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Post by indianajones on Jun 14, 2015 1:01:53 GMT
Righto, I'm sure you've all been waiting with bated breath lol
Took a look at the wedge yesterday, she looked solid body\rust wise, with some light patches of surface rust, but couldn't notice any serious patches.
Interior was fairly poked as you can see from the pictures.
Clutch was stuck as you know, but I did run the engine and she ticked over very nicely.
All in all, if one had a suitable workshop, it'd be a nice little project, but a bit too much for me. After looking at the wedge, I went over and let the owner know that fact and he was very understanding. We then stood around talking about BMC/BL cars for the next 50 minutes lol. showed me his little collection of an 1100, 1300 GT and mini clubman. He also has some Vauxhalls which were at another location.
I mentioned to him the technique I used to free my clutch (as suggested on here) and he said he'd give it a whirl and see if it comes undone. If so, he said he'd flick me an email as I told him I've never driven one, and would love to try it if possible. He also said if I changed my mind, he'd give it to me at a lower price as I'm a fan lol.
So as mentioned before, I wasn't holding my breath, but the trip was well worth it to meet a local BMC/BL fan.
-Andrew
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Post by indianajones on Jun 14, 2015 8:28:16 GMT
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Post by Penguin45 on Jun 14, 2015 12:10:22 GMT
Commendable self-restraint shown there, Andrew. At least you've managed to have a good look at the beast and get a bit of a feel for it. Chris.
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Post by Nick RS on Jun 14, 2015 15:03:42 GMT
you've also got a contact with the same interests not far from home. Well worth the time spent.
Nick
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Post by indianajones on Jun 30, 2015 11:07:27 GMT
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Post by indianajones on Jul 1, 2015 23:59:05 GMT
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Post by dave1800 on Jul 2, 2015 1:02:45 GMT
It looks very nice. Shame it's an auto as it appears are many of the ones remaining in good condition. I wonder just how much work is involved in converting to manual if you have a donor car? Thanks for posting David And a Auto Mk. I Austin -Andrew
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Post by indianajones on Jul 2, 2015 2:29:54 GMT
Didn't someone convert there's from Auto to Manual in the latest LOCI mag? unless I'm getting confused with something else.
Edit: it might actually be a manual one, as it appears that some people tend to have a habit of listing the wrong transmission and engine sizes lol. Note that the Six listed above is listed as a manual car, when it's clearly not.
-Andrew
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Post by Penguin45 on Jul 2, 2015 11:18:00 GMT
Eugenie started life as an auto, but was converted before my time. Cable bracket, UJ drive shafts and a hole in the dash was the remaining evidence.
Chris.
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Post by Nick RS on Jul 2, 2015 11:33:47 GMT
Pete1800 has done it on his Mk111 1800, I think that may be what was written up in the magazine. The old Australian website also showed how to do it in their hints and tips section.
Nick
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Post by indianajones on Jul 26, 2015 22:56:30 GMT
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Post by Penguin45 on Jul 26, 2015 23:19:56 GMT
They were a much maligned car. For something which was stuck together largely out of the BL parts bin and built onto a new shell, it was actually quite popular and sold well over here. Doesn't mean I want one though..... I find the comment: "Underneath has been sprayed with fish oil." somewhat disturbing! Chris.
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Post by indianajones on Jul 26, 2015 23:37:34 GMT
There's something about them I like, but I can't put my finger on it. I've driven my FILs coupe once, and it wasn't an overly pleasant experience, car didn't feel as 'secure' as the 'crab. But mind you, that was before he had overhauled the suspension and he reckons it's a lot better now; I'll have to try it again sometime.
I'm going to be based out on site for 6-8 months so thinking it might be a bit of a laugh to get another classic to use as a semi daily driver.
-Andrew
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Post by dave1800 on Jul 27, 2015 1:00:18 GMT
The handing was still very 1950s when it was introduced in 1971, not surprising since it was based loosely on the Morris Minor which was actually nicer to drive in many respects - apart from the brakes. I had one as a company car in 1972 while I ran a Mk1 crab as my own vehicle which felt as though it came from a different century in comparison. My boss at the time had a 1.8L Marina which he put through a hedge; it couldn't cope with the weight of the B series engine and used to exhibit enormous understeer at quite moderate speeds as soon as it rained. Be careful!! David There's something about them I like, but I can't put my finger on it. I've driven my FILs coupe once, and it wasn't an overly pleasant experience, car didn't feel as 'secure' as the 'crab. But mind you, that was before he had overhauled the suspension and he reckons it's a lot better now; I'll have to try it again sometime. I'm going to be based out on site for 6-8 months so thinking it might be a bit of a laugh to get another classic to use as a semi daily driver. -Andrew
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Post by dave1800 on Jul 27, 2015 1:02:42 GMT
Perhaps he means WD40? Or is it to make it waterproof when it slides off the road into the river David I find the comment: "Underneath has been sprayed with fish oil." somewhat disturbing! Chris.
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