Practically Classics Forum

Today I have been............

Making a dogs dinner of the minis paintwork, removing the master cylinder and generally taking two steps back, but I did do some stone chip underneath

I have been dissecting my optional extra alarm and discovered some interesting things.
it has 2 relays built in rated at 25 amps. (and a load of external ones which are wired correctly, fitted neatly and of the correct rating)
One was for the starter, the other for the ignition circuit.
Sensible things to immobilise. The only issue is that my ignition circuit is protected by a 60 amp fast blow fuse and the starter circuit by a 40 amp one :S
Taking the relay covers off and the contacts are so burnt I am amazed they worked at all. It may explain why I have experienced so many weird electrical gremlins over the years.
Well done to Land Rover for actually using relays. I hope in their more modern efforts they check the equipment they fit is actually up to the job!

A metal plate which was bolted to the rear of the drivers side rear wheel arch on my
brother's discovery was hanging off and was only held on by the mud flap.

The mud flap fixing screws were so rotted, I just cut the mud guard off, as I found that
the metal wind it and plastic trim were attached to has rotted from behind.

I had to stop and make sure my father knows whats what, so he can do the welding at
the weekend. My brother is not happy about his discovery needing more work.
I might look into an electrical fault on it's lights when I don't feel like I'm in a fridge!

The brakes on my Triumph Dolomite are virtually non-existent - again! It had reconditioned calipers in September. I've just unbolted the master cylinder and sure enough, the seals have gone. It was last done in 2012 so I've had less than 3 years out of them. A replacement seal kit has been ordered from the Triumph Dolomite Club spares service.

David, if the seals are failing that frequently, then the cylinder bore is most probably pitted. Don't take risks with single circuit brakes, I have a spare cylinder that's ok internally and I won't be needing that any time soon so it's yours gratis if you'd like it.

Well more work on the engine, just got to find some doors then paint job, new roof.

Then MOT time, with the house move its been stop start for a while.

Cured a NSF suspension problem with a new strut insert, will do the OS also to have a matching pair. Took the car to a paint-shop last Friday and have it booked in for May 8th to finally get the paint finished woohoo - just in time for the Footman James show in Shepton Mallet where I will be on the club stand.

Car drove very well, I just have a sticky OSR brake to sort out.

'91 Wrangler just sailed through the MOT. Not even any advisories!

Finnished rebuilding my drivers seat!! Finally!! just got to put it back in the car now.

The re chromed front bumper is now fitted to the V8. I got the back of it powder coated, as it's a bit awkward to get in there with wax (Esp the over riders). Although the bumper was done with copper, nickel & chrome, I feel a bit of extra protection is no bad thing.

I've been helping my father put his MG Midget back together and that is a priority, so far as car work is concerned.