37
« on: March 18, 2010, 21:46:38 »
Hi all
As some of you know, I decided to get a little closer to the grass-roots of track-days in September last year. Or more to the point, to slide across the grass (tearing up a few roots in the process) and 'kiss the wall' rather firmly whilst strapped into my car. The result was a slightly re-decorated Cobra. Well, they do say that one way to improve performance is to remove weight - something that was achieved rather efficiently a few split moments after my departure from the racing line (mid-way through Tower Corner at Castle Coombe race circuit, to be precise).
That was 11th September 2009, and since then I've been busy getting it all back together again. To date, I've not put anything onto the forum as I myself found some of the challenges a little painful. At times I did wonder if I would get it back up and running, but now that the light at the end of the tunnel is in sight, I thought it only fair to share my experience with other CRS owners.
Importantly, I believe that this is the first CRS to be 'properly' damaged and subsequently repaired. Call me the guinea-pig. I know of one other car that was written off and another that had some minor damage remedied, but nothing like what I've been through. Corrections welcome if I've missed anything.
To sum up the experience to date, ignoring some very long hours spent in the garage / sourcing bits & pieces, I can confirm getting one of these cars repaired to 'original' standard is not that hard. Cost does play a role, but the key highlight has been getting the carbon fibre body repaired back to original state, thus preserving it's integrity (structurally and figuratively).
The body was repaired by a brilliant company called Modena Group up in High Wycombe. Before finding them, I spoke with various other specialists who claimed to be able to fix carbon, but nobody was able to assure me that the end result would be an unblemished, structurally intact shell. This in itself led to me considering putting a kirkham body on my AC chassis, noting however that this would have significant implications on provenance etc. First prize was always going to be getting the car back on the road as an intact 'CRS'.
Before I delve into the detail of the repairs, it's worth noting that nothing that has been achieved over the last 6 months could have been done without the help and support of a number of people, both within and outside the club.
There is a very long list of contributors, but key people to mention for their continued support and involvement throughout the rebuild include Alan Faulkner-Stevens, Keith Lessiter, Alex and Alec at Thunder Road and Matthew Feltham. Others who helped get me started with good advice and assistance include Andy Shephard, Clive Robertson, John Lewis. Many thanks to Bertie Gilbart-Smith and Equity Redstar for sorting out my insurance payout. And last but not least, a special mention to Ian Wyatt who kindly towed my car back to London on his trailer, leaving me to follow behind him in his absolutely beautiful MKIV Lightweight. A very brave man indeed who hands over his keys to a recent crash victim, but Ian selflessly made the offer without the slightest hesitation or comment. To everyone else that has sent me emails / called me wishing me well, thank you. I am sure that you'll forgive me for not mentioning you all in person, but your support and kind words were much appreciated.
Show Posts
