The Car Pt 5

The windows were now taken out of storage and new sealing rubbers fitted to the rear and front screens and side screens. The window winders were regreased before installing along with the fitting of new felt guides to the opening windows. The front opening window needed careful adjustment to ensure that the top lip of the new seal did not fold over on closing. The top corners did not fit flush immediately but after leaving to settle for a fortnight these are now flush to the body.

The National Rally was attended in August 2002 and a report and pictures appear on the site.
A new wiring loom was obtained along with new brushes for the dynamo. A set of sorry looking "Pork Pie" rear lamps were picked up also which upon cleaning were near perfect and my best buy of the weekend. Several pictures and detailed questions were asked of other members, regarding the sliding roof. My specimen was sealed up and had no runners. These were obtained but my biggest problem was the shaping and makeup of the frame. My thanks go to John Concardo, a fellow member who had the same problem but an original frame to work from. Along with pictures that he sent to me and measurements taken off other cars I had something to work with.
Unfortunately due to commitments and change of job, little was done between August and October but I made a start eventually and set to work on some proformas. My first attempt was as they say " a learning experience" but the second go fitted reasonably and I then set to work with proper Ash timber. New sliding plates and felt were fitted which were oiled well and the new sliding section slid in from the rear. It fitted quite well after minor adjustment of the recess required at the front, so the roof was removed and the final ply covering fitted. On top of this was fitted a thin polystyrene cover as cushioning, followed by new black exterior grade vinyl. The same covering was fitted to the rear static section of the roof and the sliding section fitted to the car. Final fitting of handle and lock plate would be fitted when the interior lining was done.

Despite having two thirds of a reasonable exhaust, it was decided to invest in a replacement stainless steel one from PD Gough in Nottingham. This was picked up a fortnight later and also received a discount for club membership. A repair was made to the centre support hanger and the exhaust fitted to the car.
The wiring loom was fitted which was a Series 2 version. I would recommend anybody doing a rewire to fit this as it is slightly longer than the Series 1 and also has the extra wires for headlight dipping modification that I will cover later. The only changes are that the stoplight switch on the later model is located under the crossmember of the drivers seat instead of to the front of the master cylinder. A short extension of the 2 wires is all that is required and is not seen under the floor.
With the basic wiring in I decided to see if the car would start. Having only a 12 volt battery at the time I hot wired the starter, which will run fine off 12 volts, coil and fuel pump (with appropriate dropper resistors) and then a gallon of 4 star fuel. The pump delivered fuel but unfortunatly the carburettor leaked fuel from the bottom. This was traced to the gland at the bottom being dry.
Eventually the car was turned over and after a little coaxing of the set-up the engine burst into life.
Oil pressure was a very healthy 60lbs dropping to 30lbs on tickover. Unfortunately after 15 mins the rear core plug decided to leak so it was drained and replaced. Having satisfied myself that the car will run my attentions turned to refitting all the plywood floor. New sections were cut from marine grade ply which after sanding was treated with satin exterior varnish. The floor was then fixed to the car with appropriate bolts and screw cups.