Day One; back at McGregor Motorsport in Christchurch, New Zealand. The final assembly is underway with the floor pan. It’s great to feel that we are on the way to having the car completed nearly on schedule. I am back in December for painting and upholstery
NOVEMBER 19, 2018
FABRICATION
Within a few days of sending parts out they quickly were coming back to the workshop and Mark and Robert began the install for the rolling chassis that I requested.
The Belly Pan installed the chassis could be flipped over and the installation of suspension, brakes and drive components began. It is remarkable sitting here in Japan and seeing the photographs and talking to Mark and Robert about the progress. I cannot say enough how impressed I am with the total dedication and professionalism that continues through this progress – simply a passion for these remarkable cars.
PAINTING AND POWDER COATING
With the chassis and components all completed, fitted for any tweaking all the bits and pieces were soon outside the workshop ready to be sent off to the powder coaters and painters respectively.
July has been a process of emails arriving with a simply instruction from the McGregor Team, “decision time – please call.” My latest high tech toy, the iPhone G3s being wireless compatible allows SKYPE to be my instant communicator. From paint colors, dash configurations, tire selection all requests were answered in numerous locations through out Japan.
BRAKES
While the chassis is away being prepared for powder coating the build focus shifted towards brakes. My brother Grant was concerned about the braking capacity and my reply was from a comment on driving a Lotus 7 Kit Car during a club day event. One of the new members complained that he was experiencing brake fade after 4-5 laps. An experienced fellow Lotus & driver when consulted gave a succinct reply; “don’t use your brakes then”.
During my learning laps at Ruapuna I asked Mark for a braking point at the end of the main straight. Mark look puzzled and said you do not really need to brake…then smiled. Last week Mark emailed me with some pretty exciting news in regard to brakes. Currently McGregor MotorSport use the cast iron set up clearly detailed by Mark in the photo below.
I was asked if I would like to be the first customer for McGregor MotorSport’s Designed Hi Performance Brake Calipers. The design details further reinforce McGregor MotorSport’s continued quest for improvements;
Aluminum Calipers
Aluminum Uprights
Aluminum Hubs
Rotors – slotted and drilled
Fully Certified
The expectations are that the new design will be 60% lighter and 70% more efficient! Of course I have accepted the offer and look forward to seeing the finished Anodized Aluminum Units with the McGregor MotorSport name and logo machined into them.
Well done team!
