P4 Replica

The engine will be moth-balled until the chassis is ready but there's one more job to do first. The standard sump projects below the chassis by about 50mm making it a prime target for speed-bumps and rutted roads - and there are plenty of those around here. Aftermarket, 5" 'Shallow Oil Pans' are available for this engine but that would still leave...

The front suspension on this Berkeley is from a Mk1 Mini - as is the subframe. Although it has been pre-assembled, it looks remarkably original and un-messed-with. The rubbers have all seen better days and the bearings and seals feel tired but it's all rust-free and seems perfectly usable. That said - I've never owned nor can I recall even working on...

OK - time available for another little spurt of activity. Our plan is to reshape the wheel arches so they fit tighter and further around the wheels to update the styling just a little. But, before that can happen we need to choose the wheels and tyres, But before that can happen we need to assemble the suspension. But before that can...

The original Porsche gear lever housing is big, ugly and made of plastic. This picture shows an aftermarket conversion kit for replacing the nylon bearing housings with anodised aluminium ones. The theory is that the mod will reduce play in the linkage and make the lever action more positive and tight.  So, I copied the idea and made my own, adjustable aluminium...

Before going any further with the engine modifications - and while it was fitted to the transmission we thought we'd drop it into the chassis and make the mounts. It's quite a tall engine so sitting it as low as possible will make life easier when it comes to making the inevitable 'Dome' in the engine cover, tail section. It also helps...

I've finally found a few spare hours to continue with the body mods and write a little about it. In a previous thrilling episode I cut and reshaped the roof and upper mid bulkhead panels to a more pleasing shape and profile. Time now to glue all the pieces back together. My trusty Powerfile was the weapon of choice for this job...