What to buy .......
First things first. Having decided on A-Series power with an auto box I had to find one! Enter Ebay ! After afew days searching and a few lost auctions, for various reasons, I came across a likely candidate a 1275 A+ Metro engine, complete and in good nick with about 47k on the clock. All for the princely sum of 200 smackeroos.
One Metro engine of the A+ Series variety.1275 cc.
So .... now to find an auto subframe. Not so easy --- seems rocking horse pooh is common by comparison. However, Thunderace to the rescue once more. He suggested making our (his) own subframe, which would have several advantages over the stock item. It would be far lighter, a darn sight better looking and will allow the use of any running gear and hubs (therefore wheels) we wish. We can also lower the engine so it doesn't sit so proud and tilt it if needed.
Also got my hands on a metro auto gear selector and linkage. The cable is just a "push pull" job, so should be easy to site the selector mechanism anywhere within easy reach.
More metro stuff, mentioned again later on ... Mk 2 radiator, again, courtesy of eBay, Thermostat housing is from a Midget, as it conveniently faces the other way.
As also mentioned later on the alternator will be a Paris-Rhone unit, designed for the 2CV, from Bill Gale's 2CV Workshop in Southport.
Also got my hands on a metro auto gear selector and linkage. The cable is just a "push pull" job, so should be easy to site the selector mechanism anywhere within easy reach.
More metro stuff, mentioned again later on ... Mk 2 radiator, again, courtesy of eBay, Thermostat housing is from a Midget, as it conveniently faces the other way.
As also mentioned later on the alternator will be a Paris-Rhone unit, designed for the 2CV, from Bill Gale's 2CV Workshop in Southport.
Wheels
For the front: 17" rim WM3 - ish in width (2.15"). I could go for either disc or drum. In the end I opted for a drum brake set up for several reasons, among them being: as we have the car drum brakes rearward, didn't need so much stopping power on the front (far too easy to lock up the front with potentially fatal consequences!!), and, basically, the "plumbing" would be simpler.
After much searching I found a 1966 Atlas hub and brake plate in excellent condition. As the rim was being supplied by Central Wheel Components (and despite being assured I could do it myself) I plumped for them to build the wheel around the hub for me, using SS spokes.
With the hub I got hold of a suitable spindle from the same bike.
After much searching I found a 1966 Atlas hub and brake plate in excellent condition. As the rim was being supplied by Central Wheel Components (and despite being assured I could do it myself) I plumped for them to build the wheel around the hub for me, using SS spokes.
With the hub I got hold of a suitable spindle from the same bike.
The wheel will sit between a pair of leading link Unit Sidecar forks. These were originally designed for a BMW R7 bike but will be modified as we don't need the caliper mounts. The forks will be held together with a set of Suzuki RM80 Yokes. Handle bars yet to be decided upon.
Yamaha RM 80 Yokes, from 1995 bike. These are the second set bought .... and I have already seen a third set I like the look of !! If they stay cheap, I'll get them ( good ol' eBay!).
The rears will be blessed with a set of these from Raceways of Donnington. 15" rims --- haven't decided on 8" or 10" yet .... will need a mortgage for the tyres !! Going to be a while before these get bought, so in the meantime, thanks to, Jason, a mate from Muddybuggies, it will roll in and out of the garage on a pair of old mini 12" wheels (sure to look odd, but be sort of mobile!).