filly
Part of things
Posts: 62
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Mar 30, 2016 21:09:05 GMT
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I thought it was about time for an update! As I write this, the car has covered just over 1250 miles. Quite a feat for something which turned up at my place almost exactly two years before. Squeezed onto a 4’ x 8’ trailer and towed up from London (7 hours!), even then I knew that it wasn’t a mistake. Part of the reason I’m writing this is to take stock of what I’ve done so far and where I’m going next with the car. The story of the build is pretty well documented on RR, but to summarise it was through the help of the forum that I finally got it finished and through the MSVA within the year. It would have been first time if not for the noise of my exhausts. Something I’m still struggling with. More on that later . Post-MSVA road tests showed a few things: 1) It was too loud 2) 80MPH is very very quick in a car you built yourself 3) The fuel gauge isn’t quite right 4) It was too loud I had made my own baffles which had a fairy positive effect, but relied on excess wadding which I knew would burn out sooner or later. It was on my 1000th mile run to see another Pembleton owner in the York Moors that the remainder of baffles finally went south and I was treated to an ear-splitting drive home. Purchasing VW Beetle inserts didn’t fix the problem and has really just added to the time and money I’ve spend trying to find something suitable. In hindsight I should have taken advice and purchased the correct Pembleton cans from the start (I didn’t because they’re expensive!). Anyway, I found some NOS Harley silencers on eBay. In black, £35 inc delivery. Result! Here they are on: They make a massive difference, crusing at normal road speed doesn’t deafen me now. I moved house in the summer, which has limited my mileage. The success and subsequent completion of the Pembleton project gave me a desire for a ‘new project’ and ruled by our hearts and not heads, we bought a rather shabby old school house in June. Key results have been; less miles/work on the Pemb; house still shabby; bank balance depleted. We’ve actually got quite used to living in a building site, so we’re hoping that this summer we can get out and enjoy the car rather than feel tied to the house. The other consequence of the house move was that I went from having a workshop and garage to just a single garage. You’ve got to make the best of things though so after a bit of paint it at least looked workable. One of the best points of Pembleton ownership is others’ reaction. As other owners will know, it’s not even possible to stop for petrol without someone asking what it is. Evert piece of feedback I’ve heard has been positive. It’s great to hear and really makes me want to keep on with the car. When I was driving classics there were certain groups of people who didn’t appreciate the cars, something I’ve just not experienced with the Pembleton. That said, I’m always keen to point out that it’s not a ‘Kit-car’ and more of a special, although I know we shouldn’t bother what others say. Writing the above has reminded me of a few things: 1) I need to fashion something to attach to dog to when I’m driving solo 2) I still haven’t got a name for the car. It was ‘Hamish’ (owing to the tartan interior) but it’s not really stuck. We’ve had a few good runs. Brid scooter rally, Specialist cars Malton meeting (pic below), Pickering and the seaside. These go alongside many trips over the Westwood and into Beverley. In August I was best man for my friends Tim’s wedding and used the Pembleton as transport to the church for Tim which was a real treat. Sadly I can’t seem to find any pictures although here we are leaving specialist cars breakfast meet. I’m currently working on a ‘East Yorkshire Driving Roads’ map but progress has stalled until I actually get out and drive the route: www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zwVoPsVO0hWQ.klndaRvon2gc&usp=sharingLooking back on the build, there’s a few points I’m happy with: • The rear load area – a good modification and now gives me a useful space for tools and the like. • The interior – It’s no Bentley but I enjoyed making the side panels and it helps increase comfort on the legs when driving. • Carb placement – They’re still not set up perfectly, but following on from a similar system of mounting a solex under the bonnet, I followed suit and mounted the twin carbs together under the cowl. Space is tight, but I’m glad I did it as it both looks neat and negates the problem of Keihin carbs running at an angle. I made the manifold from 28mm copper pipe which still might be replaced in the future – but it’s a long way down the list. There’s also a few improvements I’ve made since being on the road which I’m happy with: ECAS style reed valve oil filler – not as tidy as having nothing there but it works great and has stopped all leaks. They’re not cheap but very well engineered. Again, I might try and make something using a motorbike PCD valve, but it will stay for now. Mudguard mounts - They broke pretty quickly, and it was a bit like mudguard buckaroo when it went – the second stay only just holding on until home. I’ve put some cross bracing in and plan to make a neater job once the skinny wheels are fitted. Wheels – Originally I’d wanted the ‘skinny’ 19” wires, but escalating build costs meant I took the 2CV wheels to a friend for blasting and powder coating. Olly (coating and blasting) does an incredible job (PM me if you want his details) and the wheels came up like new, but it’s been one area of the look which I’ve never been 100% happy with as my car looks a bit front heavy. I’m not sure why really as there are other 2CV wheeled Pembletons which look perfectly in proportion. And here's the result. Massive improvement and completely changes the gearing meaning a less stressful ride. Of course, there's still things to do: • New front cowl to be made – mine’s a little raggy around the lamp bar • Covers made for the mudguard stays • Alternator cover • Tonneau cover Here is a picture at 1000 miles - stopped on the Wolds on the way back from a snowy Pickering: What I now need help with is the front end. I’ve never been happy with the alternator cover as its a bit bulky and ruins the symmetry of the car. Yesterday I made this: Before and after: Which I think it an improvement but others don’t. Ideas from the RR massive as to what i could do? Current idea is to get a vintage style rally plate and mount it to my sump guard to cover the pulley. Thoughts? Cheers, Phil
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filly
Part of things
Posts: 62
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Mar 30, 2016 20:49:53 GMT
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Woah - one year next week. Time for an update!
Hold your horses....
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filly
Part of things
Posts: 62
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Yes, interesting point. I think my logbook will say under special notes 'rebuilt from another vehicle' or similar. As my only donor was an 86 2cv, I will get the age related plate, and my emissions must only be measured as an '86 car would be (visible smoke/idle speed?).
I'm not sure how it works with the 'new' kit cars, which get a 2015 plate. I did ask DVLA yesterday about getting a 'new' 2015 plate, but she said that everything had to be brand new, and even an engine must be reconditioned, with a certificate to prove. It's all very complicated..
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filly
Part of things
Posts: 62
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MSVA passed!Can't believe it really, but nothing's ever straight forward...
Drove to VOSA Beverley (about 5 miles) and noticed a quick idle after I'd got into the town. Made it to the test centre, and when I checked a float had stuck on the left hand carb and it was curse word petrol everywhere. Few taps wouldn't sort it, but i thought it'd bite the bullet and ask the tester to run it through the sound test with a jar under to collect the petrol... Anyway, something must have been looking down on me because when I went back to the car it ran beautifully, and, the construction site next door just started up really loud, meaning taking a sound level would be tricky. The next bit went something like; 'well it's quieter than last time' and 'it seems about right', and then I had a pass certificate. Fantastic. Standard pic of the car at the test station: You wouldn't believe it, but when I got home - all kinds of things started dropping off. The front guard, loads of tape, nut covers. And - some new bits and bobs we're attached when I opened the garage this morning The downer is I've got to wait 10 days for a V55/5 form from the DVLA. If anyone has one they can post, I'll pay any cost etc. I don't trust the DVLA one but to actually send the form. I spoke to someone there this morning, who had no idea what I needed to do, and she was from the new registrations team... ummm. I hope it's not a bit OTT, but here are some pics of the finished article (minus some nice 19" wheels - yet to be purchased). Phil You can make out my copper manifold on this one.
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Last Edit: Apr 9, 2015 22:14:03 GMT by filly
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filly
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Posts: 62
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Nyphur, thanks for the comments - they make me keep on going!
You'll be glad you signed up, some amazing stuff on here,
Phil
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filly
Part of things
Posts: 62
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Thanks John,
I've downloaded the app - although i'm not sure how accurate it is really?! I might borrow some silencers, and bring to the test on Wednesday...
Phil
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filly
Part of things
Posts: 62
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Helloah, So, It's been a while. Teaching means that during term time I don't really get much done - everything gets crammed into holidays. Also, I need to get better at taking photos - so much I've missed out here. So, last time I posted, the car wouldn't run - that was the day before MSVA test. I re-booked the test for March (31st) and made a manifold from copper. Sorry - no pics on this, but will post them up when I get chance. The new carbs were a better system, mounted out the way and only needing two cables (rather than the 4 of my previous set up). Also need to get some pics of my home made choke lever - actually my dad's design of a brass handle which he turned up on the lathe. Nice. Anyway, after my new manifold and carbs were fitted it still wouldn't run. I built the car in a cow shed which was nice and dry, but as it's too big for there I'm now working in an old garage building which is okay, but has a dirt floor. The weather was awful, I had a stinking cold and to be honest I did a poor job of replacing different bits in no particular order. Before giving up one evening I jumped if off the truck - bang - the extra power turning her over got her running. BUT - What was the huge knocking noise coming from the engine?! I turned it off, had a check around - nothing obvious to be honest. Anyway. The weather had got too much and I was now back at work - so I borrowed a car trailer and took it the 15 miles or so to my folks house. At least it had some company... The next day I got home from work and my old man called. It was running again. Hurrah! We're still unsure of the starting problem, although the car started after a friend blew through from the tank - this turned my fuel flow from a trickle into a river. The tank had been in a shed with a half-cocked cover for 12 years, so chances are it had plenty of dirt just waiting to come through. Anyway, I decided to ask about the metallic knocking. 'That fixed too dad?'. Well - I shouldn't have asked really. Turns out that while messing about i'd accidentally put in a long reach plug - the sound was it hitting the piston. Result: The plug was a mess. The piston: No idea, but it still runs sweetly. In all honesty my manifold is probably a little restrictive at 28mm, especially when carbs and cylinder stubs are 28mm. If I'm lacking power then I'll change it, but I'm not expecting speed, and would rather have the progressive acceleration of a long, small diameter manifold. At this point it was ready again for the MSVA test, and not much to do. I did look at the daily's rear pads though while I had some down time: That was my moneys worth. Anyway, test date came, and to save any hassle I decided to borrow a trailer - at least it would get there this time Got there and unloaded for 11.30, with the test booked for 12.30 I started on my sandwiches (plain ham, as always). At about 11.50 though, the door was opened and the tester was waving me in. A good start I thought (although I was yet to tackle my sausage roll). Anyway, to cut a LONG test story short, the guy was brilliant. Obviously knew his stuff, picked up on a few bits I was able to fix there and then, and was just an all round decent guy. It was clear he wanted me to pass, and although I was expecting a fail, as the test moved on it was beginning to look promising. Even my rebuilt inboard brakes locked up on the rollers; a good sign. It seemed after only a few minutes when he said 'right - just the noise test to do now, and if you pass that, you've passed'. Bloody hell. Sadly. It failed. Just too loud! The limit is 99, and i was at 101/102. Doesn't sound much, but the decibel curve is exponential, not linear, so actually 3db can be about double the volume. Buggar. At this point I was determined to drive it home. The weather had other plans, but I braved it through some pretty severe hail and torrential rain (this was last Wednesday) and made it home soaked. I should have ordered some new silencers at this point, but I didn't want to spend the money. The test was re-booked for Wednesday (8th) and I set about taking my current silencers apart. The first thing I found, was the running with no silencers was about the same, if not quieter, than running with them on. Ummm. I pulled out the baffle and found this: I'm not sure where the old wadding had gone. The car had hardly run since fitting them. Anyway, the first job was to repack the baffle. All done: A while back some Pembleton friends had been talking about Beetle silencers - the ones which fit inside the pipes. Apparently they just take the 'bark' out of the engine and are a perfect fit for the 1 1/2" pipes. After a quick look on ebay, and some man maths involving cost/postage over Easter, I decided to make my own. After finding some 35mm tube - the neighbor's old trampoline leg - I had made something pretty ugly. I can't remember much about physics from school, but surely these would do the trick... I named it the 'Tudor Rabbit'. Check out Anne Summers soon... I fitted the only way I know how. Rivet Rivet. You can make out the dirt floor of the garage here. Anyway - they weren't pretty, but would be covered over by the silencer anyway. I put the silencer on, and it was definitely quieter, but still not quite there. I decided to make some 'decibel killers' which would sit in the back of my cans. At least I could take them out after the test. This was my trial version: Rubbish really. Didn't make any difference. In the end I make some circular plates with four 6mm holes in. (no pics, sorry). I'm sure they'll restrict the 'power' somewhat, but should be easy to remove after test. Since the I've tried revving the car but to my ear it's hard to tell the difference. Think I'm going to have to go in on Weds, and just hope for the best. So.... fingers crossed for Wednesday. Phil
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filly
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Posts: 62
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Feb 18, 2015 15:18:39 GMT
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Big of an update - had a nightmare this week! (Biga - sorry i didnt see your message. Going to stick with 2cv motor for now, I was planning a guzzi build, but a supercharged visa engine is my current thinking. Also - engine cover is made from copper pipe and looks bloody awful; get onto thepembleton forum if you're not already. Saves lots of hassle and the chaps are very good!). Anyway, MSVA test day was the 16th Feb... For the test, mirrors (3 are needed), and must be a certain spec. I didn't want to use these post-test, and I didn't want to drill the body twice. The result was first making up some screen mounts from left over ali: Nuts will be turned round and replace with brass dome heads - underneath I'll countersink some allen head bolts. This meant I had enough holes for two sets of mirrors. Although of course, the mirrors I had had a completely different fixing than what I had drilled for my brackets. Cue a weekend in the shed making an adapter plate out of thick ali, which could take countersunk allen head bolts and still sit flush on the car. No pics i'm afraid. At this point there aren't many pics. I was getting ready for the MSVA, which means basically making the car look awful. Sharp edges all covered, bull bar over the engine, no screens, tape everywhere, lights from noddy. I didn't really want to take pics.. One think I did have a look at was a sticking brake. Turned out to be so stuck that I snapped a g-clamp in half trying to move the pistons. Tried pushing out with air, but in the end used a bench master cylinder and pedal to pump out (apparently using the pedal can give about 1000psi, as opposed to 150 of air). Anyway, out they came and rebuilt in the house because it was bloody cold: Citroen's of this period use LHM fluid rather than brake fluid - it's mineral oil so doesn't ruin everything it comes into contact with. Also not hygroscopoic, so you can run with the same fluid for years (should you wish). Don't have a clue why it never caught on?! I had also bought a 1.25" su to use after the test. A single carb setup mounted under the bonnet seemed simpler and tidier than the twin Keihins. More on that later. At this point I had a running car with brakes, and all seemed well. After having a chat with my dad I decided to trailer the car to the test, then drive back. It's not far from us, but I didn't want to get there cold and wet/possibly broken down. To cut a long story short the car was far too long for the trailer when we tried it on the Sunday. Time for plan B - drive. But first, a quick test drive round the local roads... Nothing. It would get 1 mile then stop. Then we towed it off, then still nothing, then it wouldn't start at all. I spent all Sunday afternoon on it, but the spark seemed non-existent and a coil/condensor issue it must have been. TEST CANCELLED . I bought a new coil etc on the Monday and fitted - still nothing, although the spark did seem okay, and I got it to run for a few second before cutting out. FUEL!! I'd already checked for fuel past the pump - no issues there. Which can only leave the carbs. They're from a 250 superdream, and on the bike sit horizontal. Mine sits at 45 degrees. most owners can get by this by bending the float up a little, but mine are plastic and cant be changed. I'd completely forgotten about this, but when taking the carbs off they were full of fuel. So flooded, or maybe just blocked? I had added 12 litres to the tank the night before, and maybe it disturbed something; although i run an inline filter so don't think that's it really. Yesterday a local guy came round who also runs a pembleton. An absolute gent who gave me his twin superdream carbs, connected on the original mountings (on mine I had one carb per stub) whereas these where together with original linkages. It seemed stupid not to use them, especially as they've been all over europe with no issues. Also, I had planned to make a copper intake manifold. I cant weld, and if you google copper manifold there are some nice ideas. This brings me to last night: Please ignore the old trampoline parts. They are made from correct diameter (38mm) mild steel, and I had thought about trying these at first. Then I needed to mount the carbs somewhere out the way: You can also make out my first attempt using the 28mm copper pipe. It was so close, but the angles just not quite enough. A quick call to the village plumber got me this bad boy... No pics, but this gave me a almost perfect angle between inlet stub and carb. The pipe used is 28mm (30mm OD on the 45 elbows each end), with inlet and carb size both at 38mm. Currently got the old man turning up some 4mm brass collars which will sit over my copper pipe and match the carb/stubs. Then i'll connect with silicone hose. Tester shot from behind... Hopefully I've have chance to test before the end of the weekend. MSVA rebooked for March. Cheers, Phil
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filly
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Posts: 62
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Dec 11, 2014 21:14:19 GMT
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Thanks for all the comments - really keeps the motivation up..
Good idea about blower style cover, my plan is to fit a real blower at some point next, but that's in the future......
Tony - both problems will soon be rectified: The mudguards were bought to fit 19" wheels (Austin 7 style) - the next big spend would be to buy these which solves wheel style and mudgard fit. I would have already bought them, but at £250 per wheel I need to save some christmas pennies!!
Phil
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filly
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Posts: 62
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Dec 10, 2014 21:46:20 GMT
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That sir, is a very good idea! I've been wondering about the front guard. Was going to paint it, but then I like the copper. The idea of Louvers in the centre would be ideal. I like the mesh idea, but I think it could look a bit too 'kit car' which I'm trying to avoid.
Cheers!
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filly
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Posts: 62
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Evening, Getting really close now. I was going to book my MSVA for the xmas break, but will push it back 'till Feb Half term (I'm a teacher so my life is based on holidays) so i have some time to fettle her. Now have a finite list of jobs to complete, and I've booked the the Ferry to France for our holiday in August..... I've been so busy with work that I've not had much chance to take pics. On the few occasions I've been in the shed it's been too cold so I've just pushed on. Will try to explain progress as I go though. So after the interior completion (almost) I bought some black edge trim from Woolies - this went found the cockpit, with mudguard trim near the rear wheel. Morgan use a Ali channel section, but this is a pain to fit as you have to anneal the metal and work it to shape then paint it - in the end this just seemed too much. Also picked up some mudguards - they're classic aerocycle guards (think BSA) so have chance for a test fit: Next I had to make some brackets for the guards. If you follow the Pembleton design it shouldn't have turning mudguards - the designer suggests large guards which stay still as the wheel moves inside them. Anyway, this meant I had to work a system to fit mine. Ended up drilling and tapping out the track rod bolts to M10, then had my dads help to weld some plate and bar together to make a snug fitting guard. Sorry no pics for this bit either - but the wheels and guards went off to Oli at Thermocoat in Fangfoss near York. He's an old fried and the quality of this work is something else. I bought some new tyres as the old ones had spent at least 12 years in a shed. Sent straight to Oli who fitted for no extra cost (although can't balance as they have no centre hole!) 4 shiny new wheels (one on the rear) were soon back and fitted. Big moment here too - I'd build the car in my cow shed and it was time to get it out before the wheels and guards went on. The car was already 6" wider than the door and so getting it out was a ball ache - after a morning of work she was out. Fitted the wheels again, then drilled the guards for indicators (also coated by Oli, but in Satin black) and put it all together, along with nice lights which Chloe had bought for my birthday last week. Empty workshop: Ta da....... Which leaves only a few bits left to fit before test: The good thing about living on an Estate is that we have 'private roads' - I found my co-pilot and we went for our maiden voyage! Initial thoughts: Bloody cold, and too noisy really. I need to add some baffle to the end cans. A few more bits to do, but really it's sooo close! P
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filly
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Posts: 62
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I Can't believe it's been almost a month since my last update. I had been working on her, but as ever funds and work slow progress! I began by making some seat hinges. Usual method is to bolt some wood to the floor and then the seat to that, but I really didn't want any wood on the build and made this (pretty basic) brackets: Next I ordered some rubber matting off the bay and cut it to size (sorry about the pic) I'd set my dad a few tasks. One was to make a decent seatbelt guide. It looks fantastic, but needs some more curve to fit flush - I think this will happen over time so not that worried about it. I'll also find some countersunk headed bolts to make a neater job. The second was to turn up a steering wheel centre - (pics of that soon)... In the end I went for static belts. Inertia reel would be better, but the mounting was going to be more hassle, plus these are cheaper. Future plan is really to fit a harness so it's a temp fix for now. Either way all went well. Next was to fix the exhaust. Scary moment drilling out a freshly painted rivet and panel, then through the side! I had decided to wrap them for the vintage look - my advice is 1) practice on an old pipe first, and 2) wear gloves. I took none of my own advice and result in one side really good and one average side (not quite tight enough). Also picking glass fibre out of my hands all day! I sold the BSA silencers on the bay for £80, and bought a new pair of megaphones for the same. Result. They need a bobbin or similar on the chassis mounting, but otherwise they're about right... Today it was time to wrap the wheel. Sash chord is the weapon of choice for most. But.... that costs money and we had some garden twine in the gardening shed. It took AGES to wrap, but i'm 100% happy with the result - very vintage. Was finished off with my dads turned centre: One downer is that new spoked 19" wheels are going to be £450. I just can't justify that at the moment (along with gas shocks etc. which are a must), so am planning to get the citroen wheels powder coated gloss black and run like this for a while. I'm telling myself that actually it will look pretty good running 2cv wheels. My powder coating guy is amazing so if anyone can make it look good, he can. 2cv wheels: So currently. We're here.... Thanks for reading, Phil
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filly
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Posts: 62
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Hi all, Not much of an update, but I've been working on some interior side panels this week. Material was left over from my last build so it worked out a cheap project - costing something like: 4 x 8 4mm plywood - £10 Spray glue and material (in the workshop) Button forms - £5 Foam - £6 I'm happy with the effect - although don't have a clue how to make the wool waterproof?! Pictures..... To this.... Bottons are fiddly... Number 1.... Done
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filly
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Posts: 62
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Sept 27, 2014 16:23:48 GMT
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Good afternoon, It's been a bit quiet on the western front. Back at work means I don't have much time to get on with the car. I've not cut the paint back yet either - saving that until it's really hard, and good for a time when I need some positivity in the build. I did have a nightmare though with the bonnet paint - I'd painted over the hinge hoping that it would somehow crack in all the right places, but it wasn't to be and the second I moved the bonnet hinge it pulled a load of paint off. I've taken the paint off the hinge and touched up the marks - still needs a wet flat and paint, but should be okay once on: Anyway, life goes on. The first builder had put the side panned about 2" too high which left me with a bit of a nightmare. Getting in and out could easily catch the sheet ali and would bend it and make a mess. I'd decided to cut the side out and fit a nice wooden arm rest which would look in period. Also, the one part of the whole build I wasnt happy with was the overlap from the top deck - it looked a mess and didn't quite sit right. Adding an extra few inches to the arm rest would mean I would cut the whole but out and cover the mess up. I'd asked my dad (retired and handy) about making arm rests a while back, and described what I wanted. Within a couple of days he was up at my house with a prototype, which quickly turned into these beauties: Here is a trial fit. The plan was to countersink some bolts and hide them with a wood plug on top. Countersinking with the tried and tested 'masking tape on drill bit' method: Anyway, it worked and I was relieved! Next was to use the bungs to cover the head over. I wanted the new wood to follow the groves of the arm rest, which took a while to get right, but fast forward to this: You can just see the outline of the bung on the right - very happy! Next - danish oil (my favourite!), and I decided to put the bonnet on - makes it look like progress... So we're currently here..... Until next time..... Phil
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filly
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Posts: 62
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Sept 11, 2014 19:35:27 GMT
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Cheers - good day of painting again today. It's got a tonne of paint on now - and testament to my dad's painting skills (plus good weather, quality thinners and no dust) its out the gun with a cracking gloss already. Engine wise it'll be hung out front Morgan style. I could fit a guzzi 750 which do look good - but I'm pretty tempted with a blown cv in the future which could be superb.... Anyway - some piccys. Won't be many more for a while now. Phil
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filly
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Posts: 62
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Sept 10, 2014 19:30:14 GMT
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Thanks for all the love - means a lot! Love the idea of a P45 Mustang theme - the Aluminium looked good bare, but in places there was just so many marks from years of storage, it wouldn't have been worth keeping I don't think - It needed something to cover it a little! Nose cone is a copper boiler cowel - well spotted! 100% going for spoked wheels. You can get a 3 stud splined adapter and run something like MGB wheels, but they're heavy and (imo) look too clumsy on the car. The aim is for 19" Austin 7 styled spoked wheels painted black. Hopefully all other accessories (exhaust, lights etc) will be black also, just don't wether to go for matte or satin. It's had an extra coat of primer today, a couple of lilac to body up and four of Kewswick Green. Looks absolutely amazing and I'm so pleased with the finish so far. There's plenty of paint left over so the plan is for a few more coats tomorrow to try and get some depth to the paint. Sneak preview.... Thanks again, Phil
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filly
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Posts: 62
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Sept 9, 2014 20:36:37 GMT
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Evening, I know there wasn’t much love for this first time round, but thought I’d share an update anyway – even just to help me get down what I’ve done. I know the Pembleton is a bit of a ‘kit car’, but it really is a million miles from all the doggy 70’s things left out there. I’d like to think of it as more of a special – the frame is bought, suspension is 2CV – then you make the rest up as you like. You can probably imagine that this is the short version of the build... Anyway, I've dad a good go the last few months and it’s pretty much taken over my life. First - everything off: It’s been in a shed for so long, everything needed cleaning and re-painting. I ended up taking pretty much everything off and starting again. Including dash out: Prep for a new one: And in: This was the first chance to see the colour i’d chosen too – LR Keswick Green. Looks good on the dash, so fingers crossed on the car. MSVA isn’t as strict as SVA dash wise, and it’s geared for bikes, however I still needed a dip switch and horn which could be operated with my hands on the wheel. I’d bought a good indicator lever without dip from the US and didn’t want to mount something extra, so it meant both dip and horn became foot operated..... Next were the electrics. I pulled out what was left of the 2cv setup and started again. All new wires bought from autosparks, with the vintage style braided cloth sleeve (although they’re just modern PVC wires underneath). Loads of companies (like CBS) offer a pre made wiring ‘module’ but they’re always low on relays for my liking, and the Pemb doesn’t need anything for fans, radio etc – so it seemed like a good idea to start from scratch. The fuse box was from CBS – split into 3 parts – 6 fused direct lives from the battery, 6 fused switched lives, and 12 earth connections. Hopefully it will make fault finding nice and simple... I’d decided that a hinged bonnet was the way to go. The best method I’d seen was to silver solder a thread onto a section of hinge. The rear mounting is fixed, but the front has a knurled nut underneath which means you can pull the whole bonnet off quickly. The Pembleton forum is very helpful, and a chap near to me offered the use of his metalwork tools (guillotine, folder, bender, press etc) and helped cut and make the bonnet. I’m trying to convince my wife that we should take it to France next year. To help with persuasion I removed the rear bulkhead fitted by the first builder, and made this rear floor with mudguard – I’m no expert but it must take an extra pair of shoes compared to standard.... As the chassis was so old – it wasn’t intended to pass a MSVA (no seatbelts!). This has meant some visits to other owners of new chassis and having to make a central support stay to hold the belts. The plumber in the village had been round one night and offered to weld my new support in. He’s only 300 yards away and this gave me some motivation to get it ready to drive down and get the work done. Fuel lines went in and electrics connected up. Moved outside (sounds simple but the cow shed door is 4’ and the car is 4’6”. Anyway - it was soon out, if backless... (The battery is just there for now - will be moved). After a successful drive (with no silencers ) it was soon back with the frame welded in. This gets me to last week – I was planning to paint it next spring, but progress has been so good I thought I’d do it this year. My old man is bloody good as painting, but it still meant we were fighting the ends of winter and I had to get a shift on. Que a few weekends of very late nights getting the back panel and rear measured/cut/drilled/de-burred/bonded and riveted. to this.... Fitting the fuel filler is another story, but basically the use of marine fuel hose and a marine boat floor filler did the job. We sprayed the primer on Monday: Hopefully top will go on tomorrow and Thurs, weather dependent. The cow shed isn’t too warm, but hopefully not too cold to paint with cellulose. The plan is to get plenty of top on and then there is something to cut back, even if we get some bloom. My main enemy in there is dust – I bought some polythene sheeting and made a false roof out of it, which should stop most the curse word falling from the roof. Next is still wires , exhausts and lights etc. Quite keen on doing some sticker work and going for a real pre-war racer look – although apart from a white roundel I’m not sure how. Ideas? Cheers Phil
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filly
Part of things
Posts: 62
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Last Edit: Jun 9, 2014 20:20:08 GMT by filly
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filly
Part of things
Posts: 62
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May 28, 2014 18:27:35 GMT
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So.... The MG went, as I'd already seen this advertised in London. Too good to be true I thought, I'd always wanted a Pembleton, and a part built one seemed like a good opportunity to build one to my spec, but not have to start from scratch. I'm not sure how many Pembletons people have seen, but they are more of a 'special' than Kit car. Phil Gregory at Pembleton (he IS Pembleton) provides a tubular chassis, on which 2CV donor parts are added (suspension, engine etc). The builder than makes their own panels from 1.2mm ali, so although similar, most are different. The plan with this one is to keep it quite 'stealth' and as vintage as possible. 19" thin wire wheels, lots of satin/matt black, minimal chrome. I'm planning to paint it too, have a colour in mind, but as with everything this can change. The dash will be taken out and some 'propper' clocks fitted. The po has done some nice work on the car so far, and it came with lots of nice lights etc. although sadly these were all in chrome and will be sold/pained I guess. Still not sure what to do with the exhausts - I was thinking about a nice satin black, but maybe it would be a shame to paint over the good chrome here. It was collected from London yesterday (13 hours of driving!), and we made a monumental error of judgement with the size. To cut a long story shot it ended up balanced on top of a 4x7' trailer (its 4'6" x 10'6") My current plan of attack is: 1) Get running 2) Clean/re paint what's there 3) New Dash layout 4) Electrics and loom 5) Finish rear bodywork - I'm hoping to incorporate a rear floor and mudguard. 6) Paint 7) Add Phil's 19" wheels Obviously, much much more in between, but it appears to be a good starting point. Phil
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Last Edit: Mar 31, 2016 0:50:37 GMT by filly
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filly
Part of things
Posts: 62
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May 13, 2014 18:04:43 GMT
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Must have been - sold in 2 hours!
Thanks
Phil
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