Thread: Gav's 101.

Progress is going well today. Dash is back in permanently and everything appears to work as it should. Calibrated the fuel gauge which is an easy job and is now accurate full to empty - but I’ve set the low fuel light at 1/4 anyway. 😇

Still can start and run the engine as I still have 2 gaping holes where the old gauges went. Though the threads were 3/8 BSP or NPT but when I checked, it’s a straight thread and I don’t have any plugs to suit so will have to wait until tomorrow to grab a couple.

Apart from that, I just need to check oil levels, give it a run and fingers crossed it will be right for next weekend. I do need to fix the rear output seal behind the handbrake as it’s ****ing oil out of there but that can wait one more trip.

Might do all the oil leaks in one hit - the overdrive is leaking too, as is the rear main on the engine, but that’s only a weep, so will see but it isn’t hard to get the box out, so might do this and even chuck the good spare box in at the same time that has some of the synchros left...

Looks good Gav

Ordered custom canvas seat covers on Saturday night - got some pics of them tonight - they are complete and ready for shipping which he’s doing tomorrow - how's that for service!

Seat covers on their way! Bought a couple of plugs to fix the holes the old gauges left in the oil cooler and inlet manifold and the engine holds all fluids now, and runs again! Changed the coolant while I was at it as it’s been a couple of years - GG - that radiator you lent me was recored 2 years ago believe it or not, how time flies...

So, just have to check and top up oils, but as always, 2 steps forward, 1 back - my little hand pump that I fill the gearbox, etc with went ‘sproing’ and bits flew everywhere - the little plastic housing is in bits, so need a new one before continuing and of course it’s after 5 now, so my local parts place is closed.

Tomorrow is is a new day, but things are looking good for this weekends run and show. 👍👍👍

Well, have taken Chucky for a shake down run and I’m happy to report it went well. Having a working speedo is a novelty and the noise from the canvas flapping about is about 90% less now as the new canvas is tight as. 👍

Temp and pressure gauges are spot on too as you’d expect, but nice to know I can trust what I’m looking at.

Steering is still less than ideal, but I’m happy enough with it to drive it to the Steam Museum and back on the weekend.

Just need to run the grease gun over a few things and I’m ready.

Ok, all ready for the weekend! Some of the black paint for the camo I sprayed on a few years ago was all streaky, so decided to repaint that - came up great. Also cleaned all the windows properly for the first time in 5 years. New seat covers on now too, so the yucky blue defender seats don't show now.

After a touch up, but before window cleaning.
1D922AB1-5656-420B-8CC9-2F73DACC2A19 by Gavin Gregory, on Flickr

Windows clean.

Untitled by Gavin Gregory, on Flickr

The drivers seat is a bit baggy, but that's because the seat is stuffed on one side - when I'm sitting on it, no dramas.
Untitled by Gavin Gregory, on Flickr

See you all at the Steam Center in Sunday morning at 10am!

Ok, so I have come across a set of large driving lights at a good price (no, not stolen 😁 )

Now, where to put them? Any thoughts on how to mount them on the front of Chucky? Will need to make a bar or something - just scratching my head a bit on what I can do.

How big are they? And are they square or round?
Cheers Jim