The Essex DAFs thread!

[33grinder]

More workshop moving, fun at the farm and a first look at Andy's lovely 33, Blue Thunder (or Blue Bullet as I erroneously called her)...

First posted 20th April 2010


Hello all and a belated welcome back to the Badlands of Essex.

I'm afraid there was no Daffing to be had in Badlands South this weekend, due to the ever continuing move of workshop. My friend Martin is currently renting two workshops whilst he moves his business. Seeing as I rent a corner and have my R5GTT there plus enough Renault and Rover spares to fill a shelf of industrial racking I do feel compelled to help him.

So Saturday (along with two days of my week off last week) were spent ferrying car parts between the two workshops. I'm dreading the four poster having to move!

Martin has been busy building a mezzanine in the new garage, having already put up the racking.


The mezzanine will house the office/kitchen and some storage.


The racking is getting gradually filled up...


...but the heavy stuff like axles etc will go into the storage container along with 2 trailers and the occassional vehicle


The racking will be kept clear underneath to increase parking options when required. The hight it to ensure a landrover bonnet can get underneath.

The best news though is we have been donated a surperbly kitsch 1970's sofa bed! ;D ;D ;D

It is suitable tired and creaky with a bolt missing from one of the arm rests and really is as laid back seating position as it looks! Akin to a F1 driver's seating position, or so it feels. I am so looking forwards to its inaugaral dutch moment. Erm, once we've actually built the room it will be going in!! ;D


By this stage, those of you not totally unphased by this so far Daf-less report and are still here will be pleased to know that our Badlands North correspondent, Dan has been hard at work with the Ovlov, finishing off the paint work he started on last week. The affected areas are in primer and Dan has had some paint specially colour matched to the car in rattle can. I'll hopefully be meeting up with Dan next weekend, so I may even be able to get some photos, watch this spot.

As usual, the mainstay of Daffing in the Badlands was to be had at Centraal.

The day started for Matt with an adjustment of Goldie's belt. You'll note also that Greenie's tin worm's insatiable search of rust has resulted in Matt feeding her a kn@ckered fridge!


Then Greenie having being fed, Goldie's belt adjusted and readjusted and the chickens being decidedly anti-social Matt set off to meet up with Andrew in Chelmsford to have a butchers around his new 33, as seen in the Cars of sale section.



Presently Andrew is calling her Blue Bullet, named after the transportation company who bought her to the Badlands. He is open to other suggestions though based on her colour or registration number so any suggestions here please.

Overall she is in a lovely sound condition inside and out!




What a lovely clean engine bay!


Matt did find that one of the headlamps has deteriorated so a replacement will be located at Centraal. Andrew will organise for one of the sills to get welded up.


Fortunately Greenie will yeild another good sill, the other one being donated to Passionwagon.

And then there's that engine mount too...


...plan is to have the engine out to replace it and check over the clutch shoes whilst we're at it. Hopefully Matt and I will return soon and crack on with it. I so missed out on the fun, as did Dan as it appears that Andrew is also a Fiat 500 fan!

Here's his current project. He also has a nice MG too - how I missed out!!




And so we move onto Sunday. Dan continued his painting. What lovely weather we had for that on Sunday. Spring was certainly in the air this weekend and so the Dafs came out at Centraal. God, I never tire of that joke - sorry!


So, with the chickens still sulking, Matt continued working on Mimi. He's found and fitted the missing wiper switch....


...and topped up oild, replaced a rear bulb and bolted in the rear seat.

Daffing activities were disrupted for some time though when a beautiful old lady came visiting farmer George, this Jaguar three and a half litre.






That just about wraps up the latest news from the Essex.

See you soon for our next update.

Cheese,

33G.

[33grinder]

The workshop saga continues, a visit from Paul Bashford and Essex DAFs own 'drive it day' - crikey, whatever next?!!!

First posted 27th April 2010



Hello all and welcome back to the world that is Essex Dafs. What a superb weekend we've had down here in the Badlands.

Saturday saw me continuing with the 'moving Martin's workshop' saga. Martin has been busy finishing the metal work of the mezzanine.


We then proceeded to get the heavy stuff moved.


The container is now getting a little more full up. There's still a 16' trailer to go in, although the 110 back body will be e-bayed soon.


Over at Centraal we had a visitor, Paul Bashford and Gladys.


There was much tea drinking and lots of Daf talk of course. Gladys had sadly suffered what Paul called a 'dutch moment' on the way down where her engine stalled but bump-started herself. Otherwise the journey down from Coventry had been uneventful.

Having inspected both vehicles the chickens decided that concourse judging could not commence as the 44s were not clean enough, and those chickens like a nice clean yard. So out came the bucket and sponge so get nice and clean before Sunday's activities, but more on that later...

Paul got washing Gladys...


Whilst Matt washed Animal and Goldie...


The chickens voted air cooled.


Now, this is the trouble we have over here in the Badlands - once a bonnet is opened then the kettle goes on and nothing gets done until the tea is drunk! ;D


Personally, I can't blame Paul for that, as I know Matt too well and think he led Paul astray. See the picture below, Goldie's bonnet is up but where is Matt?


As evening drew in, Matt escorted Paul and Goldie to the Old Court House, not for any infringement in the Badlands you understand, it's the B&B round the corner from Central where Paul spent the night. Vinny and Sarah made him feel welcome and the bar stayed open past 10pm. In fact Paul was the only guest and when Vinny wanted to play some pool, the games were on him and didn't cost Paul a penny to play lots of pool! They even did a nice breakfast too! Anyone who would like to visit us can stay there for a reasonable rate and we well looked after.

The next morning was an early start in the Grinder household. Mrs G is nearing the end of her teaching course and so quiet study time is a real boon. I took our son Jonathan out with us in Gavina which was conducive to a few good hours of study time.

No pre-washing Gavina for me, as she was still clean from when I last washed her and put her away in the garage.

Less than an hour later we were at Centraal to meet up with Matt and Paul....


...along with this man, Eric 'Clint Eastwood' Bhojani.


Eric had traveled up for the day from north London in his lovely 55 estate. It has some lovely alloys on her which gives her a very purposefully and sporting stance.

These pictures were taken later in the day at Badlands north. For some reason following Eric's 55, BMW M Coupe springs to mind. A little negative camber and what a stance! Most of us agreed that fat tyres are phat!


Now I'm usually behind the lens which suits me fine, but Eric thought it would be nice to take of photo of myself with Jonathan. Shows off Eric's alloy's nicely I think!


So, whilst Jonathan played with the chickens....


...us grown-ups did what we do best, drink tea and talk Daf! A shock absorber was liberated from the spares barn (for its bushes etc) and then we set off in convoy for Dan's at Badlands North for our own little part of Drive It Day.

Now, it's fair to say that weather wise it was a day of two halves. On the way over to Centraal Gavina was to experience some road spray and was decided grubby when we arrived. The weather was no better on the way to Dans.

Apologies from Jonathan for coughing and from Gavina for the squeaky wiper. The music comes from my 'Best cheese of the 1970s' CD.



We arrived at Badland's North as the rain ceased and proceeded to drink tea and talk more Daf.


Meanwhile Matt and I cracked on with Passionwagon's rear offside suspension. After a lengthy hunt the missing replacement shock absorber was found.


Matt and I cracked on with replacing the broken spring and missing shock as Jonathan looked on. He's learning about Dafs early! ;D


And at last success!


For the first time in who knows how long she sits level and true!


Daddy, when can I have a go at driving? Erm, when you can reach the pedals son!! ;D


Whilst Jonathan procrastinated over the merits of vinyl versus cloth seats, I took some more photos.

What a lovely pair these 55 estates make!


Group line-up:


In the absence of any chickens the only impartial judge for the concourse was Jonathan. Despite attempts at bribery he could not be corrupted and was asked to choose his favorite. So, for the second time this weekend Goldie won!


Then there was just enough time to see Dan's paintwork to the sills and boot of his Ovlov




Having thanked Dan for his hospitality and great tea, we left him at Daf North and headed down delightful country lanes to the nearest McDonalds, purely for Jonathan's benefit you understand.

These are lovely lanes and last time I thoroughly enjoyed driving Rover round them. This time was different, a much slower pace with windows down (really must close the cabin heater vents on the exchangers as Gavina got very hot!) and music playing, but still a very enjoyable relaxed cruise.

The track down from Dan's is very bumpy, sorry for the camera shake! A second dose of Gavina's speakers for you, you lucky people!! ;D


Generally, the local traffic were very accommodating to our convoy and allowed us to stay together. We even found parking spaces together at McDonalds.




With hunger temporarily at bay, our non-ending thirst for tea was to be sated back at Centraal.


Even the chickens got a drink. ;D


Then attention turned to Goldie's squealing belt which was adjusted accordingly....


...before comparing lucky mascots. Gavina's penguin, salvaged from Matt's trailer.


Eric's lucky Robin.


Paul flies the flag! ;D


At the end of a lovely day we then left Matt to go our separate ways, playing leapfrog along the A12. Eric let his 55 stretch her legs and Paul and I had a drag race up a steep hill, bouncing in our seats in a disillusioned attempt to get extra traction and speed. Gladys won that one, those extra cubes come in handy.

Well, we hope you like our report of events and remember, all are welcome to visit us in the Badlands.

That's all for now.

Cheese,

33G.

[33grinder]

Work starts on Andy's Blue Thunder and an election broadcast - blimey!!

And will the workshop move ever be over?

First posted 4th May 2010


Hello all!

33G here again with a round up of latest events from the Badlands. I'm pleased to announce that Daffing has occurred throughout the region during this glorious bank holiday weekend when the weather really couldn't make its mind up...at all!

Saturday morning started for yours truly with a trip to the sorting office to pick up a parcel from Danny at Dafhobby, somewhat delayed by the volcanic ash cloud but then safely in my hands. Incidentally, I think that ash cloud is our fault. We asked Iceland to send us 'cash' for Icesave, and the Icelandic alphabet has no letter 'c'!

Anyway, the parcel contained spares for the three of us for when we were to meet later.


I then proceeded to Martin's to hopefully conclude the never-ending-workshop-move saga. I took Rover for her load lugging capabilities. Thankfully the hydraulic four poster had been moved the day before and I remember moving that last time!! When I got there this is what I found:


There were a few items out of shot which Rover took, then the landie was loaded up and off we went. Note that Rover is an 80's car who likes to listen to 80's music. As a carrot there is a couple of seconds of hard acceleration and engine noises in the Rover. Don't get too excited though! ;D


We couldn't put the landie in her space in the new workshop as we were waiting for a neighbour to lend us his forklift to get some heavy white goods to the mezzanine on a pallet.


So whilst waiting I took some photos. My R5GTT has it's own corner, with a Series 1 Landie for company. Martin is discussing custom building a competitive off road machine out of her with a potential customer. She is lovely a straight for her age, she is tax exempt and has a rare 'safari' roof.


'Greenie' as we call her is a little unusual being ex-military but to civilian spec. Martin has been restoring her for about three years now and she will soon be ready for sale.


We continued to wait for the forklift. Then another neighbour kindly asked Martin to move his landie and trailer as they wouldn't be able to park their bus! ;D

Yes, our neighbours are classic bus owners and have a lovely collection. I managed to take a couple of stealthy photos. I've only just met them but I'll see if I can get some more, if anyone is interested.




The wait for the forklift was interminable and I left to catch up with Matt and Dan. I would return later to help Martin move one last thing from the workshop, a wood burning stove. It is by far the heaviest thing I have ever lifted and my back can still feel it. At one point I looked down and realised that one of the burners four feet was actually resting on my foot. A fine endorsement for wearing steel toe cap boots when lifting heavy gear!

Over at Centraal the day started slowly ;D


Matt started working on Dorothy who needed an engine mount changing. Her front was removed...


...to allow the engine to be pulled forward giving Matt enough room to change the mount although he admits it was awkward.


Then Dorothy was pushed away, the workshop locked up and the chickens watered ....


Matt left for Andrew in the quest to return his blue 33 to the road, as reported here previously. Remember, we're still open for names, so far we have Blue Thunder and Bridget. Anyone have any name ideas? If not we'll have a choice of two then.

Matt arrived to find Dan already there. Andrew's 33 came with a replacement engine mount which could possibly be done without totally pulling the engine but knowing the car had been standing for a couple of years we felt it prudent to pull the engine and check the clutch. Besides, it makes the mount easier to change!

Two of the exhaust bolts were very stubborn and needed some drastic action.


A very determined looking Dan soon had them sorted! ;D


Soon after I arrived at Andrew's, having become bored waiting for an overdue forklift!


I had with me the parcel from Dafhobby which included two triangular exhaust gaskets for pending work on Passionwagon. I figured that Andrew's need was more imminent, so these will be used when the engine is replaced, which was imminent upon arrival...once of course I had caught Matt doing what us Essex Daffers do best! ;D ;D


Andrew makes a lovely cuppa so I joined the lads for a brew. Well, it would be in polite not to!!

Our thirst quenched we then got on with removing the engine.


Aside from a secondary earth strap attached to the clutch housing of which we had no prior knowledge of its existence, the removal went smoothly.


All appears sound from the outside, although we did notice that the bracket that connects each heat exchanger and to the clutch cover (the 'boomerang' as we call it) appears to have had a piece cut out to ease the fitting of a new hotspot pipe. Matt thinks he may have a suitable replacement for it.


Now, here's a rare photo taken on my camera but not by me, and even showing me working - whatever next!!


Eventually the drum was removed to reveal a perfectly fine clutch, which will give Andrew some peace of mind that job doesn't need to be done.


It was not to be all good news though. Andrew's manifold needs a small weld to one of it's hotspot pipes. My friend Martin has said he can have a look at welding it next Saturday so Andrew, do let me know if you are around next Saturday for me to collect it from you.

Also the propshaft was not looking too great. It was absolutely fine at the vario end but the clutch end showed whisper like cracks running around the chamfered edge of the rubber. The picture below isn't a great one but we're in two minds about re-using it. Unfortunately Gavina took Matt's last spare so does anyone out there in Dafland have one available?


I then left the lads to return to help Martin and Matt and Dan left shortly after wards, ready to continue work on Andrew's 33 the next time and so our Daffing activities were to end for the day.

Over the next couple of days Matt had the opportunity to get some more work done on Dorothy.

Work progressed slowly at first as Matt usually works outside of the barn and the inclement weather slowed progress somewhat...


....but eventually the sun came out, as did the Dafs!


Matt finished putting back Dorothy's engine and front. She's now nicely back together. One of the parts to arrive from Danny was a 6v anti run-on valve which Matt is hoping will rectify the fueling problem that she has. Otherwise she is almost MOT ready, although one of her headlamps needs to be glued back together!


She's all tucked away now, ready for more Daffing next weekend.


Up in Badlands North Dan was fettling his 55 estate. Last weekend when we visited Dan on Drive It Day, it is fair to say she was running a little poorly. Speaking with Dan he tells me that the carburettor's float chamber needed a tweak as it was making the engine run very lean and attempting to frequently stall. He's overcome that problem now, albeit the vario doesn't seem to be changing up, and she is revving her, erm, lady bits off, for not a lot in return. We do hope Dan can get her fixed as the three of us are meant to be displaying our cars at a show next week!

Over here in Badlands South it was a case of rain stops play. My beer fridge got a good cleaning and some nasty mold removed, I even mowed the lawn whilst it rained, twice!!

So boredom prevailed when I really wanted to get Gavina cleaned up for the show. Today I gave her a good vacuum and cleaned the seats, door cards and dash. The road grime from last week was concentrated on the windscreen, bonnet and grill, so some windolene and cleaning the front in the garage was the answer. Still, I've done what I can so if next weekend is the same as this one, she will get dirty on the way to the show anyway, if not then she'll get a proper wash.

And so that end's our round-up of this weekend's activities in wonderful Essex.

There is one more thing that we wish to mention. It has not escaped our attention that there is a general election looming. Now, we would just like to say, it is inconsequential to us whether your preference (in no particular order) is for

RED


BLUE


YELLOW
[

GREEN


Even.....MONSTER RAVING LOONEY!!!


we love 'em all, so vote Daf!

Cheese,

33G.

[33grinder]

First posted 10th May, 2010



Welcome back to the badlands of Essex, all!

As is becoming customary on this thread, the weekend starts with me and the never ending workshop move!

I can't grumble though as it was the last of my Rover parts and then the security fencing before the pikeys could get at it.

Now, Martin and I between us lifted a spare Rover V8 engine into his landrover's NATO trailer and it wasn't too bad. The straight six though is considerably heavier, especially mounted to a GM auto-box. We decided the best course of action would be to use the car transporting trailer to delivery it to a buyer in Grays.


We used an engine hoist hanging off the back of the trailer but held on by the trailer's winch. The hoist's lifting arm was fully extended and the idea was to lift the engine clear of the trailer and then winch the hoist back onto the trailer, then strap the whole lot down. That was the plan. All started well, as we got the engine suitably high enough, but on the winching back part of the plan, the back of the hoist starting tipping skywards. I stood on it but eventually it became clear that my...ahem...15 stone frame couldn't hold her down! Eventually I was flipped off the hoist and fell through the middle of the trailer. Luckily I caught the hoist and was able to hold it down, but I now have a nasty carpet burn on my knee!! I did PML thought once the pain had dulled down a little!

Otherwise the day was to go without any further hitches. I did pop in on Andrew on the way to the workshop to pick up his manifold. Hopefully Martin can weld it up.

Over at Centraal, the week bought a nasty surprise for Matt, as someone else has had a swipe at Goldie whilst she was parked at the roadside. Matt suspects the road sweeper.


Not the best way to approach the weekend, but Matt found himself working on Animal again on Saturday and he was uninterrupted, as the chickens were too busy sheltering from the inclement weather to be sociable. Even Matt was forced to work inside which is most unusual.


Anyway, chickens are not totally stupid creatures and know when not to interfere in important Daf matters as happened to be the case that day, as it was Animal's MOT which I am pleased to announce that she passed.


Other than a minor advisory she faired well, even if the side repeaters packed up at the MOT, however they would blink a couple of times before they went bandy and blinked really quickly, so a very short test of the indicators was performed!

All is well now that Matt has identified the relay that was on the blink, so to speak. Apparently it is the one on the left in the picture below.


Being on a roll, Matt next turned his attention to Dorothy. The intention was to swap her back bumper with the nice one on the back of his white 44 (as seen earlier on this thread sans engine).


Everything was going well until this happened


Sunday was to see Matt and I attend Battlesbridge Classic Car Show, which we had been looking forward to for some time. Regretfully Dan couldn't make it, as he has some personal matters to attend to at present. It would have been nice to have a water cooled Daf (or even Ovlov) with us, but there will be other shows.

I've lots of photos from the show with plenty of classic cars photographed but I don't want to bore you all with the photos! ;D

Cheese,

33G.

Oh, alright then. I'll put them under the 'Other Shows' section on the Battlesbridge thread!

[33grinder]

We seem to have gone Animal Crackers at Central, Passionwagon comes home and Matt attends Clacton Classic Car Show.

First posted 17th May 2011


Hello all and as customary this time of the week I invite you to the badlands for the next installment of Essex daffing.

Saturday's activities were to start late for Matt as he had troubles with his snake.

Bish is a Boa and 6-7 feet long. Matt tells me he caught mites from another snake he has been with. A trip to the vets has him sorted.


Whilst we are in pet's corner, look at this lovely moth we saw sunning himself at the farm. We've never seen one like this!


So ahem, like I was saying, Daffing started late for Matt whilst I made my way to Central in Rover, having the need to cover some distance in a hurry later that afternoon.

I thought I would made a video of the nice lanes and little villages I pass through to get to Matt's. I normally get a nice clean run through these lanes with not much traffic but you, you...'s law would dictate that I would get stuck behind a Rover 25 being driven very cautiously.

Realistically I knew I couldn't reach Matt's within the duration of the music track and suspected to have a couple of minutes of engine noise. So this turned into five minutes of engine noises, dashboard squeak in C minor and Doris on the satnav.

Mind you, I did see some girls (who I then realised were a just a little too young to video), a Ferrari (which you'll see a glimpse of) and a rather odd reclining tricycle. Erm, if that's of any interest!



When I arrived at Matt he was busy washing Goldie and Animal.


Matt decided to push Animal into service that weekend, with her shiny new MOT. Mind you, the chickens were not too happy as Matt had parked Animal in their way and was interrupting their sports day.

The 1o metre sprint (there's always one who has to run the wrong way ;D).


Hurdles


So, we decided to let the chickens have their sports day and, our friend James having arrived with his recovery truck, we made the journey over to Dan at Essex North, Matt leading the way in Animal and James and I following in the VW transporter, trying our best to keep up with Matt around the lanes ;D. There was much tea drinking and car talk but our main reason for being there was to recover Passionwagon and bring her to Central.




Here she is in her new home at Central, which she will share with Animal and a tractor. Hopefully now work will continue on her at a leisurely pace, rather than the previous glacial one! ;D


Then James and Matt stopped for a cuppa whilst the chickens gave James' truck the once over, and I left to attend to a pressing errand.


Well, that was the end of my Daffing activities, but Matt was to attend a car show in nearby Clacton yesterday which sadly I was unable to attend, especially given the photos which Matt sent me.

Matt doesn't get the chance to post on here, so I'll use the commentary he sent me with the photos. Hope you enjoy as much as I did when I first saw them.

Pictures from today's show...starting with the star first! ;D


Hillman Avenger estate. Very nice and being used daily.


Black Trans Am and a NSU Prinz Sport


Renault 15


Nice pale yellow slag....sorry 'Stag' and a Roller.


Peterbuilt...just lovely


If I remember this is a Singer


Fisie...lovely


We are the mods!!


7000 mile Austin 1300...complete with green interior.


Austin 1300GT and Jaguar 3 & 1/2 litre.


T-bird


Finally, [Matt's friend] Steve's trophy winning MGB roadster.


Well, that just about wraps up another weekend in Essex.

Cheese,

33G.

[33grinder]

More work on Andy's Blue Thunder.

First posted 23rd May 2010


Hello all, and welcome back to the world which is


Saturday was to be a great day for myself and Matt, with fine weather and an afternoon's daffing to be had at Andrew's, continuing our work on Blue Thunder/Bridget/any other names?

I first stopped by Martin's new workshop down the road from the renown Secret Nuclear Bunker to collect Andrew's manifold which Martin had kindly welded up for me.

I then set off for Andrew's house which is in a lovely setting. These were great country roads for cruising with the window down (especially when one has one's heater flaps in the open position with non-working cables : and the music blasting. A Gavina's Speakerz moment no less.

Now, I do apologise about Doris who lives in Mrs G's satnav and does compete for attention over the music. I haven't yet found a way of quieting her now (perhaps a curry and a bottle of Blue Nun might do it?!! ;D). Also, I realise that the subject of filming with hand-help mobile phone has become a bit of a hot potato on this DAF Owners Club forum, so I would like to state for the record that I am now using a mount, which is specially designed to add camera shake and automatically tilt with the steering wheel to give the impression that the film has been made on a hand-held mobile phone.


I arrived over at Andrew's in Gavina as she would be there for reference as needs be whilst we worked on Andrew's 33. Matt turned up a few minutes later in Animal.


Andrew was to be the perfect host and rustled-up some lovely bacon rolls and lots of good tea.


We soon settled into a rhythm of one working whilst the other drank tea, reuniting the clutch with the engine and replacing Andrew's boomerang with one of Matt's spares, as it would appear someone has previously taken a chunk out of Andrew's when a hotspot pipe was replaced.


Andrew has been fortunate in finding a sound replacement propshaft from Danny at Dafhobby. This was hooked up at the vario end, once we had found the missing spring that was hiding at the engine end of the transmission tunnel!

I then anticipated a moment like I had with Gavina, ie an hour of cursing and swearing trying to line up the clutch spline with the propshaft. As it happens the Daf gods were smiling on us that day as we were lucky on our first attempt!!

We quickly got the back mounts on (the poorly mount having previously been changed) and after some more tea we eventually got the engine in and front end back on.


Jobs remaining are one bumper mount nut an bolt, electrics (including earthstrap), throttle and choke cables and exhaust to be connected up. It would have been nice to have finished but we felt that we had a successful day and will return in a fortnight to finish the job off.

It was then time to return to our respective homes and as I followed Animal I had to push Gavina hard to not loose Matt down those lovely country lanes.


Today was to see no Daffing at badlands south, instead a family outing to the woods (dog included) required pushing Rover into service, of which I was quite grateful, as it really was a little hot for Daffing.

Over at Matt's the chickens took shelter from the scorching sun in the trailer's shadow.


Today Animal was to be the recipient of Matt's attention. The first job was to replace her throttle string as it has recently started sticking.


Then Matt replaced this gnarly sun visor clip...


...with this replacement...


...and fitted this door mirror.


Then Matt turned his attention to Animal's brakes


Matt's suspicions of something being up with the brakes was proved right when he found a leaking cylinder which has started to contaminate the brake shoes. Time prevented this job being completed today but it is on the urgent list for next week.

There was time to quickly grease up her brake lines before calling it a day.


Well, that's about it for this report from the badlands of Essex. We look forward to next week which promises some good daffing action!

Cheese,

33G.

[33grinder]

Inclement weather at Central doesn't dampen the spirits as Laura the 66 arrives. Meanwhile disaster strikes for Gavina, my 33.

First posted 31st May 2010


Hello all, and welcome back to Essex Daf.

Not much Daffing gets done during the week and so we all look forward to the weekend when the Dafs and tool kits come out and we toil away in our quest to return another Daf to the road, whilst of course attempting to maintain the ones which are already on the road.

Nope, weekdays tend to be the preserve of the day job to pay for our hobby, and routine household chores. Talking of which, I came across my 'lucky mascot' from drive it day, that was found over at central that day. I was going to bin it but hey, it might actually be lucky so the filthy penguin (I think! ;D) has gone in the wash.


It's come out a lot better but another wash should do the trick. Notwithstanding that since the lucky mascot has received some kind attention it has repaid me by finding a lost favorite CD and also a lost unopened packet of 20 Embassy No. 1, (for you non-smokers, imagine finding a lost fiver - wishful thinking - in your car) I think its days as a lucky mascot are sadly numbered. More of that later.

So, Saturday morning, I set off for Essex Daf Central to meet up with Matt. Finding some lost CD was a real boon, the roads were wet and slippery on Gavina's original Michelins so it was cruise mode and my favorite cruise track came on.

Bit of a tough one Richard, hope you all enjoy the Gavina Speakerz in this posting (there are two of them) as they may be the last for a little while.



Well, I arrived at Central and it was a day of inclement weather. We spent much time sheltering and staying motivated.


In between rain showers, we finished moving the spares out of Passionwagon, she's feeling a lot better now she has shed some weight!


Sadly, Dan and his brother - along with all of the other tenants in the Essex North location, were suddenly given notice by their landlord that they should cease renting their units by the end of May. Sadly Dan and his brother has had to sell many of their Fiat 500s and 126s. Dan has kept his mustard yellow 500 and most of his Dafs. Spok has now left but the original purchaser pulled out. Dan sold her to somebody called Grant who is a 44 fan and has two others, so she should be in good company.

All of this is very sad news indeed. One thing it does mean is that space is no longer required for Spok at Central, which is just as well really........

Ladies and Gentlemen, fellow Daffers, it is my pleasure to introduce you to the latest addition to Essex Dafs, Laura.


Now, for those who haven't seen Laura before, she used to be Howard's 66 estate. She's a very sound, straight car and Matt, who has wanted an estate for some time now, is totally smitten with her. She's very clean and appears to have not before felt the warmth of the welder's torch.






She's lovely and clean inside too, the only thing is the driver's seat is different to the rest, but that doesn't detract from the overall good condition.


The engine bay is quite clean too, although Howard suspects that the radiator might have some silt to flush out. She needs a battery, this one is currently on a time-share arrangement between Laura, Goldie the 46 and Mimi the 55. ;D


Mechanically she is quite sound, although she currently has no brakes other than the handbrake. She also has a blowing exhaust which Matt would like to replace if possible rather than patch. Matt will be replacing the front tyres which are showing their age. The number plate needs fitting as the fuel hinge flap has been replaced. She has a modern type place which Matt wants to replace with one that has raised lettering.

It's not all good news on the bodywork though, this wing definitely needs replacing.


Fortunately, Howard being such a nice chap has included a brand new wing in wrapping. Matt is making plans for this to be welded on and sprayed to match.


Howard kindly put some other spares in the boot including a spare parcel shelf, some rear glass and a 33 rear lens for Tigger! Along with the ones that Starider is kindly sending me I should make a pair up with equal wear. Although work on Tigger won't be starting for a little while, it is a weight of my mind to know that she should soon have a complete set of rear lenses.

Also needing attention is the offside sill which has a whole. Rather than plate it, Matt is wanting to replace the whole sill and re-spray to match! It must be love!! ;D ;D


There is also this little crease on the front nearside which Matt would like to sort at the same time.


Whilst Matt was making tea, I took Laura for a little spin around the farm. This was also my first drive of any Daf other than a 33. I was immediately struck by how solid and substantial the 66 feels and how nice and weighty the steering is. I think I could easily be converted. Now, just got to find some more room at central so I can buy Dave's blue 66 from him!

Seeing as Laura is such a lovely drive, I thought I would film a clip of Matt driving her around the farm. So I hope you enjoy the very first Laura's speakerz and no flowers were hurt during the making of this film! ;D


So, Laura having been parked up, our attention was to turn to Gavina. I have to have a dutch moment now before I type any more, this will be a late post tonight.

8-)OK, so with Princethorpe looming, I decided that a service was well overdue. First off to change the air filter.


Now, I have long suspected that Gavina suffers the occasional misfire which was confirmed by my friendly MOT inspector when she got her MOT just before the new year. Also, I was cognisant of never having changed her oil in the 1,000 miles since she has been back on the road, plus the admission from her previously owner that he hadn't changed it and her having stood unused for 8 years previously. This was the state of the oil we drained out.


It was to be replaced by this


although first the sump plate and metal gauze were removed


and thoroughly cleaned with petrol and a paint brush.






So, with everything back together and fresh oil nicely topped up, she was run up to temperature and her levels checked again along with evidence of leaking, of which there was none.

We got the nod of approval for a job well done by the quality inspector. ;D


With time getting on, empty tea mugs and the inclement weather returning we decided to part company and Gavina and I took a steady drive done the wet lanes. A perfect opportunity for another Gavina's Speakerz. Now I don't know about you, but the only thing I get up to in the park after dark is walking the dog! Perhaps that is what the female singer is instructing her singing partner to do? ;D ;D


All proceeded well until half way along the A12, when she started loosing power on an incline. She dropped to 30mph when her engine cut and the charge and oil light illuminated. We pulled onto the hard shoulder and called the RAC.


I climbed an embankment and into a forested area to ahem, relieve myself and upon my return found a policeman giving Gavina the once over (is it me or are they getting younger these days?). Turned out to be a nice chap who is into his VW Beetles but likes all things aircooled. He was concerned as Gavina had broken down on a dangerous stretch of road.

I checked for leaks, none and the dipstick was on the max mark. I also swapped the HT leads for some spares which I had with me. The RAC recovered her to the safety of a service station where we started her and she reluctantly sprung into life, albeit sounding like a one cylinder diesel. The RAC man said he didn't want to risk running the engine long enough to make a diagnosis so the only option was to recover her home.

A word to the wise here if you have breakdown cover as a freebie from your bank or building society. The cover is only roadside and not relay. So to get Gavina home cost me nigh-on £40.

She was put down from the tilt and slide trailer and I managed to limp her into my garage where she is now. I really have no idea what is wrong, and I really cannot see how changing the oil could cause this, but who knows?

The worst case scenario is we put one of Matt's spares in her next Sunday. I don't want any excuses for not attending Princethorpe!

I took a video of her in which you can hear the knocking. She is revving a little high as she was started from cold and I don't want her to run for too long so she was on choke.


Gutted!

33G

[33grinder]

Work starts on Gavina...again.

First posted 1st June 2010

Well, I've not been sat on my @rse! Oh well, ok then only a little bit! ;D

But I have made a start preparing for Gavina's heart transplant in a spare hour I had after getting hom from work tonight.



The angle (33)grinder is there because one of the grill bolts was just turning in its captive nut so I had to carefully grind the top of the nut off (and serendiptiously some rust on the rear side of Gavina's grill).

Then I started to loose the light and I want to take photos of electrical connections etc before I take anything apart. Unfortunately the camera on my mobile doesn't have a flash.

Gavina's dynamo and starter are fairly new so they will be swapped over onto the donor engine together with her clutch components, adding further to the job which will probably take us all day.

Still, a bad day daffing beats a good day at work.


First posted 2nd June 2010

Well, I managed to get another sneaky hour in tonight and everything is disconnected, just the engine mounts to go.

One thing I disconnected was her fuel line. Mrs G got home after walking the dog and said 'you haven't had a little accident again have you?' as the house smells of petrol.

I've taken photos of electrical connections (and I think I'll have a couple of them to replace) and written notes too. Hopefully this headstart will help Matt and I be able to keep up our tea consumption on Sunday! ;D

[33grinder]

Work continues on Andy's Blue Thunder and Gavina's engine transplant...

First posted 7th June 2010


Hello all and welcome back the tales of two kn@ckered but happy Daffers here at Essex Dafs.

Saturday afternoon, Matt and I met up at Andrew's to continue work on Blue Thunder.


Needless to say, Rover has been pressed into service this weekend, and there are no Rover's speakers in respect to Gavina's current maladies. Goldie was Matt's choice of mobile toolbox for the weekend.

Last weekend we had replaced the propshaft and an engine mount and reinserted the engine. We left a little disappointed with a few jobs unfinished, abeit generally happy with progress made. In the week, Andrew put in the last front engine mount bolt, connected up the electrics (including the often forgotten earth strap) and exhaust bolts, leaving us not too much left to do, although we did manage to find time for more of Andrew's lovely bacon rolls and tea, thanks Andrew!!

There's even a rare photograph taken of me working! ;D


The only problem which we encountered was with the choke cable, were a small clamping nut seems to have gone astray. As it turned out, she didn't need any choke, she caught on the key first turn! I think Matt and I should undertake all of our repairs at Andrew's house, as the Daf gods certainly smile there! ;D

We checked that gears engage/disengage cleanly and she has a sweet little engine and good sturdy brakes.


Andrew has since road tested her and confirmed that all is good. She will be MOTd soon. The only other concern is the drivers side sill. Andrew is going to see what the MOT centre says and have her welded if needs be. The holes are near the jacking point. What's the consensus of this forum?


We then left having worked on her for about 2-3 hours and went our separate ways.

This morning was to see my finish removing Gavina's engine.


Meantime, over at Central Matt was busy working on Goldie's exhaust. He's replaced the centre section which has smoothed her tickover considerably. Regretfully this has shown up the front silencer to be blowing. A Daffer's work is never done!

Early afternoon Matt arrived in Goldie, her front passenger seat resting on the back seat an permitting the spare 33 engine enough room to run shotgun with him!


Here's the spare engine next to Gavina's. The spare engine has covered 28,702 miles and came out of Greenie, the spares 33.


We swapped over Gavina's starter and dynamo onto the spare, along with heatshields and the clutch. Her new clutch shoes are holding up well for 1,000 miles.


Greenie's clutch shoes did look remarkably good conditions, with only minor grazing to a couple of the linings. She probably would have run fine with them but for peace of mind we fitted Gavina's which also has the benefit of new springs and R clips.

One job which created problems was fitting the cowling and impellor etc onto the spares engine. The impellor mounting studs were missing.


We managed to extract the studs from Gavina, using the double nut technique.


Having got that sorted, Mrs G. provided a much welcomed distraction with her sausage baps and hot tea.


Our hunger and thirst duley sated we cracked on with installing the engine. Things did not go as smoothly as they did the day before at Andrew's. Yesterday the weather was hot and humid and we sweated as we worked. Today we dodged thunder storm heavy downpours which stopped work at times and prompted tea breaks. ;D

By 6ish we had the engine in on the back mounts bolted up, the front being supported by the trolley jack.


Matt then left for home, whilst I got a nut and bolt in each of the front engine mounts, the inlet manifold on and accellerator cable connected up, as well as the fuel line.


I was intending to do more, but the frequent showers put a damper on things and I thought I should try and spend at least some of the day with the family!

Jobs left to do amount to connecting up electrics (including the engine earth strap), connecting exhaust, connecting vacuum pipes and screwing in the prop shaft inspection hatch.

We finished the day a little peeved that we hadn't made further progress, however it was always the intention to at least get the clutch and ancilliaries swapped over and the replacement engine into Gavina, which we accomplished.

Overall a very successful and enjoyable weekend has been had in the badlands of Essex and we are two very kn@ckered Daffers. I think our backs will be paying the price tomorrow!

Well, that's all for now,

Cheese,

33G

[33grinder]

Work continues with Gavina's engine replacement...

First posted 8th June 2010

I did find a little time this evening to continue work. I've got the choke cable connected up and I even found the missing dynamo nut, nestled between two cooling fins. Carefully extracted with long nose pliars and holding breath.

So I went for start up. She's turning over nicely but no joy, not even with the working choke. Then I noticed the fuel pipe was leaking at the carb, so that got a jubilee clip on it.

The spark plugs looked a little ropey so I put in Gavina's which were quite sooty by NGK plugs which worked ok in Gavina's engine (although she did have the occassional misfire).

I did get her to catch a couple of times but she would only run for a second or two and then stall. ???Tomorrow I'll try swapping over my dizzy cap and rotor arm and if I can find them a new set of plugs. The condensor looks new.

All I can do for now is throw parts at it until the weekend. Mrs. G isn't the sort who will sit in the car patiently waiting for me to tell her to crank the ignition whilst I tinker under the bonnet.

I might even try to get the grill and bumper on in the next couple of nights if I find time. This isn't as much fun as it was 1,000 miles ago.

Hey ho, onwards and upwards!