Skoda Rally Blog

OK, no ‘progress’ report last week, and for the simple reason that I had ‘a bit of an accident’ so I couldn’t type. Actually I couldn’t do a lot last Sunday.

But there has been progress of a sort. When you’re under the cosh and not getting the job you’re doing done, what’s the best thing to do?

That’s right, kids, take on another one!

Yes, I’ve bought another car. Now this might sound like the plan of an idiot, but there is some logic behind it. I’ve bought a brand new shell with a weld-in cage, a donor car, a group A engine on Weber management, some proflex (in need of a rebuild), sumpguard and 2″ exhaust.

Now, you might think “what has he done this for?”, but it’s fairly simple. The pistons looked not to be arriving, and that would have meant I’d have been back to running a standard engine, which would have sucked. So, the idea is to build R477 KRU using the engine I’ve just bought (but running a standard inlet manifold to be Group A legal), and use this for Rally GB, and probably the Sunseeker ’08 too. After that, build the other car, and sell one or the other to recoup the investment. It’s obviously a lot of work, but it was that or do WRGB on a standard engine, and that wouldn’t have been much fun on the hills.

So, I’ve spent a day getting the donor car and then stripping it (240 mile round trip, plus 5 hours from start to finish getting the car down to a bare – and I mean bare) shell, and it being removed. This Tuesday will be another trip, this time to pick up the brand new shell (by putting the suspension from the donor car on to keep it rolling), and then putting the doors/screen/etc into the new shell so it’s a rolling shell and not too much of a mare.

But back to the build – some progress has been made – front and rear suspension is now on, the handbrake works, the tankguard is made and fitted, the cutoff plate is made (just need some screws and it can be fitted), and the pulls for the extinguisher are fitted. Radiator and headlights are back in, and most of the loom is now re-plugged. I’m told my gearbox will be here this week, but then I’ve heard that for the last two. Fortunately I have next week off, so I should be able to get it all together, running, MOTd and maybe even logbooked. If not, I’m screwed, ‘cos we’re confirmed as running on WRGB.

Today I’ve also painted the front and rear bumpers, something that I was quoted ?160 for doing. And I managed it using about ?5 worth of paint, and in about 45 minutes, in my garden. Yes, really.

Oh, the title of this refers to the fact that up until about midday today, this week has been a complete disaster. I’ve got lots of work-related trouble (none of it my own doing), and everything just seems to be going wrong.

Any offers of help, money or sympathy will be received with pleasure at djaychela (at) hotmail (dot) com.