Meet Ralph - 1970 ST project
Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2021 10:01 am
Hi There,
Finally getting around to starting this project that I’ve had stored for the past few years.
In the past I’ve mostly restored minis as well as a MK 1 MG midget, about 5 years ago I finally finished restoring a 1275GT, drove around in it for a few months and although I loved it, ultimately it wasn’t a usable car for me for real trips out on todays roads. Similar story for my MK1 midget that I finished at about the same time. eBay assisted clear out resulted in garage space......
mini by richard cannings, on Flickr
midget by richard cannings, on Flickr
The answer…. a 1987 3.2 Carrera, now track car lightened with full weld in cage.
Rolf by richard cannings, on Flickr
I still have this and although the are a few jobs to do its basically finished. Engine is standard, rebuilt by Nick Fulljames. Also done bits to the suspension such as Monoballs and strut brace but still need to lower and sort the geo but seems much more responsive after the rebuild and weight loss.
This seemed like the answer to everything but not long we got it had a trip to Le Mans Classic and fell in love with these cars, I’d never even heard of an ST.
yellow st by richard cannings, on Flickr
yellow st by richard cannings, on Flickr
So I came up with plan, prices of early seemed to keep rising so buy before they went up any more and store.
Imagine my partners joy when this arrived. It’s a 1970 T without sunroof originally Sepia Brown that originates from Oregon. Car came complete with 1969 T engine and 5 speed 901 box of unknown origin. Smashed windscreen, missing panels and RSR arches with 7 inch wheels complete the look.
2021-02-19_09-25-38 by richard cannings, on Flickr
2021-02-19_09-26-20 by richard cannings, on Flickr
Original plan was build an ST as authentically as possible, getting Nick to build a 2.3 twin plug from the engine that came with the car. Over time I started to rethink the plan. As the car will be used for weekends away and euro trips, I realised that I should be building the car with the intended use in mind.
So sold the 69 engine and managed to get hold of a 3.0 SC 930/10 engine which seemed more appropriate. Idea is to do all the usual ST mods, Steel arches, centre fill, roll bar but with a more appropriate engine and the odd luxury hidden away like electric air con.
I’ve decided to approach this build in a more structured way than I’ve done before with defined project phases and timescales for the initial ones.
Phase 1 - Mostly planning and prep work.
Phase 2 - Aim is to end up with a fully restored bodyshell and panels with all ST modifications carried out. Shell and panels painted with panels fitted.
Phase 3 - Aim is fully assemble, resulting in a drivable road legal car. Car will have minimal interior and external fittings. This will be dependant on engine and gearbox condition which are currently unknown.
Phase 4 - The goal will be a final finished car. This stage will be going through list of things that will be done based on priority, time and cost. Examples include engine, gearbox rebuild. Update of electronics to improve reliability, Electric air conditioning.
Phase 5 - Releasing that it will never truly be finished this will include the hunt for an original 10K tacho, suspension modifications etc.
I’ve also done a schedule for a restoration for the first time. Started on Monday 15th Feb, Phase 2 to be completed on 6th June…….. maybe.
Rich
Finally getting around to starting this project that I’ve had stored for the past few years.
In the past I’ve mostly restored minis as well as a MK 1 MG midget, about 5 years ago I finally finished restoring a 1275GT, drove around in it for a few months and although I loved it, ultimately it wasn’t a usable car for me for real trips out on todays roads. Similar story for my MK1 midget that I finished at about the same time. eBay assisted clear out resulted in garage space......
mini by richard cannings, on Flickr
midget by richard cannings, on Flickr
The answer…. a 1987 3.2 Carrera, now track car lightened with full weld in cage.
Rolf by richard cannings, on Flickr
I still have this and although the are a few jobs to do its basically finished. Engine is standard, rebuilt by Nick Fulljames. Also done bits to the suspension such as Monoballs and strut brace but still need to lower and sort the geo but seems much more responsive after the rebuild and weight loss.
This seemed like the answer to everything but not long we got it had a trip to Le Mans Classic and fell in love with these cars, I’d never even heard of an ST.
yellow st by richard cannings, on Flickr
yellow st by richard cannings, on Flickr
So I came up with plan, prices of early seemed to keep rising so buy before they went up any more and store.
Imagine my partners joy when this arrived. It’s a 1970 T without sunroof originally Sepia Brown that originates from Oregon. Car came complete with 1969 T engine and 5 speed 901 box of unknown origin. Smashed windscreen, missing panels and RSR arches with 7 inch wheels complete the look.
2021-02-19_09-25-38 by richard cannings, on Flickr
2021-02-19_09-26-20 by richard cannings, on Flickr
Original plan was build an ST as authentically as possible, getting Nick to build a 2.3 twin plug from the engine that came with the car. Over time I started to rethink the plan. As the car will be used for weekends away and euro trips, I realised that I should be building the car with the intended use in mind.
So sold the 69 engine and managed to get hold of a 3.0 SC 930/10 engine which seemed more appropriate. Idea is to do all the usual ST mods, Steel arches, centre fill, roll bar but with a more appropriate engine and the odd luxury hidden away like electric air con.
I’ve decided to approach this build in a more structured way than I’ve done before with defined project phases and timescales for the initial ones.
Phase 1 - Mostly planning and prep work.
Phase 2 - Aim is to end up with a fully restored bodyshell and panels with all ST modifications carried out. Shell and panels painted with panels fitted.
Phase 3 - Aim is fully assemble, resulting in a drivable road legal car. Car will have minimal interior and external fittings. This will be dependant on engine and gearbox condition which are currently unknown.
Phase 4 - The goal will be a final finished car. This stage will be going through list of things that will be done based on priority, time and cost. Examples include engine, gearbox rebuild. Update of electronics to improve reliability, Electric air conditioning.
Phase 5 - Releasing that it will never truly be finished this will include the hunt for an original 10K tacho, suspension modifications etc.
I’ve also done a schedule for a restoration for the first time. Started on Monday 15th Feb, Phase 2 to be completed on 6th June…….. maybe.
Rich