534 replies to this topic

[Ahmotorsport]

Hello all, i'm aware it's a Scort forum, but some people said to post pictures of painting it etc, so i'd thought i'd start it now because i'm pretty bored right now. It's a '76 Hillman Imp with 33k miles on the clock (genuine) full service history etc although i'm not bothered about that.
Started off as a lucky find in a barn down the A22, asked the man what he wanted for it, he said 150 bar, i couldn't get my hand in my pocket quick enough.
Been restoring it for a little over a year it's taking its time, mainly because i don't earn much working for Pa.
To hell with it, i'll give you the full list of whats been done to it and future plans.
All new cooling pipes,
Water pump,
Head gasket (Blew it sky high heading down the A22 and the thermostat had jammed shut, but that was a good thing)
I ported the head and raised the compression ratio to 11:1,
Overhauled Radiator,
All new brake pipes,
New UJ's on the driveshafts,
New shoes,
Wheel cylinders,
Distriubutor cap,
points,
rotor arm,
leads,
plugs,
condensor,
glass fuel filter,
yellow cam cover (20BHP)
Spax adjustable rear dampers
Cobra bucket seat and Cobra passenger seat (like Recaro)
4 point harnesses
13x6 Minilites
new inner sills
sill covers
floor plates
3 wheel arches
scuttle, all hand made,
rubbing down and fillering currently,
I've probably forgetten loads.

PICKCHAAAAARS.





















Thats probably enough pictures Chris, calm down.


Future plans - sit it on the deck, race setup suspension with adjustable platform coilovers for the front.
Turbocharged 875cc engine knocking on the door of 150BHP,
Alleycat wheels or Compomotive CX's (as shown in the picture) but i'd really love Banded Steels, too much unsprung weight though.
Hydraulic handbrake for removing womens clothes.
Pretty much it, it will eventually be my Race Car.

[JC]

Nice project, what made you take it on? as seems an different choice?

seems like a lot of good work, but can't help but think those bucket seats and wheel look out of place?

[Ahmotorsport]

Nice project, what made you take it on? as seems an different choice?

seems like a lot of good work, but can't help but think those bucket seats and wheel look out of place?

I love classic cars, yeah, bit different, don't come across them often although probably the only other one in my area is across the road from me. Rear engine RWD, what more could you want?
I can see what you mean, but i believe Imps were built to be driven like they were stolen.

[Jordan99940]

Nice project, what made you take it on? as seems an different choice?

seems like a lot of good work, but can't help but think those bucket seats and wheel look out of place?

I love classic cars, yeah, bit different, don't come across them often although probably the only other one in my area is across the road from me. Rear engine RWD, what more could you want?
I can see what you mean, but i believe Imps were built to be driven like they were stolen.

wernt these cossies?

good work as if you need me to say it,


and for the record guys this does go round corners like a car with this drivetrain should

[Ahmotorsport]

Nice project, what made you take it on? as seems an different choice?

seems like a lot of good work, but can't help but think those bucket seats and wheel look out of place?

I love classic cars, yeah, bit different, don't come across them often although probably the only other one in my area is across the road from me. Rear engine RWD, what more could you want?
I can see what you mean, but i believe Imps were built to be driven like they were stolen.

wernt these cossies?

good work as if you need me to say it,


and for the record guys this does go round corners like a car with this drivetrain should

The Imp is a small engine equivalant to a Cosworth.
Ta lad.
Haha, yes that was well proven, another reason for that steering wheel.

[bronze4door]

nice car

banded steels are a good choice as i want a set on my mk1

and tomorrow i am painting my rocker cover yellow

[Andyb0127]

Great work there so far mate, look forward to seeing it painted

[ganges]

Now i hate to admit this..........but i had one of these years and years and years ago (no comments please ), really cracking car in thier day, love the work you have done so far, except....as been mentioned, the seats, keep us updated, and hurry up want to see the finished item!!!!!

[Ahmotorsport]

nice car

banded steels are a good choice as i want a set on my mk1

and tomorrow i am painting my rocker cover yellow

Haha good man! It's got to be the proper yellow, bit dark, Plasti Kote paint do a good one. You'll feel the instant 20BHP!

Now i hate to admit this..........but i had one of these years and years and years ago (no comments please ), really cracking car in thier day, love the work you have done so far, except....as been mentioned, the seats, keep us updated, and hurry up want to see the finished item!!!!!

They're quality! They've got such character and they don't half go well for what they are.
Cheers for all the comments, as for the seat why doesn't it suit because it's a full bucket seat? Or because it's red? I have to have a bucket seat or some sort of Recaro because it's they're the only seats that don't ache my back, it was also given to me, otherwise i'd of had a blue one

[Ahmotorsport]

Update fo what i've done today (so far) just stopped for some lunch but i'll be back out there in a bit.
Also a question for you, on some parts of the car (roof especially) the rust is just too much for the 320 grit and it won't rub down flat or remove the rust, what is the best way to get rid of it? Just drill and wire brush? Just worried it might make the paint un-even, i know it wont be the best paint job but i want to do it the best i can. Cheers all.
Pickchaars:

[VanHeaven]

I like it
good build so far cant wait to see if all done
good luck with it

[Ahmotorsport]

I like it
good build so far cant wait to see if all done
good luck with it

Thanks a lot mate, appreciate it.
Shouldn't be too long until it has an MOT, but i can't see it being what i want it to be for a few years yet

[sidrick]

Good work.

I'll be buying something old and project-orientated next year myself. Maybe a Beetle, BMW 2002 or Audi Quattro.

How do you find it for spares? I'd always stick to a big manufacturer for fear of struggling to find parts.

[Ahmotorsport]

Good work.

I'll be buying something old and project-orientated next year myself. Maybe a Beetle, BMW 2002 or Audi Quattro.

How do you find it for spares? I'd always stick to a big manufacturer for fear of struggling to find parts.

Thanks mate.
Ahh BMW 2002's are awesome!
Imps arent a problem for standard parts really, it's the performance things that are as rare as rocking horse sh!t.
By Audi Quattro if you mean the pukka rally one, parts are hard for them, we built an engine for one at work, couldn't find the correct water pump for ages.
But if you're a handy man, things aren't difficult to make, i've never worked with metal before in my life, but i made those sills and wheel arches alright......The good thing with classic cars is that repair kits are available for almost everything unlike modern chuck it away bits.

[lee grout]

Stick a rougher pad on mate then smooth again. Pain in the arse but try a rougher pad before slashing it with a wire brush on a drill. If you cant get rid of the pits and there's tiny spots of the rust, you can get from halfrauds rust beater stuff. It works by turning rust spots a dark colour ( dont know all the detail on how it works) But it somehow stops th rust from spreading and youcan then paint over the top of it. Dont forget to use etch primer on bare metal spots before normal primer. This helps stop rust forming on areas that youve rubbed right down.