That was a long, busy old week, and by heck was it nithering, roll on spring. 🥶
Dave dropped off his 2002 TF 160 (in Solar Red – CMU) with us on Saturday, having driven up from Retford. So we got cracking with this first thing on Monday morning. Full cambelt service carried out. The bottom 13 mm water pump was glued into the hole as the threads had been previously stripped, so we drilled and helicoiled it out and replaced with new. The fans were staying permanently on, replacing the air pressure temperature sensor sorted this issue out.
It was nice to see Connor again, who came over from Gilberdyke to leave his 2002 TF 135 with us (also in Solar Red). Initially he’d asked if we could check out an issue he had with the reverse lights and brake lights not coming on. On inspection, it was the supply from the battery to the fusebox that was causing the issue. Rather than take the whole dashboard out, we made an alternative supply fused with the correct amperage.
Whilst in with us, Connor asked if we could check the car over for any further issues. He mentioned that the cambelt service was overdue, so we got this done for him, along with replacing the nearside front top ball-joint, nearside front track-rod-end, both rear subframe-mounts, (most of the bolts sheared off and required drilling and tapping), welding to the nearside rear sill, replacing the coil pack cover that was missing and repairing the wiring. All completed by Thursday and ready for Connor to pick up after work.
Peter dropped off his 2003 TF 135 (in Trophy Blue – JFV) on the way over from Worsley to Bridlington for a few days away with his wife, in their motorhome. They have an A-frame to tow their TF behind it, which is a brilliant bit of kit.
Minor service carried out along with the MOT, and all ready for them to collect on their way back home later in the week. Lovely to see Peter again when he came to collect, they were enjoying their stay so much they’d decided to go back for a few more nights. We look forward to seeing him again next year.
Wednesday found us over in Folkton, near Filey, for work on some of Stuart’s amazing fleet. Fortunately, he had a big shed for us to work in, although it was still a killer on the digits. Good job we’d ordered a truck load of hand and feet warmers!
First up was his Lotus Elise S1 120 (fab car in an equally fab livery) that was due a cambelt service. The underfloor-tray bolts proved to be on the side of awkward, but eventually the grinder came out to remove a couple which were replaced with new. Rest of the service went to plan, it just takes a little bit longer.
Next up was his 2003 TF 135 (in Sunspot Yellow – IAC), which was also overdue for the cambelt service. Really great to see Stuart again and have a good chat while we worked, we’d not seen him for a number of years, but fantastic to see that his enthusiasm for collecting some rare and interesting cars is still very much in evidence.
That brings us to today, where we headed up to a very foggy Butterknowle in Bishop Auckland first thing this morning.
Ken is in the process of getting his sister’s 1997 MGF VVC (in Flame Red – COF) back on the road for her. So he asked if we could come over and carry out the cambelt service and to investigate a significant oil leak.
The engine mount bolts did not want to budge, so we resorted to Plan B, which didn’t work, so we figured out a new plan! We went armed with all seals and gaskets for every eventuality and found that the oil leak was down to the cam oil seals, so both of these replaced and a blast off and clean up of the old, congealed oil. All now sorted and ready for Ken to complete the rest of the list in order to give this one a new lease of life. Great to see Ken as always and have a chat while we worked, thanks to him for the welcome warming cuppas and the jar of honey from his bees.
An interesting week, with a few challenges along the way, but we got there. Enjoy the weekend everyone, near and far. – https://ift.tt/rj3OuBv
