Bedford Autodrome anyone?

[Redrummo]

everything was going just fine until the last wheel - then the nipple snapped off!!

It didnt help that I couldnt get both front wheels off - The locking wheel nut on each has just about had it, i could push more but its bu88ered pretty much.

The wheel now has to come off (call in favour at local mechanic) and the nipple drilled out and replaced.

and it was going so good....................

[jonb-]

Is the broken nipple still holding in the fluid? Wouldn't be the end of the world driving on a 3/4 bled system.

By the way you never seem to do any work. What do you do

[Redrummo]

yeah broke clean off - didnt turn at all. Doubled checked.

no fluid. Was quite happy with myself that the brakes felt good! (DIY mechanics get much pleasure from the simplest tasks!)

If worse came to worse i think the hand brake operates the brakes using cables??

Me and work mmmmmmm. Small company + I can choose my hrs. I work late, finish early or weekends as needed.

[jonb-]

as long as it's not leaking you'll be fine.

Handbrake is cable driven as you said.

[Redrummo]

Job done, fluid changed and ready to go.

I got through the registration form, all points on the list are ok, I sweated a little when i saw min 4mm tread - quite alot i thought?

2 days to go...............and its still sunny here........... [-o<

[jonb-]

4mm?! Balls, i've not read them yet

Have to try and sneak that one through

[Redrummo]

I doubt they check every car on every point??

I'll interupt with a question as they get close to your tyres......

[jonb-]

I'll have at least 2 of the 18s with me if worse comes to worse! I'm hoping to fit all 4 in the car but i'm not quite sure how.

[Redrummo]

I read somewhere it can be done (maybe it was a tbar with panels out though cant remember) but thats alot of wheels to fit into a small car!

I guess, 1 in the front boot, 2 on the passenger seat then.......

[jonb-]

Might get 2 in the boot, just tie the boot closed.

Not sure an 18 will fit in the frunk

You fancy meeting at the usual place at 7am friday?

[Redrummo]

Might be easier to put the 15' in the car instead and wear the big'uns there?

Can i see how it goes on the morning? Im travelling from Dunstable (gotta sort some things - long story) and i am not the most reliable when trying to keep to a time! (esp from further away). I will aim to be there for 7 but if im running a little late your better off heading down.

[jonb-]

Crazy man, you're going to be up early! I know the dunstable run very well as i work over there, let me know how things are going by text - i'll be leaving here around 6.40 as i can imagine it's going to be an entertaining run over at that time

It might be easier to have the 15s in but there's not much in the rear rolling radius so i don't think it'll help. 18s are clean too and the inside of my car is mint

[Redrummo]

Tell me about it! and i am no early riser!

I got some ideas on how to work around what i gotta do, so hope will have better plan, will know for sure 2morrow.

I work right near Whipsnade Zoo. is that close to you?

Only thought is that i can take a wheel or 2 up for you in my Dads car (he is coming as passenger/spectator) if you can get it to me somehow? .

[jonb-]

I'll do a test fit tomorrow lunch time, if i run into problems i might run a wheel or two over to you in the evening if that's ok.

I don't think whipsnade is too close to us - i work just off j11 M1.

[Redrummo]

sure no problem, see how you get on, then we'll coordinate something, somehow.

[lower]

Is it the full GT circuit you're going on? You'll easily get through tank for fuel the day. I got through a tank and a half. Be aware that bedford is a brake eater as there are a couple of long straights with some tightish corners at the end so make sure you have sufficient pad.

Also don't get carried away doing to many laps one after the other or your brakes will just give up and fade to nothing.

I'm going with a nearly a tankfull. Recon i'll get through the lot if i do a lot of laps. Just hope my pads are up to the job though i've over an inch left.

Looks like it's going to rain though

[jonb-]

Hi Lower, thanks for the tips. It is the full GT circuit but it looks like it's going to be wet so that should give the brakes less of a workout. The mental plan is currently a warmup lap, maybe 2 or 3 in anger then warmdown and pit in 30 min cycles - of course that's likely to go out the window on the day

I've new discs and well over an 15mm of pads as they've only been on the car about 10 months so hopefully they'll last. I fully expect to have to change them afterwards though as my front discs are grooved now and will probably eat through the pads.

[Rogue]

Guys,

I'm not going to Bedford tomorrow... Have decided to go to Pod on Saturday (to spectate), and would like to do a bit prep work on my race car before testing it out (especially now I'm waiting for a set of yellow billies to arrive!).

However... I fully intend to be at the Donington day at the end of Feb, whether the cars at a reasonable state of prep or not!

Have a great time and shoot lots of video!

Cheers,

Rogue

[Redrummo]

Was thinking along the same lines. Will aim to do about 10-15mins tops i reckon. 3.6miles is a long lap i thinks.

Is it the full GT circuit you're going on? You'll easily get through tank for fuel the day. I got through a tank and a half. Be aware that bedford is a brake eater as there are a couple of long straights with some tightish corners at the end so make sure you have sufficient pad.

Better check where the local petrol station is then!

I dont have no video, only what i got on the digital. but will take plenty.

The rules say no in car camara/video, but im hopeing its ok for my passenger to take shots on the move??

[jonb-]