Robert Charles SCEATS's Journal
Home Page: Robert SCEATS
Sant Cebria de Vallalta, Barcelona, Spain
| Total Posts: 10 | Latest Post: 2016-09-14 |
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It wasn't until the mid '70's that I got my hands on a dark blue '66 Triumph Spitfire (Reg. LYL675D). Soft top, hard top, tonneau wide wire wheels shod with low profile Yokohamas and, overdrive. It had the lot. Trouble was, it only lasted 6 months before it blew it's head gasket and that was it. No money for repairs so the car went.
From then on I just dreamed of owning a TR but by the time I had the funds for my "dream", a decent TR6 was well beyond my reach. Mum passed away in January 2014, having made 100 years of age. She well knew of my passion and often said that when she goes, she would make my dream come true . And so, having dispensed with the TR idea, I searched for a decent MGB, but again, a good roadster was too much so it had to be a Midget. I located what on the face of it looked like a pretty good purchase..The car was in Penzance, Cornwall so I flew from Spain and completed the purchase (March 2014). However, having collected it and driven it back to Mum's house in Colchester, a pal's son - nothing short of an engineering wizard - took a look at it and it soon became abundantly clear that I had been extremely fortunate to make the journey without problems. I shan't even begin to list the faults.
So, in July 2014 the car was driven up to my pal's sons house in Suffolk where it currently resides and is now in the final throes of a wholesale total sort out. Graham (the wizard !) is going through the lot from top to bottom. On a visit in Nov. 2014 I had a drive, and wow did it go !!!
That's it for now, more to follow.
Now seeing as Graham has done everything for his Dad's pal (me) out of his sheer generosity and pure enthusiasm, I said I would leave that decision to him. Knowing his exacting and perfectionist nature, I am willing to bet the" surgeons knife" will be in action again pretty soon.
Still to do on the cosmetic front :Fabricate stainless steel badge bar, install below front bumper and mount 4 badges. Modify ex MGB aluminium boot rack( supplied loose by the clown that sold me the car) and fit. Add enamel Union Flag badges to the bottom of both wings forward of the doors. Add wire mesh headlamp stone guards.
Next report after visit.
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After discovering the results of a serious attack on the inner front left-hand wing by the Greater Spotted Tinpecker (lat. Drillbillus Major), my wiz bang " fix-all "unpaid engineer showed me the results of his surgery. The problem had arisen through years of previous owners failing to sufficiently tighten the washer bottle filler cap and over 36 years, the water had been seeping between the wing welds, albeit at a cursory glance, the damage would not have been easily spotted.
This problem is now resolved - see photos - and together with the front valance, has all been re-sprayed. The good news is that the other inside wing is fine, and the area beneath the hydraulic pots - as referred to in my previous report - only needs a re-spray.
My engineer (Graham) and I had a good 2 hour chat during which time we reviewed progress and agreed another couple of enhancements, namely 1.change the original equipment air intake box for 2 pancake air filters as he felt that the existing arrangement did not allow for an even intake of air into both SU's. 2. Change the old screen wash bottle whilst although it does not leak, it's ancient and a bit brittle. 3. Retain the Hard Top which he will re-trim with new edge beading. This reflected a change of heart as earlier it was deemed to have little use in a warm climate. However, seeing as the car will be travelling through the UK in potentially inclement weather, coupled with the benefit of increased security whilst shipboard overnight, it was thought better to retain it. What he doesn't know yet is that I am going to ask him to repaint it as in it's current colour black, it does nothing to enhance the car. So, hopefully he can be persuaded to spray it either Russet Brown to match the bodywork, or white to give a sharp contrast. White may in fact be the better option in order to reflect the sun when visiting Spain.
Still to go is
After all this, it will be time for the MoT (official technical inspection) and additionally, obtain an "Agreed Value" valuation certificate. When all this is done we will hit the road.
Originally it was planned to collect her late February 2016, but due to other advents on the horizon, this will be deferred until early April. At least the weather should be better for "her" first visit to Spain.
I may make another engineer visit in the meantime in which case I will post an update. I will however keep this journal updated.
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Now, bearing in mind my somewhat limited technical knowledge, I shall be asking Graham to give me a comprehensive briefing on a whole raft of aspects such as where and when to make "under bonnet" adjustments, e.g the winter/summer heating switch, Kenlowe fan adjustment et al.
Seeing as - at my age - the "little grey cells are jumping ship at an alarming rate", I couldn't remember if the cigarette lighter was present or whether the ashtray (not that it will be used) needed tidying. A new lighter is there plus the ashtray has already been treated. Also, I was concerned as to whether the existing alternator was man enough for the job with the addition of twin fog & spots plus of course, the Kenlowe. It is !.
Asked if the Hard Top could be resprayed to improve appearance, Graham advised that this was not possible as it is of a fibre glass construction with a vinyl coating. However, it can be cleaned and treated with silicone shine which should considerably enhance its appearance.
Still to get are a pair of pancake air filters for the twin SU's, plus a new screen wash bottle and rubber anchoring strap which I gather are hard to obtain. But no doubt the wizard will produce an answer, being conscious of the need to retain as much originality as is possible. Finally, I have issues with the screen wipers as they just don't perform well enough so we agreed that it would probably be beneficial to change the wiper arm tension springs and, perhaps add blades with aerofoil attachments to load up pressure on the screen.
That's it for now. Will update as we progress.
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At my request, he obtained a new corrosion resistant tank from MGOC, fitted this and at the same time I treated her to a new set of number plates to replace the existing scruffy examples in order to spruce her up a bit. . This little exercise proved to be just the start of a major re-vamp, details of which are recorded in earlier postings. When Graham got hold of her, the action started for real !
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She just needs her MoT (technical inspection), after which the pancake air filters will be added, and to have the boot rack and badge bar fitted.. Then finally it's take her off SORN (Statutory Off Road Notice), pay the UK road tax, fire her up, select gear, release the handbrake, and hit the throttle !
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