Project #2...Nissan Figaro

[Dcal]

Excellent slim_boy
Order placed

Be interesting to see how it works out

 

[Exuptoy]

Right, on the hunt for some carbon electrodes now.
100% certain Exuptoy will beat me to it.

Haha, no rush, plenty of projects in line first.

 

[Dcal]

Exuptoy
If you want a couple of carbons to play with, PM your address and I'll post them to you.

 

[Exuptoy]

That's very good of you fella but I've just pulled the trigger on a pack as I'll split them with my dad. Most generous though, thanks.

 

[Dcal]

Carbon electrodes arrived today, just one day after ordering.
Unfortunately I need to head a way for work for a few days so wont be able to try them out until I get back.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

So to distract myself from the problem with the drivers door I decided to paint the passenger door...yep that was full of filler too. So I made a start on the boot instead...but that was full of filler too and the paint reacted badly...I have visions of the roof problems all over again!!!

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Decided I would instead work on the refit of the shell...first job is to recover the dash. Decided to check all the bulbs before refitting...good job I did. Looks like some clever person had cut the wire on one of the warning lights. (engine temperature maybe)..this car is beginning to really annoy me! Just can't seem to get a break the last few weeks!

 

[Exuptoy]

There is a buzzer under the dash too I think it's if the roof isn't clipped shut or something?

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

I think it beeps like a bin lorry when you reverse too....which is most appropriate!

Am going to have to smooth out the foam on the dash top...if you guys have any idea of what to use please let me know. The foam will be covered in vinyl but I don't want any lumps and bumps to show through. It needs to be flexible just like the dash top which is a sort of moulded dense expanded foam.

 

[Exuptoy]

There is this. More expense I know but needs must sometimes.

https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/1991-NISSA...rentrq:42e069e01640aa4882793b67fff75134|iid:1

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Yea Exuptoy...but if you take a look at the dash top it's cracked on the left hand side. Apparently it's because the vinyl has been laid over foam which sits on pressed steel....in hot weather the steel expands and cracks the vinyl. I've seen maybe a dozen Figaro's and only 2 of those had no cracks...my Project #3 has a dash with no cracks...but when you feel the vinyl it is no longer flexible so I think it will go the same way as all the others!

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Got to love the Clint Eastwood wiring...what a fool I've been wasting my money on solder joints all these years...this is how the pros are doing it these days. Must be a special electricians knot or something.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Stage1 of the dash repairs...after alot of searching I settled on Gorilla glue. Ok yea I know....but looking at the chemistry it's a very interesting product. It uses water as a catalyst...basically I think it's a two part polyurethane glue which is activated by water...thats kind of neat I think.

I mixed up small quantities with a drop of water...let it foam a little before applying...it sticks very well to the dash foam. So far I'm quite pleased...it stays flexible which is what I needed.

Next job is to work out a flexible foam filler to smooth out the repair as cutting the gorilla glue does leave behind air pockets....still better than the original holes!

 

[Dcal]

A great way to make foam, is to add water to two part PU foam (the sort you, or more likely me, would use for casting suspension bushes and the like)
All the Pu foams use water to cure but if you also add water to the two pack ones they give off CO2 which makes it foam up.
Just mix up and pour a small amount over the part you want to fill then after it cures cut it to shape.
If you play about with the grade and the mix you can get harder or softer foams.
You will definitely need to do a few trial runs before putting it on the real thing.

I get my supplies from MB Fiberglass over here but they have free delivery deliver and an eBay shop. The staff also great experience and knowledge of their product range, so we'll worth giving them a ring.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Cheers Dcal...I actually have some PU which I bought to have a go at making a couple of bushes....just never thought of using that! Cheers for the tip...will give that a test and see what happens.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Given up on painting the panels...decided I'd prefer to get all the wiring sorted and get some bits fitted to make me feel better!

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

I really like these solder joints...they have the solder already in them and they are also heat shrink too.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Well this took me about 3 days...I think it fits in with the chrome on the car. I used cable connectors so the dash can still be removed...must say I quite like it.

You can see the white connector on the bottom right....they worked very well for a fleabay purchase.

Moved onto the stereo....couldn't get it to switch on...went over all the wiring....checked the power....checked everything....was about to take it apart then remembered the key needs to be in the ignition!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Been slowly working through the reassembly...managed to recover the dash and get it back in the car....it isnt perfect but its alot better than before. Also straightened out alot of the wiring so it feels a bit more under control.

Next job is getting the carpet back in...I think once the carpet goes back in it will really start feeling like it's moving forwards again.

Am still avoiding the panel painting issue so that fun is yet to come!

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Got most of the interior plastics panels back in...don't know what I would have done without the second car on the drive....my labelling and bagging needs serious improvement!

Just gave the panels a quick scrub...the new owner wants it to feel like an old car plus this will be a driver not a show car!