Who has a Sylva Star?

[MaRkStar]

After five years I've finally got around to fitting the side screens, well one of them. It fits surprisingly well and would be even better were they not slightly warped due to age. Took a day to complete, mainly because the windscreen frame has had three sets of hinges over the years and the side screens are second hand too. The last set of hinges were chunky poor quality steel ones that had caused electrolytic corrosion and had to be drilled out, the new ones were stainless steel blanks which could be cut and drilled to size and shouldn't cause as much corrosion. Some pics posted below, as you can see the screens have some damage any suggestions as to the best material to repair the holes/damage? Next is to fit the side mirrors.

Cheers, Mark

[ENWOD]

Love the Stars in here - It's definitely looking nice that too Mark! Can you not just buy a fibre glass repair kit from e-bay and give it a go maybe? Or just some filler and sand?

I'm gonna try and sort out some side screens/doors for my Leader soon... It get's a tad windy haha.

[MaRkStar]

Hi Enwod

Thanks for the heads up on getting the holes filled etc.

I tell you what having now got both screens fitted and with mirrors, after 5 years or so of battling the elements I can't believe how different it is to drive, far more pleasurable! I used to wear some Davida WRS 74 goggles which incidentally I am not impressed with, so its a joy to go back to just wearing normal sunnies. Although I do miss the 360degree view, the top of the side screen is in my line of sight so a noticeable reduction in visibility, but far safer now with side mirrors when it comes to motorway driving.

Howz the Leader, did you get sprinting or track days with it?

FYI, when you come to put the screen on, I'd recommend putting the hinges on the inside (as in pic five) as you get a much tighter fit to the body work, I also used a magnet in the bottom right hand cornet as the screen vibrated annoyingly at speed.

Mark

[ENWOD]

Yeah - It's hard to imagine that they make that much difference but I've got a pair lying around and wanna chuck them on to hopefully help with the tornado inside the car when you go faster than 50. Will hurry it up now if you say it makes that much of a difference.

The leader is very close-ish to done (it's on the road at least and more than driveable) - just gotta polish it up a bit.

Not a bad accomplishment getting it on the road (considering I was only aiming to track it... Looked too much fun to resist though haha. It sailed through it's MOT (failed on some rubbers, replaced and passed later in the day - not bad considering it had sat, not moving for close to 3 years )

Haven't done one yet but I'm looking at going up to Woodbridge in August with my dad and having a blast - just wanna make sure it's up to it first and try to sort my trailer/tow bar out.


Would be good to see your Star(s) if you're attending any events etc? You're reasonably close to Colchester aren't you?

[rich201283]

Just to let you know how far ive got with my Sylva Star

I originally replaced the viva engine with a 2ltr Zetec (Silvertop) but i have since have had to change it due to low oil pressure

The new engine is a 2ltr Zetec Blacktop running bike carbs and megajolt.

Ive also bought a set of wellar wheels and powder coated them.

The latest project i have started is making a Hardtop for it



[img]http://locostbuilders.co.uk/upload/IMAG0488.jpg[/img

[MaRkStar]

Hows the hardtop design going any more pics on the progress or designs?
A number of hardtops have been fabricated, saw one on a Dax which worked really well and fitted the lines too.
Looking forward to seeing what it looks like.

I'm marking time with mine at the mo, moved to Medway and alas the house has a garage but is still full of the previous tenants stuff, so it's cramped up at my parents place, today's been just right for a blast too!

Mark

[MaRkStar]

Morning

Bought myself an early Christmas present this year. You may have seen it on fleBay
No chassis, only the body parts, including a windscreen frame, foot well, etc.
The front and rear tubs have never been fitted.
You ask why? Well knowing that if I ever was to have an not too major 'off' the panels for the Star are no longer around seeing the molds were cut up years ago.
So probably a one off chance and really a no brainer seeing I intend to keep the Star


I've only come across one other white Star
These panel still have the molding marks on them showing they've never been used etc.


Windscreen frame, drivers footwell molding and propshaft cover


Boot space flooring

Also, crossed fingers that the "garage" (if you can call it that) at the bottom of my garden, is due to be replaced by the landlord very soon. The plan is to knock it down and replace it with a wider more substantial version.





This will then enable me to start a complete strip and rebuild of the Star after 30 years it's a little tired. I've been sourcing various spares including a couple of front axles one off a Jensen for £5 which will be spares and this other one below which has already been refurbished including powder coated and poly-bushed. Bring it on, although don't tell my brother as I am supposed to finish his before starting mine . . .

[MaRkStar]

One day later and . . .

[MaRkStar]

Few pics to show where we're up to with the garage

[MaRkStar]

Progress below, roof trusses should be delivered later this week