1966 DAF 32LE RESTORATION - AT LAST!

[howard]

Yes, it's about time. But the first of the Jadella twins is to start being restored as of this weekend. I've given her a good look over and can't see anything too challenging.

Apparent problems are:

1. Leaky rear wheel cylinder
2. Tons of play in the steering
3. Belts that don't seem to be that "round" anymore
4. Corner of the rear valance needs repair
5. Umm, that's really about it. Everything worked beforehand, so it's just a case of connect up a new battery and see.
6. Her paintwork is all original but she does have a fair few dents over her, including the roof. I will no doubt be letting someone else tackle those!
7. Very squeaky suspension!

Ordered a 404 6-volt battery for £90 delivered, and that should be here Friday.

For those not familiar with her, here she is:

She's not been on the road since 2003, by the way! I will of course post progress on here, hopefully to inspire others (and indeed myself) to plough on!

[33grinder]

Excellent news Howard!

I'll look forward to seeing future updates.

[stefan]

A weekends work then Howard. Lokk forward to MOT news on monday ;D

[howard]

UPDATE: (Photos to follow)

1. All brakes are now free and she now rolls very easily. Belts seem happier as a consequence (as you might expect!). One rear cylinder is nadgered though and will be fitted very shortly. I'll replace both sides and of course change the rear shoes.

2. The play is definitely in the steering rack itself. I've disconnected the steering column and loosened the bolts that hold it on, but I'm not actually sure of the best way to remove it - reason being, pictures I've seen show the rack and steering arms removed as an entity instead of just taking off the two castellated nuts which hold the arms to the rack. I have another rack to go on there and will obviously rebuild the other at my leisure.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated as I don't want to cause myself lots of aggro by doing the wrong thing already!!

Many thanks!



Howard

[spunkymonkey]

Steering rack out is straightforward, Howard, and ignore the photos that show it being removed c/w track rods. I tried it that way first time on Betty and it's not all that fun getting everything out through a wheel-arch - it's even worse trying to get it back in without the n/s trackrod tying itself round everything in the engine bay!

Undo the castellated nuts holding the rods to the rack. If you can't get the split-pins out then they're thin enough to shear off by undoing the nuts with them still in but you'll probably need to remove the complete track-rod (or undo the balljoint from it) in order to clear out the bit that leaves in the ball-joint hole.

Once the nuts are loose, separate the joints with one of the fork type balljoint splitters that you hit with a big hammer - it's the only type you can get in there with the rack still on the car. ou need one with a fairly "steep" wedge on it or the tips of the fork will tend to hit the bodwork before the joints pop.

Once the joints are off, the rack will come out past the brake master with a bit of wriggling.

[33grinder]

I helped Joe with this job on Gavina and we had the broken split pin thing happen so upon reassembly we just did up the castlelated nut FT - seems to have done the job!

It's handy to have an assistant and also removal of the front offside wheel. The rack attachments are nuts and bolts. Two nuts are in the inner wing and need holding when the bolt is turned. You could do that one yourself but the others that enter the cabin left of the column is preferable with an assistant.

Glad to hear work is progressing well Howard, good on you!

[howard]

Progress report (plus pictures - woo!).

Firstly, dynamo charge light problem seems solved. Took off all connectors and cleaned, then refitted - now seems fine!

Secondly, the rack came out with no problems. Plenty of play in it, so it appears that it's definitely that causing the problems. Putting the other on will be the proof of the pudding, so to speak. I'll attempt to rebuild the old rack at a later date.


Before work

Those perishin' nuts - two castellated ones (out of view) plus two to the left of the picture (only one can be seen in this picture)

The steering rack now out

An 'ole where it was

Inside the car where the steering column was fixed. Notice the soundproofing and fitted carpets of the 32LE

The lovely dashboard of the 32LE that JdB may not have experienced before!

A very grateful 32LE!

Now to put it all back together. Then to attend to the other things on the list!

[33grinder]

Excellent Howard! Keep chipping away at the tasks one by one and she'll be back on the road soon enough.

[howard]

I can't believe I was going to get rid of this car not so long ago. It really is lovely, and in pretty amazing condition for a 1966 car. I really have been lucky with the DAFs I have bought over the years!

[spunkymonkey]

Great to see another of these getting some lurve, Howard

[howard]

Without sounding corny, they are easy cars to love. It's taken me far too long to realise this! She (who doesn't have a name yet after all this time!!!) has been off the road for eight years now, but thankfully has been stored inside. Kind though that has been, that's not where she belongs! She should be out on the road, and doing what cars are meant to do!