I ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE MY WRECKED MCLAREN 720s
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.