Thursday 30 October 2014

Planning the Rebuild

Its been a whole year since I last posted - decorating the house and all manner of jobs have kept me from doing anything with the GTM, which has been in the garage leaking oil and electricity over the summer. I'm keen to get cracking in the spring, so I've spent a little time planning. researching and designing the rebuild.

Here's what I'm planning to do:

  • Engine + Gearbox swap - preferably a K Series 1.8 VVC 160bhp if I can find one
  • Change the gear linkage for a cable change
  • Change the suspension for adjustable coil-overs
  • Add some suitable steel wheels
  • Completely re-invent the interior, including seats, MGF instruments, Audi air vents and ICE
  • Add electric windows and re-trim everything in black leather
  • Restyle rear end to improve air exit from engine, allow for a dual exhaust and remove metro rear lights
  • Restyle front bumper area to remove the Ford Sierra indicators (which are impossible to find)
  • Open up and plumb side air vents to improve air flow to the engine
  • Complete respray in white, with the roof in gloss black
  • Replace fuel tank due to VVC engine intrusion
  • Replace front headlights with projector units from Hella

And probably a million other jobs that will crop up on the way! I intend to buy a complete donor MGF / MGTF so I have everything needed for the GTM - I don't fancy hunting on eBay for missing essential components. I'll then sell what I don't use, if I can. 

Being a graphic designer, I couldn't help mocking up a rough preview of the GTM K3 when it's finished:



So, a little more research and hunting in the classifieds for an MG to pull apart. Comments and suggestion welcome!