Nuts about Triumphs

MOE Blushes

2012-02-08T17:04:00.001Z

Well not quite, but all rubbed down it does have a pinkish blush, all the dents and scratches are being dealt with and the undercoat is going on soon. the base coat appears to be grey then various reds

One thing that has been confirmed is the absolutely brilliant condition the body is in, just a little surface rust on the sill to body join and the drivers door again just a little surface rust on one of the seams. The front panel had a few rusty stone chips but overall I'm very happy I was tempted to have the vinyl roof removed and have MOE change to Bentley Storm Grey but she is to stay red after all.

The Herald is due some work as it is overdue for MOT just a couple of lighting faults to deal with, if it's not mega cold this weekend I'll get that done.

Club membership

2011-10-13T21:04:00.000Z

I recently bought a trailer tent on ebay, picked it up in Devon, and towed it back with MOE, the seller made me aware that the hinge holding the two halves together was suspect, it sure was, when I got it back to Brum about 8inches of the nearly five foot hinge was holding it together.

My local club members came to the rescue, one guy had a hinge specially made the next day, then two other members came and did the job, dismantling the tent cutting off the old hinge, welding the new one in place, then reassembling. They did a fantastic job, and wouldn't let me pay them for their efforts.
We have a very successful group here in the West Midlands, fuelled by this type of friendship and helping each other in times of need.

10 CR report

2011-09-25T22:55:00.005Z

MOE was mostly well behaved, radio/CD player kept blowing the fuse so for a while or two no horn or headlamp flasher and when towing a herald out of an Italian tunnel we kangerooed into a layby, two cars both with different fuel problems cutting out within 200 metres, what were the chances of that, the herald needed a fuel pump, and MOE was suffering from a blocked fuel tank vent, both cars repaired and on their way in 20 mins. Unfortunately we were both well behind schedule and missed a couple of passes.

It was great to be part of such a fantastic event, well done to the organising team Eliss and co and great to see old friends and club members, We kept seeing Goody from the States in Dollyroo, a TR7 powered Dolomite 18/50, they had an exciting time after having the windscreen shattered, by a speeding motorist throwing up debris form the road on the first night, they had a two temporary screens before a Dutch enthusiast delivered a new windscreen at the last night halt..

Team Brum, the 13/60 estate and my Mk1 2.5 powered 2000 set off on Wednesday evening, stopped in a travel lodge near to the start of the event (The Plough pub where a lot of Club triumph events start from)The teams were in good spirits, I however had a slipped disc and was in so much pain I nearly pulled out, but I persevered and the took some serious pain killers and carried on.
We stuck together for the first two days, got separated on day three, and lost track of them after a rear axle problem in Austria and had to pull out of the event, they got home after a lot of messing about by the Austrian AA.

We stopped and helped pull/push a hurricane kit car out of a ditch, they had overtaken us earlier in fog on a blind bend, so it wasn't a complete surprise to find them there, or to hear they stuffed it at the Nuremberg track later on, hope no one was injured.

Photos 1/ Team Brum, 2/ Me and Bill Goodwin (Goody)3/ Hotel Rolduc last night of event Holland 4/A pit stop 5/Ferry 6/ Cooling off after a huge climb in Austria 7/Somewhere! 8/Helicopter attempting to bring aid to motorcyclist, but too late9/ Sitting in the traffic jam waiting to get passed the accident.

The scenery, descents and climbs in Italy and Austria were spectacular, the behavior of some of the motorcyclists was tantamount to being suicidal, when they pulled in a small gap between me and another triumph going downhill at speed, I wonder if they realised I was driving a 48 year old car without ABS etc, crazy. Three motorcyclist accidents we came across on one day, one fatal.

The return crossing on the boat was rough, high winds caused the landing to be delayed by three hours, Steve Hudson and Jayson Murray were the other two members of my team, we got on very well, they proved to be both excellent company and drivers, they can come out to play any time!!

Goody came with me and my wife to Wales for a couple of days to Aberystwyth after the event, last photo MOE on holiday by the Traier home.

Stafford show & 10 CR looms

2011-08-24T22:02:00.000Z

Had a great weekend with the gang at Stafford last week, MOE towed the trailer tent and my pal Martin drove the herald up, managed to pick up a strut brace for MOE, should be interesting to see what improvements it makes, got a door seal for MOE managed to get 30 cm of the 3.5 metres fitted before I gave up, it's a two man job!

The drivers meeting at Leicester was very good, nice to see faces that I recognise, someone was encouraging MOE's driver to give it some welly away from the car park, but as it was my car and he was not used to it he declined, just as well as would have punched him in the ear of he had of done, I will leave the wheelies and tyre screeching up to others...

I am a bit disappointed with Mintex, I ordered special brake pads, the retailer was given a date in early August, then this was put back till 22nd August, now the date has been set as indefinite and I have cancelled the order, this leaves me wondering the best pads to fit, this and changing the brake fluid is the on the agenda, and to improve the headlighting.

Picture taken on the Shropshire run at the end of July, Pete the owner of MOE since 1960 something came with me for the day we had a great day out together.

Getting ready for the 10CR

2011-07-25T16:54:00.000Z

MOE has been in the workshop, a new powersteering rack, front struts, with all new shims and bushes has made a terrific improvement, the old rack made the steering way too light and was forever squirting out fluid, the new one feels about right maybe a bit on the heavy side, but I prefer that. No more groaning when turning, well from the bushes anyway ;-) it was then that the clutch slave was spotted leaking away so a new one of them was sourced, the Mk2 is the same as one of the Freelanders, not sure about the Mk1 .

The driveshafts were removed and just one small problem, cured by a larger UJ clip, brakes still need some work, I have ordered 1144 Mintex pads but they will take a little time to get here, when they arrive I will replace the brake fluid.

The heater and emission hoses were looking a bit scabby so there were changed, along with the air + oil filters new oil and the antifreeze renewed. The diff and the gearbox were topped up, the propshaft rebalanced, so apart from maybe improving the lighting I think we are nearly good to go.

Courier Gone MOE in the shop

2011-07-15T21:53:00.001Z

The Courier went on Wednesday, the new owner is an enthusiast from the Lake District and seems pleased, he went to Sheffield the first night to see family, then off to home in the Lakes, he called me to say he had enjoyed the drive and had fun. He got a smell of petrol when he got there and a small flexible fuel pipe had split, leaking some fuel which he has fixed.I am quite sad in a way, but too many cars and not using it enough spurred me on to sell it.

MOE has shown up some faults after the trip to Cornwall and is off to Mick Papworths tomorrow for some attention to the steering/suspension and vibration on the transmission, I've got a list of other stuff to be done if he can fit it in, especially as the 10CR is just 54 days away, ah well just as well I got some cash off the van sale lol.

On holiday with MOE

2011-07-13T19:58:00.002Z

We travelled down to Cornwall in MOE, and jolly nice time was had, we saw a Mk2 in red towing a trailer just as we were going into Cornwall, very nice too, we took photos in Port Holland, lovely little place, no shops or tourist places, beautiful, and quiet, MOE seemed to like it. We travelled to Kingsbridge in Devon on the way home to pick up a trailer tent I bought on ebay, hardly noticed it was there. there ;-)

Stunning Sandwell

2011-05-08T19:09:00.006Z

33 cars from the West Mid;ands area attended the Sandwell Historic Vehicle Show today, it was a great day a couple of light showers did nothing to dampen the mood, our resident catering expert Trish and her army of helpers did us proud with bacon and sausage sandwiches before lunch, and for lunch provided pork baps and burgers. Our regular input from one of our members (okey cokey) supplemented the meal with samosas and other hand made authentic Indian treats.

The show has been going for over thirty years, and although a little down on private entry's the was enough to keep the crowds happy.

I was fortunate to get all three of my cars to the show the 1200, Courier and MOE, I am always disappointed that no Dolomites come to the area events, these are most of the cars at the show today.

MOE the TOW

2011-05-01T20:57:00.006Z

Had a great Friday while a certain wedding was taking place me and my friend Jayson flew under the radar down the M1 to pick up a herald estate as it has been parked up for 10 years+.

We had to attack the brakes which were seized, the tyres were scrap so we had taken a set of decent radials for the journey, this car is going to be restored and put into regular use, it needs a complete hydraulic system overhaul, a clutch, some chassis repairs, some electrical problems sorting,and some accident damage repaired. It has had some restoration work done before it was laid up, some of it quite good and some of it not so good, but basically it's going to be a worthwhile project and will be used by Jayson and his family.

MOE was pulled into service as a towing car for the first time in 3 decades, after rewiring the tow electrics it took the whole day in it's stride, maintaining a healthy 60 mph all the way up the M1 and M6.

The estate belonged to Barbara Aldridge an enthusiastic Club Triumph member who passed away last year shortly after assisting the RBRR team at the Plough, sending them off and returning on the Sunday to greet the successful teams. We are thankful that Sybil and Barry Chick (Barbara's family) for entrusting us with it's care.

Busy Boy

2011-04-23T20:33:00.004Z

Over the last two days I have replaced the 1200's engine, with new sump gasket, new clutch and gear box, sump gasket oil leak cured, clutch works, not too sure about the gearbox, seems noisy to me. I changed the o/s half shaft, boy was it knackered, I am surprised it was still turning, inevitably now I hear the N/s knocking, ah well that'll have to wait, I already have one new n/s shaft which is faulty but unable to contact the manufacturer, today I had the speedo out rewired the lights, fixed a couple of problems with the speedo head and replaced the broken indicator switch.I then replaced all the seats and interior I had to finish there as I had a works "do" to attend, hopefully I'll take it out tomorrow, just got to work out how to get a large later herald tank sender unit to work with an early herald fuel gauge.

Standard / Triumph Day At Crich

2011-04-17T21:39:00.004Z

Set from Brum, with another 3 cars, picked up a red spitty and green roundtail GT6, at least I think it was a GT6 never got within spotting distance.

Arrived to what can only be described as a chaotic at one time, within 10 seconds had three marshals telling three different things, then we to wait as all the 2000/2.5 were going in together to the tramyard when the trams had moved, then after what seemed a long time moved to a patch of grass several hundred yards from the main action. To be fair it looked like those marshals were not being told what was going on, when I eventually went down to the tramyard, it was full of Ford anglias with around three TR's.

All very nice but it was supposed to be Standard Triumph day wasn't it? As my teacher said to me,(often) could do better.

Anyway less moaning, it was nice to catch up with people and there were some nice cars, my two favourites of the day a nice early Herald Estate and a Beetle back Vanguard

Disappointing results

2011-04-08T22:18:00.007Z

Regular readers will know that I have been getting the Courier and the 1200 fit for the road, but have been beset with health problems and been on leave a fair bit since February. I bit the bullet last Sunday and refitted the engine and gearbox, this was after a false start, I fitted the gearbox and the starter motor, as I tightened up the last nut and bolt I notice that the clutch arm was not in the correct position and was stuck inside the bell housing, a school boy error, but one which meant stripping the gearbox away from the engine and starting again!

I eventually got the engine and gearbox in the car and had a few days off this week and reassembled the van ready for MOT, as I pushed the van in the garage I heard the obvious clunk of an unhappy driveshaft, one of the recon units I fitted is faulty, however it still went for MOT and it passed, the new clutch and brakes are working fine.

I put the van away and got the 1200 out, there are few jobs which need doing/finishing but the main problem is an engine leak and the fact that the new clutch, fitted recently is not working correctly, a driveshaft is knocking(hey wait I came in here!) and the recentley fitted indicator switch has fallen to bits.

So two cars looking great both not working properly, ah well there is always MOE, whats that MOE? your exhaust manifold is blowing? Ah well never mind I think I'll buy a Z4 ;-)

Courier and MOE

2011-02-20T16:11:00.002Z

Well the Courier is coming on, unfortunately I have run out of time to get it ready for Stoneliegh and sale, but I took the clutch out yesterday, and it's the original, I have a new old stock factory clutch and all the number on both clutches match which kinda confirms the 39k shown on the speedo, man this thing will never rust, I have never seen so much waxoil inside and out lol.

MOE has been in the workshop (Mickey Papworth, Coventry) and has finally been fitted with Rover 600 seats which I bought off ebay, I have complained that I have a 100mph car and 30mph seats but thats been sorted now, 10 countries here we come. She also had replacement half shafts as the vibration I was getting at speed seems to have come from there, I'll have to get her up on the motorway to confirm the problem has gone away. The power steering was leaking and while it was there it was fettled but it's a try it and see what happens.

Courier Van

2011-02-07T18:08:00.010Z

I am completing the jobs that are needed to get the Courier ready for the season, I recently wrote about the front drum brakes and then fell foul of some virus that has kept me out of the garage for a couple of weeks. I was able to finish off the brakes on Saturday, and today having the day off started to find out where the rear knock is coming from. On examination I found swarf in both rear drums, and so decided to replace both shaft with re-con items that I have in stock. I got one completely done and one off ready to transfer the brakes and to refit on Saturday this week.

Then it's time to change the clutch, it's been on the verge of slipping for a while, fairly typical of a coil pressure plate setup.

After that, all being well, I am considering putting her up for sale at Stoneliegh, it's just I have too many cars and I haven't really driven the van much recently, I suppose having a love affair with MOE (Mk1 2000 pictured above) has coloured what I want to drive in the future. So watch this space, and if you are interested give me a call. It's a rare find, 39K miles unrestored and it fabulous condition (with new brakes clutch and shafts!)

herald front drums

2011-01-16T22:59:00.006Z

Well it was cold and miserable Sunday afternoon so I decided that it was time to start some work on the Courier, now drum brakes are a lot less user friendly than discs, so I have taken some photos and here is a description of the job so far.

I jacked up the car and used an axle stand to back up the jack, removed the road wheel, and back the brake adjusters off, the adjusters can seize or break so I keep some spare ones in stock, today though no problems. I then removed the cover of the brake master cylinder put some cling film over the top and replaced the cover, this can slow down or stop the master cylinder draining when the brake pipes are disconnected.
Then I removed the two small screws that secure the brake drum, these can be a real pain, if they are corroded in or the slots are too worn for a screwdriver to move them, I have had to drill these out in the past, but today no problems.
When the drum is removed the brakes are exposed, I undid the wheel bearing split pin and nut then the hub assembly slides off the stub axle, this makes things easier to dis and reassemble. The track rod end always gets in the way when doing herald drum brakes so I removed it, you can use a ball joint splitter when the nut and washer are removed, I did it the way I know which is just loosen the nut and strike the track control arm right by where the track rod sits, the shock will nearly always lead to the track rod end being released, best to leave the nut on when using the hammer, then if you miss the thread isn't damaged.
I undid the brake shoes retaining clips and springs then removed the shoes and springs.

I then undid the wheel cylinders, they are held by two 7/16 bolts, then the flexible and metal brake pipes, couple of hints here the flexible pipe needs an initial release with a spanner and then with the metal pipe removed you can pull the wheel cylinder through and unscrew the cylinder from the pipe. The metal pipe is easy one side to undo but the end by the flexible pipe can be a problem, I overcame this by threading a 7/16 ring spanner down the pipe which made things a lot easier to undo.

The next job was to clean all the dirt and grease from the back plate, clean all the other bits and bobs with brake cleaning spray and degreaser then reversed the process rebuilding with new cylinders and shoes, bleeding the brakes can be difficult with the drum brake set up, if you have problems bleed the flexi pipe and then the metal brake pipe then the bleed nipple.

Christmas past

2011-01-16T20:12:00.003Z

Had a few days down in Cornwall after Christmas and saw a few triumphs about, down in Penzance a 13/60 estate in Wedgwood blue a Club Triumph member a FWD 1300 again in blue.
In Falmouth docks a Stag and in Falmouth next door to the hotel I was staying in, a 1200 saloon in white, seen better days but still in regular use.

Made It

2010-11-15T20:24:00.003Z

It was a lot of work and more than a few set backs but the 1200 made the NEC classic car show. The first trip to the MOT station failed after half a mile and the RAC towed me back, fuel trouble sorted it went back the next day with an advisory about a track rod end, which I have checked and completely agree with, other problems found after driving for the first time, headlamps very dull suspect earth problem, driveshafts knocking really badly, heater not working, oh yes and it's still leaking oil this time from the sump gasket or rear seal not sussed it yet.

It drives and MOT

2010-11-09T22:49:00.003Z

Well I have been a busy boy with working on the 1200 which ended up getting an MOT today with just an advisory for a track rod end. The interior is ok with new carpets and secondhand seats although the sponges are not great.

Last weekend it was a complete front suspension and brake strip down clean, paint and put back with new coil springs and shock absorbers, fit the seat belt mountings, one screw had to be extracted with a stud extractor as it was being bloody minded I had cut the head off, the seat belts are original and not in fabulous condition but good enough for the MOT, I stripped,cleaned and got the windscreen washers working. The steering column UJ was shot, now why didn't I check that when the engine and gearbox were out, it makes the job so easy, as it happens I had to take it out with an angle grinder because it was determined to stay!!

So altogether I have replace the old 1147 unit with a 1298 unit bought off ebay and it is sweet, no crank knock! A replacement gearbox and a new clutch NOS, engine and gearbox mounts, the horns and associated wiring, the column switches and cowls, the rear horseshoe chrome's the rear brakes, the front sidelight lens and chromes, the headlamp bezels (the correct 3.5 inch ones), the two rear lens for the all red American units, the steering wheel (motalita, nice), fitted alloy wheels and new tyres, a new radiator, dynamo, Starter motor and a secondhand stainless steel exhaust. All nylok nuts are new and shiny, and it sports new chrome wiper blades

I have repaired and repainted the floors, made the engine and ancillaries look pretty, rewired some of the dash because of a bit of codging that did look good, fitted a new battery and carrier.

Today it showed up a few faults running to the MOT, a leaky petrol pipe by the pump (now replaced) and an oil leak cos muggings had forgotten to tighten up the oil pressure switch. It also showed up the halfshafts that will have to be done soon, but to be honest I have had enough for a while. It drives beautifully and when the shafts are done it will be even better. I'm sure there are things I have forgotten to mention, see some of you at The NEC this weekend,

1200 runs

2010-10-26T21:45:00.003Z

Well I have had a fraught couple of days, could not get the 1298 engine fitted to the 1200 to start, I eventually replaced everything on the ignition side, but still no joy, there are no timing marks on the crankshaft pulley so I set it up the old fashioned way with the rocker cover off and looked down the plug hole to see when the piston was coming up and the valves were closing on number one cylinder.

Still it wouldn't run just the flicker of life and then died, if I didn't know better I would have guessed at ballast resistor failure by the symptoms, but as it hasn't got one that was ruled out.

After much hair pulling (and I can't spare the hair!) I decided to strip down the Stromberg carb, low and behold it was full of rubbish and the needle valve was stuck, restricting any flow of petrol, a quick clean out and tugging the needle valve about and when refitted the motor burst into life.
I feel that I am not as sharp these days with my diagnosing skills but I suppose that happens, especially as I've been away from the business of fixing cars since the early 1980's but I got there in the end!

Seats for MOE,

2010-10-23T22:08:00.002Z

Just picked up some Rover 600 seats as they apparently work well in the 2000/2.5 models, they look the business lumber support and adjustable height just got to work out how to make them fit, they have been a long time coming, as I have said pointless have a quick car with slow seats ;-)

Nuts

2010-10-20T22:05:00.002Z

There has been an ongoing saga here at the heraldhabitat ranch, it all started at Stoneleigh 2008 when I bought a set of stainless steel wheel nuts for MOE, the company I bought them off didn't have the washers that were required so I put them away safe, one day I bought the washers then couldn't find the nuts, then I found the nuts and lost the washers (expensive Bl**dy washers!) then found the washers lost the nuts etc etc well today I found the washers and the nuts so feel like a little celebration is in order.... trouble is I have man flu and won't be fitting them for a bit.....still they are in the same box now.......must be my age.......

1200 progress

2010-10-12T22:23:00.002Z

Well that's the carpets in, not a perfect fit, but not too bad for a set less than half the price of the "proper ones" The horns have been replaced and rewired, not too happy with the sound, wouldn't scare much in front! Found that the 1200/948 switches do not work well with that steering wheel so I am going to try some 13/60 ones, the dash is poor and I don't think I have the time before the NEC to get anything done about it, Any volunteers??

Now that's a nice car

2010-09-29T14:48:00.003Z

My old Courier van reappeared after a few years missing in action, and wow what a fantastic job has been done on it, it's absolutely stunning.

Herald is coming on.

2010-09-28T16:27:00.004Z

Well it's been a while since I wrote, eventually I had to take the top off the gearbox and go fishing with a magnet, then I couldn't get the gearbox top back on and it's been a few weeks, someone from the local club had a go but it wasn't right so I had a trip over to Mick Papworth in Coventry and he kindly showed me what to do and with an extra assistance on the phone when I got home it went back phew.

The carpets have arrived, not quite as good as Newtons, but they weren't £200, wheels and tyres fitted and American red lenses fitted, I had one in stock and I bought on when I was in the States earlier in the year, I was going to use them on the Courier but I thought I would follow the red and white theme of the car.

I am off to Scotland On Thursday to assist the RBRR team by marshalling at Skiatch services north of Inverness and Conon Bridge on Saturday.

I have included a couple of shots of the herald, still lots to do, I keep finding more and more lol

Why do I bother

2010-09-04T21:44:00.002Z

Been doing ok got all the rear brakes and handbrake cables sorted, lubricated and adjusted, started put the engine ancillaries back and the gearbox brace. I thought might as well put the remote studs in too and promptly dropped a nut into the gearbox *%*%"* been delving with a magnet but nothing has surfaced looks like the SOB will have to come out again GRRR

Lord save us from amateur mechanics

2010-08-30T16:52:00.002Z

There was a time when any fool could repair their own plumbing and rewire their house, the government in their wisdom have legislated so that only professionals are allowed to do the more safety conscious jobs, but any fool can buy a jack and a set of spanners and fix car brakes.
I have just checked the brakes on the 1200 before I put the new wheels and tyres on, and found out why the handbrake didn't feel so good, on both sides the brake shoes were fitted incorrectly and on the nearside none of the horseshoe clips were fitted so the wheel cylinder was floating free and the handbrake mechanism to. I see that the front brakes look new, the next job is check that out and see what horrors if any lie there.

I wouldn't want to stop people like me (unqualified) with 38 years experience doing stuff, but if you buy an old car for goodness sake don't trust anything till it's been checked!!

1200 update

2010-08-29T21:39:00.002Z

Well the floors are welded up, not too much about five small patches, everything is stripped back to bare metal and the undercoat is on the floor.. One good job was completed today with the help of a neighbour, he re-tapped the threads on the 13/60 manifold, which I should have really done before putting it in the car, We fitted studs and the downpipe with the last three brass nuts I have in stock, the gasket had to be adjusted with a file but altogether a successful day.

Tomorrow if the undercoat is dry (it's a bit thick in places) I will paint the floor with triumph white, strip the rear brakes replace what's necessary and refit with the new wheels and tyres. I know I'm gonna get some stick for putting alloy slots on it but it's my car now.....

Next jobs. Set the timing, fill the engine and gearbox with oil, overhaul the gear change mechanism and refit it with the gearbox cover.

Starter woes and Engine in

2010-08-15T12:45:00.003Z

Getting the 1200 going is causing a few headaches, when I first got it there were obvious problems from the beginning with starting, the starter was loose and not at all happy. When I took the engine and gearbox out I was shocked to see the state of the starter dog and the ring gear, they were total write off's, I found a starter in the spares pile tested it the old fashioned way with jump leads and a battery, all was well so I cleaned it up and made it look pretty with a coat of paint. Low and behold when I went to fit it today I had problems getting it to fit, it was then I realise that a foreign (mini?) starter had got into the garage and this one was too small.
Kicking myself for not checking i checked the pile again and found another starter, checked this one and great it's the right size, but the teeth on the dog were not the best, what the hell it's my last one I thought and while cleaning it I noticed the starter dog was split along it's length ....mutter mutter.
Fellow enthusiast Pete Jevon to the rescue and another not so worn looking starter fitted, yet another delay to getting the beastie going. Thanks to Jayson who has helped with bits from a 13/60 he is breaking, exhaust, manifold and clutch slave have been invaluable, and TJ for gaskets when everyone else was shut!!
I was working on the 1200 yesterday and finally got the engine and gearbox fitted, new clutch, engine + gearbox mountings, new exhaust manifold gaskets, oil pressure switch, a secondhand dynamo, fuel pump and distributor were added. I have to fit the exhaust, set the timing up statically, then fit the engine earth lead and finish all the other connections. Can't wait to hear it running, and hoping for no nasty surprises!

White 1200 progress

2010-07-18T16:07:00.005Z

Work is progressing slowly, getting an engine and gearbox fitted is next on the list, I have been having a go at the floors as they were a bit on the rusty side. it's peculiar how the one side of the rear floor has most of it's paint but the other is quite rusty, a few small holes in the front floor pans to weld up, and then to find a set of carpets that don't need a mortgage to buy! Then fit new door hinges recently purchased from Canley Classics and get the little beastie running.

White herald and MOE

2010-04-27T20:31:00.002Z

I am getting ready to do some work on the white herald, some decent seats in the right colour have been sourced, some new headlamp cowels, rear horseshoe chromes, a 1298 engine, new rear lenses and ordered I the correct type of number plates today. Got to get some red carpets of decent quality and the dash re-veneered.
I have been offered and really nice set of chrome wires wheels, trying to work out if I can afford such a luxury.......

I was out in MOE on drive it day to the National Memorial arboretum http://www.thenma.org.uk/index.aspx
lovely day out in my favourite car, loads of great cars including the West midlands group who turned out eight cars.

Another herald comes and goes

2010-04-04T18:33:00.003Z

Bought a 1200 saloon from a deceased estate in Coventry, interesting little car, two owners, the last one worked at the factory.It's a bit grotty on the rear wings, the bonnet & doors really good, valances mostly rough but the yearly oiling of the chassis has proved very effective with just the siderails needing attention.

A bit of hammering on the rear drums and two replacement wheels saw it move from the garage for the first time in 9 years, it turns over but no spark, just a set of points required I think, clutch is seized solid and the fronts seats are very worn.

I let a friend of mine have it at cost, he hasn't had a triumph for a while and is keen to join us nutters again he has plans to duo tone it, get it on the road soon driving it around the Worcester countryside(some of you might remember his filler and pink coupe, his daily driver for many years)

MOE for MOT

2010-03-19T17:36:00.002Z

Took MOE in for the mot today sailed through, just a small imbalance on the rear brakes, which was within limits and an advisary on a deteriorating steering rack gaiter.
I'm suprised about this, just over two years old and 5,000 miles I wouldn't expect to see a gaiter failure, make you wonder about the quality of the whole recon PS rack. That'll teach me not to go to Canleys!

Bad Start to the day and then.........

2010-03-07T22:34:00.004Z

I got up quite early, off to Stoneliegh in the Courier, I have to pick up 5 TR6 wheels for a fellow club member and be ready for when Jayson, Terry and Malcolm turn up, I thought loads of time!
Well the Courier didn't start, I pushed it out of the garage hoping to bump start it down the drive, but it didn't work and so I abandoned it there and went to fetch the Toyboata plus jump leads. It wouldn't have it, all my skills as an ex breakdown specialist wouldn't make it go, then eventually I found that the jump leads were not very well connected and then vroom it started, I let it warm up reparked the toyboata and guess what, when I came back it had stopped and refused to start again.

Well if I had the hair to spare, I would have been pulling it out at this stage, then I remembered that the new herald I bought this week had a battery on it, so I walked up to the garage nicked that and fitted to the naughty little van. As I nicked the battery I noticed that the engine mounting on the new car was in dire condition so made a mental note to get one at Stoneliegh.
Anyway, I travelled down and got the TR6 wheels and by the time I got back to the house the two 13/60 estates had turned up, so went off to the show.

What a show that was, lovely sunshine, loads of cars, loads of parts I managed to get some of the bits and bobs I needed and good prices too. I was speaking to Bill Davies from Rarebits4classics about the herald I have just bought, I really haven't had a minute to look at it since picking it up from Anglesea, as it is an early car I assumed it was a mk1, not my favourite, but when I picked up two engine mounting from Bill & Karens stand it was obvious to both Bill and me, that I had picked up Mk2mounts because I hadn't realised when I saw the dodgy mount that it was not the Mk1 type.
Well I'm chuffed it's a nice motor and now the bonus is a stronger chassis and much easier to get parts for and modify if I want too.

I got to talk to lots of friends in the spares hall and the club stands, had a nice lunch, sold the wheels and drove in a triumph convoy back to Birmingham, the day that had started so badly turned out to be a great day well done to the Stoneleigh organisers you made my day.

new car to the fold

2010-02-27T22:46:00.003Z

I'm off to North Wales in the morning to pick up a new addition to my collection, I had a mad fit on ebay, I swore I wouldn't buy another Mk1 chassised car but they just have that certain appeal. so that makes it a Mk1 2000 (2.5 carbs) a Courier van, an early Mk4 spitfire and as from my return tomorrow a 1200 saloon. I thought you were supposed to get more sensible when you get older, well it ain't working with me ;-)

Trials and tribulations

2010-01-02T23:21:00.004Z

I took MOE out to Leicestershire before Christmas, and a horrible smell started to waft through the car, and no it wasn't me! I thought it was something dripping on the exhaust, but having has a triumph on the road since 1973 I have smelt engine and gearbox oil on the exhaust before (many, many times lol).

So I thought as I didn't readily recognise the odour it must be power steering fluid, a quick inspection did'nt show anything obvious so I continued to drive. As I got to the M6 the smell increased and then the ignition light came on, a quick check saw that the fan belt was ok, and as I have a huge battery on her I decided that I would make Birmingham, which I did without a problem.

At home quick check of the dynamo, with a circuit tester between the contacts on the back I revved it up and the lamp should have glowed, it didn't so a new dynamo was needed.

A local member gave me a reconned C40 dynamo that he had in stock and wasn't ever going to need again and over the holiday I bought on ebay a RB340 Control box. Now if you replace a faulty dynamo, I would always recommend that the control box is changed as 9 times out of 10 it's a faulty control box that causes the dynamo to fail. I changed the control box Thanks to Mick Papworth for telling me where it was! Then I went to fit the dynamo only to find that although it looked the right one it was about an inch shorter, a quick phone call to the local supplier found a C40L i then left a few days before I got around to it.

I went to open my garage door to change dynamo, and it was frozen shut, two days later it was still frozen so today I attacked it with a paint stripping heater gun and eventually a bolster chisel that did the job! Changed the dynamo and you have to make sure that is the right polarity, you take a lead from the battery and strike one of the terminals at the rear of the dynamo three times, the little one (field) for negative earth cars and the larger one form positive earth cars.

Car fixed total cost £103 why didn't I fit an alternator nah, new fangled things lol!

Photos to follow when I can work out how to use my new camera.

Oh yes one point make sure your get the correct control box as well as the correct dynamo for your car I got the wrong one first time around!

NEC Classic Car show 13th,14th, 15th November & CT Library

2009-11-07T23:34:00.008Z

I am getting the Courier Van ready for the NEC next weekend which looks like it going to be a great show, I have a bad back, neck and foot after tripping in the garage which is slowing me down but it the courier is not in bad shape, and just needs a touch here and there.

Do come on to the stand and say hello, you are more than welcome.

Well the library is well sorted and up and running, unfortunately this can only be accessed by members, an email to me with your membership number, name and address will get you a copy of the database containing the content of the library which I have recorded. Snail listing can be sent at cost.

Availability is via snail mail at the moment, but personal callers are welcome.

Goodbye Ruby Tuesday

2009-09-09T21:36:00.003Z

Well after a long time trying to sell the Mk2, it went tonight and I am pleased to have broken even on the deal, and saved a good car from the banger racers.

Funnily enough after being visited by a few time wasters and lots of others making cooing noises over it, it was a young family who have recently started coming to our local meeting who, as they put it fell in love at first sight. It is a great car solid as a rock and very good mechanics.....I suspect it may end up to be a 2.5 manual though

So that just leaves me MOE and the Courier, that will do for a while........but how long will that last :-)

Stafford Looms

2009-08-06T22:55:00.002Z

Well it seems that all my triumphs will be at Stafford this year, the Courier as part of the general herald mania, also being used to carry the model display and the concours on Sunday. The blue 2000 to be up for sale and MOE...... well why not she is my ultimate driving machine.

Out an about in a triumph or two.

2009-07-02T22:03:00.005Z

Three shots from Duxford

Tuesday has been the car of the last couple of months, it sailed down to Duxford and back without a hitch, and last weekend trolled down to Ross-on-Wye to the 2000 register National weekend.

Off to the the Club Triumph National in MOE this weekend, I started her up today before popping over to Coventry, and she sulked like anything, misfiring, groaning and kept cutting out. It seemed like fuel trouble, I think it was a reoccurence of a sticky needle valve, anyway after a couple of minutes the fault cleared, I love driving MOE but I can't seem to drive slowly.....always puts a smile on my face..

MOE being bad + Outings

2009-05-17T12:19:00.005Z

A couple of weeks ago MOE degraced herself by dumping all of her power steering fluid outside the registry Office in Birmingham. She was shipped off to Coventry to Mick Papworths and she got a new high pressure hose as a crack had appeared in the old one. A completely shot steering column joint both ends was replaced (wonders how the hell did that get though the MOT?) Apart from these two items just a brake adjustment and lube change saw her winging her way back up to Brum, lovely, smile back on face!

The local Birmingham area have had a good May, 40+ folk turned up at the monthly venue, a regular member Judy had a surprise 60th birthday party sprung on her and we have attended a couple of events including last weekend at Sandwell Historic vehicle pagent.

Wedding Cars and naughty Herald

2009-05-04T11:46:00.003Z

My daughter got married on Saturday and the 2.5 was pressed into service as a wedding car along with my ex 2000 estate (for sale soon apparently give me a call and i'll put you in touch), two club members volunteering to do the chauffer bit! It was a lovely day.

Naughty FEA, my old 1200 has been misbehaving lound noises from the back, I found a faulty prop which we changed for a known good one, but the noises just persisted I diagnosed a faulty o/s driveshaft and spent this morning trying to remove it, finally being defeated by time and a rounded driveshaft bolthead. I think Steve the current owner is going to grind the head off the offending bolt later today.

All Cars In Use

2009-04-30T22:12:00.004Z

MOE is about to be a part of my daughters wedding this Saturday, the ex white estate of mine is to take me and the blushing bride, and MOE gets to take the bridesmaid and the brides mother. It's nice for fellow Club Triumph members to help out, our meetings, (now twice a month for the summer) are becoming real family affairs, we are getting about 8 ladies amongst the 40 or so regular attendees.

The Courier passed the MOT yesterday, I think it will need a clutch soon, it is getting ready for lots of new chrome recently acquired.

Tuesday (name for the Mk2) is being taxed tomorrow and I am looking forward to driving her for the first time on the roads.

I have just insured with Peter James instead of another well known classic insurer, mainly due to price, they quoted £181 for the two cars, where Peter James quoted £131 for three with a total agreed value in excess of £12K always willing to save money, this price even includes breakdown and recovery!

Somethings gotta go!

2009-04-25T15:09:00.004Z

Well my wife says somethings gotta go its either me, MOE the Courier or the Mk2 well in that case it's the Mk2, stupid really because I have never driven it in anger, just spent lots of money and time on her. It will be a couple of weeks bfore I can get ready to sell her because of the daughters getting married, and I have other duties. So if anyone is interested you can get back to me at: heraldhabitat@hotmail.com

Drive your Classic Day 26 April 2009

2009-04-24T22:13:00.003Z

Crich tramway museum was the venue on Suday the 19th April, some 10 cars set off for a fairly uneventful drive which ended in a flourish of twisty Lanes and steep climbs. It was nice to have Peter Fern join us from Luton, Peter or Ferny as he is known, is the Club Triumph Local Groups Co-Ordinator.

On Tuesday evening the first of our third tuesday summer meetings which was held at the Nautical Club in Birmingham City. An interesting place full of nautical history and artifacts, 20 members enjoyed the buffet which was excellent.

This Sunday 26th April, sees us off to the TSSC headquarters on what is known as Drive Your Classic Day we leave the Drakes Drum at 10am meeting with others at Sainsburys petrol station, Castle Vale, at around 10.20 you are welcome to join us.
No pictures from Crich, forgot the camera!

Spring Sprung?

2009-02-21T23:48:00.002Z

I had the Courier out today she is a lovely drive, a distant uj knock when it got warm, and a slight pull to the left when braking ah how I still love the early Heralds.

Bill Davies (Rarebits4classics)celebrates the production date of the earliest known coupe today 20.02.1959 it will be nice to see it on the road one day....

The Courier started second turn (after priming the petrol pump) and MOE fired up third turn, not bad as the van been laid up the whole winter and MOE hasn't moved since Boxing day.

I think that the Courier will be used more this year as it travels to events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Herald. I was around at the 25th and to be honest it was a damp squib, lets make the effort this year their are some great events on.

Classic Car show NEC

2008-11-17T22:57:00.007Z

A good weekend at the NEC, thousands of people turned up, so much for the credit crunch! Pictures show my mk1 in red, Lee Godfreys Mk1 pi on the 2000 register stand, a general picture of the stand, and the relaxed club offical chatting to one of the visitors. My feet and legs still hurt, it's a busy place with lots to see for sure, I got two new sidelight with indicators and some new wiper blades/arms. Must get a new camara, this one doen't like the indoors!
My biggest disappointment was that I couldn't take Peter Clark the long term custodian of MOE to the show because he was unable to travel, I know he reads this so get better soon Pete!

RBRR highs and lows

2008-10-08T16:31:00.004Z

Photos:
1/ One of my favorite cars of the event
2/ Lands End yes it was just as bad as it looks!
3/ Team Brum at Corley services on the way to the start.

This was my 9th run in a 20 years period, I have to say first of all a big thank you to the organising team, Tim, Jason, Nigel, James and everyone else involved. The run itself was one of the best I have done, mainly due to the magnificent performance of my Mk1 2000(2.5 engine), MOE never faltered, and apart from the wiper blades giving up the ghost at Lands End no other worries, she used around 3 pints of oil and did a tremendous 28 mpg.

The low points were, seeing two team mates having to pull out, one with a seized engine and one with gearbox and brake issues. I was also disappointed to see the Atlas fail to finish, for all my pee taking before the event, Dave, Jason and the trusty van did very well.
Hearing about the accident in Scotland was worrying, but it seems that no serious injuries happened and in the spirit of the event those involved finished the event in other cars, bravo John and co.

I was also saddened to hear of a personal attack on Tim our organiser at the finish from a team who arrived very late at both Lands End and the Plough and then had the front to moan because facilities were no longer available, this is not how Club Triumph members behave!

Triumphant Mile of Triumphs

2008-09-21T21:07:00.006Z

I set off on Friday for my third Mile of Triumphs meetings, MOE had been playing up for a couple of weeks, especially when she was hot, I checked all the usual suspects, took it over to see Dave at Canleys, but nothing was obviously at fault.

The trip to Great Yarmouth was horrible, everytime I put my foot down, the symptoms of fuel starvation were apparent, spluttering and farting, but if you backed off the gas it was fine, the fuel economy was dreadful.

I sat and thought about what could be the problem, what was causing it, when she is cold there was no sign of the problem, I thought maybe the coil was on the way out or the condenser/points were at issue. I checked the points they were fine, perfect gap, no blueing or burning, which pretty well eliminated the condenser.

I bit the bullet and bought a coil at the show, borrowed a couple of tools and changed it, instant success, the coil to be fair looked like the 1964 original, I had a brilliant drive home back to Brum and checking with the RAC router mileage, guesstimate just over 29mpg (mileometre not reading correctly).

The event it's self was great, good company, things to do and see, helped by having the sun out, (got the balding pate a little burnt) the best turnout I have seen.

Just a rocker gasket to replace, some new webbing in the seats and a new radio, and RBRR here we come!

Out and about in the Triumphs

2008-07-16T15:46:00.006Z

Took MOE to the Club Triumph National, she wasn't her usual self, quite strange because she had been running a treat, the only thing I had done differently is fill her up with Tescos unleaded.(£68!) She coughed and spluttered especially on the way back, I was going to take a look at the points and things, but after a couple of dry days I took her out again and hey presto shes fine.

It's pretty obvious to me now that she really didn't like the wet, so I will invest in some replacement leads, maybe a coil too. The good news, running well on unleaded from Tesco's and no pinking. The other problem is still the clunky suspension/steering, a new recon professionally fitted (expensive) rack has failed to solve the problem, I've noticed some wear in the top column bush, but it's too remote a noise to be coming from there.

Our local meeting last night was well attended with 10+ cars including two heralds which were not known to the group, I took the Courier out for a change, it's a lovely drive, just a noisy UJ and some nice disc brakes required, I gave it a bit of stick through the tunnels under the city, I got some surprised looks of a couple of BMW drivers when I went sailing past.

Prescott, Great day out

2008-05-18T22:17:00.004Z

Well I went to the Triumph Marque day, there was a tremendous turnout of Triumphs and Standards, I myself didn't do any racing up the hill, as a slightly clunky suspension/steering set up didn't fill me with confidence, as it was a Spitfire from the ADU race cars lost a drive shaft at speed and a TR6 ended up in the gravel on a sharp corner. ~In real terms with the amount of cars doing the run at speed this I imagine is a good result!

I was most disappointed to see a lack of representation from Club Triumph, all the other major Triumph clubs were there and seemed to attract lots of people to their stands. As I can't physically help set up a stand these days, and knowing level of commitment required giving up a weekend for yet another event, I would not have the cheek to criticise, but there did seem be be a big gap. I hope the meeting goes there again next year, might give the hill a go!

West Mids Event

2008-05-12T09:39:00.005Z

Well what a lovely day for a car event, Sandwell Historic Vehicle pagent was celebrating it's 30th birthday.

9 triumphs and a motor home were booked in, I could have had a few more but was a little late in organising things. At this event last year we had to leave at around 2pm for our own safety due to torrential rain and flooding.

Roger sorted out the barby, Steve cooked the burgers and a jolly time was had by all.

Cars: two x Mk1 2000, Mk3 Spitty, three nice heralds, 2 X Convertible and 1 saloon, two immaculate Mk2 Vitesse convertibles and not least of all a mint Mk1 Vitesse saloon, and oh yeah a Pilot motor home. Jayson brought a trailer which housed the gazebos and assorted equipment.

Thousands of people turned up on the day, lots of interest in the cars, beautiful weather and good company made for a grand day out.

MOE reunited

2008-05-10T22:42:00.005Z

I had to go to Shrewsbury today to see Mom who is very ill in hospital, I took MOE out on a proving run to Shrewsbury Hospital which was very nice, after seeing mom, I returned to the Telford area to see my brother, and then to Shifnal in Shropshire to take MOE back to see Peter Clark, who was the previous owner, Pete owned MOE from 1968 til Oct 07 and has extensively modified her over the years (in a good way!)

It was great to take Pete out for a drive, and show him the results of the mods I have had carried out, and that the original character was still there.
After dropping Pete back at his house I went to Coventry to see someone from the club, just as I got to Cov there was a strange chirruping noise that developed, which sounded to me like a wheel bearing failure, it stopped and when I applied the brakes at the motorway junction, ah I thought it was a stone in the brakes......then I noticed the speedo wasn't working..........ah well it was way out reading 55 when doing 71 so now an opportunity to get a new unit and get it calibrated correctly.

MOE and The Courier 2

2008-05-01T21:58:00.002Z

Well the Courier failed the MOT, the tester was shocked, as I have never had a triumph fail in the 9 years I have been going there, a wheel cylinder seized solid. Well I suppose thats what you get for leave it unused, two new wheel cylinders arrived today from Canleys less than £18 for 2 including delivery and less than 24 hours from order to them house, can't be bad.

MOE came back from the workshop, the O/S halfshaft changed as the source of the clunking noise under braking couldn't be traced, it still seems noisy from the rear end.....perhaps my expectations are too high....

Courier and MOE

2008-04-27T13:37:00.002Z

Well it been a Triumph weekend, yesterday working on the courier looking to take it for MOT this week. The courier has developed a pull to the left under braking, the coupe I had used do the same after winter layup, a quick glass papering of the drum and shoes normally did the trick. The courier still insisted on going off to the left after the treatment, some WD 40 carefully sprayed on the wheel cylinders has cured the problem, unfortunately when I did the rears it looks like the halfshafts are bit iffy, with grease getting into the drum on the O/S and lots of shiny swarf in the N/S and a knock to go with it.

MOE has had a few problems since coming out of the workshop,a radiator bought off ebay was useless, a leaky tank sender unit left about £20 worth of petrol on the floor, faulty carb needle valves caused a problem or two while going uphill and a noisy wheel bearing has been replaced.

Since the wheel bearing/driveshaft repair there has been a knock from the rear N/S under braking, although not always easy to diagnose, which wheel or front/back noises come from I do have a certain skill in this area. I had a look today a car today and can find little wrong, but a rock of the wheel to and fro (as opposed to top to bottom/side to side) produces a metallic clunk.
It's peculiar that this is only happening under braking, it also happens if the hand brake is applied on the move, any thoughts?

Steamy

2008-04-12T21:52:00.004Z

Went out in MOE to a local classic car meeting on Wednesday, when I got there it was kinda obvious that the rad weld as a solution to the radiator leak was very short term. I topped it up and took my friend Jayson for a little drive, on the return,steam already! The drive home was punctuated by bouts of steam when stopped, and although there was no overheating, I decided to deal with the problem in the week.

I had a choice of radiators for recoring, the original and two later ones, I chose the original because it had a drain tap and the other didn't.

I am off to Crich in the morning so we will see what happens, the changing the rad which I estimatated to take an hour, tops, became a real pain in the butt because the some of the captive nuts had been replaced by nyloks, done by someone with thin arms and elastic joints, which I ain't got!

Radiator By Ready Rads Birmingham, total cost £101 including a new rad cap, brilliant 24 hour service.

Out and about

2008-04-01T22:26:00.002Z

I went to the west mids meeting this evening, it was nice to see Mr Chatterton there, giving me advice on polishing my car, and sorting a Mk1 2000 gear linkage for one of the members. Another forum member Sorbs graced us with his presense, always happy to have you along guys. Moe is going well an odd clunk here and there, a dose of Radweld has sorted in the short term the leaky radiator, the globes look well on the TR6 wheels (I think so anyway) Some serious, (if yet substandard) polishing and cleaning has made a big difference to her appearence

MOE On the road again

2008-03-25T17:08:00.002Z

Well after a few teething problems with the MOT because of a lack of commision number MOE passed today, an amazing coincidence as it is exactly 44 years today she was registered.

The work done to get her this far: replace diff, overhaul one and replace one driveshaft, fit all new flexible and metal brake pipes, new wheel cylinder.
Change rear gear box seal, fettle overdrive into life, fit new petrol tank and associated pipework, overhaul carbs, replace all suspension and mounting bushes, replace rear shocks. Fit power steering, oil filter conversion kit, replace radiator (which appears not to be holding water 100%), fix minor electrical problems.

Thats all I can think of at the moment, I have driven her round the block and she feels very nice on her shiny TR6 wheels and new tyres, unfortunately I was to late to go to the tax office to get her taxed as a historic vehicle, but witrh insurance certificate, V5 and mot in hand I will get her taxed tomorrow.

I am looking forward to see how the cooling and hydraulic systems fare after being sat around for 25 years. must remember to carry some water and fluid......

I think she looks quite smart and I am glad I went for the TR6 wheels option

MOE getting there!

2008-02-22T19:14:00.004Z

The engine is sweet according to the specialist, overdrive isn't working and the oil leak was from the gearbox rear seal, but I didn't smell gearbox oil cat pee smell though

The rear axle is pretty worn, but it just so happens someone donated a lowish miles 2.5 saloon (auto, rotten) to me so we are fitting that diff and the shafts are worn but have been replaced or sorted and he is fitting all new bushes. The new diff is 3.45:1 instead of the 4.11:1 fitted so I will get a better cruising speed, and less oompah from start. Mike is a triumph transmission specialist so it's in the right place

I have had all the metal and flexy pipes replaced, the rear wheel cylinders, the fuel tank/pipes are still to be done, although he has done the carbs, replaced the fuel pump and fed it from a small tank to start it.

The power steering is yet to be fitted, but again all those parts came from the donated car the radiator looks a bit grotty inside but I have a spare in stock....thats about it for now except I have ordered some different wheels and tyres and some original type number plates.

Chris

Stoneleigh

2008-02-09T22:48:00.000Z

I had the 2000 estate out today,a wash and brush up and then a brisk trip up to Telford, back to Brum and then off to the show, where it is on display. No obvious faults except the power steering has spung a leak, which will need attention. It was nice to drive the beast, steady 70 mph cruising, a squeak here and a vibration there, not the quietness of a modern machine, but character a plenty. Lots of admiring glances form passing traffic. (photos to follow)

MOE sent to Coventry

2008-01-07T23:01:00.000Z

Well MOE went off to Coventry tonight for a few jobs to be done, power steering to be fitted, refurbishment of the brakes and the fuel system the later being clogged up from sitting around for 25 years!

I gave her a quick wash and brush up as it had been many a long year since this has happened, it will take quite a bit more work to get the best results, and unfortunately as she won't yet run I could only take photos in the garage. For all that she looks lovely and these are three photos which I hope gives you an idea.

Messing with MOE

2008-01-01T16:43:00.000Z

A couple of days ago I slipped a bit of diesel in each cylinder, I fitted a new battery today, a new set of points and clean the plugs up as they don't seem to have seen much service.

Firstly the solonoid is dead, so I shorted it out, low and behold she turns over, and sounds ok, no obviously lack of compression anywhere, there is no petrol getting through, nothing to the pump, I suspect the pipes and the pump will need replacing, but thats no problem especially as there is a new pump to hand.

I have emailed the previous owner to see if there a clever fuel tap (anti theft) anywhere, before I start taking things to bits,

MOE arrives

2007-12-23T12:13:00.000Z

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I have taken delivery of MOE, she is a rather intersting Mk1 saloon, not too sure what the red is apart from it's a rootes colour, I think it's Pippin red, but my knowledge of rootes paint is very limited.

She has been lying in state since 1983 in what has been a dry garage, the handbrake was still free, after all this time thanks to the previous owner. Condition wise, the body is in excellent rust free condition, the paintwork has taken a knock or two but fairly minimal especially if I can match it up for a touchup tin.

The chrome work hasn't faired quite so well, although for everyday use it is most acceptable. The vinyl roof should come up well with a scrub and a hour or two with a boot polish brush.

As far as mechanics are concerned she is a bit of an unknown quantity, standing for near 25 years has bound to have taken some toll. It seems that the crank oil seal may have failed as there was a significant oil slick on the garage floor, but in real terms if it dropped just one drop per month that equates to 300 drops so it must mount up!

I have arranged for it to have the engine, brakes and tranmission to be checked out, also power steering to be fitted.
A brief history
Purchased in 1964, worked hard as reps car, 1971 completely rotton a new shell was purchased for the grand sum of £305 minus 7.5% discount. 1976 engine and other items taken from a less than 12 month old 2.5TC write off and fitted. Used regularly until 1983.

NEC 2007 Classic Car show

2007-12-02T15:26:00.000Z

Well a little late reporting, but the NEC show went down a storm, confounding those who think that the classic car movement is in decline (me for one!)

As with the other cars on the stand the courier was very popular, mainly in this case because of it's rarity. I must say it did polish up well, the addition work painting the wheels up well rewarded by how smart it looked. Alan Chatterton's beautiful 2.5s estate certain brightening up the stand with it coat of Inca yellow.

Unfortunately my aging digital camera, is not up to indoor shots, but the photo is the best I have.

Free cars

2007-10-23T19:34:00.000Z

I used to get offered free cars all the time, over the last couple of years it slowed down a lot, but this year I found homes for a 2000 saloon up north, a GT6 Mk3 in London, a GT6 Mk1 in Somerset is still available I think.
I just bagged a 2.5 saloon.....mind you it took me nearly three months to get it picked up, a luxury that most people do not give, most want it moving the next day after it's been sitting for 20 years!

Been a while

2007-10-12T22:02:00.000Z

Hi Everyone, Well it's been a while since I posted, my only excuse is that I have been running in ever decreasing circles after aged parent and Parents in law 88, 92,93 years old.

I have still managed to attend some events this year Sandwell a local event saw the estate out to play, unfortunately the weather was absolutely dreadful, and the event was abandoned about three hours before the finish!

The Stafford weekend was good, my friend drove the Courier, it's first real outing, it was well received, being fairly original, and in good condition. I filled the estate with a variety of triumph parts which sold quite well considering, I then blew all the money on a set of alloys and some new tyres followed the next week, very different handling 185/70/14 as compared to the 175X13 that were on it.

I attended the Leicester Splash, Coupe Sunday, driving my old coupe for Chris Gunby who owns a whole array of early cars, again it was a wet day, there were rain clouds all around the site but it seemed to skirt around us the whole day.

The Mile of Triumph in Great Yarmouth was the last event I took part in so far, a great Saturday evening, with a good buffet and a charity teddy bear auction. 174 triumphs with a smattering of other classics, set off on the Sunday morning presenting a glorious picture of classics parked on the sea front.

Preparations for next years RBRR are underway, the estate is waiting for a 2.5S engine, with the HS6 carbs to be fitted, the gearbox overhauled, new clutch, the rear axle stripped and rebuilt with all new poly bushes, although I am tempted to use the Courier...........

Next month sees the Courier in the Classic Car show at the NEC, if you are there do come and say hello, it's great to meet forum members.

2007-04-21T23:36:00.000Z

No more coupe (for now)

2007-04-21T23:17:00.000Z

Well the day is here and my coupe has been sold to another enthusiast, the problem was that I have only done less than a hundred miles in the last three years, so I thought whats the point in keeping it. It is quite upsetting to think that after 21 years we have to part company, but with health problems galore, the courier and 2000 estate are going to be quite enough for me to cope with

Made my day

2007-03-28T22:02:00.000Z

I had a call from a local member of Club Triumph, he was have trouble starting his Spitty after installing a reconditioned engine.
I popped over and had a look, this first thing that struck me was how poor the condition of the distriutor was.
I have often found that the Delco Reme dizzy wear quite badly, this one was no exception, with a worn spindle, poor points and a very worn baseplate.

The owner did have a Lucas dizzy suitable for the engine and a box of lucas ignition parts, I fitted a set of new points and condenser, he then fitted the new unit to the car, I set the timing statically and it fired up first turn of the key.

Well what made my day was the fact that the skills I learnt in 1977 while training as an AA patrol are still there, unfortunately due to poor health, I rarely get the chance to assist anyone with their cars anymore, but this evening put a smile on the spitty owners face and mine too!

Chris

RBRR Total

2007-03-12T22:39:00.000Z

Club Triumph’s Round Britain Reliability Run
Thanks to everyone who contributed to the event, a record 87 cars successfully completed the course and the total amount collected was
£48.652.84p.
This is a massive boost to the funds of BLISS a premature baby charity
http://www.bliss.org.uk You can still donate

Car 12, Drivers Chris Allen, Stephen Clapcott and Jayson Murray at John O’Groats, our total just over £750 thanks to your generosity

On the road again

2007-02-11T22:01:00.000Z

Well I had the Courier out on Tuesday evening, travelled all of three miles to the West Mids evening meeting, I was most impressed the heater working well in just three quarters of a mile, almost as good as the Skod@.

Jay (he who did the RBRR and bought the 13/60 estate) helped me with transport back from Stoneleigh as the 2000 fresh back from the workshop (new heater and other bits & bobs fixed) was on the stand.

Jay and I washed it down and decided to give the roof and bonnet a T cut and use a bit of polish, well what a difference, the paint was looking really dull and a bit sad, but the elbow grease really paid off, the car looked very neat.

The 2000 was running a bit lumpy, I checked out the points and couldn't get them to adjust, a new set of points faired about the same with a maximum clearance of about 5 thou, In the end I bought some files from the £1 tool stand, and filed the adjusting slot, it was the only way to get anything near the 15 thou required, in fact it was pinking a bit on the way home so I think they need a bit more adjusting.

Anyome got any ideas why this is happening? all the years I worked a mechanic type person, I haven't come across this one.

Oh yeah, one more thing, I couldn't use my camera at the show, so if you have a shot of the 2000 estate on the CT stand, I would be grateful if you could send them to me at heraldhabitat@hotmail.com
cheers
Chris

Breakdown? No thanks already had one!

2006-12-11T23:11:00.000Z

Well the triumph family have been giving me a hard time, the 13/60 estate before it went had to have a replacement halfshaft fitted, I bought two shafts off ebay, when one failed after 80 miles or so I was very disappointed, but hey you get what you pay for I thought. Not only did the ebay seller replace the shaft but he also came from about 15 miles away and fitted free of charge, now thats what I call service.

The 1200 decided to blow a diff seal and shed a rear wheel cylinder, and was glad that these were put right before it was bought by friends, also club members.

The 948 Coupe decided that it had enough of it's battery, it was nose in to the garage, and I have just had an operation so friends had to help with that, pushing and lifting batteries is not a good idea after abdominal surgery .

The 2000 estate decided that the 4000 miles I had put on her since August was quite enough thank you, and sicked out all of it's clutch fluid, she will have to wait a while before that is sorted out!

And just to add insult to injury the newly aquired Courier van lost a headlamp but thankfully that was a job even I can cope with, thanks to a friend a few years back, who was clearing out, I have about ten normal bulbs left.

Just needs the Sk*da to breakdown now and I will have the full house!!

All change

2006-11-24T23:21:00.000Z

Well a lot of change anyway! I have sold the red 13/60 estate to local member Jayson (he was part of the RBRR team 12) The 1200 saloon, is going in the next couple of weeks, and after 20 years of ownership my Coupe has also been sold.
The Triumph 2000 estate stays, and I have just bought this beautiful Courier Van, thanks to Bill Davies who gave me the info. This latest purchase of the Courier was the third van I had seen in three weeks, but this time I certainly got a fantastic car.

People say to me how come you always find such nice cars, my answer is, if you really want something that much get off your butt and go looking. For example I got a 1200 estate that was in a triumph club magazine for over a week and nobody went to have a look except me.
When I bought it in 2004 it was the product of a long search, I went to Halifax in Yorkshire, Barnstable in Devon and Penzance in Cornwall just to see.

P.S the 2004 1200 herald estate was sold to a forum member Bill Goodwin, and now it lives in the States with him, an excellent article about this car has just been published in the current Triumph World magazine.

Courier Van more photos

2006-11-07T22:55:00.000Z

Courier Vans

2006-11-07T19:21:00.000Z

I have seen two vans for sale this week, one which the owner thinks is wonderful and One that has been left out in the open since 1992!

The first one still on ebay is a project car, but the one I saw today is a brave restoration project, it needs an awful lot of work although apart from the engine it's all there, in fact the engine is there but not in the car.

The roof has serious rot, the van panels are restorable, the bonnet not too bad, the floors are very bad and the chassis looks to be reasonable. It doesn't have the optional rear seat and the interior need replacing, but most of it is plywood so thats not a problem.

It is a Mk2 which is the most desirable, let me know if you are prepared to restore this van , but the owner says it must not be scrapped or just used for spares, due to it's rarity, I tend to agree, I have enough on my plate at the moment to consider it.

Even More Maltese finds

2006-04-02T14:32:00.000Z

The bedford van has been evryday use by the present owner for the last 27 years as a decorators van, the toyota, was owned by a member of the malta old car club, and while not my normal taste was in tremedous condition.

Just up the road from the bedford was this austin 1300 and later in the day I found this mk1 ford escort estate

More recent finds in Malta

2006-04-02T14:26:00.000Z

The herald estate was rough around the edges, and obviuosly in everyday use as a market garden transporter, with fruit and veg in the back.
The moggie pick up was in good order
as was the austin cambridge

Recent finds in Malta

2006-04-02T14:16:00.000Z

The 1200 has seen better days but the 13/60 was one owner from new and except for a little damage o/s/r was in good nick.
The Transit deisel was in everyday use as a mobile friut and veg stall