CRAFTY PLATES
I would like to offer your members a 20% discount at www.CraftyPlates.com -
this would be accessed by way of discount code. We manufacture all sizes of Car
and Motorcycle show plates, and have a large amount of fonts and badges to
offer.
Liz Pennington, CraftyPlates
Please remember to give your membership number when ordering.
JOHN LIGHT - F.R.A.
I will introduce my company and myself; I am John Light, the proprietor of
F.R.A. Fast Road Automobiles. We are currently introducing a range of spares /
accessories and service for the MR2 MK1.
In the mid 80s with the introduction of the MR2 it quickly became one of my
schoolboy dream sports car with posters alongside the Ferrari and Porsche. But
this is the sports car that one day I could afford. Being involved in the
building of Tony Bell’s Rallycross MK1 MR2 in the late 80s further fuels my
interest in the model. Unfortunately I have worked on many but have never had
the opportunity to own one, in the late 80s early 90s I could not afford one and
when in a position to afford one could not justify a two-seater.
In January 2005 I was looking for a car that could be used as company demo
for track days and shows. I started looking through various motoring sales
publications and was shocked at the low prices for the MK1 MR2, the car filled
all the criteria a sports car, gaining classic status, with reasonable
performance and can be modified to further improve performance. The search was
on for a suitable car; looking on Ebay, an 88 T bar came up, advertised for
spares or repair but with tax and test, I used the “buy it now” feature and
purchased the car. The only problem - the car is near London and I am in the
northeast, I made arrangements for collection and set off to collect the car,
not knowing what to expect or if I would make the journey in the car or on a
recovery truck. On collection the car looked rough round the edges but seemed
mechanically sound, we set off for the journey back, the car ran superb, an
ideal base for restoration and modification.
I have spent a lot of time researching and looking for suppliers for modified
components for the MK1 MR2, coming up with the same problem, performance parts
seemed to be more popular in the States, and a number of parts from the major
brand tuners were now not available. With these findings I realised that they
must be owners in the same position and started sourcing suppliers for the
continued supply of required components. The components could be tested and
further developed on my car.
The car and modifications to date
The car has changed, I was offered an accident damaged 87 coupe, the car had
light front damage but the overall condition interior, floor, sills etc. is
excellent. The car has been purchased and is now the basis for the new demo car.
The modifications fitted to the car and in development, are aimed at increasing
performance rather than looks, but that’s not saying a component designed for
function cannot have some style. As much as possible weight will be reduced,
although this is still an everyday road car and needs to be reasonably
comfortable, so glass and interior trim will remain intact. As with all
modifications to a vehicle this is personal taste and no two will be the same.
The suspension has been rebuilt, GAZ has produced us a set of coilovers,
giving adjustable damping (top adjustable) 2.25 id springs with adjustable
spring seats. The top mounts have been replaced with TDR items. The anti roll
bars mountings have needed relocating, new brackets have been fabricated, and
fixed with rose joints allowing easy adjustment. The front is fitted with the
Toyota strut brace; the rear uses our own strut brace. All suspension has been
stripped cleaned repainted and fitted with Poly Flex Bushes.
The brakes have been upgraded, as agent for Rotor Discs I have used standard
size and fitment Rotor Discs on the rear. The front discs have been increased to
285mm Rotor Discs. The calipers on the front have been replaced with the
Willwood alloy 4 pot with lug mounting with suitable fixing brackets, the rear
calipers are standard but fully rebuilt. The standard bias valve has been
removed and replaced with an internal mounted adjustable valve from Willwood;
all hoses have been replaced with braided items and new handbrake cables fitted.
Engine modifications have been kept to a minimum at the moment. The exhaust
has been replaced with our own design; I wanted a race look - a single pipe exit
in a realistic pipe size designed for performance rather than looks. Currently
using the standard manifold, the exhaust features a stainless steel pipe feeding
an aluminium re-packable silencer. The weight saving over the standard system is
substantial; I am also working to source or manufacture a tubular manifold. The
air filter has been replaced with a Pipercross item. We are currently developing
an air scoop for forced cold air induction. I had purchased an air scoop but the
fit is rubbish, when I tried to reshape I found the two halves in GRP had been
bonded with body filler. The air scope has now been used as a pattern, cut and
reshape to fit, when I have a suitable fit for the pattern a mould will be taken
to produce components that fit. The car will probably run for now with Nitrous
Oxide to allow testing of the forced air induction system before switching the
throttle body set-up.
The interior has been fitted with reclining bucket type seats, and fixings
for harness belts, our own quick shift, and a Sparco steering wheel. The new
seats give a lower seating position and hold better giving more feel and still
allowing easy access.
For the exterior I have kept the modifications limited. I prefer the standard
shape and colours, but this is personal taste. We have produced the engine cover
and front spoiler form Carbon Fibre and laminated Carbon Fibre on to the side
skirts. The remaining body has had new front wings, rear wheel arches, and the
car is currently under going a full re-spray due for completion any time.
If you are interested in any of the above, please don’t hesitate to contact
us, we are also stocking standard service items, I will do my best to keep
enough stock but you may need to bear with me as I am unsure of demand and stock
levels may not be correct. The demo car will be available in December; you are
welcome to call for a test drive. Opening is limited up to 23rd December due to
offsite work commitments, please telephone for opening. We will be open over
Christmas if you are in the area please call in. I welcome the chance to meet
club members.
JOHN LIGHT
Found on German website 27.50 euros. http://www.toyota-heaven.de/1106100.htm
WARNING: THESE ARE NOT MR2 ARCHES, MERELY SIMILAR
Quality Real Leather Gear Gaiters
For MK1 and MK2 MR2's
Top stitching available in the following colours:
Black, White, Red, Aqua, Yellow and Grey.
Other colours on request.
£12 inc p&p in UK (additional charges for overseas)
Please e-mail geargaiters@hotmail.co.uk for
further details.
Paypal and personal cheques accepted.
Tailor made replacement T-bar storage
bags
made from synthetic leather/suede. Replacement coin tray inserts for MK 1B - with an additional
insert for under the cubby box at the rear of the console.
£12 including UK postage.
Available in red, black or electric blue suede
Ben Gray, Edinburgh Imports, 01620 850722 imports superchargers
MR2 MK1 skin sills Length-50 inch For 1985-1989 £50 Each side
£12 Delivered. Can Deliver Anywhere. Negotiable delivery abroad. david.mallinson2@tiscali.co.uk
As you know, the mechanics of modifying the later Mk1's so that just the
bumper lights come on when the sidelights are selected instead of the main
headlights popping up as well, has been published on several websites and
forums. I have set up a webpage:- http://homepage.ntlworld.com/kelvin.pope/docs/MR2/mr2.html
where I am offering to make a neater job of the modification and also clean and
check the relay at the same time. I am charging £10 for this service (plus
P&P) which covers the quality components used and my time (about 30 minutes
for each one). I warranty my work for 6 months and it's all properly soldered
and heatshrinked etc. As per Paul Woods, I'm not looking to make money, just
cover costs. Kelvin Pope.
I have been asked by several Canadian and U.S owners to make up Decal Sets
for cars being repainted. I make the decals in several colour combinations as
well as the 'Supercharged' sets. Please note these are not identical to the
original factory decals but are very close. A complete 5 piece set is $25. U.S.
and is mailed with installation instructions. I am also the President of the
Canadian MR2 Club. Glen Aldridge prosignservices@yahoo.ca
Delta Oil Ltd. Market Overton Industrial Estate. Rutland, Leicestershire LE15
7PP Tel: 01572 768311 Fax: 01572 768249 info@redlineoil.co.uk
22nd January 2004 - AUTO RECLAIM LTD., are breaking a red MK1. Common Road,
Stafford. Tel 211733/222552. 07831 653689
Fast/Heavy Street Use - Brake well from cold - Effective to above 650°C - Low
dust formula
Triple award winning EBC Greenstuff pads are now available in an upgraded
AF44/78 formulation for most European cars, again ECE R-90 compliant, yet the
new formulation offers higher thermal conductivity and therefore reduces
incidents of brake judder, better cold braking and better wear life over
previous EBC green formulations. EBC Greenstuff is an excellent fast A road pad
for all road legal cars, but is not for track day use. MR2 front uses DP2453
Kbox supply MR2 MK1 Seal Kits such as: Fuel Injector O-rings,
Distributor O-rings, Oil Filter Sandwich/Housing Assembly Seal Repair Kits,
Radiator Drain Cock and bleeder valve seals, Water Pump O-rings, Complete OEM
Gasket and Seal Overhaul Kits, light assembly gaskets, Side Skirt Rubber Trim
Kits, T-bar Replacement Seals, and lots more.
WOLF PANELS MR2 MK1 (1985-89)
£30 + postage
C.M
Fabrications, 8/9 Hays Lane, Mixenden, Halifax, HX2 8UL. 01422 244585 07778
291728
