It moved (Mali Update)

"64Mali" (ctaaffe64)
04/11/2016 at 09:10 • Filed to: Mali, RustBucket, FamilyHauler

Yes I know this doesn’t say Lotus, it says Mali. I will have a Lotus update later but this weekend I moved the Mali back to the driveway so I can separate the body off the frame again and finish welding.

It was an interesting process as it was at the top of a hill and it has no brakes, or drive shaft. I moved it out of the popup garage by pulling it with my lawn tractor with some 4x4s to be wheel stops. This worked decently until it rolled over one and it got stuck on the exhaust. I think the car is a little low. On Sunday my friend/coworker Kelso from my Mazda club came over to help move the Mali after I helped him get locking lug nuts off his car (another crazy story).

Pictured Kelso having too much fun.

We hooked the Lawn tractor to the back of the car with a come-along and used the tractor as the brakes. Well downhill the Mali started pulling the tractor, I have some nice ruts in the side yard now, but it leveled out and no one died. Then hooded the tractor to the front, pulled it the rest of the way to the driveway and got some very funny looks from my wife as she pulled in.

Next up was brute force as we pushed it up to the parking spot but the ass-end was still to far out, so my brilliance we jacked up the rear so the back wheels were off the ground and swung the ass over to make the car straight. Ended up bending the frame a little bit back there but I had to finish re-welding a section back there anyways.

Kelso trying to figure out how that actually worked

So now the car is in the driveway, maybe this week ill separate the body and frame, at least clean the mouse nests out of it (stupid rural areas..) and get started. We also started the engine up for a few seconds to blow out the exhaust, I love how loud it is with just headers, I’m sure glad my neighbors are not so close.

Until next time!

DISCUSSION (17)

CalzoneGolem > 64Mali
04/11/2016 at 09:21

I don’t speak for these other guys but I’d prefer to hear about the Mali.

64Mali > CalzoneGolem
04/11/2016 at 09:24

Well progress will be happening on it. I have a ton of suspension parts on the way, and I will be ordering more parts, I really need to get the drive shaft measured and ordered.

CalzoneGolem > 64Mali
04/11/2016 at 09:39

Rebuilding or updating the suspension?

64Mali > CalzoneGolem
04/11/2016 at 09:41

See

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/why-i-love-my-…

Its the UMI stage 2 Kit

UMI’s Stage 2 Handling Kit Includes:

#4031- Tubular lower front a-arms with polyurethane bushings.

#4033- Tubular upper front a-arms with Delrin bushings.

#4035- Heavy duty 1-1/4” front sway bar with new bushings & endlinks.

#4034- Solid 1” heat treated rear sway bar.

#4052 - 1” lowering springs, linear spring rates (530 lb/in front, 130 lb/in rear).

#4015 - Tubular rear lower control arms with polyurethane bushings.

#4018 - Tubular rear upper control arms with polyurethane bushings.

#4029 - Tubular frame braces with hardware.

#3005 - Replacement rear end housing bushings.

#4004 - Front upper & lower Grade 8 hardware kit.

#4001 - Rear control arm Grade 8 hardware kit.

#S42030- UMI monotube shocks, designed & tuned for optimum ride quality combined and performance.

CalzoneGolem > 64Mali
04/11/2016 at 09:45

Sexy.

64Mali > CalzoneGolem
04/11/2016 at 09:53

Oh yeah, just gotta measure the size up front, and I will be ordering new tie rod ends, center link, pitman arm, idle arm, quick ratio PS box, and a new PS pump.

Sweet Trav > 64Mali
04/11/2016 at 09:58

I will have a Monte SS quick ratio steering box I won't be using soon. Also Check out QA1 found them to be cheaper with the similar performance.

64Mali > Sweet Trav
04/11/2016 at 10:02

The UMI system is on its way already. I got an amazing deal off the MSRP from Matt’s Classic Bowties. I got everything in my post for less than the cost of the suspension system + Shipping alone. Was to hard not to pass up.

Sweet Trav > 64Mali
04/11/2016 at 10:04

http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/chassis… for your steering box I got an Fbody one with the restrictive stops for 17 inch wheels but still quick ratio from NAPA I can get you the PN if you want.

64Mali > Sweet Trav
04/11/2016 at 10:12

Neat page I def will look into that. I am using a PS pump from a 1999 GMC suburban 5.7 ( stole the whole serpentine belt assembly to rework). So hardest part is figuring out the fittings. I never realized how many different ones worked. And sure ill take a look at the PN.

I’m also planning on ditching the rag joint for a U-Joint style coupler with a collapsible intermediate shaft.

Sweet Trav > 64Mali
04/11/2016 at 10:14

Good news then. Both the 99 truck and the Monte SS box will have metric fittings.

64Mali > Sweet Trav
04/11/2016 at 10:18

Good to know. I love having more choices. I wonder if its cheaper.

Sweet Trav > 64Mali
04/11/2016 at 10:31

Mine was like $158 from Napa. But i went from the Monte box to an FE2 16 inch tire box to fit fatter tires underneath without rub at full lock

Sweet Trav > 64Mali
04/11/2016 at 10:32

On the Monte Carlo SS forums there is a guy who sells both jeep Cherokee shafts and converted Astro van shafts.

64Mali > Sweet Trav
04/11/2016 at 10:33

Intersting, I heard with the JGC box you lose some lock to lock distance so the turning radius is greater. Granted its already about 200 ft .

Sweet Trav > 64Mali
04/11/2016 at 10:33

Not the box, just the I-shaft. Has two u joints instead of the rag joint.

64Mali > Sweet Trav
04/12/2016 at 07:50

Def interested if you got a part number