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Post by Richard DAF Webmeister on Apr 12, 2010 12:33:56 GMT
Wow - at the 44 and 55 especially! And I am trying to focus through watery eyes on Mimi.
And 55 reversing lights - although the rear light lenses very sensibly had reversing lights, they were not automatically wired up from new. I think it must have been an option for perhaps the dealer to connect up, either with some sort of switch linked into the selector lever mechanism, or a manual switch on or under the dash somewhere.
It always surprised me that the 66 went a bit "retro" by not having built in reversing lights... I think the tail lights on a 55 are the best of all the B-bodied cars.
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Post by 33grinder on Apr 12, 2010 14:44:29 GMT
As far as I know, Betty doesn't do bondage, but I think the filler I use may be made of Poly Styrene Oops, I thought she was saying 'up yours!' to bondo, sorry all, no offence meant!! ;D Interesting fact Joe, my friend Martin's ex missus used to be a schoolfriend of Poly - what a small world! i love the video..... looks like your doing about 70 Well, I was motoring! I thought if I drove her like I'd stole her I might be able to reach the Weir via the lovely diversions within the time taken for the song to play in it's entirety. Sadly I failed! I may have gone just a teeny bit over the speed limit, I was more worried about driving past plod whilst filming the journey. Essex Plod are a lot less forgiving than the Met where I grew up, although I did get off with just a warning a couple of years ago when they pulled me for speeding and not wearing a seat belt! ;D Glad the photos were well received, I'm sure Dan will be happy and the chickens send their apologies as they were not allowed out to play! ;D
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Post by 33grinder on Apr 15, 2010 11:56:03 GMT
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Post by pauldaf44 on Apr 15, 2010 13:17:58 GMT
The missus wont go in either of mine. Even Mum is reluctant to drive Gladys she says because of her age and her first car was one
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Post by Patrick on Apr 15, 2010 15:52:28 GMT
The missus wont go in either of mine. Even Mum is reluctant to drive Gladys she says because of her age and her first car was one Gladys' age, or your Mums! ;D My Mum in Law is like that. Anything considered 'old' in her book is unsafe - which is why - despite being pretty immaculate and of a low "flatlands of Norfolk" stress free mileage, she has just "scrappaged" her S reg Fiesta for a Vauxhall Corsa because "it had a bit of rust". I've a mind to show her some of the repair work and dedication that can be seen on here next time she comes up! Just to rub the guilt in a bit!
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Post by pauldaf44 on Apr 15, 2010 16:20:51 GMT
Cars age.
I come across this attitude a lot people assume that because my cars are in excess of 35 yrs old that they must be unsafe. I regularly have people refuse to go in them on the basis that they dont have head restraints, or that they wont crumple in an accident which we know they will. I also get the Im not going in that its killing the enviroment which is also absolute popeycock. I also get the "they dont use variomatic today so it must be dangerous or useless" and my housemates have nick named Gladys the Death Cab as it is obviously very dangerous and hideously unreliable as its 37 yrs old. Yet they are still happy to call me to come and help when theyre clio/corsa wont start in the morning or when it breaks down.
Paul
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Post by dafdaffer on Apr 15, 2010 21:08:06 GMT
Very true paul... but i got places in gladdy's that new tin wouldn't dare when it snowed even the beamer gave up and left me in the capable hands of Gladdy's.
the first time Mrs R drove biddy she put the brakes on at a set of traffic lights at Sutton and went straight through them on red saying that the brakes were faulty.............women eh???
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Post by 33grinder on Apr 20, 2010 0:06:54 GMT
Hello all and a belated welcome back to the Badlands of Essex. I'm afraid there was no Daffing to be had in Badlands South this weekend, due to the ever continuing move of workshop. My friend Martin is currently renting two workshops whilst he moves his business. Seeing as I rent a corner and have my R5GTT there plus enough Renault and Rover spares to fill a shelf of industrial racking I do feel compelled to help him. So Saturday (along with two days of my week off last week) were spent ferrying car parts between the two workshops. I'm dreading the four poster having to move! Martin has been busy building a mezzanine in the new garage, having already put up the racking. The mezzanine will house the office/kitchen and some storage. The racking is getting gradually filled up... ...but the heavy stuff like axles etc will go into the storage container along with 2 trailers and the occassional vehicle The racking will be kept clear underneath to increase parking options when required. The hight it to ensure a landrover bonnet can get underneath. The best news though is we have been donated a surperbly kitsch 1970's sofa bed! ;D ;D ;D It is suitable tired and creaky with a bolt missing from one of the arm rests and really is as laid back seating position as it looks! Akin to a F1 driver's seating position, or so it feels. I am so looking forwards to its inaugaral dutch moment. Erm, once we've actually built the room it will be going in!! ;D By this stage, those of you not totally unphased by this so far Daf-less report and are still here will be pleased to know that our Badlands North correspondent, Dan has been hard at work with the Ovlov, finishing off the paint work he started on last week. The affected areas are in primer and Dan has had some paint specially colour matched to the car in rattle can. I'll hopefully be meeting up with Dan next weekend, so I may even be able to get some photos, watch this spot. As usual, the mainstay of Daffing in the Badlands was to be had at Centraal. The day started for Matt with an adjustment of Goldie's belt. You'll note also that Greenie's tin worm's insatiable search of rust has resulted in Matt feeding her a kn@ckered fridge! Then Greenie having being fed, Goldie's belt adjusted and readjusted and the chickens being decidedly anti-social Matt set off to meet up with Andrew in Chelmsford to have a butchers around his new 33, as seen in the Cars of sale section. Presently Andrew is calling her Blue Bullet, named after the transportation company who bought her to the Badlands. He is open to other suggestions though based on her colour or registration number so any suggestions here please. Overall she is in a lovely sound condition inside and out! What a lovely clean engine bay! Matt did find that one of the headlamps has deteriorated so a replacement will be located at Centraal. Andrew will organise for one of the sills to get welded up. Fortunately Greenie will yeild another good sill, the other one being donated to Passionwagon. And then there's that engine mount too... ...plan is to have the engine out to replace it and check over the clutch shoes whilst we're at it. Hopefully Matt and I will return soon and crack on with it. I so missed out on the fun, as did Dan as it appears that Andrew is also a Fiat 500 fan! Here's his current project. He also has a nice MG too - how I missed out!! And so we move onto Sunday. Dan continued his painting. What lovely weather we had for that on Sunday. Spring was certainly in the air this weekend and so the Dafs came out at Centraal. God, I never tire of that joke - sorry! So, with the chickens still sulking, Matt continued working on Mimi. He's found and fitted the missing wiper switch.... ...and topped up oild, replaced a rear bulb and bolted in the rear seat. Daffing activities were disrupted for some time though when a beautiful old lady came visiting farmer George, this Jaguar three and a half litre. That just about wraps up the latest news from the Essex. See you soon for our next update. Cheese, 33G.
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Post by Richard DAF Webmeister on Apr 20, 2010 10:12:43 GMT
"Presently Andrew is calling her the Blue Bullet..." Steady on now! Snap.
Another good report and pics.
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Post by 33grinder on Apr 20, 2010 12:15:40 GMT
My humble apologies Mr. B, I meant 'Blue Thunder'. I do proof read my postings, but at 1am I do start to get a little tired and things like that slip the net. The problem is Photobucket taking an age to open and close pictures so that I can copy the URL. I don't think it's Photobucket itself, rather my anti spyware software that really sloooooows down once I start running two apps. I'm really cheesed off about it, especially as it cost over £40, but I had no choice. I had to act quickly as the security on my (aka Mrs. G's) net book was seriously compromised. So, Blue Thunder it is then unless anyone can come up with a suitable name!
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Post by pauldaf44 on Apr 20, 2010 16:41:48 GMT
Bridget
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Post by 33grinder on Apr 26, 2010 23:21:24 GMT
Hello all and welcome back to the world that is Essex Dafs. What a superb weekend we've had down here in the Badlands. Saturday saw me continuing with the 'moving Martin's workshop' saga. Martin has been busy finishing the metal work of the mezzanine. We then proceeded to get the heavy stuff moved. The container is now getting a little more full up. There's still a 16' trailer to go in, although the 110 back body will be e-bayed soon. Over at Centraal we had a visitor, Paul Bashford and Gladys. There was much tea drinking and lots of Daf talk of course. Gladys had sadly suffered what Paul called a 'dutch moment' on the way down where her engine stalled but bump-started herself. Otherwise the journey down from Coventry had been uneventful. Having inspected both vehicles the chickens decided that concourse judging could not commence as the 44s were not clean enough, and those chickens like a nice clean yard. So out came the bucket and sponge so get nice and clean before Sunday's activities, but more on that later... Paul got washing Gladys... Whilst Matt washed Animal and Goldie... The chickens voted air cooled. Now, this is the trouble we have over here in the Badlands - once a bonnet is opened then the kettle goes on and nothing gets done until the tea is drunk! ;D Personally, I can't blame Paul for that, as I know Matt too well and think he led Paul astray. See the picture below, Goldie's bonnet is up but where is Matt? As evening drew in, Matt escorted Paul and Goldie to the Old Court House, not for any infringement in the Badlands you understand, it's the B&B round the corner from Central where Paul spent the night. Vinny and Sarah made him feel welcome and the bar stayed open past 10pm. In fact Paul was the only guest and when Vinny wanted to play some pool, the games were on him and didn't cost Paul a penny to play lots of pool! They even did a nice breakfast too! Anyone who would like to visit us can stay there for a reasonable rate and we well looked after. The next morning was an early start in the Grinder household. Mrs G is nearing the end of her teaching course and so quiet study time is a real boon. I took our son Jonathan out with us in Gavina which was conducive to a few good hours of study time. No pre-washing Gavina for me, as she was still clean from when I last washed her and put her away in the garage. Less than an hour later we were at Centraal to meet up with Matt and Paul.... ...along with this man, Eric 'Clint Eastwood' Bhojani. Eric had traveled up for the day from north London in his lovely 55 estate. It has some lovely alloys on her which gives her a very purposefully and sporting stance. These pictures were taken later in the day at Badlands north. For some reason following Eric's 55, BMW M Coupe springs to mind. A little negative camber and what a stance! Most of us agreed that fat tyres are phat! Now I'm usually behind the lens which suits me fine, but Eric thought it would be nice to take of photo of myself with Jonathan. Shows off Eric's alloy's nicely I think! So, whilst Jonathan played with the chickens.... ...us grown-ups did what we do best, drink tea and talk Daf! A shock absorber was liberated from the spares barn (for its bushes etc) and then we set off in convoy for Dan's at Badlands North for our own little part of Drive It Day. Now, it's fair to say that weather wise it was a day of two halves. On the way over to Centraal Gavina was to experience some road spray and was decided grubby when we arrived. The weather was no better on the way to Dans. Apologies from Jonathan for coughing and from Gavina for the squeaky wiper. The music comes from my 'Best cheese of the 1970s' CD. We arrived at Badland's North as the rain ceased and proceeded to drink tea and talk more Daf. Meanwhile Matt and I cracked on with Passionwagon's rear offside suspension. After a lengthy hunt the missing replacement shock absorber was found. Matt and I cracked on with replacing the broken spring and missing shock as Jonathan looked on. He's learning about Dafs early! ;D And at last success! For the first time in who knows how long she sits level and true! Daddy, when can I have a go at driving? Erm, when you can reach the pedals son!! ;D Whilst Jonathan procrastinated over the merits of vinyl versus cloth seats, I took some more photos. What a lovely pair these 55 estates make! Group line-up: In the absence of any chickens the only impartial judge for the concourse was Jonathan. Despite attempts at bribery he could not be corrupted and was asked to choose his favorite. So, for the second time this weekend Goldie won! Then there was just enough time to see Dan's paintwork to the sills and boot of his Ovlov Having thanked Dan for his hospitality and great tea, we left him at Daf North and headed down delightful country lanes to the nearest McDonalds, purely for Jonathan's benefit you understand. These are lovely lanes and last time I thoroughly enjoyed driving Rover round them. This time was different, a much slower pace with windows down (really must close the cabin heater vents on the exchangers as Gavina got very hot!) and music playing, but still a very enjoyable relaxed cruise. The track down from Dan's is very bumpy, sorry for the camera shake! A second dose of Gavina's speakers for you, you lucky people!! ;D Generally, the local traffic were very accommodating to our convoy and allowed us to stay together. We even found parking spaces together at McDonalds. With hunger temporarily at bay, our non-ending thirst for tea was to be sated back at Centraal. Even the chickens got a drink. ;D Then attention turned to Goldie's squealing belt which was adjusted accordingly.... ...before comparing lucky mascots. Gavina's penguin, salvaged from Matt's trailer. Eric's lucky Robin. Paul flies the flag! ;D At the end of a lovely day we then left Matt to go our separate ways, playing leapfrog along the A12. Eric let his 55 stretch her legs and Paul and I had a drag race up a steep hill, bouncing in our seats in a disillusioned attempt to get extra traction and speed. Gladys won that one, those extra cubes come in handy. Well, we hope you like our report of events and remember, all are welcome to visit us in the Badlands. That's all for now. Cheese, 33G.
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Post by Richard DAF Webmeister on Apr 27, 2010 10:16:34 GMT
Indeed, another very good report and pics.
I had the Bullet out on Sunday but not specifically for the "Drive it" day - just because I had a bit of time and the weather was nice.
I also had a go at doing something new, but I won't tell you what it was until I have fathomed out how to complete, which means trying to make sense of an instruction book...
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Post by Patrick on Apr 27, 2010 10:35:45 GMT
I was smiling all the way through that! Lovely. Some nice "Brochure-esque" photos too. You should treat yourself to a "Gorrilapod" so you can attach your camera to something (else).
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Post by 33grinder on Apr 27, 2010 12:43:28 GMT
Thanks all. We had intended to display our Dafs at a show, but left it too late to book our places. Then there was a reserve show, again too late. Then we tried a place close to Dan's but they didn't have the courtesy to respond to my e-mail. I am a great believer that things happen for a reason and I genuinely believe that we had more fun on Sunday than if we had attended a show. Surely Drive It Day is about driving, not being parked in a field?!! ;D I should really get a cradle or some such to mount the 'phone on. I also need to discover a way to make Photobucket quicker. Three minutes to open and close a picture doesn't sound a lot, but when you have shed loads to open and close for their ULR, it takes ages. I started at 10pm and finished at 2.30am if you look at the last modified time (the PC decided to submit the post half way through). Also uploading the videos onto Youtube seems to take an age (like 40 minutes per video), I understand I can send them direct from the i-phone as an e-mail, as to whether that's any quicker I'm not sure. I need a crash course from someone who is competent in such matters. ;D ;D I await with baited breath to see what you've been up to Mr. B. For some reason the topic of politics was broached on Sunday and your name was mooted as the perfect replacement prime minister!!
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Post by dafdaffer on Apr 27, 2010 15:27:31 GMT
Very nice report MR G....... i appreciate the time it takes to post anything on here, sending and uploading photos and typing etc. all is gratefully received as it makes some good reading and helps the enthusiasm to get the spanners out. keep up the good work guys
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Post by pauldaf44 on Apr 27, 2010 20:33:08 GMT
definaltly a fantastic trip and well worth going. The B&B was fantastic and cheaper than premier travel inn and had a really good brekky to boot. Our DAF convoy also got some cheary waves and some astonished looks. The best part I was still able to finish Bruce in time win win win. Definatly going to have to go again
Paul
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Post by pauldaf44 on Apr 27, 2010 20:33:48 GMT
Oh and Mr B should definalty bw Prime minister
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Post by Richard DAF Webmeister on Apr 27, 2010 21:40:27 GMT
Moi? PM? Gosh... OK, at the risk of giving the appearance of campaigning, I couldn't resist scanning these... A very hot day in June 1996 Yes, outside the Big Number 10 And Number 11 (nice lunch) sharing the shot with Humphrey the Downing Street cat (poor thing) Outside Number 11 and in the distance Mr Major getting about to get into his Daimler Sitting at the Chancellor's desk for all of, er, about a minute, so not too much harm done to the economy! Alas, I think I may have aged a bit in the last few years...
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Post by 33grinder on Apr 27, 2010 21:47:00 GMT
Thanks Paul and we will be happy to receive you again - we don't get too many visitors around these parts so we enjoy playing host when we do! And DD, thanks for you kind words too, makes it all worthwhile that people get enjoyment from reading this thread, it's what keeps me going in the early hours!! ;D;D I had a count up of the photos earlier and 'unless I'm very much mistaken' there are 33 of them - it's a coincidence, honest!!
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Post by Richard DAF Webmeister on Apr 28, 2010 21:02:21 GMT
I've just re-read this latest report and looked more closely at the pics, and it really is fab! What a great time you had and brill pics - and well done for raising the profile.
And yes, 55 estates... And the cool wheels. Respect!
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Post by dafdaffer on Apr 28, 2010 22:21:27 GMT
ok prime minister butler i would like to see all cars over 35 years tax free.
also beer and fuel tax abolished ;D
love the pictures ;D
i was looking at the ones in the mag, is that you stood next to the wheel in the Wales shot?
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Post by pauldaf44 on Apr 28, 2010 22:51:09 GMT
I want to see it becoming an imprisonable offence to scrap a running DAF prime minister. Oh and ditto bring back the rolling exemption
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Post by flannelracing on Apr 29, 2010 20:15:15 GMT
Pete!!! Been a while, I have been very busy getting th Buick sorted... A long story that isn't over yet!! Glad to see the 32 made it "home" ok, looks like its in good company. That green 55 estate is lovely, that and the white Coupe, they would be at equal levels of the perfect Daf for me, love the look of those early bumpers and 13 inch wheels... The Orange 55 estate was the one we breifly owned, albeit no money changed hands, I just ended up getting dicked about by an eccentric man that lived in Brighton... Anyway, if ever one comes up, give me a shout, one of those could replace both the cars we have, but dont tell the missus! I was going to try to get over to the Barn again in the next few weeks with some petrol and a battery, I rekon the 55 will go, no problem!! I will let you know how I get on.. Meanwhile heres a couple of pictures of what I have been up to.... This is how it looked after the new exhausts were fitted... From the back... The scrapes on the floor are from the plates that hang down from the rear chassis rails, so when the front is raised and the back dropped it leaves two trails of sparks... How it is at the moment, engine bay painted, grille detailed. And the engine re-painted in a custom mixed red... This car is fitted with the Dynaflow transmission that, I have heard, influenced the seamless CVT of the Daf. As with the Daf Tranny, the Buick Dynaflow has no gears but relies on two Turbines providing varied pressure through a fluid drive system. Any way Pete, at least you can see I haven't been Slacking!! Speak soon mate, Best regards, Dave.
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Post by Richard DAF Webmeister on Apr 29, 2010 21:27:17 GMT
Goodness me - big car!
Now then my people, back to your questions. I'm very glad that you asked them, but before I answer those, I should point out that...
Anyway, Mac P - not sure what you mean by first link? And DD and Paul, hear hear re the rolling road tax! I remember when...
We'll see.
Oh, and DD - yes, that pic in the mag by the Welsh wheel does indeed include a much younger me.
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Post by 33grinder on Apr 29, 2010 21:33:02 GMT
Hi Dave!! Nice to hear from you again. You obviously haven't been slacking, what a lovely set of wheels! I remember being a little peeved that I didn't get to see her when I picked up the 32, but seeing these pictures it's been worth the wait! Thanks for sharing those great photos. What your after does come up occassionally if you're willing to be patient and keep an eye out on the forum. It's like buses, all quiet then suddenly 2 or 3 cars turn up! ;D You're welcome over to Colchester and we make a good brew, we like visitors so do let me know when you want to pay a visit! Cheers, Pete
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Post by 33grinder on May 4, 2010 0:35:46 GMT
Hello all! 33G here again with a round up of latest events from the Badlands. I'm pleased to announce that Daffing has occurred throughout the region during this glorious bank holiday weekend when the weather really couldn't make its mind up...at all! Saturday morning started for yours truly with a trip to the sorting office to pick up a parcel from Danny at Dafhobby, somewhat delayed by the volcanic ash cloud but then safely in my hands. Incidentally, I think that ash cloud is our fault. We asked Iceland to send us 'cash' for Icesave, and the Icelandic alphabet has no letter 'c'! Anyway, the parcel contained spares for the three of us for when we were to meet later. I then proceeded to Martin's to hopefully conclude the never-ending-workshop-move saga. I took Rover for her load lugging capabilities. Thankfully the hydraulic four poster had been moved the day before and I remember moving that last time!! When I got there this is what I found: There were a few items out of shot which Rover took, then the landie was loaded up and off we went. Note that Rover is an 80's car who likes to listen to 80's music. As a carrot there is a couple of seconds of hard acceleration and engine noises in the Rover. Don't get too excited though! ;D We couldn't put the landie in her space in the new workshop as we were waiting for a neighbour to lend us his forklift to get some heavy white goods to the mezzanine on a pallet. So whilst waiting I took some photos. My R5GTT has it's own corner, with a Series 1 Landie for company. Martin is discussing custom building a competitive off road machine out of her with a potential customer. She is lovely a straight for her age, she is tax exempt and has a rare 'safari' roof. 'Greenie' as we call her is a little unusual being ex-military but to civilian spec. Martin has been restoring her for about three years now and she will soon be ready for sale. We continued to wait for the forklift. Then another neighbour kindly asked Martin to move his landie and trailer as they wouldn't be able to park their bus! ;D Yes, our neighbours are classic bus owners and have a lovely collection. I managed to take a couple of stealthy photos. I've only just met them but I'll see if I can get some more, if anyone is interested. The wait for the forklift was interminable and I left to catch up with Matt and Dan. I would return later to help Martin move one last thing from the workshop, a wood burning stove. It is by far the heaviest thing I have ever lifted and my back can still feel it. At one point I looked down and realised that one of the burners four feet was actually resting on my foot. A fine endorsement for wearing steel toe cap boots when lifting heavy gear! Over at Centraal the day started slowly ;D Matt started working on Dorothy who needed an engine mount changing. Her front was removed... ...to allow the engine to be pulled forward giving Matt enough room to change the mount although he admits it was awkward. Then Dorothy was pushed away, the workshop locked up and the chickens watered .... Matt left for Andrew in the quest to return his blue 33 to the road, as reported here previously. Remember, we're still open for names, so far we have Blue Thunder and Bridget. Anyone have any name ideas? If not we'll have a choice of two then. Matt arrived to find Dan already there. Andrew's 33 came with a replacement engine mount which could possibly be done without totally pulling the engine but knowing the car had been standing for a couple of years we felt it prudent to pull the engine and check the clutch. Besides, it makes the mount easier to change! Two of the exhaust bolts were very stubborn and needed some drastic action. A very determined looking Dan soon had them sorted! ;D Soon after I arrived at Andrew's, having become bored waiting for an overdue forklift! I had with me the parcel from Dafhobby which included two triangular exhaust gaskets for pending work on Passionwagon. I figured that Andrew's need was more imminent, so these will be used when the engine is replaced, which was imminent upon arrival...once of course I had caught Matt doing what us Essex Daffers do best! ;D ;D Andrew makes a lovely cuppa so I joined the lads for a brew. Well, it would be in polite not to!! Our thirst quenched we then got on with removing the engine. Aside from a secondary earth strap attached to the clutch housing of which we had no prior knowledge of its existence, the removal went smoothly. All appears sound from the outside, although we did notice that the bracket that connects each heat exchanger and to the clutch cover (the 'boomerang' as we call it) appears to have had a piece cut out to ease the fitting of a new hotspot pipe. Matt thinks he may have a suitable replacement for it. Now, here's a rare photo taken on my camera but not by me, and even showing me working - whatever next!! Eventually the drum was removed to reveal a perfectly fine clutch, which will give Andrew some peace of mind that job doesn't need to be done. It was not to be all good news though. Andrew's manifold needs a small weld to one of it's hotspot pipes. My friend Martin has said he can have a look at welding it next Saturday so Andrew, do let me know if you are around next Saturday for me to collect it from you. Also the propshaft was not looking too great. It was absolutely fine at the vario end but the clutch end showed whisper like cracks running around the chamfered edge of the rubber. The picture below isn't a great one but we're in two minds about re-using it. Unfortunately Gavina took Matt's last spare so does anyone out there in Dafland have one available? I then left the lads to return to help Martin and Matt and Dan left shortly after wards, ready to continue work on Andrew's 33 the next time and so our Daffing activities were to end for the day. Over the next couple of days Matt had the opportunity to get some more work done on Dorothy. Work progressed slowly at first as Matt usually works outside of the barn and the inclement weather slowed progress somewhat... ....but eventually the sun came out, as did the Dafs! Matt finished putting back Dorothy's engine and front. She's now nicely back together. One of the parts to arrive from Danny was a 6v anti run-on valve which Matt is hoping will rectify the fueling problem that she has. Otherwise she is almost MOT ready, although one of her headlamps needs to be glued back together! She's all tucked away now, ready for more Daffing next weekend. Up in Badlands North Dan was fettling his 55 estate. Last weekend when we visited Dan on Drive It Day, it is fair to say she was running a little poorly. Speaking with Dan he tells me that the carburettor's float chamber needed a tweak as it was making the engine run very lean and attempting to frequently stall. He's overcome that problem now, albeit the vario doesn't seem to be changing up, and she is revving her, erm, lady bits off, for not a lot in return. We do hope Dan can get her fixed as the three of us are meant to be displaying our cars at a show next week! Over here in Badlands South it was a case of rain stops play. My beer fridge got a good cleaning and some nasty mold removed, I even mowed the lawn whilst it rained, twice!! So boredom prevailed when I really wanted to get Gavina cleaned up for the show. Today I gave her a good vacuum and cleaned the seats, door cards and dash. The road grime from last week was concentrated on the windscreen, bonnet and grill, so some windolene and cleaning the front in the garage was the answer. Still, I've done what I can so if next weekend is the same as this one, she will get dirty on the way to the show anyway, if not then she'll get a proper wash. And so that end's our round-up of this weekend's activities in wonderful Essex. There is one more thing that we wish to mention. It has not escaped our attention that there is a general election looming. Now, we would just like to say, it is inconsequential to us whether your preference (in no particular order) is for REDBLUEYELLOW[ GREENEven..... MONSTER RAVING LOONEY!!!we love 'em all, so vote Daf! Cheese, 33G.
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Post by Patrick on May 4, 2010 9:28:23 GMT
Splendid stuff! Isn't that typical - you go out for a drive and get stuck behind a Land Rover and trailer! Now, will the bus owners be won over to the DAF cause or will you suddenly develop a craving for AECs?
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33grinder
Likes DAFs
CHPD* sufferer (*Compulsive Heap Purchasing Disorder)
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Post by 33grinder on May 4, 2010 12:05:38 GMT
There's always time for a cuppa John, it's a case of getting one's priorities right!! ;D ;D There is some real eye candy in the neighbours' garage and nearby Canvey Island has a day where they have a classic car show and open their transport museum where you can ride on classic busses. I don't get too excited about vehicles that I cannot drive on my licence though! I've only ever been at the new workshop with Rover and the old-boys loved her. Will turn up in Gavina one day and see what happens. A variomatic bus, now that would be interesting......
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33grinder
Likes DAFs
CHPD* sufferer (*Compulsive Heap Purchasing Disorder)
Posts: 2,905
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Post by 33grinder on May 4, 2010 17:00:40 GMT
Well I never!!! I must admit, my coach driving friend cut his teeth on public transport and once he asked me to turn the 32' long bus around in a gravel lay by which was more like a bomb hole, that was an auto bit it didn't creep in gear and it did roll backwards on gradients. I'm afraid trying to balance throttle with air-brake was too much for me at the time, although I'd love to give it another try under proper (i.e. legal guidance). I'll always remember the day my friend had an altercation with one of his passengers who angrily asked for my friend's name. 'Sure, it's Dennis Plaxton' he replied. When he returned to the depot later, his manager asked him tongue-in-cheek 'I've had a member of the public call me and complain that he was verbally assaulted by a bus - that wasn't you, was it?' ;D ;D The same friend (obviously a glutten for punishment) once let me loose in his Rumbellow's 7.5 tonne delivery van - all was fine until my first junction, the front wheels went round fine as did the back ones - on the pavement! ;D I'm afraid I really have very little spacial awareness so any dreams of driving a 60s Routemaster into the sunset Cliff Richard style with 8 Daffers heading for a tour of Amsterdam's finest coffee shops will have to remain just that, a dream!
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