Well that's It

Oddly we seemed to arrive in Harwich an hour early - but no wake up call came through unless we slept through it ? It was odd looking out at home through the port hole too.

Then they said breakfast was being served, but eventually we were called down. I checked the water and again there was a little under the car and on the subframe. 

So it had been dripping from somewhere else too. We were off with no real queues and set off home - missing the exit from the port somehow.

It was a bumpy, juddery run back from the port on battered British roads. I also suspect the plugs are a bit sooty after the queuing etc. which probably explained the poor slow running. It also felt like the tyre pressures were low. But here we are home safe and sound.

So here we are 7:30 am and time for breakfast (and watching the football) before unpacking. We did about 370 miles on the dial but as we're under reading by 10-15 % we'll call it 425.

Unpacking all the spares and tools from the various cars. Imp, Talbot and E-type made me think I should build a small universal kit now though. With the missing items I have on the list.

Finally I checked the water and it was wet again under the car and on the sub frame but only on one side. I felt under the bottom hose and it was a bit wet so I nipped the jubilee clip, but I'm sure it will not be the last thing to tighten.

However just to shake me out of my reverie I got the inevitable Harkstead call - the only keys available were the MK7 so that's what went - and at 7:00 pm it was still 30 degrees too.

I check the Alpine though when I got back and I say no more water. We'll look on the morrow.

So what worked well ? The GPS Speedo, the temp sensor and the amount of cloths etc. we could pack was fine. We could take more luggage and I found another area for tools or spares. The roof also leaked less than before in heavy rain - it still leaks a bit though - oh and we used little oil. 

On the negative side I don't have enough of the right tools when there is something major to fix and the large bag I used for the E-type was superfluous. I also should have attended to the 'rattle' before the trip. I also noticed I put the UK stickers on the wrong number plates - front should have been back.

I've come home with a list of small things to fix - but there we are. So the choice is this or staying at home reading 'The Daily Telegraph' - and you know what I think of that.

Home Juergen

Well - to the Ferry anyway.

I was out early and although there was not much evidence of rain overnight there was water. That was under the car unforetuneately.

There was also some on the cross member - so it is leaking from somewhere - but not much. The good news is that it is probably leaking from the small bypass hose from the header tank. We have just over 140 miles to go - so only a little more than yesterday so fingers crossed it holds.

I nipped up the clips before we went as I could see a spot of fluid there. Also Andy G pointed out that the car is sitting a little low at the back - which can't just be the 100k of spares in the boot. So I'll add that to the list.

We were off about 11:00 with Mac's car in the lead and heading for Arnhem museum for a break on the way. We arrived at Arnhem in the rain and wondered why we were the only cars parked there - until we paid for parking - and then we knew why !

We then popped off to the Arnhem museum at Oosterbeek - bigger, better but expensive. Nice car in the 'battlefield experience' though we walked through.

Once back in the road it was a good 120k run but smooth sailing most of the way. The car was stuttering a little al slow speeds when we got to the port perhaps it was the heat ? We joined the queue and had a rest.

Loading was an uncoordinated scramble but we were lucky. This time, before I could ask we were sent to the flat lorry deck again.

Just behind a modern Porsche and in front of a Stratos (must have been a kit) but nice never the less - although the driver was almost as big as the car and laughed with us as we saw him trying to get in.

Test Drive Day

We topped up with petrol first thing and then off we went to the Inland Waterways Museum in Duisburg. The run was fine, if a little confusing and were were one of the last there.

After waking around I spotted a nice colour co-ordination.

Next was the Zeche Zollern colliery museum which was about 30 miles away. We got lost almost immediately on that run and had to stop to find where we were. 

I laughed when I spotted the colour match this time. We decided to head for the destination on the main roads at that point. We parked up and found our way in. Lots of very big machines in there - I espectally liked the generation hall - I suspect it was just like the Talbot factory Barlby Road was before they tore it down.

When we got back to the car there was a very nice Merc in the bay ahead of us.

Only a 230 SL, but I liked the cream colour - just like TAS.

It was a hot drive back - but quicker - and we did about 70 miles during the day. The car was fine at 50 mph but there was a definite shake at 55-60. However although it was a very hot 29 degrees we were still able to keep to around 30 without much stuttering.

That night I noticed the header tank had dropped so I topped it up for the run home. We also topped up with fuel and we'd used (only about 11 litres) over the day so again we'll be home on one tank.

I finished by putting up the soft top and the storm cover - as rain was expected overnight.

I checked the engine and could not see any water dripping so went to bed happy.

Well that was Easy

All we did on Friday was to removed the old water pump and fit the new. Well that was the short version.

We watched everyone leave on the run that day and set to on the car at 9:00 am - with lots of borrowed tools and determination. 

The first job was to go and get something to catch the water as it cam out - I chatted up the old chap in the petrol station next door to the hotel and we found two old 5l containers in the re-cycling. We cut one up as the catcher and I started.

Top and bottom hoses first to remove the radiator. That was off by 10:25.

This is going to take a long time I thought.

Then I set too on the water pump itself. That had four bolts, and an odd one but I had to move the dynamo to get one out as the nut on that was rounded off. All undone and - nope. Nothing doing. So I tapped it - for 30 minutes. Eventually it freed itself so by 1:15 we were done.

I phoned the German with the pump and he said he would be back at 5:00 pm so we had a rest and went for a walk.

Thomas appeared about 4:00 and after the transaction (very reasonable) so we were back at it by 16:30. This time I had a lot of help too as most people were back and other cars had groups around them fixing other issues.

Several things got in the way like the backplate which would not come off. Then the old fittings had to be transferred to the new pump – thanks to another German engineer that was done quickly. Again and again we put the pump in place but it would not fit. Eventually we had it aligned and then someone spotted there was a gap at the opposite side to me. 

After wondering what to do I spotted that the timing chain cover was bent over at the point the pump fitted. So we 'bent' it back. Actually it took five minutes of hitting with bar and hammer until the was bent back and the pump went on correctly.

The bolts were hard to align but eventually with a lot of help it was on. 16:30 time to have supper.

Back at it about eight o'clock putting the radiator back and by 9:30 pm we were done.

The entertainment was over for everyone and we went to bed.

It's the Wasser Pumpen

So having got to the front of the boat last night we were almost first car off the ferry - and through customs (with the finger prints) - and on the road. The first mistake was turning the wrong way onto the duel carriageway and having to reverse quickly.

We stopped a few miles later to put the hood up as it felt like rain.

There were lots of lorries and traffic so slow going - 50 mph most of the way with lots of slower traffic but the speed limit was quite low most of the way anyway. We stopped as planned at 10:00 at the services for a quick brake and opened the hbonnet to let the car cool a bit.

Off again at 10:15 the car going well but making an odd noise from time to time. We got up to 100k on the German roads as they were a bit quieter. We arrived at the lunch stop just after 12:00 after a good run. I looked at the rattle and it looks like it is a loose fan ... eg the water pump. Ummm. Nice back drop though.

We found the correct place as the cars started to arrive. After lunch the rain started too.

The drive back up the hotel was punctuated by heavy rain, bad traffic and a horrible noise from under the bonnet. I parked on the curb and took a look/listen after a while. Shit that's got worse. However as there was no water coming out I decided to chance the 20 miles back to the hotel and luckily it made it.

I ask around and found I had the 'uncommon' short nosed water pump. Then there was lots of helpful suggestions and lots of running around to get a replacement (don't ask the cost) which we may get tomorrow. In fact we will probably get two as I ordered one to arrive DHL express tomorrow and one I ordered from a German chap.

No Going Back Now

I did a final clean (well detail) on the Alpine first thing. 

I checked the rear tyre and it was a few psi down - so a very slow leak. I pumped it up a bit higher - put it up to 35 which should get us to Harwich and the services - if not to the hotel for the night. 

Finally I stuck the heat shield back under the carb where it had become detached. And that was really that apart from testing the packing. Then final packing. Mileage: 28090. 

So early evening off to Harwich we went - 40 on the Speedo is a nice 50 so that helped. Arriving just after 8:00 behind a Dutch TR4 - surrounded by Dutch Traction Avant's all on a tour including a rare coupe - we sat and waited as the sun went down.

I chatted to one of the Dutch chaps. He had a DS too and agreed the ride could make some people sick - in fact he said there were stories of government officials being collected from the airport and driven into Paris having to stop the car to be sick.

Loading was slow but we followed the TR4 that blagged itself a slot on the lower car deck. So did we.

So at about 10:00 pm that was that for the night. I'll check the tyre in the morning and hope the good weather lasts until our first stop.

Ton Up Alpine ?

Slow car day. 

I did pop out and put the UK stickers on first thing. The big one and the small ones onto the number plate.

Then some DIY and organisation for tomorrow - more roadmaps and instructions.

PM it was a trip for bottled gas and then up to Harkstead to defrost a freezer. SAAB for both runs.

However I was planning to take the Alpine out for petrol - looking it was obviously the 'UK' was not on strait - it took a few goes but seemed better in the end.

A bit busy but legal. I topped up the tank so we're all ready. I also noticed the car felt less 'bouncy' at the back - after I'd changed the setting for the shocks.

Finally while I was waking around taking the miles I got the Aston out and gave it a bit of a warm up.

I put the MK2 on charge again too as it's not going to be used for a while.

So checking the miles we were well down on last month. However the Alpine did 100 since we picked it up and the Ferrari is nearing the target miles with no issues surfacing.

The Last Bottle ?

So back to the Alpine. I decided I better check the fluids but just as I was walking around the car I noticed the offside rear wheel was flat again. It is the second time that's gone down in six months or so - it did it when we went to NEC. That's something I'll have to check - so first job was actually to pump it back up. I last did it on Friday, so with a watching brief we should be ok.

So the oil was fine (probably a bit high) but the water was a bit low - wet but nothing in the top tank. Clutch and brake fluid were fine - until I dropped the cloth in the brake fluid reservoir and soaked some up. Next was adding an expansion bottle on the water.

So another "prototype" in place - but at least it is red.

I also topped up the washer fluid and found the bottle cage very loose, but could not find an easy way of securing it - so just jammed a washer under it for now.

Finally I went through my old stash of car keys and found a FS one just a few numbers off the one for the boot that works. So that's a full spare set now. Mind you I think a lot of keys would turn the ignition.

PM I met Mac to discuss the trip to Germany - so I took the E-type. Arriving at the gates it looked very posh, but it is only the estate.

The surprise he sprung on me was that he'd booked the wrong day - so we won't be in convoy at all.

Evening time and what now ? Save the planet run in the ...

... Ferrari. Will we ever do this again - now the house bin takes bottles ?

More importantly, what are we going to do for excuses to take the cars out ?

Sunday Service - and a 'Decision' ?

I started packing the Alpine spares by unpacking the Jaguar spares from the big laptop bag and repacking with the Alpines ones.

I went through the list and I'm not sure there will be any room for clothes now. However the suitcase still fits ...

... and the old Caterham one is so thin that will fit in the boot too.

Hopefully with some coats on the top of it. Oh and the tonneau and the storm cover.

It's started to cool down now - well to a normal hot summer's day - but enough to contemplate testing the Imp ... So I did. A little fluff of smoke on starting. Then nothing.

Then a little puff while warming up.

Not that you can tell. It soon settled down and we went on the run. It did smell a little of hot oil but went very well. When we got back I looked at the breather.

No sing of oil or water - but I did not open it as it was very hot - and I am afraid of what I'll find.

So what next ? Italian Time.

And that is sort of the 'Decision'. I don't want to get rid of the Ferrari, I have no more space and the cars all need a bit of work - and each one needs using more. So I should not but another one. 

Well perhaps an Austin Seven, but that is just pocket money and I can sneak a new garage in for that ...

Woops

The whole day was invested in finishing off the shed. Which I did as the cooler day peaked at a shabby 30 degrees.

I kept looking at the car at Polson's though.

Obviously that's a mad idea. Also do I want another sports car or a four seater like this ?

That would be more sensible ... if that's a word here.

The Same - but much hotter

I started the day checking the Alpine tyre pressures - the first was only 20 psi which might have explained the choppy ride over the last few days. The other three were there and thereabouts, but definitely the first I did was well down.

I did the rear shocks - soft is anti clockwise - 20 clicks on range - I tried to set them both to 10 but the nearside on did not want to turn without a screwdriver but it was set to 10 ish too.

After that I felt a bit drained - well it was 32 degrees already at 10 o'clock.

As I was on the ground I started cleaning under the car - I found the rear bumper a bit loose so that was first though. Then I slowly went round the car cleaning under the sills. I spotted a few odd marks again. I slot torch up any paint chips I could find.

I did the chrome and touched up the front number plate. I also added some rubber seals to the top of the door channels.

It might keep some of the rain out. Next I collected the spares - surprising what I had in stock.

I suppose we may need to take some clothes too. By now it was hitting 37 degrees and I was getting very hot so I called it a day - well another three hours on the Alpine seemed enough.

I sorted out the spares list, ticket and directions to Germany in the afternoon. It's even hotter although today is the peak.

ION: Yes the third day in a row the June temperature record has been beaten - today we were up at 37.3 and that was Suffolk.

Just one Job - Again

This morning's job was to get the Alpine soft top out and erected - then leave it in the sun to stretch a little. The first thing I noticed was that the rear clips no longer aligned. Odd.

So I left it in the sun to stretch and wondered what to do. Meanwhile the SAAB earned its keep.

Hard to spot but that's a large board on the roof - more Stutton Clearance Services.

Then I addressed the soft top and re-aligned four of the clips. It fits better but still does not sit correctly at the back - I suspect it never will. Odd how many tools I needed just for that job.

Looks like nine if you include the block of wood. I also changed one of the small clips on the frame - I only remembered why I'd not done that before when I was typing this ... because the larger ones hit to car ... so that got corrected.

In doing so I thought perhaps I can make my own - two attempts later and I had a 'workable' prototype. Not a bodge at all.

I also gave the soft top a quick wash.

Then MK2 off to Harkstead.

Finally Alpine hood back down and then off to meet a few of the RGEA team at Manningtree - gate crashing the SVEC fish and chips. Not many cars there really, but the members are getting very old nw and not driving I suspect by the number of them leaving in 'moderns'.

John brought the 30/98 which was a class above the rest.

But the Alpine went well and looked good too in the sunset.

It does sound quite agricultural though and it is very bumpy, but went OK at 30 mpg all the way. I guess I am a but of a worrier.

ION: It is another record hot day for June now up to 37 degrees. Hospital MRI units are now stopping - with overheating.

Some of the Same

Fixed the locks on the shed first thing - well after two hours of trying - and then popped out in the SAAB to Harkstead. This time to collect and drop off the air condition unit I collected and dropped off Sunday.

Then home via Stutton to drop it off. It was a warm 30 degrees by then and getting hotter.

I thought I use the spare time before lunch to get the jack under the Alpine door and get everything ready for working in the afternoon, but I sort of got carried away ...

The problem was having taken everything apart I couldn't get it back together again - in fact I ended up with the door sort of stuck and then I was having to use my knee to keep it up and I wasn't quite strong enough ... I also stripped a screw.

After cursing many times, and re-treading the screw I'd actually got it done and surprisingly with all my efforts it seemed to be ore aligned - e.g. it doesn't kick out at the bottom anymore because I removed the shims. It still toes out a little bit on the bottom corner, but I think I can live with that for now. I also touched up the paint where it was bashed.

I also tried the storm cover that I bought for it and although it is for a BMW mini, it will do a decent job and with a soft lining I hope it will not scratch the car particularly even on a windy day.

Of course by then it was shed time again so I did some more painting and called it a day.

Until it was cool enough to take the alpine around the block again. Well 26 degrees is cool now. The car was fine - although a little stutter when very hot - oh and I made the speedo get to 50, but I must have been doing 60 at the time.

ION: It is a record hot day for June as predicted 36.1 degrees.