The plan originally for this week was to go away for a few days in the warmth with it having been the occasion of Jon’s birthday on Sunday, but we had second thoughts on that as a bit too busy. I know, bring out the baby violin. He had the day off and went down to Stoneleigh instead, not very exciting in the end.
Ben had got in touch with us at the end of November to see if we could come over to Ingleton and sort a few things on a 2002 TF 160 (in xpower grey – LEF) that he’d just recently purchased, which didn’t have any paperwork. With it being a fairly large list we blocked out a couple of days to complete the work.
We then had an enquiry from Ian in Keighley, who also had a recent purchase of a 2004 TF 135 (in Trophy Blue – JEV), that didn’t have a great deal of history.
Tuesday morning found us up well before dawn to head up to Keighley, only for the turbo on the van to let go a couple of miles along the motorway. We limped it steadily back home and set into place a contingency plan, which involved decanting all the gear and parts necessary for the jobs into the back of the X5, in the dark! A quick message to Ian to let him know we’d be later than planned we still arrived at 10 o’clock, not bad going.
The only thing we couldn’t fit in was the gazebo, and seeing the forecast another message to Ian, who fortunately had one, which he kindly deployed in readiness for our arrival.
The job went really well with no awkward bolts and we were on our way by midday. Thanks to Ian for the brew and the shelter!
We then made our way over to Settle to stop for a cuppa and cake en route as we were too early to check in to the digs in Ingleton.
Wednesday morning found us less than a mile down the road to meet Ben. He has a company called Van Magik and a nice big workshop, complete with heater!
Ben hadn’t experienced any issues with the head gasket, but after doing a bit of research he wanted to have it done for peace of mind as he’s got a big tour of Scotland planned later in the year. When we removed the head found that the gasket that was on it was a Payen elastomer type, and that also been fitted with a saver-shim, along with a load of sealant.
Cambelt service carried out, which didn’t go to plan so had to resort to our Plan B, which was also not playing ball. Alternator belt replaced, but the bolt did not want to come undone either. The fuel filter hadn’t been replaced in a long time and was blocked. Air filter was well overdue a change.
Ben had bought a Mike Satur 4-2-1 exhaust manifold, which we fitted. He originally had on the list a new induction system and a new fuel pump. Then finally a Kmaps map was installed for him and he’s good to go.
A long days work, but we got everything done, so thankful of the heat as it was a really cold and wet day. Thanks to Ben’s lovely Dad for all the brews! I didn’t get any pics of the car, which is a shame as it’s a good example, too busy talking.
We wish Ben fun on his travels through Scotland. He’s sure to have a great trip.
So after another nights stopover in Ingleton we set off for home first thing on Thursday morning. Again we had thought about staying over another night and for me to climb Ingleborough again, but severe weather warnings were forecast.
Julie came over from Grimsby to collect her TF 135 from the workshop today. What should have been a weekend off Jon will now find himself in the murky depths of the vans engine replacing the turbo. Fingers crossed it goes to plan ready for our trip west on Monday and Tuesday.
It was lovely to see Chris and Sam again on Monday who came to pick up their Steppy, having made the epic journey from Acharacle, they then spent a few days in Scarborough before heading back home again on Thursday. Good to see on FB they made it back safely and dodged the snow this time.
An end to an era sees lovely Steve Gibson letting go his fab Trophy that he’s owned for decades and used as his daily commuter for most of it. The car will be enjoying a new chapter in its life in France. He’s also retired from running the MG North Yorkshire group that’s he’s been a great source of help and support in, not to mention the countless runs and events he’s successfully organised and held over the years. He’s still going to be around of course, but has bought himself a very snazzy Z4 to have some fun in. Thanks to Steve for sending us a lovely message thanking us for our help over the years, much appreciated. We shall be keeping in touch and will definitely take up the offer of a brew and a catch-up, with him and George, when we’re passing through. 💛
Have a great weekend everyone, near and far, I think there may even be some better weather in store tomorrow, which will be very welcome won’t it. 🌞 – https://ift.tt/CuKEHNo
