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
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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
