Worked on 3 of my cars today...

First up, Becky had her drivebelt retensioned again and hopefully she won't squeal any more.

Second, I cleaned Snowdrop's engine bay and it looks a bit cleaner now.

Last but not least, I fitted the steering column on Baby Blue. I think some of my handiwork is causing a short circuit as one of the fuses keeps on blowing. Probably one of the wires on the indicator stalk so it looks like I'll have to investigate and sort it out. At least that car can be started on the key now.

A bit more to do...

I got round to retensioning Becky's new belt. It was squealing whenever I fired her up. I did fit it at home with an adjustable spanner. I also topped up the radiator and this time I made sure I got all the air out. Today's commute to and from work will tell if I've cured that little problem. Snowdrop doesn't need anything major doing. She is now good to go which is a good thing because there's a few local shows and meetings coming up and she'll be the car of choice.

Another small job

The alternator drive belt was replaced last night as the old one was beginning to fray. It was a simple enough job but I'll need to retension it as it squeals when I start her up. Something to do when I'm over at Anita's next.

The "1500 Stretch" idea is beginning to take shape. I'm hoping to use the original 1500fwd running gear so I'll need to keep weight down. A couple of things that will help are a Webasto sunroof (I'd like this car to have one) and the use of fibreglass panels where possible. The Toledo would be a good source of body parts for the centre section.

I've had one of those madcap ideas. The idea is to stretch my spares 1500. First the car would be cut in half down the B-posts and then a middle section would be welded in between to create a longer car. The rear section of my Toledo would provide that middle section of the stretched car. The only other problem is to which engine would be suitable. I've been told the standard 1500 drivetrain (front wheel drive) would do the job but I've also been told that the 6-cylinder engine would fit. I've done a mock-up using a photo of a Dolomite 1500HL (the bodyshell is exactly the same) so it should give some idea of what it would look like... 

It wasn't just classic cars. There was other vintage macchinery including this traction engine. If Fred Dibnah was still alive he would be in his element! 

Now this is one of my dream cars. (the Triumph Stag) This one is local and I got to know the owner through Snowdrop's previous owner. If I ever get the chance I'd have one of these. 

I quite liked this car and I knew the previous owner as I'd sold him one of these (a Triumph 1300fwd) This car has appeared on "Heartbeat" so she is a star. This is one of the nicest examples I have seen. 

I went to a local show at the weekend and showed Snowdrop. It was the first show I took her to and the previous owner was there (he lives nearby) with his MGB GT 

A bit of light work on Snowdrop!

Last night just before the local TSSC meeting I removed the reversing light switch from Snowdrop and resoldered the wire that had broken off so I now have reversing lights again. Well, I had just one at first because the bulb for the other one was missing so I robbed one from Baby Blue. At the meeting I was told that one of my brake lights was out (the filament had broken) so when I got back I robbed another bulb off Baby Blue and all was well again.

The replacement gearbox in place after much struggling. Rain and bad light wasn't going to stop play for me! 

New clutch fitted and ready to receive the replacement gearbox. 

The old and the new... 

A well-deserved break for a cup of tea. 

The old gearbox is off... 

I made a start on removing Becky's gearbox last night but I had to stop part way through as it was getting dark. This morning I went over to see my local Acclaim guru to pick up the replacement gearbox. It was still attached to the engine so I spent an hour separating the gearbox from the engine. That done, I then went to pick up the clutch kit whichb I'd ordered and atbthe same time I bought some suitable oil for the gearbox. As you can see from the pic I managed to get the gearbox into Snowdrop's boot. I will be giving it a good clean before I fit it. As I've quit my pub job I can keep on going until if finished fitting the gearbox and I can then give Becky some extensive road testing. 

Gearbox replacement

I've decided to replace Becky's gearbox so I've manage to source one from my local Acclaim guru's extensive collection of Acclaim spares and I've ordered a new clutch kit from my local motor factor for just under £40. It makes sense when Becky's done just under 119,000 miles amd I've got the gearbox off. The plan is to remove the gearbox tonight. Pick up the replacement, pick up the clutch kit (if it has arrived) and then fit the whole lot. The clutch kit might not come until Monday so the job might be delayed. it doesn't really matter because I've still got Snowdrop to run around in so I'm not totally without transport. I shall be taking photos and posting them on this Blog.

More gearbox woes

I fitted the torque rod bush and it made no difference so it looks like a replacement gearbox. Mind you, with 119,000 miles it has lasted well. I've also been advised to change the gearbox oil before I do any major work. I would've done it by now but I've got a couple of meetings this week which is why I've been running round in Snowdrop since I did the HCR.

Gear problem

Becky made it on the HCR. The one thing I (and my co-driver) noticed that she would sometimes drop out of 5th and into neutral. I consulted my local Acclaim guru who thinks that it is a worn engine torque rod bush. When I got back to Anita's I checked it and sure enough there was lots of play so I'll be getting a replacement from said Acclaim guru. It would also explain the judder I've experienced when setting off in 1st gear.