Time - and not enough of it

Well the Fiesta is back on the road - and the Moggy is still at the bodyshop.

And now I have a transit van as well. Just built a bench in it and now have to put in the compressor and generator,

Going back into Mobile Mechanics - just where I started 30 years ago.

Actually quite looking forward to it

More updates to follow later

Not getting there!!

Where has the time gone.

The Fiesta went through it's MOT but I ended up changing the entire braking and suspension system.

Then the bloody engine blew up - so now I am in the process of putting in another engine.

The problem is I only have the one garage so although the Moggy is completed I can't pick it up as I've nowhere to put it.

The Fiesta will be finished this weekend even if I have to work on it alll Saturday night.

And then the Moggy can come home

Fiesta

Well the Moggy is back at the Bodyshop and I have decided to take another project. A 1996 Fiesta 1400

In fairness not in bad condition for it's age but still in need of work. Th erear trailing arm bushes are shot so the rear axle is out (you can see photos if you follow the link for Mandy). Checked the oil - none there - and cam belt needs doing but apart from that and a bit of rust not bad.

anyway back to the garage.

BACK TO THE BODY SHOP

Finally - I actually drove the car out of the garage and onto a trailer. It is now back at the body shop having it's final finish.

In the meantime I am doing an engine swap for a friend on a fiesta. Keeps me busy.

Although the pub sounds like a good plan.

Photos to follow as soon as the car is back

So SLow

I thought I was nearly there getting the car out of the garage - but the brakes have become a nightmare. I couldn't get a proper pedal and couldn't find a leak anywhere. Due to the style of the master cylinder filler cap there is no pressure bleed that will fit it. So I had to be inventive. I drilled a hole through the centre of the cap and tapped a thread that took the pressure bleed pipe. I was really pleased with myself up to the point I put the system under pressure.

I'm not sure how many people have seen the statue of the little boy peeing into the fountain - but that is exactly what the master looked like. Brand new and the seals are gone. So seals are ordered and will be fitted this weekend.

All being well Mandy is going back to the body shop on the 13th August for her final finishing. After that the good stuff happens - roof lining - chrome - windows and MOT

PROGRESS

I hadn't realised how long it is since I last posted. It has been a hectic couple of months what with illness and work but there has been progress.

The engine is now running properly with no over heating, the clutch works perfectly. The brakes need to be bled again but that is not too much of an issue.

The tyres are ordered and should be here early next week. Thinking of tyres I had better order some inner tubes. Once the tyres are on I will be able to get the car out of the garage so that I can put all the rest of the door furniture on. Then its the roof lining - windows - seats etc..etc..

This is still going to take a couple more months - but will be worth it in the end

Exhaust completed

Finally the exhaust is fitted as are all ancillaries - except for the carburettor which I was vigorously cleaning and lost some seals.

The seals are due to arrive this week so as we have a bank holiday coming up I should be able to install the carb and get her fired up.

Photos and updates later this week

Exhausts

I ordered an Exhaust through a  local company who have been fantastic at getting other stuff for the car. However the exhaust is one peice and quite long.

It started it's journey from Bristol in a van large enough to take it - which was then diverted to another depot where it was offloaded. We then ordered another one - and again  it was diverted but eventually it was found at another depot. All ready to go and get it on Saturday - I turn up to find it is still at the other depot and the first one we ordered is with it also. Fortunately I only have to pay for one.

Everthing is nearly ready so that I can start the engine - but not without an exhaust.

Lets hope it's there when I go in this Saturday.

Getting There

Fianlly the gearbox is in, and having scratched my head for half an hour I realised the engine mountings were the wrong way round. The left on the right and vice versa.

As soon as I swapped them over the cluch mechanism fitted perfectly.

Now all the ancillary items can be fitted and with a bit of luck the engine can be fired up this coming weekend.

Slow Slow and Slower

Well the gearbox was collected last saturday and I have to say John did a fantastic job.

I went to fit it on Sunday and low and behold there was no bush in the end of the crankshaft. Doh!! forgot all about that when I rebuilt the engine. I had to order one Monday. Another 7 days for the sake of £1.75.

Anyway I have it now and it is soaking in oil and will then go into the freezer overnight Friday to make it shrink slightly, and will then be fitted Saturday - and then the gearbox.

Must remember to take my camera so that I have photographic proof of the longest ever gearbox install.

Anyway onwards and upwards

At Last

Well I finally found time to get to work on the car.

I had a real problem with the wiper motor as I had three but none that worked. I finally found one at a great place in Oxford that was still in it's box and had never been fitted.

Got round to putting it in at the weekend after rebuilding the wheel boxes and cable. Also fitted the fuel pump.

The gearbox is coming back second weekend in March so hopefully all will be fitted and the engine running by the end of March. Then it's just Glass and MOT before the car goes back to the bodyshop for it's final coat and seal.

Photos to be updated soon

Wellcome to 2011

It's been hectic over christmas and new year and work is still keeping me busy - so have not had time to work on the car. Saying that - it has been extremley cold so rather glad I have not been to the garage as there is no heating.

Am hoping to have the Gearbox back first week of Feb and then can start again

In the meantime back to work