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Thread: All about Ant

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    All about Ant


    Following a discussion amongst the staff about frontpage articles, Gary asked Ant to write something for the frontpage.
    "Just write a bit about yourself or your projects".
    This is what he sent me. It is a bit bigger than the usual frontpage article, but in my opinion very much deserves to be there.

    All about me…

    Right well I’ve been asked to write a little bit about me for the site… it is an honour.

    My name is Ant parker and I am 16 years old, I am from Wickford (near Chelmsford) in Essex. I am very interested in anything with an engine, that goes fast, handles well… or just clever engineering in general.
    I am not too sure how I first found Turbosport.co.uk, but I am glad that I did, I think I may have seen a banner at my local car show (Battlesbridge, which always promises to be a good day out). I do have some distant memory of seeing Dave white’s Mk2 escort there, a truly inspirational car, and one that has influenced my build a lot. More on my build later.
    I think I first found my passion for motors when I was about 8, way back in 2001 when during one of our holidays to Spain I managed to wangle a ride on the back of my uncle’s FJ1200. I was hooked, the noise, the speed, the excitement. I had to get me one of them, so on my return I started to trawl each weeks ‘trials and motorcross news’ but everything was out of my price range, but luckily Santa came to my rescue, Christmas 2001, he dropped off a shiny new Yamaha pw80, still got it in the shed today, she still makes me smile. From there I started to buy Back Street Heroes magazine… and I was soon inspired to build something, I have been welding since my 10th or 11th birthday, so I soon decided, I would have to build me a trike. I bought a donor bike and lots of bits… borrowed a pipe bender and got welding… this little beauty was born, my first ever custom bike, based around the bulletproof Honda C90 engine with a 250 front end. Lawnmower axle, for the diff, and go-kart wheels it was bundles of fun to build and to ride.

    After a while I wanted to go bigger and better, I had seen a certain blue Mk1 cortina cossie in custom car mag, and I really liked the idea of something similar, but that I could use everyday. I bought classic ford, and soon spotted that Mk1 ‘tinas’ aren’t exactly plentiful, but It did have a feature on 2 angleboxes… but at the same time I really liked a trike I had seen in ‘back street heroes’ so some wanted adds later and I was offered a decent donor engine for the trike just down the road at a bargain price, just after this I get a phone call from a fella who has lost his lockup so his 105e is for sale at bargain price, even closer, so I flippin bought that aswell. Thinking ‘I should be able to get that trike built and sold in no time.’ Sell it on and make some money to build the car into a sensible daily drive.(I was only about 13 at this stage) Anyways the whole trike thing took a lot longer than I expected it to and by the time the MSVA had been sorted and passed it was 2008 and I was 15. the car over this time had been getting tinkered with and I was still really deciding where I wanted to go with it, it gradually evolved in my head, which in a way is good because its cheaper, but basically my thinking for the 105e went from everything to tuned 1200 pre x-flow to 1300 x-flow to rotary, back to x-flow then cossie, and from standard to neatly modded, to semi space framed with a 1.6 SE engine,
    Through Turbosport I got talking to Gary (Mr Retromotorsport)
    After many hours sat in the office at Retromotorsports, sketching plans and bouncing ideas around the final plan was to build a full space frame would be built from the ground up with bubble arches and the 1.6 SE.After looking into some wheel/tyre sizes I realised the type of bubble arches I wanted wouldn’t work due to how low I wanted to run the car. Then I thought about some pictures of the Zakspeed cars, and some of the Norwegian Anglias and I was in love, no they are not very pretty, but they are so different, there is nothing like them… in my mind they are the ultimate. After many more hours on the phone to Gary asking an unimaginable amount of questions, THE final solution was made. I was going to build a Group 5 Zakspeed inspired Anglia, and during a visit to Gary’s he showed me this, he’s a bit arty see:


    I knew I had to do it… after some persuasion I managed to source some wheels from a fellow member of Turbosport (thanks again Andy) I soon realised that the 220bhp max that that sigma engine could produce wouldn’t be enough, so I am now going to build this chassis to take the legendary Cosworth YB engine.
    The car will run on 16X13.5 and 16 x11.7 wheels with double wishbone front suspension and a 6 linked rear.



    The main aim for the project is to build the ultimate Anglia…. Starting in here…



    At the moment it is all stored away whilst a new garage is built (the old one was falling down) and I am still sketching more ideas and collecting parts. My other project is my daily drive mini, that won’t be anything to special, that really will be the ‘sensible road car’.

    Lastly I would like to just say that I am completely self taught, everything, welding, turning, painting, panel beating, all of it, with no engineers, welders, fabricators, or anyone who is really into cars in the family. So if I can do it anyone can, just believe in yourself and anything is possible, patience is key, if your getting annoyed, just walk away for a while, go back with a fresh mind, and the answer will usually hit you in the face. When I leave school I Plan to do my A-levels and then go on to university hopefully to study either motorsport engineering or Mechanical engineering.

    I Really love Turbosport, I am trying to pin it on one thing, but I really cant, I think it is just an excellent place where you can meet like-minded folks, whatever your doing, from racing a Vauxhall Nova through to putting a cossie turbo motor into a Mk1 Transit camper van we have it all, and it is all completely encouraged. People will freely tell what they know even if they did have to find out the hard way. The opportunities that have become available to me through this site are unbelievable, from helping out team ‘Pipe’ on race days through to making coffee over at Gary’s. They are such a friendly bunch, even down to the matter that I can’t drive yet, I wanted to get to brands hatch last race, Matt and Dave (who travelled over from Cheshire) travelled a good couple of miles out of their way to pick me up and take me over to Kent. It is just a big bunch of friendly mates who make up a large online community.
    I often feel guilty that I don’t put enough back into Turbosport compared to what I get back out, so I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge Thankyou to everyone on Turbosport who has helped me out so far, be it advice, parts , jokes, inspiration, whatever, it is all here so thanks Guys ‘n’ Girls .

    I wish everyone the best of luck in 2009
    Last edited by Dave; 07-01-2009 at 19:05.

  2. #2
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    Re: All about Ant

    Quote Originally Posted by angliaant
    I Really love Turbosport, I am trying to pin it on one thing, but I really cant, I think it is just an excellent place where you can meet like-minded folks, whatever your doing, from racing a Vauxhall Nova through to putting a cossie turbo motor into a Mk1 Transit camper van we have it all, and it is all completely encouraged. People will freely tell what they know even if they did have to find out the hard way. The opportunities that have become available to me through this site are unbelievable, from helping out team ‘Pipe’ on race days through to making coffee over at Gary’s. They are such a friendly bunch, even down to the matter that I can’t drive yet, I wanted to get to brands hatch last race, Matt and Dave (who travelled over from Cheshire) travelled a good couple of miles out of their way to pick me up and take me over to Kent. It is just a big bunch of friendly mates who make up a large online community.
    I often feel guilty that I don’t put enough back into Turbosport compared to what I get back out, so I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge Thankyou to everyone on Turbosport who has helped me out so far, be it advice, parts , jokes, inspiration, whatever, it is all here so thanks Guys ‘n’ Girls .

    I wish everyone the best of luck in 2009
    That to me is one of the best summing up of TS I have read.
    It is a very nice place full of very nice people, a big pat on the back to all of you.

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    Re: All about Ant

    Ant, a really nice write up with some superb comments. Thank you, your a star.

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    TURBOSPORT SPONSOR Turbosport Sponsor Broadmoor's Avatar

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    Re: All about Ant

    Ant...you are a credit to your family...

    Well done.....
    ------------------------------------------------





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    Re: All about Ant

    What a great read

    Your a bloody clever lad Ant stick in there fella
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    Re: All about Ant

    very good read

    good luck for the future Ant, not that you'll need it

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    Pole Position Decade Plus User david_white's Avatar

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    Re: All about Ant

    Great write up Ant, people like you make it all worthwhile

    Can't wait to see your Angia build as it progresses, but in the meantime my sierra is not gonna rub itself down so I think you may be hired for a couple of days You cant paint aswell can you??

    Sierra cosworth turbo race car
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    World Champion Decade Plus User RChambers's Avatar

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    Re: All about Ant

    Bravo

    She's built like a Steakhouse, but handles like a Bistro

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    Racer Decade Plus User angliaant's Avatar

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    Re: All about Ant

    Thanks fellas didnt think many people would read it
    thanks though


    Quote Originally Posted by david_white View Post
    my sierra is not gonna rub itself down so I think you may be hired for a couple of days You cant paint aswell can you??
    yep with rattle cans yes dave... i had a decent mirror finish on my tank and gaurds of that last trike, but it took hours and hours... havent bought a proper spray gun yet though


    rubbing down... yep im definately up for it just give me a shout
    Wanted: Second Hand Tremec TKO 500, 600 or T56 Gearbox... Cash Waiting
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    It would seem my computer skills are not good enough !!

    thanks Guys !


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    Pole Position Ali's Avatar

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    Re: All about Ant

    Quote Originally Posted by Dave View Post


    Gary asked Ant to write something for the frontpage.

    Definitely one of your better ideas gary

    Very good and interesting read,Ant

  11. #11
    World Champion Decade Plus User alladdin's Avatar

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    Re: All about Ant

    very good writer as well !

    i did spot one slight error "So if I can do it anyone can"

    dont underestimate your abilities,

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    Re: All about Ant

    very good write up Ant, i think it sums up alot of peoples feelings about TS

    Brett

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    Re: All about Ant

    great stuff ant

    and you dont have to worry about how many people will read it, there are only several thousand hits on the home page a week

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    Re: All about Ant

    That a great write up. Mature beyond your years. After all the bad press that teenagers get it makes a pleasent change to read about a young guy who is focused in what he wants and does. I'm sure we are going to see some interesting projects from Ant in the future , and they all start right here

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    Re: All about Ant

    A very good read and well done so far Ant, you're an amazing lad. If only the rest of the little b**tards your age were like you.
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    Re: All about Ant

    Excellent, I enjoyed reading that

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    Re: All about Ant

    Well done Ant, great write-up and good luck with your projects, many of us more mature members could learn a lot from you, me included and as someone else said its great to see a youngun doing something productive, an inspiration mate.

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    Re: All about Ant

    Well done mate

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    World Champion Decade Plus User Mk2Matt's Avatar

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    Re: All about Ant

    Brilliant write up Ant

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    Re: All about Ant

    Brilliant, and a clever lad. Wish I knew half the things he knows about cars and had half the tools and space. Keep it up!

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    Pit Crew Decade Plus User 105Ian's Avatar

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    Re: All about Ant

    Well done Ant , great write up you are an inspiration for others your age and older . You should be very proud of what you have achieved so far and I am sure you will go onto a achieve plenty more yet .

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    Re: All about Ant

    great write up mate

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    Re: All about Ant

    ANT VERY GOOD SERVICE HISTORY OF YOURSELF one thing your never get a cossie steering rack to fit that bike weell done mate .

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    Re: All about Ant

    Hi. Love your ideas and i love modified Anglias.Im building one at the moment which is fully spaceframed with double wishbone front.six linked atlas rear with motorsport lsd.9x13 Minilites with 215/50x13 Kuhmos front and rear.Full alloy interior.Sparco rev seats.Ive bought new 270 bhp 2.3 Duratec from Scholar and new 6 speed sequential box from Elite racing transmissions.Its just had firewall/bulkheads fabricated and im playing around with bodywork at the moment.I want to keep it looking like an Anglia but on steroids.I would love to have a go at the Zakspeed type look but im not that brave.It will probably have steel trailer type arches like the classic hot rods.Im hoping to get it on the road for the summer but then ive been saying that for the last 3 years.

  25. #25
    Racer Decade Plus User angliaant's Avatar

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    Re: All about Ant

    thanks for the comments peoples... like i say i was honoured to be asked to write it


    Quote Originally Posted by Angleworth View Post
    Hi. Love your ideas and i love modified Anglias.Im building one at the moment which is fully spaceframed with double wishbone front.six linked atlas rear with motorsport lsd.9x13 Minilites with 215/50x13 Kuhmos front and rear.Full alloy interior.Sparco rev seats.Ive bought new 270 bhp 2.3 Duratec from Scholar and new 6 speed sequential box from Elite racing transmissions.Its just had firewall/bulkheads fabricated and im playing around with bodywork at the moment.I want to keep it looking like an Anglia but on steroids.I would love to have a go at the Zakspeed type look but im not that brave.It will probably have steel trailer type arches like the classic hot rods.Im hoping to get it on the road for the summer but then ive been saying that for the last 3 years.
    your car was sort of what very first got me thinking about spaceframes years ago when it was in classic ford
    interested to see how it develops
    Wanted: Second Hand Tremec TKO 500, 600 or T56 Gearbox... Cash Waiting
    Any small welding, fabrication, engineering, paint or mechanical works undertaken, please PM for details.

    It would seem my computer skills are not good enough !!

    thanks Guys !


  26. #26
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    Re: All about Ant

    Hey Ant..

    good writing

    well, don't forget your story been shared around on this site of the world too.. it's www rite?



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    Re: All about Ant

    Excellent write up Ant
    You remind me of myself at your age, nobody in my family was into cars i started on bikes at 11 then a mini at 13 to my first mk2 escort at 16 which i built into a nice rally car.Did my apprenticeship at a local classic car specialist, qualified, then got fed up with crap pay and quit. biggest mistake of my life.
    Stick with it, dont let the girls distract you too much

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    Re: All about Ant

    And on the 24th jan we shall teach him the most important part of being in a race team....................................................................................................................................How to enjoy yourself at the awards do


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  29. #29
    Racer Decade Plus User angliaant's Avatar

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    Re: All about Ant

    Quote Originally Posted by andypipe View Post
    And on the 24th jan we shall teach him the most important part of being in a race team....................................................................................................................................How to enjoy yourself at the awards do

    im looking forward to it mate
    Wanted: Second Hand Tremec TKO 500, 600 or T56 Gearbox... Cash Waiting
    Any small welding, fabrication, engineering, paint or mechanical works undertaken, please PM for details.

    It would seem my computer skills are not good enough !!

    thanks Guys !


  30. #30
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    Re: All about Ant

    Cracking article Ant, I reckon you'll go a long way in Motorsport/Engineering
    Andy


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  31. #31
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    Re: All about Ant

    A great little Article bro! Worthy of the front page no doubt.

    When the anglia's done you considered becoming an author??
    1380 or 1293 turbo
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  32. #32
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    Thumbs up Re: All about Ant

    Ahhh this is where it was hiding. Was looking for this thread to say: Well done Ant that's a great article!

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    Re: All about Ant

    Nice one ant
    Well deserved mate

  34. #34
    Racer Decade Plus User angliaant's Avatar

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    Re: All about Ant

    Quote Originally Posted by andypipe View Post
    And on the 24th jan we shall teach him the most important part of being in a race team....................................................................................................................................How to enjoy yourself at the awards do
    i sure learnt that proper, cheers all


    thanks for the comments guys... i appreciate it
    Wanted: Second Hand Tremec TKO 500, 600 or T56 Gearbox... Cash Waiting
    Any small welding, fabrication, engineering, paint or mechanical works undertaken, please PM for details.

    It would seem my computer skills are not good enough !!

    thanks Guys !


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