Project #2...Nissan Figaro

[ian f]

"I'm still trying to find replacement arms for the evolution."
the end bearing is a standard size i've had a skf bearing fitted for about 3 years after the original seized which arms do you need?

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Cheers ian....I have replaced the bearing twice on the "standard" single bearing arm but now the arm itself is shot as the pin now just falls out after a few seconds of running because I think the bearing seized and then the pin spun! I started using the 2 wheel arm which was actually very nice....but it lasted just a week or two. For the latter I couldn't find replacement bearings anywhere so just gave up.

I like the filter on the Bosch....it also spits a lot less rubbish out at me when I'm under the car because it's pushing the air out perpendicular to the belt. I really thought that the evolution looked fantastic but I just didn't get on with it. Does yours randomly spit the belts out for no good reason?

I bagged the Bosch new on the bay of fleas for £33...at that price I just couldn't resist!

Still have the evolution....if I can replace the arm or fix it I'll keep it as a spare.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

I can't remember exactly what the evolution flaw was....seem to remember it's no fun to use under a car because it spits bits into your face. I ended up having to cover part of the exhaust with my hand. On the Bosch the exhaust is at the rear and at 90 degrees. When I'm under the car I tend to want the file pointing towards me as I'm upside down.

Just remember getting a face full of crud when I did the floors.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Ok so dunno what I'm missing but I can't seem to nail anyone down when it comes to either the passenger door or the lower boot lids that I'm trying to track down. 4 people breaking Figaro's and the same outcome...

1. I ask about the door and the boot
2. They say they have them and quote a ridiculous price which I say is fine (well I'm not actually paying it as the car is for someone else)
3. I ask if I can take a look at them before I buy.
4. I don't hear another word!

Anyone got a clue...the only thing I can think of is that the bits they are peddling aren't in great condition....all seems a bit odd.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Spotted this little beauty while out for a stroll...what a lovely car.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Haven't abandoned the Figaro....been away for a short break to escape the bad weather in the UK. I came across this English wheel...I really want one. I don't need one but I really want one...it looks amazing....expensive...but looks great. Made in England in small batches it seems. ..anyone got one?

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Doesn't look like a big deal but trust me it wasn't easy. I finally have the inner arch fixed and in the correct position. It only took 3 attempts but got there in the end.

Next job is to get the outer arch welded in...

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Doesn't look like a big deal but trust me it wasn't easy. I finally have the inner arch fixed and in the correct position. It only took 3 attempts but got there in the end.

Next job is to get the outer arch welded in...

Looks like you need to take on an octopus as a gopher/apprentice.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Well I did have an octopus when I was away last week....but sadly it was served up on a platter with a side salad....all in a good cause of course

Yea inner arches are a pain....I remember it was also difficult on the mr2 as well. I ended up doing it in 4 sections and just lots of re-fitting and removal to get things lined up. Those magnets are handy for keeping things in place but still not an easy job.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

it was served up on a platter with a side salad....all in a good cause of course

Gave its life for the greater good.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Was amazing too...king prawns weren't bad either...their sacrifice will be remembered fondly .

I was in Malta (on a freebie from the lady I'm doing the car for...)...spotted a bunch of beautiful classic cars over there. That merc was very special but also saw a few MG roadsters but they were too quick to get a pic.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

This Karma thing sure is amazing...got back from my break and my friend brought me a bunch of steel RSJ off cuts (another freebie). Pretty sure I can make a nice anvil from this lot.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Here is where I got to with aligning the outer arch. I'll play some more with it before welding in but even as it is it looks pretty close. Very happy with the all important bumper corner.

 

[mike 109444]

This Karma thing sure is amazing...got back from my break and my friend brought me a bunch of steel RSJ off cuts (another freebie). Pretty sure I can make a nice anvil from this lot.

Don't forget they will "ring" like a bell when hammered on unless you sound deaden them (sacks of sand in the void of the "I" ?)

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Cheers mike....I hadn't thought about that but now you say it I guess it's going to happen.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

I was in Malta (on a freebie from the lady I'm doing the car for...)

Does she need a new BFF?

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Maybe one with a Figaro that isn't full of rust holes might just be the ticket

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

I only got allocated a 2hr window today so decided to get the door hinges sorted out as I figured the arches would take me a bit longer and I didn't want to rush them after all the work I've already put in. Unbelievably there was no paint behind the hinges so no surprise they rusted. There was also rust coming through from behind so will need to wax these sections thoroughly I think..I'm wondering whether there is water running down the inside of the A frame from the roof...I may go OTT and wax the entire shell just to be on the safe side!!

Here are a few pics of the bottom hinge area...wasn't too bad once cut out and cleaned up. Luckily the bracket behind is fairly thick and cleaned up nicely.

There is plenty of room to re-drill the hinge holes from inside the car so I just went with this approach as I figured it'd be easier.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

The top hinge was worse because there is an overlap join in the A frame with the lower panel extending over the hinge brace but under the top panel...so it's double steel with a brace on the back which means more overlaps to rust.

Went well...I decided to only cut back to solid steel and remove the bulk of the rot as this area is all much thicker steel anyway....then treated with some converter.

Both hinges got weld through primer before the layers were put back in. I'm not a big fan of the stuff but this area I think needs it. I will also wax the repair from behind of course.

There is a picture missing unfortunately...before the top plate got welded back in I extended the bottom section over the hinge brace and then welded the top plate over the top (you can see part of this overlap in the second picture covering the hinge brace). Most of the corrosion in the first pic is actually the bit of the bottom plate which had turned to rust!

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Finally some etch primer....as I was leaving the garage SWMBO was on her way down the garage...finished just in time.