I've bought my Zero!!

So, on Saturday 23rd July, GBS hosted an open day at their base in Newark. Mike & I drove up to take a look round, armed with my list of questions and a small shopping list! I managed to get all the answers I needed to make up my mind on which options to go with and then placed my order - roll on 6 weeks.

It was good to see the workshop, we managed to have a good look round some of the part built cars which gave us a few ideas on the build plan. It also helped me make up my mind on a few options, like the dash, the rear diffuser and really just a feel for the car. After getting some good advice from the guys at GBS, I will be ditching my EFI injection unit and opting for a standard Sierra carb. Once its on the road I can then upgrade it as I wish.

After ordering the kit, Keith took both of out on a test drive. All I can say is that I cannot wait until my car it built, the drive was amazing!

I've continued with the Sierra destruction, the rear diff is now free and the handbrake is almost out. I've been making slow progress but I want to make sure I manage to get hold of everything for the kit, for eBay and then rest to free is go to scrap.

Further demise of the Sierra

Work has continued on the Sierra since the weekend, despite the continuous rain. Following the successful removal of the engine and gear box the 3 of us have been working on removing the rest of the front end. This week we have seen the removal of the lower steering column/control, roll bar, front shocks and hub control arms. The only real issue encountered is that the wheels are still secured to the hubs by some horrible locking wheel nuts!

Over the initial weekend my brother had managed to remove the bolts securing the differential however it had not dropped out from the car as expected, on further investigation is seems to be secured by the tow bar which is still attached to the car. The job to remove this has been parked until another time; instead we managed to begin removing the rear sub frame and shocks. Again the wheels are held on by the locking wheel nuts, I don't have the keys! As soon as the tow bar is removed the rear end should drop out for removal.

 

Other jobs left, remove the ECU, engine wiring loom and handbrake. Oh and maybe mop up some of the oil I've leaked onto the drive. The removal of the tow bar will be made easier by the donation of a workshop mechanics trolley.

 

This weekend I'm off to GBS with Mike, the aim is to get answers to my long list of questions and make a final decision on the kit options. Ultimate aim is to make an order but I want to make sure my kit package is right for me.

Death to the Sierra

So I've taken the plunge and decided to build my first kit car, a GBS Zero. I've got my Sierra donor, not exactly pretty to look at but should be ideal for the build; 2 litre pinto and no obvious leaks.

I've enlisted the help of my mate Mike and my brother Jordan to help strip the car. The initial plan was to get all major components out in one day; however after a slow start due to the need to build some rain proof gazebos we finally got stuck in.








Progress was hampered by the constant back and forth to the dry garage for tools but soon we had the steering column removed and engine disconnected. After removing the gear box mount we went for the 1st lift attempt - no joy. It was all stuck, over the next few hours we would try loosening up the rear diff, attempting to move the prop shaft, but nothing would help. In the end we had to unattach the gear box. Finally the engine came out, quickly followed by the gearbox.







Final few tasks of the day included removing the remainder of the steering column and various other components from the front axle. Still a fair chunk to go but a good day (despite the rain!).