Hello all and welcome back to the badlands.
Saturday was to see the main thrust of DAFfing at Central, with Martin accompanying me for more work on the blue 66.
Following Joe's brilliant diagnostic work we knew that she would be a runner if we changed her carb which is what we set about doing.
Meanwhile Matt set about finishing off a few jobs on Goldie before inviting prospective purchasers. First up was to drill out the remnants of split pins stuck in her track rod ends.
This was successfully completed however a lack of split pins meant the job couldn't be finished that day. However Martin and I did take up a little of Matt's time that afternoon.
Having swapped over the carb we found the replacement had no kick-down switch so that was swapped over too. Following a couple of little niggles we managed to get her fired up although ticking over very high. This caused much head scratching and gnashing of teeth until Martin found that a jubilee clip was interfering with the throttle and preventing it from returning to its stop.
That problem rectified we were able to drive her. Well, I say
drive, as she had no throttle or choke cable connected, so like a power boat racer, Martin was my throttle man whilst I concentrated on steering and gearing (not that I could see where I was going, that is)!
Here we recreate that moment with Matt at the helm whilst I filmed.
We then set about fitting a replacement accelerator cable and connected the choke and...job's a good'un.
Having churned up the grass it was evident that there was a brake issue, hardly surprising seeing as she hadn't been on the road for almost ten years. The pedal is very firm, which is nice, but in reverse the wheels spin a lot before traction is gained. We suspect the master is at fault and that will be changed at the next visit. We also found a leaking heater matrix valve and Matt sourced another item to swap over.
We also discovered that the eight track works (or rather worked...) and that the 66 came with some servicing spares.
I then took a little drive to get some lunch whilst Martin and Matt continued their endeavors. Time for Gavina's Speakerz anyone?
Upon return Martin was wrestling with the heater valve - they are a little fiddly and leave little room for spannering. Still, that job was completed and unlike last week we left happy with progress.
That would not be before a visit from George to show us his amusing 'love' carrots. ;D
The chickens came out to play too. Prospective visitors note: look after your tea when they are out as they
will drink it!
All too soon it was time to leave and take Martin home. There was time to stop for a quick cuppa and sample some of Maroushka's delicious home made biscuits.
Although we weren't able to return on Sunday, Matt did manage to get the split pins into Goldie's track rod ends and adjust her door locks. Not to mention fitting Snowstrop's exhaust and rescuing a vintage bicycle from a scrap pile - the next ED emergency loaner? ;D
Well, that's all for now folks.
Cheese,
33G.