat you put in...no headrest but a pad stuck to the cage behind? ring any bells....
Anyway the car is unbelievably low to the ground..you track guys are probably used to it but from a rallying background...well... its alarming! Certainly would like to be on a bumpy road or tarmac stage in it!

Thanks for digging out the pics etc...if you could find as much as you can as it all adds the the car if you know what I mean.
Iain was thinking....how about when I get the car finished I bring it down to you for a drive somehwere and we can get an article done on it....makes a good story? Just a thought

delta · 3 Dec 2016, 10:23 (Ref:3693291)

No need to come down, When you and the car are ready I can fly up and we can test at Knockhill. I love that track and not raced there for many years. Going to try and post a couple of pictures now. Stand by.

Mike Harte · 3 Dec 2016, 10:35 (Ref:3693293)

Quote:

Originally Posted by delta

No need to come down, When you and the car are ready I can fly up and we can test at Knockhill. I love that track and not raced there for many years. Going to try and post a couple of pictures now. Stand by.

Surely it is befitting that it should be the star attraction at the Stoke Row show as your No 1 motor!

smudge2031 · 3 Dec 2016, 11:09 (Ref:3693298)

Quote:

Originally Posted by delta

No need to come down, When you and the car are ready I can fly up and we can test at Knockhill. I love that track and not raced there for many years. Going to try and post a couple of pictures now. Stand by.

Sounds like a great plan...

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