Sunbeam 2000 build

[belmateo]

Forgot to add the wheel lock. I was able to get the dashboard, body, and rear wiring harnesses from the Miata as well as the ECU for the PRHT and the switch assembly for lowering/rasing the top. Will start to unwrap to isolate what I need and eliminate the rest. Good wet weather work for me. HA!

 

[DanR]

Looks neat! All the necessary tools at a glance.

 

[belmateo]

Yes, it started out like the one in the pic below (Not mine, took it from the net). What needed to be done was to cut it down, glue the pieces together and shave the bottom of it to fit inside the spare wheel. I also added a hole for the wheel lock that is always never where you think it is!

 

[belmateo]

Well, one step forward two steps back! I put fuel in all the tanks and did not see any leaks. When I tried to start the car there was a fuel smell, sure enough there is a leak in the main tank! Out with the rear subrame and out with the tank. What was found is some spots on the bottom of the tank under the factory undercoating that look like the welder "sparked" on them. Scraped off all the undercoating and covered the holes with JB Weld. I also found the epoxy that I used to seal the fuel pump mount did not hold up to the fuel. Cut the top of the tank and doing over again, will also seal it good with some Por-15™ that is left over from the saddle tanks. Oh what fun.

 

[belmateo]

Tried to finish up welding the gas tank today and ran out of welding wire, LOL
Of course tomorrow is a holiday, go figure.

 

[DanR]

Well whaty do you expect? It is either the wire or the GAS AND WHEN THE SUPPLIER WILL BE CLOSED NEXT DAY or two!!!

 

[belmateo]

Just my luck lately, but I will not let it get me down. Trying to stay focused.
Thanks DanR

 

[belmateo]

Good news today, I found a couple of 20% off coupons for welding wire from Harbor Freight. They ended up costing me a little over $22 each compared to Home Depot that wanted $45 each.

 

[belmateo]

Here is one of the wiring harnesses that I need to break down and eliminate what is not needed.

 

[belmateo]

The main gas tank has been a major PITA. I broke the original nipple from the fuel pump housing and ordered a replacement and broke that one too. They are made of plastic, so I have no choice but to make it out of metal. Just ordered two brass 90 degree street elbows for the supply and return lines. Trying to come up with a way to keep fuel around the pump for cooling purposes just like the factory did. Testing some adhesives now so I can decide which one to use. Choices are limited because it will be exposed to fuel.

 

[belmateo]

I received a few brass 90 degree 3/8" fittings. They are a little too large so I have some 1/4" arriving monday. It looks like it will work one way or another.

 

[belmateo]

I have not posted in sometime due to a pinched nerve in my neck that was painful from my neck to my thumb (including everything in between). Finally got a cortisone shot after trying acupuncture/cupping/massage. It worked right away, oh what a relief. In the meantime, have been getting the parts together to complete the fuel pump/Sending unit assembly so I can get the tank done and back in the car. While that is going on cement work is being done at the house while we have a break in the weather.

 

[belmateo]

Ended up with 1/4" brass street elbows for the fuel pump/sending unit. The pressure side is threaded into the plastic housing and the return line will dump into the fuel tank sump. Waiting for the glue to dry and check it for leaks (hopefully lack of).

 

[belmateo]

I have not posted anything for some time now due to the Honey Do list needed attention. We poured a footing at the property line for a new fence, just over 90 feet. Metal posts were used and all redwood boards. Here are two pictures from each side of the fence. As you can see, there are no visible posts! Amazing, isn't it? My tools were also organized during this period as well.

 

[belmateo]

Since having the new fence done I had to have sugery on my left hand (carpal tunnell) that was done on Thursday. Ice, Naprozen and keep it elevated to get the swelling done.

 

[Barry]

Since having the new fence done I had to have sugery on my left hand (carpal tunnell) that was done on Thursday. Ice, Naprozen and keep it elevated to get the swelling done.

Had it done on my right wrist 8 weeks ago. Everything is pretty much back to normal, but banging the heel of the hand on something is not a good idea.

 

[belmateo]

You are absolutely right, the palm is very sensitive and takes a long time to heal. I hope you are recovering well by now.

 

[belmateo]

Slowly getting back into the build after my hand surgery. Got the main tank finally sealed with a modified factory fuel pump pickup and sending unit. Had to stop and search for some Fuel injected fuel hose and undercoating spray. Will be working on that and making the final exhaust, after that the rear subframe can be mounted.

 

[belmateo]

Here are some pictures of the broken fuel pomp mount and my attempt to save it.

 

[DanR]

LOoks like maybe you added two brass fittings?