Alpine Looking Good

So, the day started with a lift in the VW Passat to Stuton to help with electrical work. Then on the way back I picked up the van again.

PM the sun came out so after home jobs so did the Alpine - after an hour on the heater of course. It started first turn of the key, so the anti-return valve seems to be working.

It is also far nicer to drive without the hard top on. It goes nicely, although I can tell it needs a bit of a tune up again.

Backload

MK7 out and down to RHS Hyde Hall first thing with a small load.

It seems to have grown for the run back though.

ION: The first Labour budget for 14 years - and it's quite dull. Nothing about cars at all - other than keeping the lower rate of fuel duty for another year and confirmation that Electric cars will start to pay road tax. Odd - perhaps something is buried in the details.

Unexpected Passenger

Popped to Stutton first thing in the MK7 to look after Monty, then found ourselves coming back home with a little passenger.

That will be the ISO fitting then.

PM I went to look for mushrooms again. in the MK2 this time. Just as I had finished and was back at the car I spotted to huge parasols - so that was a bonus.

Same Shit - Different ... Car

SAAB off to Abbotts first thing. I borrowed a 95 diesel estate though - so came home with almost the same. So to make it feel part of the family we went for 18 more bags of manure.

Home via the allotment to drop them off. Luckily the car was so dirty in side it made no difference.

Then PM MK2 off to Harkstead for jobs and starting the Imp. I forgot the fan heater so had to do the run twice though. Dho ! The car started fine after a few tries - again I think it needs more fuel primed into the carbs after a long sit.

That Garage Shuffle

The sun was actually out - so in the morning I shuffled the cars around pending getting top box stowed in the garage. I also dithered but thought it was an opportunity to take the hard top off the Alpine - so that was the first step unbolting everything so it was removeable.

Then I moved the MK7 to get the Talbot out - although it seemed hard to start as I'd not warmed it up much nor primed the carb. It started OK after a few goes though. It looked good on the drive too.

Next was moving the Aston out - I also put the fan on it to warm up the Alpine. Then I cleaned the garage floor and tried to get the oil off. We'll see how it looks in a month or so.

Then I started the Alpine - funny how the instrument lamp comes on with the ignition but goes off again if I put the instruments on !

Very odd - here it is glowing. By then the drive was filling up but I moved it to the garage and we took the top off and got it into the loft. I'd forgotten what the Alpine looked like without the top - and it really shone in the sunshine too.

However back into the bubble it went as we got on with stage two - moving the top box into the garage loft. Oli drew along side and we moved it over on the bars - then took the box off.

When everything was done I thought why not - I'll take the Alpine out to save the planet.

I got chatting to D&R who were out walking - so by the time we'd finished it was getting cold, but I went around the rest of the block anyway. A bit chilly [even with the heater on] but the car seemed to appreciate it.

Home again and it was Talbot Time. 

It was getting dark so I used the bottom set of lights. Again a driver was on the wrong side of the road at the mill corner which made me jump. Anyway, around the block we went - this time enjoying the heat it kicked out.

By the time I got home it was getting dark (that will be the clocks going back) so I packed the Alpine away in the bubble and put the Aston back into the garage. Phew.

I really should get another shed for the hard top and the top box. It would save a lot of time.

Snuck it out

Dull start to the day with cloud and a little rain - then the rain stopped and it looked clear. So ...

We snuck out for a run around the block. Yep it is still going very well.

Then a bit of a Harkstead/Holbrook shuffle as the gloom returned. When I got there I put the Imp on charge - but before I could count to 10 it was done.

That's a good sign. I left it on charge [not sure why] but I'll have to start it next week in the sunshine.

50 Feet ?

SAAB moved on the drive - about 50 foot in total.

Then late a blew Golf arrived to have a chat with the black one.

Two Wheels Good - Four Wheels Better ... ish

First thing I put the Talbot on the fan heater for a bit. I also swapped the battery charger back to the front battery.

Then the next morning task was to add a second set of wheels to the sack barrow so we could use it to move the gas cylinder up into the van. Here is is.

It turned out a but superfluous as the barrow fitted fine up right in the back and was not that hard to push up - well anyway when it was empty.

Then it was time to start the Talbot but I noticed the battery charger was already on green which was encouraging. However - I'd not left it this long before I thought I'd take it easy. So prime the carb as best as I could, turned it over twice to build oil pressure, then hand throttle on, turn over three more times and it spluttered. 

Then a few pumps of the throttle - start it again and second go - off it roared. I left it for a few mins to warm up and then reversed out of the garage into the sunshine. Quite a bit of oil on the floor that needs cleaning up but all seemed good.

I then got a call from Oli to pick up more dresses so I took the car out and over to Stutton to get them. Monty was pleased to see it and after a little play inside asked to get into the boot.

That done I collected the dresses and headed home. After lunch we set off in the van to drop the dresses in town and collect some more, then get the gas cylinder and finally back via Stutton to drop them off. Again Monty liked the car - well the van.

Finally late evening I took the E-type out - the first time this month too. It started fine, but I had forgotten both fuel and the amp gauges are knackered.

It was also getting a bit cold. Nice run - although it did not feel so together as the last time. 

Probably me.

Van Man and in the Rag Trade

Off we go again.

This time we used the 'Nigel Van'. Holbrook/Harkstead/East B/Harkstead/Holbrook.

In the end the verdict was 'NO'. But we'll see.

Then SAAB into town - to pick up dresses for O&L. Yes now we're in the rag trade too.

Deja Vu - Squared

Started the day by warming up the Ferrari in readiness for an afternoon run. She started well and sounded good just in the garage.

That done - well off we went again - SAAB to Harkstead/Holbrook/Harkstead and back. Deja Vu 1.

Here we are parked in the Street as there was no space in the Doctor's car park.

That done it was a case of waiting for Nigel to deliver the van - that was going to take some time so after lunch I went out with the Italian. Yes - runs very well indeed now.

Then back I decided to fit the non-return valve on the Alpine. It deserves some attention. So ... I got the pipe off quite easily and cut it to fit the valve. I then realised I needed two more clips to clamp the pipe. So when Nigel had dropped the van off I went to Halfords and bought four, as the one on the original pipe was incorrect. 

I got 15mm ones that looked like the fitted and while I was there I also bought the smaller non-return valve as it looked a better size (6mm) now I had the pipe in my hand. One hit and one miss. The clips were too big but the valve was right.

So back to Halfords and as the sun set I got the 12mm clips. Deja Vu 2. 

I came back as the sun was setting and the traffic turned nasty.

So I did not get the job done until almost 7:00 pm by the time I'd tidied up and tested it. Not sure clipping it to the hot water pipe is a good idea though.

At least the Alpine did start first time and sounded fine. Although I had cut myself and made the bubble very dirty with the exhaust.

Ho Hum.

When's a Shit Day not a Shit Day ?

When it's a day for Shit. SAAB out and off to collect 18 large bags of spent mushroom compost.

Made it quite dirty though so after lunch I cleaned the inside of the boot and the mat.

A lot cleaner but I forgot the front. There is always another day though for that fun.

While I was doing that Ant turned up to collect the welder - so the shed it looking a bit emptier - and better for it.

More rain

Another wet start to the day and some of the afternoon too. Everything is damp and yucky.

Not classic car weather - so they all stayed warm and dry.

I must get the Talbot warmed and stared tomorrow though ... or perhaps Tuesday ...

Utility Trip

More rain first thing so not able t get the cars out. However I checked on the second Talbot battery and it was charged up by 11:45.

PM SAAB run back to Harkstead, for tea and dropping off the wheel chair.

A thought ?

Tried to close the gap in the car port roof to stop water dripping on the cars first thing.

We'll see how it goes over the next few days as heavy rain is in the forecast. Again.

Then I decided I really should start tidying up the garden etc. so I booked a run to the dump. PM saw me loading the trusty SAAB up again - those bits of wood seem to have got heavier since 1998 when I put then there.

Anyway off we went and now we have a bit of a clear patch behind the shed. As we turned on to the Freston road a nice old car passed me. I did not get a decent picture but from the registration it was a 1927 Lagonda 14/60 Tourer - sold at auction this year for around £35k.

I'll have to keep an eye out for that.

However once back I put the fan heater on the Ferrari and after jobs etc. off we went. She started after a couple of turns to get fuel through and sounded good burbling on the drive.

A thought struck me when I was 'pressing on' around the block. Why not keep that out and put the E-type into storage - I've used the Ferrari so little in the last two years it would be like having a new car. Well another new car anyway - and she is going very well at last.

Only issue was that I kicked the clock getting out (clumsy old fat bloke that I am) and bent the adjustment knob just a little. Oh well - Patina - as they say.

Old Habits and New Publication

Guess What ? SAAB out late morning for another Harkstead/Holbrook visit/trip/run. Wet and damp start to the day too.

At least the SAAB seems to repel water.

Then PM I popped off to see Nigel's van adapted to take the wheelchair. Looks a bit Heath Robinson.

But I guess I should give it a go.

Then Aston out in the late sun - back to the bottle bank - not sure why I bother to save the planet though.

Mind you  - it does go nicely. I topped up with fuel too at the new service station - clean and nice but a bit hard to get in and out of.

Finally checking on the Talbot battery, one has been toped up [in 24 hours] and so I connected the second.

Finally #2 the latest bit of self publicity arrived.

Glint of Sun

Trusty SAAB out for utility run first thing. Harkstead/Ipswich and back for all out C-19 and Flue jabs. Remember Covid - and how we all thought the world would be so good after it was over ? Fat Chance.

Anyway after lunch the sun was just peeking out so I though I'd better get back into the old-car swing of things. First I put the Talbot battery on charge.

I really should rig up one for the second battery too.

Then I put the fan on the Alpine to warm it up. I also looked back and the last time the Alpine got some attention was the 12th September and even then not a run out as far as I can see.

She started after three long pulls and a bit of stuttering - I really need to get the non-return valve fitted.

Still noisy, bumpy and rattles - plus does not like 30 MPH. Oh and the brakes need bleeding again and the off side indicator still flashed too fast. However it looks very good and it's actually a shock to get it out and see it again.

ION: I also spotted a line from Stephen Bayley in Octane this month talking about modern cars - and the 'new' Ford Capri in general. 

"You need a bigger expression than 'lost opportunity'. Perhaps 'infinite abyss of dismaying mediocrity' would do. Sums up the first 100 days of the new Labour Government quite well I thought.

Not that Enzo ?

Aston down to Grange first think in the gloom. 7:15 actually.

I must remember to leave earlier as the traffic seems even worse and that's now the roadworks on the A12 have been completed. So it was 8:45 before I got there.

Into London next to the Design Museum. Last time I was here was a few years ago [2017] for the Enzo Ferrari exhibition. I looked around the basic exhibits first and was interested to see the underside of the 1923 Model T they were showing as an example of manufacturing processes.

After finishing this I looked through the other Enzo exhibition ... Enzo Mari this time. I'll make the same comments as last time too 'Interesting but not a 'must see'.

Then I walked back to Paddington station via Knightsbridge car spotting. Actually very few nice cars on the roads, although I did pass a few dealers windows on the walk. Modern Ferrari's (dull), then some Classics - nice Alfa Romeo 1900C Super Sprint [expensive no doubt] ...

and finally a couple of Lamborghinis looking brutal.

The best spot was a Bentley (possibly a 1960s Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur Sports Saloon) just parked on the street. 

However research show the same colour scheme is on an electric conversion - a snip at £300k+.

I also spotted a Toyota Land Cruiser with a Bad Ass number plate playing loud music.

I hope he is a tough as the plate suggested - DIE MF !

Finally back to Grange early and got chatting to another customer who was waiting for his car. It was late model V12 Vanquish from around 2007. He's had all sorts of problems (e.g. expense) with it. He was quite angry by the time my car was ready so I left him brooding. He never asked what I had either. 

Anyway I picked up the car - clean - and it even seemed to go much better on the run home. 

Funny really.

Ticking off Jobs

The early rain slowly passed but left a cold and damp day - so no real urgency to get the cars out again yet. I did renew the MK2 insurance though so ticked off that job.

However in the afternoon the sun peeked out so I bucked my ideas up and took the MK2 Golf into town for 'supplies'.