This taught me the fundamental principles in vehicle mechanics, electrics and bodywork. I was only 16 when I started the 18 month course, so when I had passed my driving test, I was able to work on my Mini down at the workshop. The first major job I did on the Mini was to take the cylinder head off, the valves out and decoke it all. When it came to putting it back together, dave suggested double strength valve springs for better performance. With the head back on the block, the difference in acceleration was very noticable - I was pretty chuffed with my achievement!
Another of the big jobs I carried out was an entire braking system refurbishment. This involved replacing any worn or leaking pistons, and any worn brake shoes. The whole system was then bled and adjusted to ensure that there was no imbalances nearside and offside.
By now I was hankering after a job (needing money for some more ambitious mods on the Mini), and eventually Dave gave me the thumbs up! Working at Sussex Kit Cars made plenty of my 'Boy Racer' friends quite jelous, since almost all of the cars we build are pretty special.
The most gorgeous car by far is the AC Cobra replica - a Pilgrim Sumo. The photo shows me driving the beauty when it came in for its 12 month service! This is based on a Ford Sierra and has a Rover 3.5 litre V8 under the gigantic bonnet. The fantastic sound that those massive exausts make is something that *has* to be heard...ask anyone who has been in a V8 Cobra! The interior is all leather, including door panels, dashboard, and gear lever and handbrake gaiters. More soon...