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What is the 2B
[Or, dietary tips for Sierras]

The Build Diary
['99 - Aug. '00]
[ Aug - Nov. '00]
[December '00]
[Early Jan '01]
[January '01]
[February '01]
[March '01]
[April '01]
[May '01]
[June '01]
[July '01]

The SVA
[Did my 2B pass?]

On The Road
[Whats it like then?]
[And now it's been improved!]

New for 2003
[Suspension Mods]

New for 2002
[Engine Mods]
[Fuel Filler]
[Custom Instuments]
[Rear Shocks]

Tricks & Tips
[including do as I say, not as I did!]

Major Problems
[Or how to talk to the Manufacturer]

So you think you've got problems?

Gallery
[Or,some necessary light relief!]

Wifes View
[Or, are you coming out of that garage....]

Links
[Other maniacs who have tried this]

About the Authors
[If you are really bored...]

March 2001 - Photos to Follow

Now that the steering is all in place, I had to put the exhaust manifold in at this time, I found I needed to put the driver's side on, as it wouldn't be possible afterwards. This fits ok, with just a little bit of judicious pruning here and there to centralise it. More paint removed from those wishbones again! The side gets a nice curve at the rear, so I covered it with cardboard to help stop it getting damaged in the meantime.

Next up were the brake lines and hoses, no probs' here, although the hoses RHE supply in the extra kit are stock god knows what and don't specifically fit the Sierra or 2b in my case, they are ok, if a bit long on the front. Another good reason to stick with the basic kit methinks, the local motor shop can probably find you some to fit at least as well. These are all P clipped into place every 6" or so, and anywhere it's liable to rub, I've put tubing over it, the old washer tube from the donor is ideal.

Detail showing fuel lines, brake pipes and some wiring loosely in place

Fuel lines followed, and this is a bit of a question on the 2b. Normally you'd expect them to go on the outside of the car, alongside a chassis member to keep them safe in the event of an accident. The 2b has a flat bottom, so putting them there is asking for fuel all over the shop if you run over a kerb. You can't put them in the car unless BBQ'd occupants are your thing either. I have decided to run mine up the tunnel as a compromise, and again they are P clipped every 6". If you are reading this and think that this is going to be a problem with the sva, please email me and let me know. I have used metal pipes for this bit so there is no danger of a leak, and they have rubber anti vibe mountings to avoid fractures/chaffing. Rubber hoses with spiral wrap hook everything up and unfailingly remind me of that cult movie….
"THIS IS>>>SPIRAL WRAP!"
Cue loud guitars etc
Sorry. Actually it is convoluted tubing but that wouldn't have been so funny (? - Ian).

The fuel regulator/separator unit has gone on the chassis to the left of the engine, roughly where Ford wanted it to be.

Decided to fit the passenger side and nose cone infil panels, again no hassle, again covered in cardboard to stop knocks, thank you Asda. Also took the opportunity to draw some flames up the side in marker pen, very tasteful it is too! This of course could be the budget alternative to carbon fibre (Cardboard-Fibre!).

Whilst fiddle-arsing (lovely phrase I think) around with bodywork I put the dash in and sorted the Sierra instruments which mount in the middle. I will add a rev counter after the sva as the Sierra was an L and has very basic instruments. Being a base model does mean that the wiring loom is relatively simple with no rubbish for electric windows/knob warmers etc which will simplify (?) the wiring job which is coming soon.

A final word on those wheels. I borrowed a 15" Mondeo item with a 205/55 tyre and the offset was worse than the Sierra ones (both 6" rims), and the best fit so far is the RHE alloy. I still think it is crap to need so much spacing, but there you go. Most of the probs' I have had have been due to a naffly jigged chassis, so you hopefully won't need to get so stressed as I have at times! RHE have just announced a £300 pound option for, guess what, a double wishbone front end! Why the hell it never came that way in the first place is beyond me, but if you're buying a 2b, then get it, that's my advice.

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