Thursday, August 30, 2007

I did it!

I finally got to use that MIG welder Anita bought me several months ago (the exact number of which eludes me!) First I did some practaice runs on an old dustbin lid until I could do a straight line. I only blew one small hole but that was with the settings on full! I then jumped in at the deep end and I managed to get the bracket welded to the axle and although it doesn't look too good it will hold at least until I can get another rear axle. I went overboard with the weld to make sure it was a good join and did a test lift. Once I was satisfied with my handiwork I then painted the axle with the black Hammerite and paintbrush I said I would buy in the previous entry. I just painted what I could get at and I'll finish the job tonight. It's amazing what a difference a coat of paint makes!

Monday, August 27, 2007

Problems with Snowdrop

Snowdrop had developed a problem. The back end was twitching and there was a knock. I got the back end on axles stands and as soon as I took the wheels off I noticed the problem.

One of the tie bar brackets had sheared at the axle. I can do one of two things:


1. Replace the axle.
2. Get the bracket welded back on.


Since either option invloves dropping the axle (2 hour job) I decided to remove the axle and try option 2 first. I'll also see if I can clean and paint the axle while it is off the car. A tin of black Hammerite & a paintbrush beckons...

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Not much doing.

I'm in the middle of a house move. Parents are going to get the house done out so we're moving over the road for 6 months. This means I haven't been able to do any work on the cars. Also I've been made redundant from my job. Don't worry, I won't have to give up my Triumphs. The insurance is paid up till next February, Becky's out of tax & MoT, Project Blue had both not so long ago and Snowdrop is still road legal. This means I don't have any worries about keeping the fleet going for the time being.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Plans are afoot...

Yes, I've decided to takle the rust on Snowdrop before it takes hold and fail's the MoT which will be due in October. I've decided not to use the last of my Jenolite and instead bought some Krust which a couple of my Triumph friends (Martin & Jon) have used on their cars with success. I just need some white Hammerite smooth and Snowdrop will be looking a bit better. I've already done the wheels so it is the bodywork's turn to have some treatment.

Not much to report...

Well what can I say? Project Blue has been running like a dream and going through fuel filters. The pic above was taken at Woodvale and the car didn't miss a beat.



After Woodvale we decided to go to Southport as the weather was nice and I hadn't been in over 20 years. As you can tell you can still park on the beach...

Project Blue from another angle.


I got Anita to pose with me and the car. The tide is about 3 miles out! Also on a clear day you can see Blackpool Tower.