Metro Hoarding 101 - also: Metro pickup trucks!

[Cowspots]

Hi Y'all!

I finally got my password reset. Now on with this update - Economy Mods:

1) Purchased 175/65R14 rims & tires for my '90 Metro 2dr/3cyl that had 12".

2) Took inventory of my transmissions & will swap F/D ratio to 3.79.

3) Purchased 14" moon disk stainless steel hubcaps.

Plans:

1) Reduce weight of car w/thin aluminum sheet panels to replace door panels.

2) Lightly rebuild 3-cyl. engine and install XFi spec (reground?) camshaft.

3) Add lightweight aluminum sheeting to improve aerodynamics under the car.

4) Switch to lighter weight oils: Engine 5W20 Syn. & Trans lower weight syn.

I'll keep you posted!
Cowspots

[H4MM3R]

Cool. Looking forward to following this.

[Cowspots]

Hi Y'all,
This thread should be moved out of introductions, don't you think?

More pics & my Metro project is rolling along. Literally, but with a slight setback.

I brought my rust free Metro 2dr home and began stripping it. On the way home I discovered that somebody, maybe me, left the hood unsecured and you guessed it WHAP! I now need a Metro hood. I guess that I could borrow my '92 Vert's hood for a few days.

I remembered that I had some aerodynamic plastic headlights stored at the old farm house. I have to go swap doors with my '91 Swift GT that has shaved handles and I will fabricate some low drag mirrors next week. I picked up a clutch kit and am sorting transmissions today, yes on Easter. Now that it is in my garage, I'll start the body work, then get on with the engine rebuild next week. The body work is minimal, thank goodness.

It looks like I will have to invest in a MIG welder VERY SOON to install the lower radiator support.

Cowspots

[Cowspots]

Hi Y'all,

I'm suddenly at a screeching halt:
My two spare (complete) transmissions are US GTi & have a 4.10 F/D. I noticed there are minor differences in the transmission mounts here between Metro & GTi. I researched the final drive ratios and see that is not what I am looking for. I may hold out for a '98+ Metro 1.3L 5-speed. Anybody have a spare trans or a set of 3.523 F/D gears that I can swap into my Metro trans?

Thanks.

Cowspots

[Cowspots]

Hi Y'all,

I still am looking for a 1.3L Metro 5-speed transmission, hint hint.

The body work is going well and I decided to rent a MIG welder next weekend to tidy up the body a bit. The rear seat comes out tomorrow and the donor doors with shaved handles get picked up from the barn. I hope to tear down the engine or what's left of it. I'd prefer a good used 21hp Kubota 3-cyl. Turbo Diesel at this point.

My project is slow and my budget is spartan at present due to a sore back last week, but it is rolling again. Here are today's pics.

Time for rest now, then some fun later.
Cowspots

[Cowspots]

Hi Y'all!

The fabrication is complete on my Super-Underdrive Metro crankshaft pulley.

I made it myself with a little help from a machinist that knew where the lathe tooling was hidden. Saturday it was just a scrap piece of 3" round 6061-T6. The OD is 71mm and my alternator pulley is 60mm. It will only allow the alternator to really make a charge above 1300 engine rpm. I'll change out the dash, cluster & column to a '92 vert with a tach. I plan on using a very lightweight & powerful little battery.

If I don't find a Metro 3.523:1 trans soon, I'll have to build one myself. Lots of work though. I wonder what those F/D gears actually cost? I wonder what else could be made to fit? Argh, chest pains, gotta go.

Here are the photos.

Later,
Cowspots

[bennelson]

Cowspots,

Where are you located?

I have had a lead lately on some Metro parts. Might be able to find something. Mostly a manual transmission you are looking for, right?

[Cowspots]

Ben Nelson,

I am located in Bardstown, KY, USA 40004

My next pulley will be for my Vert. It will be slightly larger, have a timing cover seal and A/C capability. Any more that I make will be reinforced inside where the bolts mount. I just need a 4" long by 4" round piece of aluminum.

C-Ya'
Cowspots

[Cowspots]

Ben Nelson,

Thank you! I am always looking for Metro parts.

Specifically, a manual transmission from a '95 up 1.3L SOHC w/3.523:1 F/D and a hood for an '89-94.

Thanks!
Cowspots