Early adopter problem

It looks like I got the last of the first batch of fuel gauges for the Imp - so mine doe not have the control on the light.

I can have it retro-fitted if it bothers me too much.

Imp time again

Today we topped up the Imp gearbox oil, which took about an hour.

But it only took 250 ml. I also stuck down some carpet - the jobs that matter.

Less drips - but less trips

Checked the Imp Oil and water - both fine - in fact it seems to be dripping far less. I wonder if it has fiber seals that need to be used to work better. Then checked the lights which all seem to work well.

Then Got the Ferrari out - it had been a few weeks - so of course it did not start first time. Then the garage door would not close as the batteries had failed. So I had to replace those before we went for a run.

Still looking very clean though - but it seemed to wander - and failed to start twice more. I suspect not using it means that it will fail more.

 

More utility runs

SAAB out in the early mist to pick James up from the train station.

Other than that - Stay in - keep warm (heating on today for a while) and save petrol.

Between the showers

SAAB to pick up the big ladders and dash back to put them away in the drizzle.

Then more rain and high winds. Oh well.

See yesterday

Well not even a SAAB run today as it was foul all the time. So I played developing old postcards.

Here is one of the Imp ones

SAAB in the gloom

Quick run around the corner to Stutton, but nothing else as it kept raining.

What a difference a day makes

Yesterday it was hot and sunny and I was driving a v12 Aston Martin and a 1934 Imp around in the warm still night.

Today it's dull and raining and 10 degrees cooler. So a SAAB jaunt was all that was on the cards.

... and that is the end of Summer

 SAAB for jobs first thing - and it was hot up the ladder too.

Then the early afternoon was a 2 hour Aston clean.

After that we went to the picture spot. It started with an 'average' setting sun but it worked ok once it burst through.

Then as a final throw of the Summer dice I took the Imp out to the spot I've taken the other evening pictures. Warm night for the drive - and oh-so nice to be running about in the warm and dark in a classic car. Making a few odd noises but going strongly.

Lots of nice comments and chats while I took the pictures. iPhone (as ever) making a good fist of it too.

As to the end of Summer - both the weather is turning to rain and C-19 is on the rise so new restrictions on groups, hospitality and life are coming into force - for up to six months we're warned.

Out and about in Mr E

Misty early morning start in the SAAB to look after EB for a bit. Not seen 7:30 am for a while.

Then in the afternoon Mr E and I went to Felixstowe to drop off a sewing machine for repair.

We called in at the bank on the way to pay in the Imp tax refund cheque too. It was like summer again and the car got a few looks as well as being parked next to a striking Kia - I wonder if that will be on the road in another 56 years.

When we left I noticed a new slight squeal. Also as I had moved the thermostat quite a lot the fan did not kick in until later - so the car was hotter - and possibly had to run for longer. I'll back it off as bit. When I parked up - in nice residential area above the seafront - I found that I'd just got the handbrake on a tad - I think the sewing machine had nudged it which explained the noise.

As I wondered up the street I thought that Jaguar and many other Coventry car firms had started out making sewing machines.

Then an evening dash to get the Mk2 ready for a quick and dirty photoshoot. A bit of detailing fluid and windows clean it looked great and was noticed by a few passing admirers - don't look too closely though. Oh and that's my shadow - you can't get out of the way easily with an iPhone.

Then a dash to Freston to shoot the sun setting over the church - ok shot but not a front cover.

More Imp Madness

Alpine out first to visit an open Studio in the next village. Ran nicely.

Then Imp to the nice cottage for a vintage/retro photo. I think the sun was too bright but it worked ok.

Then back into town to catch the sunset this time. Chatted to another chap taking pictures who thought I might be from a car company as he'd seen me before with the E-Type. Finally one on the road on the way back home.

Another go at the Sun

More MK7 rides and pottering.

Then Aston to the bottle bank.

Lovely run and noise still excites me.

Then as the sun was setting without clouds, it was a choice of cars - so Alpine out. iPhone shot to record the time was a bit good. Need to be there early to catch it.

Funny thing was that I bumped into the same person who admired the Caterham.

You'd be mad to do that

Started with SAAB out and about for jobs - actually picking up a sewing machine.

The MK7 passenger ride for a walk.

Finally as the evening drew in I thought about the E-Type sunset again - but it seemed to cloud over so I thought I know - I'll go for a run in the imp.

So that's what I did. However when I got out the sun seemed to be above the clouds so I thought why not ? Try the marina. So I did. The car seemed to enjoy the run too and so did the people I passed that waved.

They need a a bit of post processing but there we are. Traffic, turnings and roundabouts all taken on and conquered ... ish. I need to be precise with the pre-select and the indicator on the drivers side seemed to fail - not that anyone can see it - but I may be getting used to it. Or a bit cocky - so I'll watch out.

Its all about the timing

Alpine out first thing to the marina.

Going well - if I do say so myself - even if the air is cooler. Then SAAB for jobs and a visit from a new convert.

Finally E-Type out for that sunset pic. Except I missed the sun set... However the Imp V5 arrived in the post. Only took five months.

Unhinged ?

Started the day with a visit to the garage to be greeted by this fine pair.

So after cleaning and detailing the E-type I paint the boot hinge.

It still rubs on the cover which will mean the paint will come off again but it looks better.

Then the Jaguar outing for photos was curtailed by the dark clouds and impending rain. But at least the car is ready again.

Gave the sunset a miss

Ride in the Mk7 to go off and shoot dragonflies was it.

This was one of the better ones from last night though.

More Imp Night Moves

Started the day with an early Mk7 run as the passenger to the hospital again.

Then waited until evening to try for another sunset shot of the Imp.

The iPhone taking a very good picture as I got ready to drive back in the gloom.

Six (plus one) is the magic number

So tomorrow six is all that is allowed to meet. Well today seven of use met up for a socially distanced picnic at Ickworth.

Red was the order of the day then. 

Then as planned took the Alpine out again for photos in the sun set.

Wooden load and cleaning up

SAAB to Oli's first thing - then after a few hours work it was loaded with wood for the dump.

Happy bunch at the Manningtree dump - until they caught someone dumping trade waste. They had to turn their camera on to stop him pretending not to speak English too... odd.

Anyway - pm I hoovered out the SAAB and cleaned and polished the Alpine. 

It looked 'good to go' for the evening's picture but I could not get some equipment to work as I wanted. Perhaps tomorrow night as the sun should be setting at the right time again.

Life begins at 50

Sunny morning so Imp out first thing and (as the road was blocked) halfway around the block and back again.

A bit of noise/whine from the transmission but generally I'm getting used to it. Noticed I managed to get up to 50 mph too - it was not that hard to control although I'm not sure it liked it. I must check the gear box and (as I found a damp patch on the garage floor) the rear axle oil too.

PM was a quick jaunt in the Alpine (still feeling better with the cool air feed) to deliver a few goodies.

Late in the evening I thought I should take the Imp out again - this time for photos. Decided not to venture into town yet but I did head for the field through the small roads to the sun set.

Need to see how the camera ones come out - but this is a mashed up iPhone pic which is not bad.

I even used the lights on the way back.

Passenger 2

Mk2 out to Ipswich first thing. Keeping cleaner under the cover and the rev counter was working again.

On the way back to the car I spotted a large green grasshopper on the roof. I did not have the hart to knock it off so I put it under the windscreen wiper to take it's chances.

Well it made it home none the worse for wear.

Later I thought the Caterham needed a run so we went out to take pictures. Chatted to several older passers-by who liked the car and it got a few crafty phone snaps from the younger ones too.

Cold Comfort

Fitted the cooling ducting to the Alpine. Squeezed it through a gap in the bodywork around the engine bay. Then made up a clamp to keep it in position.

To get the air in I fashioned an air-scoop out of an old Comfort Softener bottle I'd spotted which was a similar diameter to the pipe.

I might paint it black or red to hide it though. Seemed to help a little bit - but the weather is a bit cooler anyway - time will tell.

Then riding around as passenger in the Mk7 again - back to the hospital with Nana.

Early evening the Ferrari got a run out too. Going well and still starting fine. Parked up in the lay-by near Brantham to wipe the windows - nice run through the lanes again as I could see.

Oh and Covid-19 is coming back - 4k infections for the last few days - so new restrictions are being introduced on meeting people - only six at a a time from Monday. 

What's wrong with this picture ?

 It's bloody 7:00 am in the hospital car park - just us and Nana - no one else seemed to be at work.

Golf still looking shiny though. So several runs as a passenger today - utility trips - made for a 'relaxed' day.

Mr E meets an American - and a bomber

It was supposed to be a sunny day - so I decided to get the E-Type out and pack it up with wine and the chairs for a run down to Hyde Hall about 50 miles away.

No sooner had I finished the rain arrived and for an hour or so we got wet. The amazing thing was that when we got there the car was almost as good as new - if you did not look too closely. Testament to wax. We also parked next to this beast.

No not the Audi - but the 5 litre electric blue Mustang. However when we were off we were visited by a dive bombing bird who managed to hit every panel front to back. Ho Hum.

At least the car was flawless and the traffic light even in rush hour - perhaps we are commuting less.

R2G back

So we sailed back and topped up with fuel...

... and water. Just like the cars.

Except it is diesel and we drink the water. Mk7 back home in the dying sun.

G2R Again

 Mk7 packed up with the weekend sailing gear. Nice weather for a drive too :(

Shit - just line up those own goals

 SAAB out early, to take mum to the Covid 19 test centre in Bury before she can have the retina opp.

Queued up for a while but we were through in about 45 mins. They seem to be running out of slots as this was almost the only one we could get - although I did book late in the day.

Then I took the Alpine out around the block - it went well and the air was colder so that helped. I must add the air pipe to see if it improves again.

Then I messed up the SAAB interior trying to clean the sticky buttons.

I'm not too sure how we're going to repair that.

Another red car

 SAAB to Harkstead for jobs - one of which was to start up the Suzuki.

That started first time on the booster so we used it to go to Ipswich. Then back and home. It goes well although it's a bit gutless.

Then an unscheduled hospital visit had us in the Golf Mk7 and then later that evening the SAAB back home.

Utility trips the lot of them.

Prat in the Hat 2

SAAB out early into a autumnal 14 degrees with the windscreen fogged up.

Checked the Ferrari and the mirror is still firm I'm happy to say.

Then Imp out and around the block as it had warmed up considerable. Looked very period ...

... and I had to complete the ensemble.

Not sure the fleece and sunglasses are period though - we'll have to work on that.

And then it was September

The van left for the North and silence slowly fell over the camp site.

SAAB to the bottle bank (which was filling up quickly) just for old times sake.

How we arrived at September no one is quite sure.

However Golk Mk2 pipped the Aston by 1 mile for the top September slot at exactly 100 miles.