I ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE MY WRECKED MCLAREN 720s

Mat Armstrong

Mat Armstrong

28 min, 17 sec

The video documents the process of rebuilding a McLaren 720s, including challenges and setbacks.

Summary

  • The narrator begins by showing the McLaren 720s they are rebuilding, stating that it was previously deemed unfixable due to damage.
  • They have already transferred the engine and wiring loom from the old tub to a new one and converted it from right-hand drive to left-hand drive.
  • The narrator works on reassembling the interior of the car, installing the rear view mirror, lining, lights, carpet, and center console.
  • Suspension parts are sourced from a breaker's yard, and the process of reassembling the car's suspension is explained in detail.
  • The video concludes with the narrator attempting to start the car, but they encounter problems such as smoke and potential engine issues.

Chapter 1

Challenges with the McLaren Rebuild

0:00 - 1 min, 6 sec

The narrator faces the challenge of rebuilding the McLaren 720s, including the need for a new tub and converting the drive.

The narrator faces the challenge of rebuilding the McLaren 720s, including the need for a new tub and converting the drive.

  • The narrator introduces the damaged McLaren 720s and the challenges faced, including the need for a new tub.
  • Richard Hammond doubts the project can be completed by Christmas, which is in three weeks.
  • The narrator is optimistic and plans to drive the car despite the extensive work that remains.

Chapter 2

Reassembling the Interior

1:06 - 1 min, 22 sec

The narrator begins reassembling the car's interior, starting with the dashboard components and wiring.

The narrator begins reassembling the car's interior, starting with the dashboard components and wiring.

  • The interior of the car, which was minimally damaged, is being reassembled, starting with the screen and carbon surround.
  • The order of reassembly is crucial, and the narrator methodically installs each component.
  • The process includes fitting the rear view mirror, roof lining, interior light, and sun visors.

Chapter 3

Converting to Left-Hand Drive

2:28 - 33 sec

The car is converted to left-hand drive, and the narrator explains the rationale behind this decision.

The car is converted to left-hand drive, and the narrator explains the rationale behind this decision.

  • Despite being in the UK, the car is converted to left-hand drive due to the undamaged parts from the left-hand drive donor car.
  • This decision is based on the cost-effectiveness of using existing parts over purchasing new ones for a right-hand drive conversion.

Chapter 4

Suspension Rebuild and Sourcing

3:01 - 34 sec

The narrator tackles the suspension rebuild, sources parts from a breaker's yard, and discusses the costs.

The narrator tackles the suspension rebuild, sources parts from a breaker's yard, and discusses the costs.

  • The suspension rebuild is crucial, and the process is underway with the narrator and his companion Chris working on it.
  • They source many suspension parts from a breaker's yard, which they visit to strip a 720s for parts.
  • The narrator reveals the high costs of suspension parts, like a secondhand suspension unit from a 675 LT.

Chapter 5

Suspension Assembly Process

3:35 - 1 min, 13 sec

A detailed explanation and demonstration are given for assembling the car's suspension system.

A detailed explanation and demonstration are given for assembling the car's suspension system.

  • The narrator installs the lower wishbone, rear tire rod, drive shaft, and top wishbone on one side of the suspension.
  • After fitting the wheel hub and sensor, the suspension strut and spring are mounted, with some difficulty.
  • The narrator explains the function of the anti-roll bar and the high cost of replacing carbon brake discs.

Chapter 6

Suspension System Complexity

4:48 - 1 min, 25 sec

The narrator explains the complex hydraulic suspension system of the McLaren and the need for specialized setup.

The narrator explains the complex hydraulic suspension system of the McLaren and the need for specialized setup.

  • The narrator describes the hydraulic linked suspension system, which adjusts fluid flow based on driving mode and cornering forces.
  • Electronic valves control fluid flow for comfort or sport settings, and the system requires careful bleeding to function correctly.
  • The system's complexity necessitates professional setup by McLaren, using special tools to bleed the hydraulic lines.

Chapter 7

Finalizing the Suspension

6:13 - 1 min, 7 sec

The narrator completes the suspension assembly, connecting the hydraulic lines and installing the anti-roll bar.

The narrator completes the suspension assembly, connecting the hydraulic lines and installing the anti-roll bar.

  • The narrator connects the hydraulic lines to the suspension dampers and secures them tightly.
  • An anti-roll bar is installed, and the narrator searches for drop links to complete the assembly.

Chapter 8

Brake System and Hydraulic Wing

7:20 - 56 sec

The narrator discusses the cost and installation of carbon brake discs and the hydraulic wing system.

The narrator discusses the cost and installation of carbon brake discs and the hydraulic wing system.

  • Carbon brake discs are installed, and the narrator shares his experience with their performance.
  • The hydraulic wing system is connected, but the narrator is unsure how the hydraulic fluid system operates.

Chapter 9

Filling Fluids and Starting the Car

8:17 - 3 min, 50 sec

The narrator fills various car fluids and encounters problems when attempting to start the car.

The narrator fills various car fluids and encounters problems when attempting to start the car.

  • Coolant and gearbox fluid are added to the car, but there are issues with vacuum filling the coolant.
  • Upon starting the car, it smokes, and the narrator discovers a radiator leak from a secondhand part.

Chapter 10

Troubleshooting and Sponsor Segment

12:07 - 2 min, 52 sec

The narrator troubleshoots the car's issues, including a vacuum leak and a faulty radiator.

The narrator troubleshoots the car's issues, including a vacuum leak and a faulty radiator.

  • The narrator discovers a vacuum leak due to a missing hose clip and replaces the leaking radiator.
  • There is a sponsored segment promoting Car Vertical, a service for checking a car's history.
  • After resolving the vacuum issue, the narrator continues testing the car's systems.

Chapter 11

Final Steps and Engine Troubles

14:59 - 10 min, 57 sec

The narrator fits the last components and attempts to start the car, leading to engine troubles.

The narrator fits the last components and attempts to start the car, leading to engine troubles.

  • The final components, including radiator and airon lines, are installed as the car is prepared for another start attempt.
  • The car starts but fails to go into gear, and smoke appears, indicating potential engine issues.
  • The narrator tests for a blown head gasket, but the test is inconclusive, and further problems arise.

Chapter 12

Conclusion: Engine Failure

25:56 - 2 min, 19 sec

The rebuild project ends with engine failure, smoking, and unresolved gearbox issues.

The rebuild project ends with engine failure, smoking, and unresolved gearbox issues.

  • The car fails to maintain a running state, with smoke and a blown oil cap suggesting severe engine problems.
  • The narrator concludes that the head gasket may be compromised, and the video ends with the car's rebuild in jeopardy.