1985 Restored Red Mk1a MR2 (now with pics)

[elbon50]

No when we fit a rear strut brace, the effects can be felt immediately

Have been wondering Paul, would a Mk2 rear strut brace fit directly onto a Mk1 without modification ?

[PW@Woodsport]

Two things, the inner pair of bolt holes would need opening up and the distance between the strut tops on a Mk1 is greater than a Mk2, so the brace wouldn't be long enough.

You could use the strut top plates i suppose, but the bar would need remaking, also the route it takes on a Mk2 may interfere with a 4a-ge or engine lid, each brace being different, you'd need to try for yourself really, but short answer no they won't work without modification.

[seankenyon]

Alas i mentioned the word "sale" hence posts removed, moving on...

A picture of the rear strut brace ive bought, it also came with a front brace too.

Its a bit of a DIY job, the strut bar is a machined piece of steel, its not too pretty but i planned on painting it black anyway

[PW@Woodsport]

That rear brace looks very much like the first strut brace i ever made about 12 years ago, they were a bit industrial to say the least.

[seankenyon]

Hmmm interesting what did you make the cross bar out of?

[PW@Woodsport]

If it's one of my old ones then that's a solid aluminium bar. It works but being one of the first efforts it has no finese.

Nice to see one of them still doing the rounds though.

[seankenyon]

Its definately solid because its a bit weighty, but all the more better The strut tower fittings are in very good condition though and look real solid!

[PW@Woodsport]

Yes it was certainly all built to last at the time, a bit agricultural compared to the ones we do today.

[seankenyon]

I like its simplicity

[elbon50]

Wonder if a front one could be modified to fit the back Paul

Looking at Sean's picture of the two together it looks possible to me

May offer my front one up on the rear

[PW@Woodsport]

No, that won't work, the front PCD is nothing like the rear.

[elbon50]

No, that won't work, the front PCD is nothing like the rear.

OK, thanks for that Paul

[seankenyon]

Update - removed the airbox so now its just the K&N, fitted the Woodsport Strut brace now ive painted it black, sorry the pic quality is poor - taken with my phone:





Next is the black Jimi bracket, i think with an engine bay clean it will look well balanced colour-wise

[seankenyon]

Update - ive cleaned the inside and outside of the car to an immaculate state after i fitted the new discs front & rear and the Black Diamond Predator brake pads all round - i have to say with the new wheels and brake setup its a more comfortable & confident ride

Fixed the dodgy wiring for the illumiations to the back of the heater controls and changed the relay for the heater fan control and all is well in the cockpit

Behold

[seankenyon]

P.S. Fitted a decent 2nd hand gear gaitor cover courtesy of Paul Sims and have since made my own stripes for the rear quarter panels pics to follow once ive finished the stripes

Oh and the pics of the lights are to show the high intensity Halfords bulbs on headlights and side lights, not bad eh

[boondougal]

looking great...