Winter Projects

[delta]

This is what I managed to get done last week.Cut out the gearbox tunnel and made a new peice to replace. Used the old round flange and brazed that in underneath new tunnel top. I also beefed up the cross member where I had to cut out. More for peice of mind than anything else..See next problem ,this was much easier with Mike's consent just a pair of tin snips did the job. This week I am sorting out colapsible steering column.Pinched idea of a Caterham. Pics on next installment next weekend.Have a good week all.

[Robyn Slater]

Ian, it will be interesting to see some pics of the steering column.

I wish i could find some time to get on with my projects.

[Mike Bell]

Just to clarify the radiator 'issue' Iain encountered, all Escorts used the standard slam / closing panel which was fine for anything with crossflow and small header tank rad but for Twink, RS16 and RS2 more clearance was required, so the aperture was opened out to suit. The Twink had a neater mod that havn't got a pic of but other two look the same- basically metal cut away and bit of edge trim to tidy it up. This allowed rad to be mounted in the opening and give more clearance at front of engine. Even so, RS2 had to have electric fan in front of rad, whereas RS16 still had plastic engine driven version.

RS1600-


RS2000- unrestored so should be as factory-

[delta]

Am I allowed to have a separate header tank

[delta]

Originally Posted by Robyn Slater

Ian, it will be interesting to see some pics of the steering column.

I wish i could find some time to get on with my projects.

I have ordered the Caterham steering clamp today Robyn. When it arrives i will post my idea,then wait for comments

[Mike Bell]

Originally Posted by delta

Am I allowed to have a separate header tank

Nothing in CTCRC Gp1 regs I can see that says you can't. Radiators are 'free'. HTP would require original rad, but I know you aren't going that route

[Al Weyman]

CTCRC regs are sensible. Still keep the historic provenance without going over the top in either direction, kinda middle of the road Historic racing .

[delta]

Hey Al, I will heading along to CTRCC on Friday too pay my membership.Is it ok to mention your name.

[delta]

OK OK I have got the letters muddled.

[Al Weyman]

Of course it is Iain. I wont be on the stand till Saturday I can't bunk off in the week unfortunately although I am making an exception the following Friday to sample the 300!

[Peter Mallett]

Originally Posted by Mike Bell

Nothing in CTCRC Gp1 regs I can see that says you can't. Radiators are 'free'. HTP would require original rad, but I know you aren't going that route

Interesting point. You can't cut bodywork to aid cooling. But it seems that the panel you are discussing was modified by the factory so it kind of breaks the rules but not really.

FWIW you can run a modified rad if you need extra cooling. The original Gp1 Capris ran a standard rad with a transit header on the top.

[Mike Bell]

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

Interesting point. You can't cut bodywork to aid cooling. But it seems that the panel you are discussing was modified by the factory so it kind of breaks the rules but not really.

Guess the fact that that is how the cars were presented and pictured for homologation papers makes it standard bodywork for the model.

[Peter Mallett]

Agreed. Not suggesting it's wrong or against the regs.

[Mike Bell]

Every once in a while get chuffed at a job well done- especially if it is at zero expense...

Having removed the hydraulic pump from Atego the other day and talked to the local guys who serviced the truck for me, I was going to take it to them to see if we could find a used replacement or someone who could repair it. While draining the oil out (remembered this time Iain!) and cleaning it up I decided to drop the end cover off the motor and look inside. Doing so revealed a load of gunge that had eventually got onto the commutator and brushes. Guess oil had been seeping in through seal between motor and pump- if there is one! The 4 brushes were also well worn but quick google search failed to bring up a 'brushes-r-us' so I set to and dismantled it all, cleaned everything and went round commutator with some fine emery. 2 brushes were at their wear limit but by filing out the housing that contained them managed to obtain more movement. As precaution drilled drain hole in end cover to allow any more oil an escape route....

After reassembly, fitted unit back onto truck, pressed button and tail lift shot up faster than ever before -and did so more than once!

Spurred on by success decided to sort out rear panel that hides it and has never fitted right then got welder out and 'adjusted' the stop that determines if platform is level or not. It wasn't before but is now

[GORDON STREETER]

Mike, if I have had trouble finding brushes for electric motors I just get some that are "sort" of the same but larger and file/grind them to fit.

[Eric Falce]

Originally Posted by GORDON STREETER

Mike, if I have had trouble finding brushes for electric motors I just get some that are "sort" of the same but larger and file/grind them to fit.

This system worked out very well on the starter motor for a 1938 RR I have to look after.

[SAMD]

Originally Posted by GORDON STREETER

Mike, if I have had trouble finding brushes for electric motors I just get some that are "sort" of the same but larger and file/grind them to fit.

Sounds a bit like odd ball brake pads.

[GORDON STREETER]

Originally Posted by SAMD

Sounds a bit like odd ball brake pads.

I have to make them fit on the front and rear of the Anglebox

[GORDON STREETER]

Anyway Eric, why aren't you in bed at this time of night ?

[Mike Bell]

Originally Posted by GORDON STREETER

Mike, if I have had trouble finding brushes for electric motors I just get some that are "sort" of the same but larger and file/grind them to fit.

Thanks Gordon. I will replace the brushes at some point and as they are carbon your method should work. Hopefully the local auto electrical place that does all the alternator and starter rebuilds should be able to sort for me!

[terence]

Originally Posted by GORDON STREETER

Anyway Eric, why aren't you in bed at this time of night ?

Probably 'had to get up again' Gordon.

[Peter Dunne]

Originally Posted by terence bower

Probably 'had to get up again' Gordon.

Sounds like the voice of experience Terry

In other news, the Midget is booked in next Tuesday for its pre registration test which comprises of a chap with a clipboard checking that it has four wheels and that the vin matches the V5.

Then I can insure it, tax it and drive it!

[terence]

Originally Posted by Peter Dunne

Sounds like the voice of experience Terry

In other news, the Midget is booked in next Tuesday for its pre registration test which comprises of a chap with a clipboard checking that it has four wheels and that the vin matches the V5.

Then I can insure it, tax it and drive it!

Would you like me to 'put a word in' for you Peter.

[delta]

Attachment 31327. There has been a fair amount of head scratching going on with my steering column. It has not been as straight forward as i thought. We have now got things moving and with the use of a couple of Caterham parts should be ready to publish the results over the weekend.

[Tim Falce]

Originally Posted by delta

Attachment 31327. There has been a fair amount of head scratching going on with my steering column. It has not been as straight forward as i thought. We have now got things moving and with the use of a couple of Caterham parts should be ready to publish the results over the weekend.

Ewww, that's the same steering column I have in my Jaguar except mines a lot shorter than yours. I bought the column when Mk1s were still sitting in scrap yards.