Tools out for the Lads

As per routine - I checked the Alpine for drips (front and rear) and found none. So we were good to go. We were parked next to John's much traveled Tiger which looked good.

Again went in slow convoy with the Rapier stopping for a quick brake at Newmarket Services. When we parked up Chris asked that the red flashing light on the dash was ! It looked like an after market alarm - odd. He's had the car several years and it's never come on. Anyway, after we all had a (comfort) break we set off again - rather we didn't.

Chris's car wouldn't start. Was it too much fuel, flooded or what was going on here. That little light kept flashing and we all wondered what it was. I decided to whip the plugs out, but as Chris did not have a set a socket set with a plug spanner I got mine out of the boot.

I took a couple of plugs out and they were clean as a whistle - not damp - and actually in better shape than mine. We then tested a couple of plugs for spark and there was none. We were in a bit of a quandary at that point but everything pointed to the new flashing light and therefore the Alarm. Chris suggested we disconnected the battery for a while and try again - an interesting thought - which as it turned out worked. 

Off we went again and about 20 minutes later Chris' hazard lights came on - but he does not have any - so we concluded it was his alarm again.

Eventually we left Chris (and Norman) to to turn off and we headed home - to arrive Hot when we got back and I'm sure there was something rattling that I hadn't heard before in the engine bay but there we go. Can you spot it ?

The speedo said we've done about 74 miles but I think it's about 80 which just shows you the inaccuracy of the speedo. 

So another event completed in the Alpine - the car we don't use for long journeys ! It can rest a bit now and I'll fettle it next week before the RGEA meeting and then Woolverstone.

Finally a SAAB run to Stutton for jobs to round off the day.

The Right Red ?

I went out first thing and checked under the car (again) and there was nothing dripping from the tank even overnight. We then parked on the field for the group photo. Lots of Alpines but I did not see a single other Series I.

It was when I was showing off the engine bay that I noticed the subframe was wet again. Ah. But I could not find an obvious drip ?

I took it easy on the drive out but the only time the temperature went up was during the slow maneuvering when we turned around twice. Then it cooled quickly in the airflow and we arrived with no dramas as we parked up amongst the moderns.

After the visit the subframe was still damp but there was also water left in the header tank too.

On leaving I spotted an old telephone box - just the right Red I thought and turned round to get a photo.

The run back was good as the weather was cooling, but the slight dead spot on the steering caught me out once as we changed direction. We also popped another 20 litres in the car for tomorrow. Dho - too much again. That's 4 gallons and it topped the tank almost to the brim.

Checking at the Hotel again though nothing seemed to be leaking but we'll see in the morning - this time I have two ends of the car to monitor.

80 miles West

After a few domestic jobs I went to take the cover off the Alpine and decided it did need a quick detail after all - well it was only 7:45. Looked good when I moved it onto the drive.

We headed for the Sorrel Horse and to meet the Rapier Crew around 10:15 and it was already very hot, very sunny and nearing 80 degrees.

The run to the event was slightly slower than I'd planned as we were keeping to about 55 with the Rapier following. Plus we stopped at the Newmarket services (I always call them Cambridge Services but they are not). Chris' car was running very well too. So we made a nice convoy.

The final bit of the run was quite easy - if a bit torturous - punctuated with all the new roundabouts past Cambridge being installed from there to the Black Cat - when it is finished it will be much faster until they build all the new houses on the land they have now 'released for development'. The only excitement was when my cap blew off but luckily it was on a quiet stretch and I was able to go and get it. Phew.

We arrived in good time to find it already busy with cars.

PM we ran into St. Ives for a walk to the delight of a chap who admired the car a lot. Although I was more worried that the parking ticked would blow off.

We visited the Town museum which was vaguely interesting, but the only car related picture I found was for the New Wolseley 10.

On the way back I filled up with petrol - a little too much - so we'll check for drips in the morning.

 Chatting later I got a tip on the tyres - try with 25 psi said Andy goldsmith.

Cleaning up - but not at Home

So off first thing with the loaded SAAB up country to Glevering.

Basically I was part of a team helping clean Chris' Rapier - and hopefully Tiger too - ready for tomorrow.

After a wash and chrome polished plus a wheel spa (that means scrubbing the white walls) it came up great.

After a drive in it during which it performed really well after the recent work we headed for lunch in the SAAB. Later I hoovered the carpets and we tidied the interior. The seats are falling to pieces underneath but probably an easy fix.

Less easy was the Tiger. In the morning it looked 50/50 as the fuel line was disconnected but progress was being made, but by the late afternoon check the odds had widened a lot. The new carb was in pieces, as was the old one and it did not look like it would be back together this week.

The car continues to look a little unloved too. Shame.

I jumped back into the SAAB and came home. I was too knackered to clean the Alpine - it's still looking good though but did work out how to pack the cases.

Aston Antics

After a bit of shed DIY I checked on the Alpine - yep still weeping a little. But we'll live with that.

Then a village run in the SAAB to get overdue drugs. 

Next I cleaned the Aston windows. That looked better - but it was very dusty. So I gave it a quick detail too.

That's better. 

So PM I got the car out and started it up. Only it did not start. It did on the second try though - so was it just me ? Off to town for jobs (only they were closed) so I'll go back later.

Good to be driving it around though - though it still makes me feel a bit self conscious. Leaving the parking spot it started first time next time. Phew but ... failed twice more in town. I started it the third time but that's not good. I also scraped the spoiler again trying to park.

Oh well the service is due but until then I have a £60k paperweight. I wonder if the battery did get damaged with the pulsing ? When I put it away I also noticed that the battery charger was almost starting from scratch again though. Odd.

So a dusty MK2 back into town - but no they did not have the letter I wanted anyway. 

Home via Harkstead though and the new roadblock.

Finally just a MK7 ride to see the eclipse from a friend's balcony in the village.

Off we go again

I started the day thinking how much work I do to the Alpine. Oh well.

Wheel off so I can get to the crack in the fuel tank. Oh but I forgot to empty the tank though. So I started on that.

The siphon/pump did the same as last time - got a gallon and a bit out and then the pump itself just gave up - so the tank is still basically full, what now ?

In the end it looked like a repair in solder had started to leak again so I use the metal filler and squished it into the gap as hard as I could and then put some more on top and then let that harden. It still seemed slightly weepy so I put another layer over the top of that and we'll see what happens next. Probably I'll just run for a few months with half tanks - but we'll see how we get on.

Next I wet dusted the Ferrari which came out very nicely - its always interested in just how much mucky water comes off - even with a car that looks clean. Anyway that done, windows done and back in the garage ready for tomorrow. (It turned out I was a week early - ho hum !).

Checking again and unfortunately, the Alpine is still in perceptively weeping - it is slightly wet on the filler so we'll see if we get any drips overnight. So my (vein) hope is that the drip is so slow that evaporates before it drips we'll see.

Then it was Van Time. 

Back up to Harkstead for jobs and tea. The van just fits in the garage.

Home again and then what ? I could not just relax - so I cleaned the plugs on the Imp. They were dirty.

So I cleaned them as much as I could. Perhaps I should invest in a new set after 6 years ? Or have I done that ? I then thought of trying the sonic cleaner we have.

Next as it was a wonderful evening (aren't they all now) I decided the E-type needed a run - but first a clean. Just a detail though.

That was much better. I went around the block with the car pulling well. Again perhaps an oil change and new plugs ...

One final check on the Alpine and yes it is still weeping - a very very slight slight bit - but I suspect enough to leave for now. Lets see what it looks like in the morning.

Chasing Rattles and (now) Drips

I started on the Alpine in the morning, gave it a hoover and a bit of a tidy but it is only Monday and we're not leaving until Friday so I'm not too sure about a wash yet.

I loaded the spares including the two high viz jackets again - hopefully we will never need them. I then started to chase down the rattles under the dashboard. First I spotted the bonnet release catch spring was really loose so I put a grommet and tape on that and secondly I noticed the trip adjustment had also come loose so that got a title tighten.

That done I headed off to fill up with petrol. So the result is ... the rattle is still there. Faffing around filling the two spare cans I also forgot to put the petrol cap back on - but luckily a builder in his van spotted it and tapped me on the shoulder: 'Wouldn't want to damage that really expensive paintwork' or something to that effect he said.

Home again I spent time chasing more rattles - first the handbrake mechanism. I added another washer and tape behind any area that could rattle - plus sprayed the whole lot with grease.

Next I put tape on the soft top bin bolt, did it up tighter and pushed it under the rubber edge. Seemed to work. So that was that for now. However later when checking which suitcases fitted I spotted this.

It's bloody petrol leaking from the tank again - but a different place this time. That better get fixed tomorrow first thing.

To console myself the E-type got a run. Dusty though it is.

A Rose between two Thorns I thought. A bit harsh on the SAAB perhaps ...

Bin and Gone ... But Analogue Wins

I spotted this first thing.

Yep - one bin has escaped ... I found it up the road - odd.

Then I got the cars out so we could get to the top box down for Oliver.

Hopefully the last time we'll have to do that - as I'll put it in the new [Oliver's] shed. Then entertained the GT's in the Talbot while Oli put it onto his car.

After lunch I packed everything away - well decided to take each for a run (even though it was almost 80/27 degrees again) and then they could go back into the garage.

First I decided to take the Talbot out to the marina for a boat job - but no ... the drive was littered with badly parked cars so it had to be the Ferrari. A First World Problem. I bumped the underside on the verge on the way out - I wonder if the work has changed the verge a bit. Anyway here we are.

The chart plotter upgrade failed though so it gave me an excuse to do it all again.

Coming home I bumped the underside of the Ferrari again - odd. While we were waiting for the software I gave the Ferrari door a bit of a spray as it was squeaking again.

Then the Talbot got its chance for a run in the sun.

It took almost an hour and a half by the time we'd faffed around but eventually we used the phone to download the update. Nice drive though - no tech on this. Oh and yes the verge is higher than before I noticed.

Home again and I did wonder what the people in the boat watching us that evening thought. Ferrari first - flash buggers. Then Talbot - what's that ? It's them again !

What a privileged life I was also thinking.

... and back

Another sail with little wind - but we bobbed along.

At least we were colourful.

Home again but after jobs no energy to take anything out. Bring on tomorrow.

G2R once More

Packed up the MK7 and off we went - again. A good sail especially as we were expecting to motor most of the way.

Popped into the club house at Brightlingsea and spotted this.

Newly opened in 1965. Some expensive cars there then. I suspect the clients have changed now.

The Ghost in the Machine

I thought I'd add a beam to the carport to hang the lights on, so I went to move the Alpine. When I approached the garage the radio went on. Odd I thought was it was locked. It turned out it was the Golf. Not sure how or how long ?

Anyway I moved the car out and got to work.

Both grey now I thought.

PM we took the MK7 to Stutton for the GTs then onto Harkshead for a cash drop. Home again I thought I'd put petrol in the E-type - so out came the 10 litres of E5 and I poured in in. 

It's very dusty again - and deserves more love. It ran well though and a chap on a Harley in the petrol station was made-up seeing it (he used to have a Series 2). That done it was ...

Another Harkstead run - this time to fix a door.

Home again and I'd had enough so packed the Alpine away and called it a day.

More Alpine Love

I started to think what the Alpine needed and was making a mental list when ... I spotted how dirty the cover was. So I started by cleaning the car cover. I thought it was a bit dusty but WOW.

It was filthy. Even after two buckets of black water I could have done it again but I stopped there and whet back to the primary job - pottering with the Alpine.

First I stuck the window channel on (again).

While that was setting I cleaned the plugs. Number 1 and 2 were fine but 3 and 4 were a bit sooty.

The water was fine - even after the Norfolk run - and so was the oil. I also tried to stick down the dashboard top so we'll see how I get on with that.

I gave it a 'wet dust' after that, started it (first time) and left it for this evening.

PM I helped Nigel fit the tiny bulb in the gear selector panel. I'd guessed right and it came out easily once we undid the hidden screw.

The only issue was when I dropped a screw for the ash tray and it ran off inside somewhere to hide - but it is very well padded in there so it should not rattle.

I then went back to the Alpine and put small washers under each of the tonneau pegs to try to stop them coming loose again.

Next I looked for the rattle from the Talbot. The large wing nuts were both Secure but the face of the heater was rattling away like a good 'en, so I put some double sided tape on that to secure it.

Then there was just enough time for a run in the Ferrari - so off we went.

The car seemed to be going even better tonight.

So then the Alpine off to the RGEA meeting. I've got to sort out the rattles - one from the door I think and the other the handbrake mechanism. 

I was late and there were already a Tiger, Alpine, John's 30/98 and this Superb Rapier rally car there.

Looking at it later it had the weber carbs (DCOE 42's) set far further from the engine - helping it give no fuel trouble.

The run back was good too. The car liked the cooler air and we buzzed along in the dark about 60 most of the way - although I did jump over a big bump on the concrete section of the bypass which made me need to control the car.

Finally Nigel sent a picture of the gear selector - now lit up.

Very pleasing.

Red Lights all the Way ?

A slow day. After all the miles of the last few days I decided to catch up. I'm not sure on what but that's what I did. Well on and off which included going through the Prescott pics and post a few. There were some good ones amongst the batch.

Later evening I though the Riley deserved a run. 

I noticed the brake lights were on again. I tapped he pedal and they went off.

The car still feels slower - or a bit rougher - although the temperature was fine and the oil pressure stayed around the 40 psi - even though it was still a warm 75 degrees.

Back in the garage the brake lights were on again - another tap and they went out. I wonder if that happens while I'm driving too ?

So is it the switch or are the brakes really on ?

Guessing Right

I did the obligatory check first thing - almost no water used - but I topped it up anyway. I looked at the 30/98 again, it really was packed to the gunwales - or even over them.

I made the two swings - at the top and the bottom of the car park this time - so we were off just after 9:00. We filled up with petrol immediately, just over 42 litres but I did brim the tank.

Then we headed for the Fosse Way, which was a good road and not completely beset with roundabouts. TAS enjoyed cruising at around 50 mph for an hour until we picked up the M6 and almost immediately the A14.

As expected, it was very busy with lories and more traffic than Saturday but we bustled along. I did get cut up a couple of times and had to judge the on/off ramps carefully but I was feeling confident, so we pushed on past Kettering and onto the new services at Cambridge just a smidge over 100 miles in the one jump.

The services were also very busy and Jana had to hold up the traffic for me to get out as we left, but generally the Talbot had approving comments and looks.

From Cambridge services to home we were on home ground so I mixed it with the faster Lorries and picked up the pace to 65 or even 70 mph for short stretches.

Again one thing that concerned me was the 'knocking' at about 55-60 accelerating under load which sounded like tappets or valves - I'll have a look at what it might be - that went away about 60+ mph and did not seem to reappear.

We guessed right and came into the village the long way so got past the road closed section and into our drive (over the drawbridge) with no issues. 

We were home by 2:00 pm - so five hours this run. It was a 'cool' 82 degrees by then so it's been a hot day for the car. Mind you it's been a hot drive for us too.

So that was 180 miles done today and just shy of 400 over he weekend. Everything seemed fine ... ish.

The final check when everything had cooled down showed very little water used - a splash - and no discernable oil.