Struggling through body repairs on my Formula 1000 race car @TTRacingYT

TT Racing Entering motorsport as a privateer on a budget means you have to do many things yourself, even if you’re not up to it. Whereas a professional workshop might have a painter employed or at least a business they trust to deliver, my attempts at finding a professional for body work repairs didn’t work out. Instead, I had to struggle through something I hate, sanding and painting.

In this video, witness the trainwreck that was my paint job of the nose cone and front wing. It turned out ‘ok’ in the end and I can finally move onto more exciting items on the to do list.

0:00 Introduction

0:37 The damage

1:18 A rant about a ‘professional’

2:55 Painting the sidepod mesh

3:59 Sanding and painting the nose cone

6:30 Painting the front wing

7:29 Nose cone painting attempt 2

9:27 Final result

10:35 Conclusion

updated 3 years ago

Struggling through body repairs on my Formula 1000 race car

TT Racing 2023-07-28 | Entering motorsport as a privateer on a budget means you have to do many things yourself, even if you’re not up to it. Whereas a professional workshop might have a painter employed or at least a business they trust to deliver, my attempts at finding a professional for body work repairs didn’t work out. Instead, I had to struggle through something I hate, sanding and painting.

In this video, witness the trainwreck that was my paint job of the nose cone and front wing. It turned out ‘ok’ in the end and I can finally move onto more exciting items on the to do list.

0:00 Introduction

0:37 The damage

1:18 A rant about a ‘professional’

2:55 Painting the sidepod mesh

3:59 Sanding and painting the nose cone

6:30 Painting the front wing

7:29 Nose cone painting attempt 2

9:27 Final result

10:35 Conclusion

I finally drove my race car (but it was short lived)

TT Racing 2025-01-17 | Visceral. Intense. Overwhelming. Short-lived. That is how I would best describe the first drive of my Speads RM11 race car. After a lap and a half, I experienced a mechanical failure, ending my day. The story is still worth telling, so in this video I take you through the final prep and time on track. After all, this channel is meant to be a record of the highs and lows of owning a race car.

A huge thanks to everyone who helped me get to this moment. In this video, especially to Andy for his time prepping the car and at the track, my mum for her help at the track, and Greg Tebble for his guidance in the lead up and advice on repairs.

0:00 Introduction

0:51 Final car preparation
AIM Solo 2: aim-sportline.com/en/products/solo2-solo2dl/index.htm

2:11 Luddenham Raceway prep on my sim rig
Luddenham Raceway: luddenhamraceway.com
Track map: luddenhamraceway.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/LRC_CircuitMap_A4_v01_00.pdf
Track for Assetto Corsa: overtake.gg/downloads/luddenham-raceway.59198
Formula RSS 4 for Assetto Corsa: racesimstudio.com/formula-rss-4-profile

4:31 Arrival at Luddenham

7:08 Very slow out lap

8:20 First lap: Broken drive shaft sends me into the grass

9:27 Getting back to the pits

10:36 Surveying the damage

11:38 The next steps

12:36 Conclusion

Pouring a custom foam seat - Track debut imminent!

TT Racing 2025-01-10 | The final big item on the to do list was to pour a custom foam seat, needed to position me as low as possible in the car. In this video, I take you through the process, warts and all. I think if we were to make a second seat, things would be a lot smoother. Hopefully this one does the job, but if needed I have enough expanding foam to make another hundred seats.

First track day next week! Thanks to Matt, Dave and Andy for all of their help in getting me this far,

0:00 Introduction

0:49 Two options for a molded seat
Schroth car seat kit: https://revolutionracegear.com.au/product/schroth-racing-profi-indi-seat-kit-40l/
Charlie Martin Schroth seat video: youtube.com/watch?v=s7w8wcrlaHk
Flame retardant expanding foam: https://trojanfibreglass.com.au/product/polyurethane-expanding-foam-liquid/
Can of fire rated foam: https://www.bunnings.com.au/sika-750ml-fire-rated-pu-expanding-foam_p1210284
EVA foam: https://www.clarkrubber.com.au/products/29857p-eva-75-foam-sheet-adhesive-back-480x395x3mm
Gaffer tape: https://www.bunnings.com.au/bear-50mm-x-20m-silver-multipurpose-gaffer-tape_p1661579

3:00 Cockpit preparations

4:06 Test pour and final prep
Hand pump: https://www.repco.com.au/oils-fluids/fluid-accessories/pumps-syphons/haigh-hand-pump-hlp30/p/A9667709
5L jugs: https://www.bunnings.com.au/sika-5l-measuring-jug_p1210607
Paint stirrer: printables.com/model/1050005-stirrer-6in

6:02 Actual pour

8:08 Trimming

9:02 Filling voids and shaping

11:49 Trimming and taping

12:53 Final seat vs F1 seats

14:00 Conclusion

Fitting a Lock and Load Transport system to my trailer - Race car logistics

TT Racing 2024-11-28 | My Movember page: au.movember.com/mospace/15237865

We are getting really close to the car finally going on track. But to get it there, I needed to upgrade my trailer to properly and safely secure the car. In this video, I fit a Lock and Load Transport tie down system, and outline some of the other solutions I’ve come up with to store and work on the car.

Next video will be the pouring of the custom foam seat.

0:00 Introduction

0:51 Tidying up the garage
Buying the car video: youtu.be/OyQQzbS-qm8

1:55 Specialist tools and storage
Rack-it 1000kg workbench: https://www.bunnings.com.au/brands/r/rack-it
Gantry crane package: https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/K088

3:43 Trailer and winch
Tilta Trailer website:
Airbag Man video: youtube.com/watch?v=XH_wJaM9uU0
Plastic cargo case: https://www.bunnings.com.au/rhino-600-x-550-x-400mm-grey-cargo-case_p5810594
Split hinge: https://www.bunnings.com.au/lane-100-x-75-x-1-6mm-matte-black-right-hand-lift-off-hinge-2-pack_p0035982

6:37 Adding Lock and Load tie down system
RW23 kit: https://lockandloadtransport.com.au/products/copy-of-adjustable-e-chock-with-3-65m-straps-rw23
RW23 installation video: youtube.com/watch?v=KGLZbMQ4zQY

11:24 Outro

A huge update! My race car is getting close to track time.

TT Racing 2024-11-07 | I’m finally back with a big update, courtesy of the hard work of my friend Matt. In this video, we discuss all of the progress, his design solutions and finding a way to make the car serviceable in future.

My Movember page: movember.com/m/15237865

0:00 Introduction
Project Binky: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGSOZAHg1yQHU1tc_3Y5MTQg1qjtxA_nq

1:31 Repacking the fuel tank, fire suppression system and battery
Fuel tank image (cropped) by MisterOtnas: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Center-mounted_fuel_tank_Honda_Mobilio.jpg licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license: creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en

4:23 Additional backrest firewall and cockpit changes

6:17 General servicing

7:02 Fuel pump problem

8:01 Brake problems

10:04 Problem solving and iteration

11:28 Still to do

Rebuilding a sheet metal firewall in my race car

TT Racing 2024-03-28 | A small update but an update nonetheless. In this video, I rebuild a sheet metal firewall with a two piece design, to make future disassembly/assembly easier. This was an important step because there will be some minor sheet metal work to come in covering the fuel cell in the cockpit.

0:00 Introduction

0:33 The old firewall

1:20 Planning the new two part firewall
Aluminium sheets from Bunnings: https://www.bunnings.com.au/metal-mate-0-5-x-600-x-900mm-plain-aluminium-sheet_p1112757

1:48 Cardboard Aided Design templating

3:43 Template test fit and hole marking

4:52 Cutting the sheet metal poorly

6:04 Cutting the sheet metal properly

7:32 Final installation

8:30 Patching old seat holes

8:45 Conclusion

Cutting and welding the chassis to fit the new harness - finally!

TT Racing 2024-02-22 | It’s been around five months but I finally have a new instalment in my project. Life really got in the way for a while, but now I’m back working on the car properly again. In this video, I work through the planning and fabrication for installing the correct size bushings for the new harness eyelets. This is a major step in getting the car to spec so it can be logbooked with Motorsport Australia.

Welding in hard to reach positions inside a car is not fun.

0:00 Introduction

0:43 What needs doing

1:26 Brains trust planning and delays
Matty P’s channel: youtube.com/@mattyp4230
Andrew’s Race Cars: https://www.andrewsracecars.com.au/

4:26 The harness plan
7/16 UNF weld in fitting: mcgillmotorsport.com/7/16-unf-right-hand-threaded-insert-50mm-long-c-91-p-149

5:04 Cutting bores for the harness bushings

6:32 Fabricating the new chassis piece
https://www.vevor.com.au/tube-pipe-notcher-c_10115/vevor-pipe-tubing-notcher-pipe-tube-notcher-hole-saw-0-60-degree-50mm-capacity-p_010631772408

8:24 The fun of welding inside a race car

11:11 Painting and test harness fitment

12:06 Conclusion

Taking a punt on cheap Aliexpress hex lights for my race car garage workshop

TT Racing 2023-09-06 | My workshop was too dim, making it difficult to clearly see what I was doing as I worked on my Speads RM11 race car. So I took a chance on some modular, hex LED lighting from China. As it turns out, it was well worth it. This video covers the unboxing and then installation of the lighting. This includes some trouble shooting and 3D printing to get the system fitted accurately.

As the disclaimer at the start says, please ensure you employ a professional for mains electrical work.

One thing I didn't mention was power consumption. Both of these on at once consumes ~800 watts, the equivalent of a small heater.

0:00 Introduction

0:45 The situation

1:27 Buying options
Aliexpress hex light kits: aliexpress.com/item/1005004318825799.html
Local, more expensive hex lights: https://hexlighting.com.au/collections/white-hexagon-kits/products/car-space-5-hexagon-kit-1

2:50 Unboxing and testing

4:22 First half - problem solving

10:24 Second half - efficiency

11:52 Wiring

12:32 Finished and fantastic

13:13 Conclusion

Making a custom, removable ‘handbrake’ to handle my nuts

TT Racing 2023-08-23 | When your race car only has a single nut to hold each wheel on, it’s really important they don’t come undone on track. You need a lot of torque, but that only makes the car roll when you apply a ratchet. In this video, I create a custom solution to hold the brake pedal down, so you can torque the wheel nuts independently at home or at the track.

Purchase the Carvera CNC (affiliate): bit.ly/3CVfsq3 Use code 'TeachingTech' for a small discount.

0:00 Introduction and update on logbooking

1:22 Wheel nut operation and specs

2:25 Buying tools
Torque wrench: https://sydneytools.com.au/product/daytona-d34tw24-34-drive-24t-2001000nm-torque-wrench
Breaker bar: https://sydneytools.com.au/product/daytona-d341000-34-1000mm-breaker-bar

3:08 The problem and possible solutions
Over centre mechanism video: youtu.be/NVtsrisYtUE

5:22 Design, prototyping and refinement

11:16 The final product

12:37 Conclusion

Solving some serious challenges to get a race car log book

TT Racing 2023-08-16 | As I work my way through my to-do list, I thought it best to book an appointment with the log book inspector from Motorsport Australia, so I would get everything right the first time. This brought to light some significant issues I need to address to drive the car safely. While I could easily drive the car at a local track day in its current state, the risk of injury from a shunt is pretty big until the changes are made. Hopefully this will all be worth it in the end.

Someone buy Derek’s car!: my105.com/search/details/2010-jks-jr-01/7a8b453a-5699-4ec2-965b-398102dabbed

0:00 Introduction

0:57 Motorsport Australia Log books and Technical Appendix
Safety gear video: youtu.be/_Wo3M5pkGog
Fire system video: youtu.be/5yayYZmQBqg

2:24 Item 1: Stickers

2:40 Item 2: Electrical kill switch

3:05 Item 3: Harness

5:16 Item 4: Fuel cell

7:45 Item 5: Seating position

10:07 My intended solution
CB403 fuel cell: fuelsafe.com/formula-road-race-cell-cb304
ACCB403 fuel cell can: fuelsafe.com/accb304

11:23 Conclusion

Updating my race car fire suppression system so I can drive it

TT Racing 2023-07-21 | The grind begins to work through the to do list so I can drive the car for the first time. I honestly thought I’d be done by now, but installing this new fire suppression system was trickier than I thought. In this video, I walk you through the process, including designing and manufacturing some bespoke parts.

Purchase the Carvera CNC (affiliate): bit.ly/3CVfsq3
Use code 'TeachingTech' for a small discount.

0:00 Introduction
Deep dive video: youtu.be/zE7zVwQE55E

1:15 Prepping for the first drive list

1:34 Fire system overview
Lifeline Zero 2020: https://www.racerindustries.com.au/lifeline-zero-2020-3.0-litre-electrical-fire-extin

2:22 Unboxing and comparing parts

4:04 Machining a carbon fibre adaptor plate
TT video on Carvera CNC and custom race car parts: youtu.be/cvuRap88jYk

6:41 Nozzle fabrication and mounting
Meet a Maker video including interview with GWR: youtu.be/b7q4Oq3FCpU

10:56 Hose routing

13:17 Wiring and test

14:25 Conclusion

Fire emoji by JoyPixels: creazilla.com/nodes/47753-fire-emoji-clipart

Car racing safety gear is expensive but necessary

TT Racing 2023-07-07 | If you want to go racing, you are going to need a healthy budget. Part of that budget needs to be allocated to safety gear. In this video, I go shopping for everything I need, and have each component explained by a professional.

A huge thank you to Jack for allowing me to film by purchases and answering all of my questions. Thank you also to Dave for fielding my initial enquiry and helping line everything up.

0:00 Introduction

0:47 Racedeal / International Karting Distributors
https://www.racedeal.com.au/

1:24 Track day vs championship requirements
HANS device wiki: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HANS_device

2:38 Harness / Dated components

4:36 Helmet

7:23 HANS device

9:05 Fireproof underwear
FIA fire proof homologation documentation: fia.com/presentation-forms-protective-clothing-according-fia-standard-8856-2018

9:55 Race suit / Overalls

12:35 Gloves

14:06 Boot

16:08 Gear bag

16:22 Total price

16:58 Conclusion

Exploring my Formula 1000 race car in detail

TT Racing 2023-06-30 | In this video, we explore my Speads RM11 race car. If you want to geek out over details, this video is for you. We cover the F1000 class, the history of my car, bodywork and aero, suspension, brakes, wheels, electronics, cockpit, engine, transmission, differential and more!

If you can add to the knowledge pool, please do so in the comment section.

0:00 Introduction

1:08 Speads RM11 overview
Blend Line TV F1000 video: youtube.com/watch?v=cKe9D3CqZzs
Archived Speads Australia website: web.archive.org/web/20140305192628/http://www.speads.com.au/RM08-Overview.php

2:11 History of my car
Archived Racing Concepts website: web.archive.org/web/20160402045651/http://racingconcepts.info/rm
Archived Niccom Engineering website: web.archive.org/web/20150522010131/http://niccomengineering.com.au

3:42 F1000 Performance comparison

5:06 Bodywork and aero

10:41 Electronics

13:42 Cockpit and fire system

17:06 Suspension

20:31 Brakes and wheels

23:06 Engine, transmission and Geartronics shift system

29:01 Engine start

29:54 Conclusion

I bought a proper race car! It was harder than I thought..

TT Racing 2023-06-23 | This video details the process of me buying a race car. There was a lot to research and understand, and maybe it was good I had to wait so long to sell my Sileighty, since it gave me plenty of time to be thorough. I’m beyond excited about the journey to come!

Some thanks and acknowledgements:

My family and friends, for listening to me ramble on about buying a race constantly for half a year.

My best friend Dave, for helping me prepare, and then accompanying me on a very long drive to pick up the car.

James, the seller of the red Williams prototype, for answering many questions when I thought this was the one. Unfortunately my driveway made it too hard.

Darren from the NSW Super Sport series, for answering questions on racing in that series.

Greg from the NSW FRCA, for being generous with his time in person at SMSP and answering many further questions in follow up communications.

Derek, seller of the yellow F1000 and co-founder of F1000 racing is Australia, for answering questions on his car and the F1000 category in general.

0:00 Introduction

0:44 Why I wanted to sell my track car

2:55 Where do you buy a race car?
my105.com

3:13 My race car budget

4:03 Race car criteria

5:49 Clubman

6:08 Formula Ford

6:35 Legends / Aussie Racing Car

7:00 Formula Vee

7:05 Radical

7:27 Williams MkII Prototype
youtube.com/watch?v=Hp16e9bmClA

8:00 NSW Formula Race Car Association

8:38 Formula 3

8:56 Formula 4

9:20 Formula 1000
Blend Line TV F1000 video: youtube.com/watch?v=cKe9D3CqZzs

11:31 Buying a trailer

11:54 Picking up the car

14:28 Conclusion

TT Racing channel trailer

TT Racing 2023-06-16 | I've started a 2nd channel to document my journey in buying and driving a race car! If you've ever wondered what this involves, then this channel is for you.

This is a passion project. Videos will be occasional, as the opportunity arises to document part of the journey. The aim is to show an honest experience, and perhaps generate some funds from ads to pay for some costs. There will not be a Patreon account created for this channel.

Some inspirations for this channel:
Mighty Car Mods @mightycarmods - Setting the standard for Aussie automotive content for over a decade.
Thomsen Motorsport @thomsenmotorsport7201 - A great behind the scenes look at grass roots motorsports.
Alberto Naska @AlbertoNaskaDELETED - Fantastic commentary and communication of what it's like to drive a race car.
SuperfastMatt @SuperfastMatt - Car content in a way that makes me laugh.
Vice Grip Garage @ViceGripGarage - For showing automotive videos can be long and detailed yet still be popular.