Build is now well underway to get the Marlin on the road. Since original purchase by my Uncle back in the early 1990's the chassis has spent its time in barns and latterly stood on axle stands out in the elements. Due to work commitments, a young family and wanting to finally get the car on the road I have enlisted the help of Andy at the Scottish Kit Car Centre based in East Lothian not far from Edinburgh. Andy is keeping a comprehensive build diary on their Facebook page accessed via their website www.scottishkitcarcentre.com
While I was still at university we worked on the project together stripping an 1800 Marina he had managed to source locally in Appleby (Cumbria) and got to first panel fit before jobs and generally time got in the way. Sadly my Uncle passed away in April 2014 - over Christmas 2013 we had still been talking about "getting the Marlin on the road". The build is in many ways in memory of him with a few modern tweaks. Having been a civil engineer all parts were easy to find and therefore the kit is still complete although donor mechanics are generally being upgraded.
Specification:
- 2.0l Zetec black-top uprated to Stage 3 fast road spec (200 bhp) with lightened flywheel, 42mm throttle bodies, Emerald ECU with push-button start
- Recon M75 gearbox
- Recon diff
- Chassis mods:
~Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) - same spec as Andy's own SKC Raptor kits
~Fabricated transmission tunnel & pedal mounts
~Zetec engine mounts
~Alloy sheet floor
~Side exit competition exhaust
Build timeline:
Dec 2015:
- Engine and gearbox fitted
- Alloy floor bonded and riveted
- Build up of rear IRS
Mar - Nov 2015:
- Chassis fabrications
- Chassis media blast and power coat in midnight blue
- Gearbox and transmission recon
Jan 2015:
-Delivery to SKC for initial assessment & IRS measurements
1994 - 2014:
- Chassis and panels stored in various barns with chassis latterly stood on axle stands outside
1994:
- Chassis sandblast, etch prime and paint in Marine Blue
1991:
Kit bought from Marlin and transported by hire van to Cumbria
While I was still at university we worked on the project together stripping an 1800 Marina he had managed to source locally in Appleby (Cumbria) and got to first panel fit before jobs and generally time got in the way. Sadly my Uncle passed away in April 2014 - over Christmas 2013 we had still been talking about "getting the Marlin on the road". The build is in many ways in memory of him with a few modern tweaks. Having been a civil engineer all parts were easy to find and therefore the kit is still complete although donor mechanics are generally being upgraded.
Specification:
- 2.0l Zetec black-top uprated to Stage 3 fast road spec (200 bhp) with lightened flywheel, 42mm throttle bodies, Emerald ECU with push-button start
- Recon M75 gearbox
- Recon diff
- Chassis mods:
~Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) - same spec as Andy's own SKC Raptor kits
~Fabricated transmission tunnel & pedal mounts
~Zetec engine mounts
~Alloy sheet floor
~Side exit competition exhaust
Build timeline:
Dec 2015:
- Engine and gearbox fitted
- Alloy floor bonded and riveted
- Build up of rear IRS
Mar - Nov 2015:
- Chassis fabrications
- Chassis media blast and power coat in midnight blue
- Gearbox and transmission recon
Jan 2015:
-Delivery to SKC for initial assessment & IRS measurements
1994 - 2014:
- Chassis and panels stored in various barns with chassis latterly stood on axle stands outside
1994:
- Chassis sandblast, etch prime and paint in Marine Blue
1991:
Kit bought from Marlin and transported by hire van to Cumbria
Comment