Build Diary 6

Build Diary Page 6

• Radiator

Now that the engine was in, the radiator could be fitted. It bolts onto the front damper cross member, which has to be left off so the engine can go in. The bottom brackets had to be slightly bent so the holes would line up, a large adjustable spanner used as a lever, soon sorted it out.

Next the radiator fan could be fitted. This is held in place using four strips of metal supplied with the kit. We decided to make our own brackets out of stainless as they would be exposed to the weather at the front of the car, and they look better.

• Coolant system

The coolant system is made up of a combination of rubber hoses and stainless steel pipes. To reduce the number of joins, and hence the possible number of leaks, some of the rubber hoses were replaced by stainless pipe. This resulted in a much simpler and neater layout, with one complete stainless pipe unit, with only a rubber pipe to connect to the bottom of the radiator, and another to the engine block. The expansion tank and the feed for the heater matrix and the also connected to this unit.

My Dad made a stainless bracket to support the expansion tank, not only does this give it a secure base, but it keeps it well away from the coil and damper.

The top radiator hose is connected to the thermostat housing outlet.