jonomisfit
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 1,754
Club RR Member Number: 49
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Dec 27, 2023 19:02:59 GMT
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The madness of festivities subsided and I had an hour today so did a job i've been meaning to do for ages. A bit of paint on the cabinets I've made as they are starting to get some damp marks to them. Only seems to be happening to the 1/2" hardwood ply, not the 3/4" hardwoon ply. No idea why.... Also they were starting to get covered in dirty finger marks. The paint i chose is wipe clean. P1080190 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080191 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080192 by jono_misfit, on Flickr I also put an extra light in under the bench to get a bit more light fopr working at it. P1080188 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080189 by jono_misfit, on Flickr All needs another coat or two.
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jonomisfit
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 1,754
Club RR Member Number: 49
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Dec 22, 2023 20:48:39 GMT
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I needed to put a barb on the end of some of the tube so made a dodgy contraption. P1080177 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080178 by jono_misfit, on Flickr which worked P1080179 by jono_misfit, on Flickr cut some tube and started welding it together P1080180 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080181 by jono_misfit, on Flickr trimmed P1080182 by jono_misfit, on Flickr end swaged P1080184 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080185 by jono_misfit, on Flickr will go in like so P1080186 by jono_misfit, on Flickr gives good clearance P1080187 by jono_misfit, on Flickr
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jonomisfit
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 1,754
Club RR Member Number: 49
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Dec 22, 2023 18:21:20 GMT
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Thats the style I'm thinking of, first picture.
I'm still procrastinating though, and have until first week of Jan to make a decision and start looking... according to my schedule at least...
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Last Edit: Dec 22, 2023 18:24:34 GMT by jonomisfit
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jonomisfit
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 1,754
Club RR Member Number: 49
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Dec 21, 2023 17:00:29 GMT
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jonomisfit
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 1,754
Club RR Member Number: 49
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Dec 20, 2023 22:44:01 GMT
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Hmmm. Radiator trying to work out what hose boes where P1080146 by jono_misfit, on Flickr header needs to be here P1080147 by jono_misfit, on Flickr Hmmm.... bit of a leap of faith for water there P1080148 by jono_misfit, on Flickr that lines up P1080149 by jono_misfit, on Flickr with the radiator fan switch.... P1080150 by jono_misfit, on Flickr one of these should be the right one P1080151 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080152 by jono_misfit, on Flickr goes in here P1080153 by jono_misfit, on Flickr like so P1080154 by jono_misfit, on Flickr Manky as anything, i gave it a quick clean up P1080155 by jono_misfit, on Flickr camera didnt work P1080156 by jono_misfit, on Flickr fitted P1080157 by jono_misfit, on Flickr clears the bonnet P1080158 by jono_misfit, on Flickr I'm surprised this fits, but it does and saves me one job in not having to make an expansion tank.... at least not yet What I do need to sort is this P1080159 by jono_misfit, on Flickr Sierra xr4x4 radiator.... but it looks like nothing is where i need it to be for the water connections for the BOA engine. P1080160 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080161 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080162 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080163 by jono_misfit, on Flickr some work with hacksaw, grinder, multitool, and files lead to P1080164 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080165 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080166 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080167 by jono_misfit, on Flickr recovered the fan switch boss P1080168 by jono_misfit, on Flickr Next step will be filling in the holes, making new holes, and then checking the radiator doesnt leak after I weld it...
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jonomisfit
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 1,754
Club RR Member Number: 49
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Dec 16, 2023 20:34:52 GMT
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yesterday was my teams christmas doo.... I was surprisingly functional today so got some garage time. cut some ali P1080128 by jono_misfit, on Flickr marked out and cut a bit P1080129 by jono_misfit, on Flickr folded up and welded on P1080130 by jono_misfit, on Flickr I think i need to turn my gas rate up a bit as there is a fair amount of contamination happening P1080131 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080132 by jono_misfit, on Flickr lightened and retaining holes added P1080133 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080134 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080135 by jono_misfit, on Flickr bolted into place P1080136 by jono_misfit, on Flickr clears all the important things P1080137 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080138 by jono_misfit, on Flickr then made off the breather hoses P1080140 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080141 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080143 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080144 by jono_misfit, on Flickr I used a jubilee clip to clamp the bracket to the engine bay cage cross brace P1080145 by jono_misfit, on Flickr Some more wiring to do, and also need to get back to sorting the radiator connections, and the roll bar mounts that i've been avoiding.....
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jonomisfit
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 1,754
Club RR Member Number: 49
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Dec 14, 2023 18:07:40 GMT
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Very much appreciate the input, thankyou.
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jonomisfit
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 1,754
Club RR Member Number: 49
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Dec 12, 2023 19:04:15 GMT
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Great input, thanks paulthewallMuch added to my to do list. Thankyou.
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jonomisfit
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 1,754
Club RR Member Number: 49
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Dec 10, 2023 20:34:15 GMT
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My fittings turned up, so finished the clutch hose and fitted it P1080096 by jono_misfit, on Flickr then back onto the catch can. I added a closer with a few holes drilled in it for the vent tube. I managed to over heat the thin ally and melt it as well.... P1080097 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080098 by jono_misfit, on Flickr I bought some stainless scouring pad and cut it up to put it in the vent tube to make sure only air / gas gets up to the vent filter. P1080098 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080100 by jono_misfit, on Flickr Way to get engine breather discharge into the catch can, check Way to get air minus oil vapours out of the catch can, check Way to get gunky breathed oil out of the catch can, not check. On with that than. these bits will sort it P1080101 by jono_misfit, on Flickr some lathe action happened (and photos taken but they have corrupted...) leaving these P1080102 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080103 by jono_misfit, on Flickr go together like so P1080104 by jono_misfit, on Flickr goes on the end cap like so P1080105 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080106 by jono_misfit, on Flickr welded on P1080107 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080108 by jono_misfit, on Flickr When I need to drain the gunk I undo the bolt. P1080109 by jono_misfit, on Flickr needs a mount to hold it to the car P1080111 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080112 by jono_misfit, on Flickr its tight for space, but I can hang it from this cage tube and have it nicely out the way. P1080113 by jono_misfit, on Flickr using some scrap tube to dress the bracket to shape P1080114 by jono_misfit, on Flickr needs some tidying up still P1080115 by jono_misfit, on Flickr goes here P1080116 by jono_misfit, on Flickr lid welded on P1080117 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080118 by jono_misfit, on Flickr bracket welded on P1080119 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080120 by jono_misfit, on Flickr sits in here P1080121 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080122 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080123 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080124 by jono_misfit, on Flickr Almost there. Needs a bracket on the front to stop it rotating P1080125 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080126 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080127 by jono_misfit, on Flickr But I ran out of time so need to make it next time... which may be in January.
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jonomisfit
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 1,754
Club RR Member Number: 49
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Dec 10, 2023 20:19:40 GMT
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Thanks folks, much appreciate the input.
Gazebo added to the ever growing procurement list.
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jonomisfit
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 1,754
Club RR Member Number: 49
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More odds and sods not worth showing. I made up the link cable that goes from the reverse switch on the gearbox to the connection inside the car. got it installed and conencted up but it didnt work.... shorting the connection turns on the reverse lights but the switch itself doesnt. Will have to check out the switch but its a pain..... So went on to sorting the clutch feed hose, connected up the dry break side. P1080076 by jono_misfit, on Flickr then discovered I was missing another -4 straight fitting so have had to order one before I can finish it. So, next job. Making a catch tank. I've bought two catch tanks of different sizes and I cant get them to work anywhere in the engine bay. Will have to just make my own one. cut some tube P1080077 by jono_misfit, on Flickr closer plate P1080078 by jono_misfit, on Flickr welded on P1080080 by jono_misfit, on Flickr some more bits to make use of P1080081 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080082 by jono_misfit, on Flickr I want to make a socket into the end of the AN weld on fitting, and reduce the wall of the tube down a bit as well P1080083 by jono_misfit, on Flickr Turn the socket P1080084 by jono_misfit, on Flickr really snug fit P1080085 by jono_misfit, on Flickr tube cut to length, shaped, and tacked on P1080086 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080087 by jono_misfit, on Flickr I finished the tube weld, drilled through up the tube into the body, then welded on the AN fitting P1080088 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080089 by jono_misfit, on Flickr welded on the second tube and fitting. P1080090 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080091 by jono_misfit, on Flickr They are welded on at the strange clocking to get the fittings roughly in the right orientation for getting to the engine. The i've made up a cap and drop tube to ensure there's a convoluted route so its less likely to blow any oil straight out the top. I need to put in a baffle to it as well P1080093 by jono_misfit, on Flickr will go on like so P1080095 by jono_misfit, on Flickr Some more bits to do on it, including making a drain port and mountings.
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jonomisfit
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 1,754
Club RR Member Number: 49
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Today was pretty chilli, but I made myself go outside and do some bits on the escort. my new square seal tured up for the oil cooler P1080069 by jono_misfit, on Flickr which fitted perfectly P1080070 by jono_misfit, on Flickr not easy to see from the pic, but the original is starting to break up heavily. P1080071 by jono_misfit, on Flickr I looked at the seals that go on the extension housing, which is needed to clear the steering column. I was wondering why they are fitted with hard plastic seals, and then realised that the seals are in fact face / oseals that have gotten very old and the elastomers have cured. I pulled them.... cant see these doing any sealing P1080072 by jono_misfit, on Flickr then replaced them with a fresh face seal from a spare oil filer, and I luckily had the right type and size of o-ring in my collection P1080073 by jono_misfit, on Flickr You can tell this made a difference as i had to lube the seals to get it to go on, and you could feel them pull up. P1080074 by jono_misfit, on Flickr it is very tight down there P1080075 by jono_misfit, on Flickr I did a number of other small jobs, but nothign worth photoing. Next time will liekly be a bit of wirings a few sensors in, and then I need to make a catch tank.... as i cant get an off the shelf one that fits in the right places for me.
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jonomisfit
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 1,754
Club RR Member Number: 49
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Nov 27, 2023 20:49:34 GMT
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I've started looking into tow vehicles, and at the moment the list is:
Skoda Yeti - 2.0td 4x4 - This get ridiculously good reviews online for towing 2000kg caravans. Surprisingly so. Good bits are its smallish, I can take it to the tip without a once per month pass, with the rear seats removed (which come out easily) there is a fair amount of space to carry some spares, and fuel economy is not bad. Cons. May be a bit small to carry the right amount of spares / wheels etc., it will easily get messed up inside, and it may simply be too small /limited tow weight to tow a car on trailer and carry everything else.
A circa 10 year old discovery. Online reviews say its highly rated as a tow vehicle and will happily tow up to 3500kg. With plenty of space in the back for stuff and people, althought a high lift to get in the boot. The downsides seem to be they have some issues with electrics and suspesion from what I can read. Some reviews say its made it into the top 10 least reliable cars.
A 4x4 pickup (L200, Navara, etc.) Farmer specials will easily pull 3500kg and loads come with towbars fitted. The pickup aspect will be handily flexible for carrying spares etc. in the back (especially with a truckman style bed top to keep all dry) so lots of flexibility. A read on line shows a risk of older 4x4 (especially farmer specials) run the risk of over axle chassis rust / weakening leading to repairs / strengthening needed, especially if they have done a lot of hard towing. A chat with my mate who drives all over scotland towing plant equipment on a regular basis advised unless doing regular off highway driving in it, somethine like a Disco / X5 will be a lot more comfortable on the road.
A ford transit / renault traffic etc. Will pull 2000/2500kg, will have plenty of space for spares etc. in the back, will have no issue with carpeted boot space gettign messed up, can get in crew variant with ~6 seats + load space, they are designed for carrying loads. The seem fairly simple and not overly expensive to repair / service. A van is always going to be less comfortable than a car / 4x4 for journeys, and a load of transits for sale appear to be farily low spec.
At the moment i'm leaning more towards a transit crew cab. Its tow / carry ability is good, it would still be OK as a daily driver, and being a crew cab hits some of what my wife has been pestering me about which is a vehicle we can take out and about on day trips are cart bikes / child / the inordinate amount of stuff needed for going out the house for 3hrs of a day....
Anyone got any experiences with a circa 5 year old transit for towing / drivign / using regularly?
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jonomisfit
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 1,754
Club RR Member Number: 49
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Nov 25, 2023 19:12:06 GMT
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I didnt get much chance to work on the car today, I got about 2ft of hair trimmed from my head this morning (genuinelly), and this afternoon was a leaving doo. I did a few jobs not worth taking pics of, and the wrapped the other down pipe. P1080061 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080062 by jono_misfit, on Flickr But i didnt fit it as I need to sort this out. P1080063 by jono_misfit, on Flickr some of the seals are getting a bit tired so I need to try and find a new main seal for it, along with the extension housing seals. P1080065 by jono_misfit, on Flickr P1080068 by jono_misfit, on Flickr A quick look shows cologne 2.9 v6 engines and the earlier 2.8's seem to use the same cooler, and it turns out Burton power sell the main seal for them, but not the other seals. I may as well give it a go.
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jonomisfit
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 1,754
Club RR Member Number: 49
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Nov 25, 2023 11:00:05 GMT
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Last Edit: Nov 25, 2023 11:04:09 GMT by jonomisfit
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jonomisfit
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 1,754
Club RR Member Number: 49
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Nov 23, 2023 21:08:54 GMT
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Having made a start, put together an idea of what I want to do, i need to start working out a detailed plan of how to get there. I fiddled in excel and made a start planning out a few things. There's a lot more too it than shown. But its still not complete. General sequence of events are: Decide what i'm doing with the contents of my garage to make space - see here. forum.retro-rides.org/thread/225944/quandary-sell - Still unresolved Buy a tow vehicle Buy a trailer Buy a rally car Enter some events So my next mission, is work out what vehicle to go for as a tow/service vehicle. I think something with a circa 2000kg tow capability (weight of car & trailer, and spares) At the moment i'm contemplating Large 4x4's (discovery's, etc) 4x4 pickups (L200, nissan navara etc.) Large saloon (A6 allroad, BMW 330d touring, etc.) and as an oddball a Skoda Yeti 2.0d 4x4 which gets very good reviews for pulling 2000kg caravans Anyone have any thoughts / experiences / recomendations on a tow vehicle?
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jonomisfit
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 1,754
Club RR Member Number: 49
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Nov 21, 2023 21:16:36 GMT
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Probably so, but thats what i've got my heart set on so i'm going for it. I will keep this thread going, and honest, so it will document how good and badly it goes for me! My aim is to try both. I wont be able to tell what I enjoy the most if I don't try them both. Not sure If i'll get over to Keilder, but the weekend after (3rd December) is Grizedale stages ( Grizedale Stages), which is about 20 mins from my house. Right Go Rally pack, check Booked BARS, check Next step, join a local motor club. A quick google. Oh, there's quite a few Wait a minute google.... half of these arent motor clubs.To the MSA website. www.motorsportuk.org/clubs-organisers/find-clubs/Which has a handy search feature for radius around a postcode.... which my experience shows doesnt work very well..... Closest ones to me Furness District (who's website circles round to the grizedale stages website and has no info on the club itself) Kirkby Lonsdale West Cumbria Wigton Eden Valey Turns out, quite a few. A bit of checks of websites, maps, and a few emails show Furness is now a committe for the Grizedale stages only, and the west cumbrian ones are a travel to get to. Kirkby Lonsdale MC it is www.klmc.co.uk/Handily they meet monthly at the Gilpin Bridge Inn, which is about 20 minutes away from me. They also run road rallies, support run stage events (Malcom Wilson Rally), and event at Barbon hillclimb. They are also part of the Association of North east and cumbrian car clubs, and the Association of North West car clubs. I paid my dues, £15, and went to the recent session (15th Nov) to meet some people. Very friendly and helpful, and a few live pretty near to me. I also got put in contact with a couple of local codrivers, which will undoubtedly be useful. I was also chatting to some people I know through work, and do car build related things in their spare time, about deciding to go rallying and I've a couple of volunteers for service crew. Will see how that goes when i'm actually gearing up for events. Hmmm. I probably need to make a plan and start working out some budgets. Total cost to date £444.
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Last Edit: Nov 21, 2023 21:20:09 GMT by jonomisfit
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jonomisfit
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 1,754
Club RR Member Number: 49
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Nov 20, 2023 21:18:22 GMT
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Turns out there arent that many places in the UK that do the BARS test. I live in south Cumbria, none of them are amazingly conveinient for me. However, Knockhill is handily just the other side of the hills from my dads place in Scotland. Plus the road from auchetarder to knockhill over glendevon is a good fun drive and I used to have to do it twice a week for 3 years when younger. Knochill it is. www.knockhill.com/experiences/competition-licenceOuch, that is not cheap. £325. Exam, in car coaching and test (total time 4.5hrs) Hmm, just check some of the others Phil price - £195 exam, in car test (10 mins), total time 2hrs), or extended BARS - £390 exam, tuition / practice in the car, and driving test I checked the others as well, all pretty much as much a much for the expense, plus I'd likely need to stay over. Knockhill it is. Booked. £325 I called and arranged the date. I could have done it today (20/11/23) but am away with work this week, so next available date it is. 26th Jan 2024. This is starting to feel a bit real now. Whats next? Motor club. Total cost to date £429.
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Last Edit: Nov 20, 2023 21:18:37 GMT by jonomisfit
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