Post by scooters on Apr 16, 2008 11:50:13 GMT
Well everyone, I picked this one up off from forum member Raffles last night – we drove in convoy from Luton back to Harpenden me leading in the Volvo, R following with a very amusing sight in the mirror of the 44 tailgating a slow Merc. If that Merc knew what the brakes were like he’d have put his foot down!
Anyway the car is much as described below. With the car came a poly bag with well over 100 documents related to the car and the lady owner including mint sales brochures for the entire range, user manual, auto shop manual. Feb 1973 edition of Car Mechanic magazine and a whole load of DAF related stuff which I will try and scan and sent to the webmaster. The 44 brochure even has the salesman’s closing Spiegel on it you can picture him with his pencil moustache in 1973 saying “well what you REALLY need to consider madam…”
Now ….to the car
Well the driving experience is ‘interesting’ the car starts well and has not failed to do so yet. Acceleration is willing and there seems a lot of scope to go faster.
Areas of concern and ones which I would appreciate some advice on:
1/ Brakes – it grabs to the left so hard that you literally have to hold on to the right side of the wheel with both hands – I suspect one of the following: blocked hydraulic pipe, distorted drum, seized piston in the slave or (hopefully) they replaced the pads on one wheel without the other. However, a scap of the paperwork last night shows that over the last 7 years the car has failed it’s MOT on at least 3 occassions due to the front left brakes being seized so I suspect that the stuck piston could be the reason. Any suggestions would be appreciated – I have bought new pads all round and will probably take them to a pro to fit as I don’t really have the time at the moment.
2/ petrol fumes in the cabin when starting – is this normal – I know older cars do smell a bit but this is quite strong – again any suggestions
3/ that repatched metro exhaust is blawing all ower the place given the corrosion to bits of it I might bite the bullet and call Danny
4/ driving noise – I am sure that this will be exhaust related due to the corrosion at the end of the tail pipe it acts like a whistle. However, there is a roar from the transmission when accelerating – it’s quite loud – is this normal – the repair book suggests that the transmission probably needs lubing – any suggestions
Other than that I like it!
DAF 44 VXF 528M notes
The DAF was owned by my late Mother from new. October 1973. Market Street Garage, Torquay (no longer exists). Now 20,600 miles.
It has had all the necessary care to keep it on the road. For the last, perhaps, 15 years maintained by a local garage, Totnes Auto Services, (Mr Kevin Hore, 01803 867240), where the mechanics have learnt to understand the complexities of the transmission.
The exhaust has been ‘repaired’ with various other exhausts which seem to work. (A metro I think!) There is clearly some rust on the tailpipe. Some patchable rust on the side sills.
The original jack points have been abandoned as they were rusted away.
Many years ago it had two new front wing panels. I fitted the wing mirrors.
It has always been garaged in the same premises. Almost unused during the winters for fear of salt. However the last longish trip it took (perhaps 8 years ago) we found it was taking in water. Holes in the wheel arches? Since then it was not taken out in the rain.
It has hardly been used for the last five years.
The nearside passenger window has never worked so Mother put a bit of string on the handle to remind people. Someone tried it and it now feels loose and needs proper inspection / welding? The top of the sill to that door has some obvious rust damage. A new door might be the answer.
I think it’s on its third set of belts. Two previous sets of cross ply tyres but now the first set of radials. The tyres are not quite the same size as the originals.
Steering wheel lock was replaced so there are two sets of keys.
Some bruises from general usage. The passenger door was opened by another old lady friend who hit something so it was resprayed.
The original small tool kit (screwdriver etc) is missing. It needs petrol additive to replace the lead of the old petrols.
Interior is very clean. No smokers or animals. Rarely more than two occupants.
I had offered the car to Beaulieu and the Haynes motor museums but, unfortunately, it doesn’t fit into their collection policies.
I would be worried about driving the DAF a long distance, even though it has its MOT, without being able to call upon help. Another reason why I feel it should go to a new enthusiast.
It still easily does more than 70 mph with some rumble from the belts but, when not accelerating, sound very quiet. I wouldn’t push it for long though!
