Keeping the miles down

Working on the Talbot, cleaning and getting the right suitcases that fit best.

These two could have been made for it. That's my forward planning - buying the second one in 2015.

I also dried the carpets again in the very hot sun.

Then I checked the oil and it has used a little - checked with Polson and topped it up. Not bad for almost 450 miles though. 

I checked the water too but it just needed a splash even after that hot running.

Finally I paid the Polson bill which was 'reasonable' - well in line with expectations - so let's hope that's it for a while.

As to miles this month - guess what ? The Talbot was the clear winner with 135 (but almost 100 of that to Polson and back) so really the Imp at 111 was the most used. That was the Fate and the show last weekend probably.

So the pre-war team beat the classics this month.

Finally I did the E-Type and the Talbot windows - always lifts the car. 

I also noticed the battery conditioner on the Talbot was green at last. That took a day and a half.

Workout and Pictures

Having checked on Talbot progress in the morning everything was looking good. Everything done - even balancing a wheel - and just the test drive left to do. So off we went to get it.

Why not collect the Talbot on the warmest day of the year with the Mk7 Golf showing 30+ degrees ?

On the way we got a call - er ... the heater pipe had burst and made the carpets all wet. New pipe being fitted but they want to clean the carpets. I said we'd still come so we did - and to slow us down we went via Homebase for gardening supplies - even if I can not use the satnav properly. Oh and the road was closed which gave them more time too.

There she was waiting though - a bit grubby as I'd not given them time to clean it - but ready to go.

After a chat with John, Ian and the Engineer Alex (who had test driven the car up to 75 mph) we decided we would never know if the car behaved unless we tried - and we joked that you could not brake down at a better place than the VSCC and Talbot anniversary meeting. 

Just before we left another mechanic appeared with three photos that he gave me. 

It was him [on the right] in the late 1990's with the car - he did the original paining during the restoration. That was kind of him I thought.

Setting off we went for petrol first [50 litres] ...

... then took the slightly longer run home of almost exactly 50 miles.

Everything ran well and far less wobbles, with the heater kicking out less heat and the windscreen open to cool the car. The engine temperature hovered around 90 degrees going slightly hotter at 60 mph and cooler at 55 mph.

The only worrying part was on the A14 about 30 mins in when it felt rough - a bit like dropping on less than six cylinders. That cleared up when the road surface changed. Umm.

Home in just over an hour and 15 mins - but I would have to admit it was a bit of a workout. I took the carpets out to dry fully and tomorrow I'll check the oil and see what suitcases fit.

ION: Ian said he thought HRH had both a Saloon and a Coupe Ulster !

Sales and Planet Saving

MK7 ride to the boat for a sail in the hot summer sun  - at last.

Then back and obviously we had to buy diesel.

When are we having electric boats again ?

Finally - before they take it away - petrol power to the recycling - again is it just us that cares for the planet ?

On the way - a little boy said wow at the co-op and several adults pointed. Mind you it did look good in that light.

ION: It's Tuesday tomorrow and we have no Talbot confirmation ...

Riley Across Country

Early morning call suggested I went to Debach Air Museum as they were having a small car gathering and open day. However I took the SAAB out first thing to look for dragonflies at the Creek.

Then post lunch I popped up country - through town and the back roads. I came across an odd traffic jam - two Porsches - one that looked like it had hit the other - and a hatch back with an angry elderly woman in it. There were people in the road and lots of water between the Porsches. Odd.

The 'show' was much better then I had expected with about 50 cars and military vehicles. I parked next to Chris and the RGEA banner and we had a look around.

John turned up in the radio car too which was a nice change.

Run back later was fine although I was a bit worried about the lack of petrol and the car was hot and making noises - got home OK though and thought how lucky I really was. Only 35 miles there and back but it seemed much longer.

Next week the Talbot - hopefully - and another adventure.

More Stuff Arrives

I finished unpacking the SAAB and put everything away in the morning.

Then PM  I went over to Stutton to help Oli get rid of a load of coal he had kept. So SAAB back in play almost immediately.

A nice lady came to pick it all up on time though - so that's another job done at last ... until Oli found some more coal at the back of the garage ! I also seemed to come back with more than I left with again.

Finally Harkstead ride in MK7.

Gotcha !

Off to the ferry 'fully loaded' in the morning.

Uneventful run but saw a nice blue and black vintage Riley leaving the post as we arrived. 

On arrival back in the UK we were through customs with less delay than usual and were out on the motorway by about 6:30. The sun was shining and the roads were clear - so a good run home I thought. Which was obviously the wrong.

First the Hindhead tunnel was speed restricted [lack of lights ?] then we were caught in the delay at the A3/M25 Wisley junction for 15 mins - much worse than Monday. Then 30 miles of 50mph on the M25 and eventually two sets of roadworks on the A12. Phew.

Then just when I thought we were on the home stretch this ...

... an accident on the A12. So we were stationary for about 15 mins and slow for another 15 or so.

All of which added up to being home very late. 

No energy even to unpack - that would have to wait until tomorrow.

Packing Up - but What ?

I spotted an email from John first thing confirming the part the Talbot needed would be delivered to them and the bill will be sent to me. They will also fit a discreet on/off switch for the hot water under the dash - so I'll have to trust them on that one.

For us it was another day exploring the sandy coast in the trusty SAAB. 

Then we eat lunch in a busy spot with an old CV van being used as a coffee station - but that was all of note really.

Home and packing started but stopped quite quickly as we'd not got much to pack ? Then an evening run to Dinan ... just wet and windy.

Back home I spotted an email from Ian Potts with the bill. We tried to pay for the regulator - easier said than done with no signal - but we got there in the end.

Is it a Truck or is it a Boat ?

SAAB to the dump with yesterday's cuttings - very easy when you are just emptying the bags out of the boot.

Then to the coast and a walk by the mussel beds - passed the amphibious trucks all parked up.

Then they came out at the end for low tide.

While eating lunch I spoke to Polson Senior about installing a heater valve. 

He also told me Polson Junior should have phoned to say that the Dynamotor was fixed - hurray - but that it needed a new Regulator which was still blowing fuses - boo. The club could supply a new one [an Ian Potts one ?] - hurray - but they could not buy it as the club did not supply dealers - boo.

However he thought Polson Junior had got it - Dho ! I decided to sleep on it and find out in the morning when I could get hold of John.

Scraping By

Off the ferry first thing although we were almost last off - short run back to the house though.

Unpacked, forced our way through the weeds and then popped into Dinan for jobs. We parked the SAAB a bit close to the curb though.

I scraped it on the way in and worse on the way out - much to the horror of two women watching and warning me.

Is that all ?

Packed up and off - quite an empty car this time.

M25/A3 junction progressing but gridlocked so we took the back route out of Wisley again and went through the narrow lanes instead of joining the queues.

Nice couple of classics boarding with us - an XK I think and this Fraser Nash BMW. 

The MOT check says 1936 BWM 3 Series - which is odd - but other research say it is a 319. So a 1.9-litre straight-six OHV engine. AFN Ltd had an agreement with BMW for the importation of their cars into the UK where they were sold as Frazer Nash-BMWs.

Ride and Walk

Short hops in the MK7 to visit gardens before a Harkstead jaunt. That's all other than a bit of research on the Bentley we saw Thursday night. 

ION: Joe Biden withdraws from US presidential election race - who will run in his place ?

Walk, Ride and Sit

Just a quick couple of rides in an Audi - that was the sum of the motoring today.

Two dark cars on a sunny day.

Lots Positive Stuff

I was awake very early but I thought leaving at 6:00 am for Polson was a bit mad. Already a very hot morning. However by 8:45 I was on the road with the Talbot running just on its batteries. Like a Tesla really. Looked good though.

About 47 miles and just over an hour later we were there parked up next to PL3 a recreation of the Fox and Nichole 90 Team Car. Nice pair.

Both John and Ian suspected the peg that I had found loose was the culprit as it was probably shorting on the dynamotor casing and fuse to blow.

‘Strait forward, but time consuming job’ said Ian, setting my cost expectations 'as to get it out you need to remover the bonnet and radiator'. So glad I did not try it myself.

I also leant from Ian that using the Rotax 'switch' would stop you turning on the Ignition next to it. Unless you force it over apparently ?

From there a ride in the MK7 across the country to pick up the E-type. Looking good in the sunshine - as they had washed it quickly.

The fan had been re-wired to the correct side of the Ammeter and now showed discharge when it cut in. The slow increase of the deflection [the symptom I could see] of the ammeter needle was put down to a weak spring (possibly from the jolt it gets from the Dynator charging now) allowing the needle to deflect more and more.

Home in 25+ degrees through the centre of Ipswich showed not the slightest increase in temperature which was reassuring though.

Next I took the SAAB  down to see the Alpine and if the bolts I had found fit - they were too long but possibly shorter ones will do - I did put in one split pin though !

I then went to look for shorter bolts (ok) and machine screws (not in stock).

Finally Aston to save the planet.

Looked like I was alone in caring.

So six - four - six - four - twelve. Bookended with 1933 and 2013 - 80 years between the two.

ION: IT scored a massive own goal as the security industry released a 'patch' brining down most MS servers around the world - Trains, Planes, media and Hospitals all effected - so nothing we needed then.

Oh that bit of Rubber ?

The first job was to fit the Imp luggage rack for the wicker basket to carry tonight's picnic.

It only took about 15 mins and I still think works well even if the red ends to the bars are a little bright. 

Then I started putting the Talbot batteries back in, but first connected a trickle charge to the front one. Twice, as normal, as I had attached it the wrong way around the first time.

Putting the battery terminals back it struck me why there was a rubber sheet under one of the connections. The frame the batteries sit in is metal and the ends of the terminal sit just above it. A good bounce and they might make contact.

The front one (where Rowland had the rubber originally) looked perilously close. I put his back and then added pads to the other three just in case.

Finally I put some tape to keep the dynamotor peg in place.

I also chased the E-type and it's 'probably' going to be ready - although they recommend a new ammeter - or at least refurbing mine - but that is a Winter job.

Finally as we'd decided not to have a picnic I took the luggage rack off the Imp [only ten mins this time] and started her up. On closing the bonnet I thought the profile was a bit wrong though. Checking I'd forgotten to put the cam cover back on when I'd topped up the oil and left it sticking up on the scuttle tool bin cover. Dho !

Then late PM Imp out to the 'show'. There were a couple more pre-war cars in the car park. A Rolls and a Bentley - so we were in good company.

Mind you I think the Imp won the beauty contest.

This was Nigel's picture as we left in the dark - which summed it up nicely - I even look the part.

Lots of Memories

So what to take ? I had decided on the Aston - showing off possibly - but not the Talbot unfortunately.

First task though was to put one of the Talbot batteries on charge. I chose the front one to start with. Not a simple operation as you need to remove the floor and the handbrake gaiter. I suspect I'll be doing that a bit more though. 

That started I cleaned the Aston - I forgot the 'nappy' but it was ok under the bonnet. I also check the oil - it needed about 3/4 litre which was a bit more than I'd thought it would, but then again when was the last time I checked it ?

That completed I popped out for fuel - which seemed to work fine this time - and put the car away. 

I checked the battery a few times but it took almost two and a half hours to top it up. Switching to the rear one I left that one charging.

I wrapped the terminals in cloths to prevent them earthing on the body work which seemed to work.

The second battery only took around an hour or so - which I suspect confirms that they do not charge evenly. I did wonder about setting up a trickle charge on one or both of them ?

But by then it was time to go though so I got the Aston back out - looking pristine. 

Off we went through the lanes to see Janet [Rowlands partner] in deepest Suffolk who had said she was happy to share some stories and photos with me. I came away with some copies of pictures and a few tales of daring do. Seems the car was used extensively, as I thought, and bar a few inevitable brake downs was reasonably reliable.

Finally on the run back the Vodafone tracker tripped and I got a call. So I changed the battery yet again.

Progress on one front

I spent the day on admin and getting the cars sorted out from my desk.

Half way through the morning the garage phoned to say they had solved the E-type charging mystery - the fan was drawing power from the wrong side of the ammeter so when running it showed a charge - not a discharge - but all the charging etc. tested fine and it had not overloaded the battery. Hopefully that is that. We'll see.

I also spoke to John Polson who thought I'd make 44 miles on two batteries - so I'll take it in Friday afternoon. First big bill on the way.

I also made contact with the other Ulster owner - he had less info than I did so I sent him mine - but he seems to know much more about pre-wars cars (Alvis and Sunbeam).

Then a MK7 ride to Stutton followed by me taking it to Harkstead.

Finally, after the gloom of assessing a diminished fleet I thought we needed to flip it. So here we go:

Ferrari - in good hands and in progress 
Alpine - nearing the end of the work 
E-type - fault identified and being corrected
Talbot - problem identified and booked it in to Polson
MK2 Golf - known problem with work around but need to book it in 

Standing back I have also executed the new plan too. We now have two pairs of iconic cars - plus outliers. 

Firstly the pre-war pair - a Sports car and Coupe and then the 1960’s classics - a Sports car and Coupe. Interestingly both sets feature 4 and 6 cylinder cars.

So stop being so down I thought to myself - and rejoice in a better day than I was expecting.

Early Start - For Nothing

Got up early in the sunshine and headed off in the E-type to get to Suffolk Classic Services for their opening at 8:00 - as they wanted me in early. In fact I was there very early and let the car cool down.

After booking in - very formal - I looked at a few oddities they had (1949 Rover 75 and a Bristol) while I waited for my Uber. Here is the Rover which is 'in progress' but looking a bit unloved.

A lift home in the MK7 and then off to work on the Alpine. I only got a few easy jobs done but it still took four and a half hours for all the bits and bobs.

Then home again. Late afternoon I thought I'd better to check on the E-type ... they had only just got round to starting on it - so it stays there. That's OK with me as it's raining again.

Talbot Tinkering and Blown fuses

I bit the bullet and decided to try to find the fault in the Talbot charging this morning. I'd hoped it was a loose connection or something I'd done fitting the indicator bulbs. First I did the lights properly.

That was the easy part. I then thought I'd make sure the earth wire was clean and tight. Turns out it was loose but it seems to be coming out - I doubt that is the problem - just another issue I have unearthed.

Then I read and re-read the guide I had found. It said look for blown fuses which would point to a problem. Well I found one after looking several times that was. Eventually I had 'tested' several to destruction.

The next in the chain was trying this relay but I decided to stop there.

So at least I managed to find something that would explain the problem. The car still starts and runs - just not charges so not sure how far I would get on the road ?

Finally I topped up the Imp oil - only 1/2 a pint over 100 or so miles I'd guess - a lot better than it was doing.

Despondently I reviewed the fleet - two out of seven now - that's the number of toys that actually work

Alpine - in restoration

E-type - charging fault

Ferrari - carbs being re-built

Talbot - charging fault

VW - starting problem

Aston and Imp holding the line for now though.

ION: There was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump yesterday afternoon in the US - the bullet just hit is ear but that's warmed things up.

Understudy Shines

So first thing I was in the garage starting the Talbot ready to go to Alderton fate. I had written a brief and printed off some information to prepare for the first outing.

Starting from cold - after 12-14 days indeed - showed me some things. I had primed the carb a bit, then turning over a few times (3x10 second bursts) brought the oil pressure up nicely. Then we got a few splutters and attempts as the fuel got through, then 'Roar' as it caught and off we go.

Phew - out we came - looking very good.

I checked the oil and it was still at the top - looked like less on the garage floor too.

I topped up the water in the expansion bottle and then thought why ? Won't it just overfill when hot and drain out ? I then checked the radiator at the top and that was fine anyway.

I put it away as it started to rain a bit, but got it back out again later. That time the ignition light seemed to be staying on. Then went off. So I did not think about it.

However as were packed and ready to go I started up and - the ignition light refused to go out - after two miles I thought better of it and came home deflated - very deflated.

So we took the Imp - not a bad choice but it did look like rain. However it did not rain and the sun even came out. Here is Jana in the car chatting - she even spoke to the old boys about it during the day.

I chatted to someone with a Citroen Rosalie. Pre-Traction model from the 1930's. 

The run home again was also fine - if a bit noisy - but we had a slight smell of oil/petrol. We got back before the clouds burst open though.

I guess I should not complain. When one of our fabulous 1930's cars can't be used we just 'jump' into the other. Not that it was an easy drive - but we got there and back and people liked it a lot. So an unplanned adventure and 50 miles to boot.