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App K FIA parts and group purchases

PostPosted: Thu Mar 22, 2018 8:30 am
by Frogelan
Good morning all,

I have noticed that we are very good collectively on this excellent Forum in comparing / sharing information which is very positive.

I have a fairly long list of parts that I need to buy for my 1965 S2 (GTS/26R App K) in order to go rallying / racing and I wondered if folks at a similar stage might like to club together to buy certain parts from certain suppliers.

I'm not talking about readily available parts but more expensive items where in return for a longer production run a lower price could be discussed, for example:

- latest FIA approved roll cages (Andy Robinson (welded up) / Kelvedon (welded and unboltable)
- Tillett race seats
- Bag type fuel tanks (I would not feel safe with even a foam filled aluminium tank in the boot of an Elan).
- Race manifold with a quiet exhaust that actually fits without being fettled or looking like a Cuban cigar from the rear!
- Avon tyres

The easiest case would be for say Tillett seats, perhaps if we we able to place an order of 10, Tillett might be able to make an effort (I have not asked the question).

Ideas ?

Re: App K FIA parts and group purchases

PostPosted: Thu Mar 22, 2018 9:07 am
by nmauduit
Hello Andrew,

I'm also planning to order some bulky parts (cage etc.) this year, though because of the specifics of racing and personal taste it may not be easy to find a substancial set of people ordering identical parts... My choice for the cage will be the lightest FIA compliant I can get or just about. For seats I have not put much thoughts into it yet, as it can be done at the very end and I'm still early (very!) in the build.

My first thought was that the easiest thing that could be split might be freight, since we're not that far apart?
I'm also considering a trip round the UK with a van to collect parts, but I'm still unsure of when (there are also engine parts that I'm still waiting on, long story) but before the summer I hope...

Re: App K FIA parts and group purchases

PostPosted: Thu Mar 22, 2018 9:48 am
by Frogelan
For the roll cage, I am only interested in one of the latest spec ones, as those proposed by the firms not mentioned have not been destruction tested recently. They are 4 to 8 times the price of the others (but this does include specialised installation avoiding bricolage avec la perceuse...

I know that the Robinson and Kelvedon cages are at least 8 kg heavier, but, having had the feed back from race prep folk who have seen the results of the Robinson cage "tested" in real life by a Motor Sport journalist (so not just by MIRA) it is worthwhile.

I would prefer to do even more running to personally drop the 8kg rather than to take risks!

For seats, these have to be bought at the last minute as they have a (ridiculously) short work life. The Tillet seats seem good, although I am tempted to see if the cannot do something more appropriate for an Elan.

Am happy to assist with transport, just note that my "shopping utility van" is a Z4... :D

Re: App K FIA parts and group purchases

PostPosted: Thu Mar 22, 2018 12:35 pm
by 661
I'm in the same boat and happy to chat as and when, however as you to elude to, the expiry dates of components is a good incentive to buy last minute and our builds will no doubt be at differing stages.
I too fancy the Robinson cage and have spoken to Raceworks ( and AR direct) however the 'issues' with the TTR safety devices cage would appear to stem from the fact 'it' was a roll over loop rather than a fully braced cage that had the trouble. Mike at Ricketts uses the full cage and braces in extra places.(pretty sound recommendation, therefore)
The Kelvedon cage I need to look at in more detail but seems to be a middle man between the other two. Custom cages have one too and I suspect that's Ian Ford's cage.
It would be nice to stiffen the chassis without writing off the chassis and bodyshell with a modest knock(potential pitfall of the AR cage).
I need to sit in the new B6 Tillett to check my non-racing snake hips will fit.

Re: App K FIA parts and group purchases

PostPosted: Thu Mar 22, 2018 12:52 pm
by Frogelan
The Elan that crashed at Spa has the Raceworks/AR cage. I did not see the crash but saw the mess. It involved a head on crash with armco as the brakes failed, I think at Brussels 1.

The driver (the chap who has recently been showing off the "same" 26R on YouTube!) was most relieved that he did not leave his feet behind! The RW/AR cage has quite a low front cross bar under the dash. This can apparently be raised.

I'm looking forward to see the Kelvedon cage which is apparently very tough and can be unbolted at the top to allow greater non FIA use!

The other cages on the market seem to have been designed in the 1990's and I would not personally touch them even if they are cheaper (excluding installation).

For the seats, I was considering buying 2 Tilletts in 2019.