Practically Classics Forum

I wrote:a quick look at a recent Gazette has a RHD 1100 Deluxe at £1595

Not sure whether these are also published on the website of the club to which I referred, but classified ads generally are much more realistic than online selling facilities when it comes to values, since the element of mass hysteria isn't a factor in final prices.
One problem is that many people want instant results these days so aren't prepared to put in the time searching the traditional sources. Keep plugging away though, they're out there. If you can live with LHD or have the inclination to convert, then 940cc entry level MK1s sometimes crop up across the channel.

WTF was that sound test all about?!?! Personally, i would have much rather seen how they turned that rusted out, head bolt snapping POS engine into a gleaming completely rebuild work of art.


Really going off this show.

[anorak]That was one of the studs that he snapped, the bolts aren't the problem as they enter the block vertically where the studs enter at 45 degrees and cross to the high side of the block, How BL/Saab expected us to remove the studs using only the built-in screwdriver slots is anyone's guess but there are two ways nowadays; a special tool that can pull the head at an angle to suit the studs is usually effective and can be borrowed from one of the Saab clubs or there's a fitting that allows the appropriate solvent to be introduced to the (steel) studs without also eating the surrounding aluminium of the head or the iron into which that stud is screwed.[/anorak]

I'd have gone for a 5 litre Mustang engine as it weighs less than the Ricardo V8, but only if all attempts to pull the original heads off had failed, which they don't these days.

JPB wrote:[anorak]

Were you the bloke off camera at the end, saying the wiper wasn't on correctly?

No, but he had a point.

Considering Ant was working with a "Stag specialist" you think that "specialist" would of provided some sort of device to at least attempt a removal of the studs? But I guess watching someone snapping them off and swearing made for better television?

As for the "break down", running a car with it's headlamps on full beam and keep stalling it at every junction was always going to result in a flat battery, having people push it along the road (but not celebrities) was always going to make a good opening shot of a car so "badly looked after by it's owners".

As owners now know it was actually the dealerships that were letting the car down as the mechanics simply did not understand (or want to) understand about these new alloy headed OHC engines.

DoloMIGHTY wrote:Considering Ant was working with a "Stag specialist" you think that "specialist" would of provided some sort of device to at least attempt a removal of the studs? But I guess watching someone snapping them off and swearing made for better television?

And not a breaker bar in sight? I did see linked spanners used as a long lever.

I was worried that it was going to jump on the band wagon and slag the Stag, but thought that they dealt with the overheating reputation quite well.

Although I felt lots was staged. eg breakdown and push, Ant's hatred of all things Stag and, as already mentioned, Stag specialist not seeming to offer specialist advice at any time.

Quite enjoyed the program but but not sure I'd bother to watch if I didn't have a least some interest in the car involved though.

I'll be watching the Mini next week. wonder how many cliches they'll use in that one?

Anyone notice how not once Ant has welded with gloves on? Bit different to Health & Safety Ed China who near enough wears a Bio Hazard suit if he has to use a drill!

Mattcortes wrote:Anyone notice how not once Ant has welded with gloves on? Bit different to Health & Safety Ed China who near enough wears a Bio Hazard suit if he has to use a drill!

Excessive amounts of hair spray can be quite flammable, so Ed has to be extra careful...