Honda S2000 Powered BMW 2002 in the Workshop!

Episode 206
We catch up on the latest from all the Retropower projects as well as taking a look at some of the amazing cars that people are entrusting us with at The Den for maintenance, detailing and upholstery work!
If you would like us to take care of your car please contact us via the website: www.thedenautom...
If you are interesting in commissioning a car project with Retropower, get in touch via the website www.retropower....

[@kiwihame]

Vintage Machines are just showing off... that's pure art. I'd be crying as I painted over that.

[@jerehada]

All with a wheel!

[@daboy12s]

@@jerehada not all

[@philippebacharan712]

Couldn’t get my attention off that beautiful rear of the E-type while Nats elaborate on wasabi, didn’t listen a word lol. This is a thing of beauty

[@-MacCat-]

Every single guy and what they do is mesmerising, admirable and absolutely of the best quality but what Richard does is such a mix of black art, experience, skill and pride that, to me, would the most daunting part of Retropowers masterpieces. Thanks to you all.

[@stevemcilroy.62]

Richard's explanation of upholstery and trim was a real eye opener. Kudos to him.

[@tonywall8393]

I love watching and listening to Richard - such expertise, such enthusiasm!

[@michaelscott4766]

A great channel showcasing great design and craftmanship which is made even better by the occasional gem like Nat's 'The end of the tunnel is really in sight not just a guy with a torch bringing more work' . Brilliant keep it up.

[@delewan]

The "S 2002" is an interesting thing for sure! I hope you do get to work on it as I'd love to see more of it! As I'm sure you guys know, that trailing arm rear suspension is notoriously tricky to set correctly on a modified car. There's very little adjustment built in from the factory, so it requires some aftermarket attention if the car is significantly lowered and/or running a much fatter tire. That gets accentuated when you have the sort of power that causes the car to squat under acceleration. There's not a lot of room to work before the wheel contacts the control arms, either. If I were looking at it, I'd make sure the car has Tii trailing arms, which are fully boxed and considerably stronger, but of course, I'm just some schlub... you guys know better than I! 😁

[@graemebrown7691]

The rear end of the Saab with the nod to the original lights is boss

[@964cuplove]

The shortening of the wasabi Audi chassis would be worth its own video with Timelapse and colored markings etc. super interesting !!

[@UK_Lemons]

That would be excellent. I do like a good time-lapse.

[@Braveheart7914-idfl]

☕️in hand feet up ready for my retro car fix 👍🏻😉the work of art creating the rear of the E type just outstanding work 👍🏻

[@leabrown5711]

Glad to see the red v8 mg is still going I restored the body and resprayed. It about 15 years ago

[@andybtec]

Quite a nice piece of metal work!! E type rear end is pure artwork

[@davidklauer3422]

Beer in hand! Nice and cool here in Texas Only 90 F Let’s do this!

[@chrisclark4813]

Fantastic video, as always. Sorry single out one of you but, Richard is the guy,............brilliant. (Never thought I'd be interested in Upholstery) Well presented, clear and informative. Thanks to all.

[@2810Bondy]

I've just caught sight at 5:30 of that E Type rear end It looks as good as the sculpture Cloud Gate by Anish Kapoor! A work of art.

[@blackdoublezero]

liquid mercury

[@vogs72]

This has emphasised the care you put into your builds. Your precision that has gone into what could have been a “cut and shut” for Wasabi (or previous), shines.

[@asadumatitus874]

Big Ups to the Structure you've put in place to Open The Den...it will definitely prosper for many years guaranteed!

[@SabotsLibres]

Remembering an old friend who use to work for Restall, the squab is what your back leans on, the cushion is what you sit upon... :)

[@alman-world]

Great following your work chaps. Loving the Audi, Allegro etc

[@mikesautotruckrepairinc.cr5621]

Very enjoyable as usual.The E type metalwork is beautiful.I prefer the first rear spoiler design on Wassabi and the original style tail lights.That 2002 ls sweet also and love Mark and Richard's contributions, and is Nat developing a touch of Tourettes !

[@Danger_mouse]

38:38 Hi Cal, I was fortunate enough to be trusted to run a friend's small mechanical workshop here in Australia. One of the cars we looked after was a classic BMW 2002 Targa Rally car. (All BMW drive train but without the problematic mechanical fuel injection, replaced with Webers) We did a very similar thing to what you described regarding the Den workshop, where we completed a thorough inspection of the car, put together a list of recommended repairs and changes and completed the items approved by the customer. Unfortunately a couple of small niggles we pointed out, but were not approved by the owner out came to bear during the 1st Targa Tasmania after the car was brought to us. Needless to say, next year we had full reign to repair anything we suggested and the car made the full event. 🙂👍

[@williamfreret6859]

Always interesting to listen to Richard "undercovers" of the art of car upholstery...👌

[@UK_Lemons]

11:24 Understatement of the year award goes to Nat for "It's quite a nice piece of metalwork". No! It is spectacular. Such a shame it has to be painted.

[@CheapDayReturn]

It is stunning. Can't imagine how many man hours went into creating that.

[@TheSharkey22]

Lovely curves. More like a piece of sculpture. Henry Moore perhaps.

[@TheSharkey22]

More like a piece of sculpture. With those curves it could be a Henry Moore.

[@zeroucla]

XK rear end is gorgeous. 60s curves are fantastic

[@jdoe9518]

Ask your man at the Den if he thinks engines should be measured and assembled using plastigauge. Plastigauge is for those that are not able to justify buying the correct mircromtres. Bearing bores should be within tolerance for diametre, ovality and taper. Bearing shell crush on mains and big ends affects the shape when fitted. Bearing shells when fitted correctly are not round to allow for the unavoidable distortions that occur in a running engine This requires a minimum of 3 separate measurements. Clearances should be known through accurate measurement before the crank, rods and block are ever assembled

[@raymond_rayder]

I love how Marc's mugging Steve off on voice-over, as B-roll footage plays of him probably mugging Steve off some more!

[@RPM.Retropower_Marc]

Steve loves it

[@zlanath]

Just discovered yesterday!! love the videos so far.... except.... you can't see the episode numbers because the youtube time box is right over the top....

[@964cuplove]

And that e-type bum looks quite amazing…

[@mwappett]

Great video guys, as usual, but do you think it is time to split off the Den stuff into its own videos? I think the audience will be slightly different and you'll have more time to talk about the variety of cars you will be working with. Just a thought.

[@ronald1968]

Turning the crank in the aj6 looked particularly difficult..... and possibly too tight??

[@jonathanjones5617]

When is there going to be an update on the Jensen C-V8?? Would love to see that project finished!!!

[@Matnrach2-mf9qr]

That crank looks too tight

[@derekcomer4858]

I was thinking that myself.

[@TheSharkey22]

Agreed. Should really be able to turn the crankshaft mote easily than demonstrated and only going to get tighter with running temp.

[@RetropowerNat]

It does indeed. There’s more than shown on the video happening with the aj16! Mostly me losing hair over lack of parts availability and the associated issues caused by that

[@James-bp7vc]

Definitely that crank should rotate easily with one hand after the initial friction break! Standard practice, snug one journal at a time, rotate the crank after each. Do the same with each connecting rod. Also check thrust clearance. I hope they read these comments or they will have a seized engine!!!

[@Avantone]

TBF it may not have been the final assembly, but it would have been good to see some plastigauge on the journals

[@maxakarudy]

The crank didn't seem to spin very smoothly, especially as the pistons weren't fitted. E type arse looks great btw

[@Pats-Shed]

I wonder if there's a special blade for Richard's new bandsaw for cutting foam and other trimming materials? I imagine that a blade for a butcher's bandsaw would give the neatest edge with little kerf and less distortion in the foam during cutting 🤔

[@johnsutcliffe3209]

I'd be a bit worried about why the jag crank is so tight.

[@RetropowerNat]

So were we, there’s more to come on the aj16 rebuild that wasn’t captured this time

[@James-bp7vc]

The crankshaft tightness should hav been addressed prior to installing the pistons/rods

[@jonjuliecat]

Those electric rear windows are exactly what I want on my imaginary restomod classic capri.

[@neilperry2224]

The end type rear looks very dtype in the shape of the metal work My twin brother is an ex body panel producer for sunbeam alpine cars from the 60's, But left the industry due to poor quality management interaction. But is restoring a series 2A / series 3 Land Rover. Luke has a nickname, he's 'Luke Skan - Wielder'

[@johnhurst3737]

" Always fade out with a montage " TAWP

[@parrotraiser6541]

As Wasabi shows, the world clearly lost a fine plastic surgeon when Nat decided to become an engineer instead. :-)* Those Capri seats look as though they date back to when Ford seats were slippery, springy domestic that one would slide off in random directions. It would be hard not to make a massive improvement over them.

[@jagvette1]

we need MORE Richard. I would guess from his accent he is from Sud Africa, am I correct ?

[@964cuplove]

Churchill looks like a coupe prototype or the coupe Jaguar should have done…

[@chrisslater3174]

And now if you could just open a second Den in the South West for my convenience, I can get those few jobs done to the standard that I'm looking for...? 😁

[@jerehada]

Wasabi looks perfect until you pull apart a seam and expose surface rust.

[@TheSharkey22]

Would be great to see the Cosworth whale tail on the Wasabi/Saudi. Just for giggles.😂

[@TheSharkey22]

I think it would actually suit it after some slight and tasteful mods. Would be great to see a 3D render if someone's got a couple of hours to CAD model it.

[@mk1cortinatony395]

That plastigauge looks like 3-4 thou from here, hope you have selected shells

[@rekleif]

Would you think it would be easier to 3d resin print the lenses for that Allegro?

[@sibarnby38]

Interesting to see the rust inside the Audi sections, is that because it was dipped?

[@pinchus34]

Finally an MGB!!

[@fraserwright9482]

The Den inspection is (from) £950 and going by the £95/hr it should be looked at what you pay for a pre purchase inspection. Also is this done regularly

[@darenkirkwood8413]

Is the Camaro the car that has taken the longest build time. It just seems to be waiting for final items as other cars come and are handover.

[@asadumatitus874]

Guess the orange alegro is a sister car to the blue and white escort judging from the colour taste of the owners of these lovely cars!

[@daboy12s]

from memory the 2 escorts are for 2 brothers, i think it was said that Alegros were too

[@neilperry2224]

Porsche 944 / 964 rear lights and the rear spoiler looks like a 70's turbo whale 9tail profile from the rear.

[@Danger_mouse]

SAAB spoiler 31:03 over the other one 👌

[@binarymalehim]

Any updates on Churchill coming?

[@stevesloan6775]

I’m also torn between the two Saab wing designs. I personally would like to see a mix between the two designs. In the sense I don’t like the thin sharp outer wing panels on wing2, and I like ho, rear wing 1, the panels are thicker looking and radius’s matches the factory panel fold radius’s. 🇦🇺🤜🏼🤛🏼🍀😎☮️☮️☮️

[@resveldt1967]

On the Jensen, nice place for the Alpine unit, but isn’t the heat release from the unit a problem?

[@RetropowerNat]

Another very astute question! Bobby planned around that issue, when creating the box, such that there is room for airflow around the unit, and a significant air feed “gap” is present. We do need to ensure that the upholstery allows this air through though as well!

[@UK_Lemons]

It's the amplifiers that produce most of the heat and they will be installed elsewhere in the car.

[@Farlig69]

38:58 Nah Millington Diamond!!!

[@darrenwhyman4539]

Great watch, loads going on, some super builds.

[@frankpeutz9106]

Question: you mentioned "final mediablasting", how does it effect the lead on the body? Is it hard enough to stay in shape or is it to soft? How do you cope? Frank

[@RetropowerNat]

Very good question. Basically it’s hard enough to take the blasting, as long as care is taken. Probably the biggest jeopardy isn’t the blasting but the zinc flame spraying done afterwards. Extreme care has to be taken near leaded areas not to melt the lead back out!

[@frankpeutz9106]

@@RetropowerNat thanks Nat, didn’t consider the zinc flame spraying to be honest. Frank

[@stainless2867]

boom!

[@andyariel304]

That crankshaft is far too tight.does the block need line boring?

[@pamacleod]

Awesome, automotive porn every time. Thanks for sharing with us. 👍❤️ What’s the audio track at 24min during the Churchill montage?

[@jondonnelly3]

It's an S4002 now.

[@shaunsheep8252]

So the cosworth will be a ringer? The old chassis number stamped into a new shell?

[@RetropowerNat]

It’s a new shell, so no, not a “ringer”, it’s a reshell. “Ringer” would infer that one of the shells was both stolen, and used, not new.

[@mattsmith4053]

No. You're allowed to register it as a re shell with DVLA if you're fitting the parts from a registered car to a brand new unregistered OEM manufacturer shell (or correctly licensed i.e. MG Heritage shells).

[@daboy12s]

@@mattsmith4053 correct, I used to work for JLR Classic and we would do the same with Defenders, in some cases we wouldn't even re-use the chassis

[@adrianbennett3761]

Regarding the BMW, I’d prefer it with the original BMW 2.0 turbo engine. Was only available in silver and white

[@harryjones94]

Whats happening with the Scimitar project?

[@marxman376]

What engine and gearbox are in the Interceptor please ?

[@simes1969]

Saab Rear Spoiler B... Defo.

[@eugenecussen3735]

would it not be easier to just make your own chassis ?

[@richardcross7633]

Shouldn’t a spoiler be designed in a wind tunnel, rather than by what looks pretty?

[@Marc-tx7gd]

How do you register the Allegro/Honda and the Saab/Audi?

[@daboy12s]

it stays as what the car appears to be, an Allegro and a Saab, for example I could put a BMW engine in my honda, but it would still be a Honda

[@kjm-ch7jc]

That lads respirator looks unsuitable for lead fumes.

[@freemanjackmsiradio]

Why on earth would you swap a bmw 1500 for a honda power plant? surely a mill suitable for F1 power is more than capable of modern tuning standards??

[@rangerlongshot]

The M10 used in the 1600/2002 MBW's was designed in 1962 and was a SOHC 2 valve layout. The M12 used for F1 was DOHC and 4 valve. A different beast. A lot of people here in the US build M2002's using the DOHC 4 valve S14 from the E30 M3 with about 200hp. The Honda F20C from the S2000 is stone reliable, revs to 9000rpm and gives you 247hp stock. So less weight and more horsepower for far less cost than somehow adding 25% more HP to an S14.

[@kiwihame]

The second Saab spoiler is better. More angle of attack and less unattractive base mount visible.

[@fraserwright9482]

They have made a 944

[@neilperry2224]

The BMW 2002tii evo, was a magazine featured in the early hours 00's in the Retro Cars Magazine.

[@johnti1653]

Hi there, do you mean this particular car, or just the general model of car?

[@chadmcneely4884]

Not hearing a thing about the Audi as the shiny thing is in screen behind…

[@jamesdowling706]

0:30

[@waqarghulam3548]

Seems like you are eating noodles while talking

[@eugenecussen3735]

Apart from the sterling work ye do for the rich...do ye have any plans to include those lower on the rung of importance?

[@nickturner2813]

Why should they lower their standards for the penniless?

[@ynot5105]

How come the Audi chassis has so much hidden rust; whole car is supposedly completely rustproofed? E-type tail-end looks quite stunning! Never thought I'd say it, but the latest Saab rear-end looks pretty good!!

[@handhwiegman8115]

The Audi chassis was acid dipped.. which leaves some rust to form on the hidden bits.

[@ynot5105]

@@handhwiegman8115 THANK YOU! That makes a lot of sense! Was rather concerned, about all those rust marks; thought mine may look like that too...hehehe

[@iandonkin6762]

I didn’t want to comment first.

[@stantheman_10]

so thoughtful .. always good to give other people a chance 😁

[@psk5746]

Sad

[@brianbob7514]

Actually first

[@djohh3057]

Hmm, WD40 in a bodyshop.......

[@UK_Lemons]

?

[@djohh3057]

@@UK_Lemons WD40 does not contain silicone ( a no-no in any paint environment ), but it does contain substances that will cause paint defects ( craters etc ), that's why all automotive paintshops will not allow WD40 anywhere near them.