Tool selection for late Series IIa

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by damiane

Thanks John. I had a browse at Bunnings this morning. All mixed metric/AF sets. Sidchrome web site has a straight AF set. I think as a starter I'll go with your advice and get a 1/2 set, with a speed brace and a t/bar maybe. Need a torque wrench I spose and maybe a couple of common use sizes in deep socket style; say 7/16 and 1/2 inch.

I'll do some more research for those Whitworth sizes you mentioned.

I seem to recall the axle nut used a tube spanner?

Have to review my ring/open enders. Again I think almost all my AF were in the Landy. I like the off-set ring + open enders for versatility.

---

Yes, the usual spanner for the wheel bearing nuts is a tube spanner.

I use offset ring spanners a lot, but also, as I said, ratchet ring spanners. You also need open end spanners for some things, so ring/OE are useful. Sockets are used a lot, particularly for bits you can't get a ring spanner on or don't have room to swing it. Remember for most body bolts, you need usually two spanners the same size, most commonly 7/16"AF.

John

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by damiane

So are Whitworth sizes "treasure", or "trash"? Or are they both depending on the eye of the beholder?

See the deep philosophical issues that people don't get to appreciate if they are not members of this forum. ;)

damian:D

---

I go to Wantirna but you need to go in with the traders (costs extra).
Wantirna is 'treasure' as in higher prices, more regular stall holders etc.

Colin

Hi Damiane, I found myself in possession of a 2a last year. broken clutch so the gearbox needed to come out. being a bit of a mechanical enthusiast i had a good range of metric and imperial, but no whitworth - other than a couple of ex BHP 3in+ spanners..... so i bought these:

8 Piece Socket Set Whitworth/ BSF Thread, 1/2" Drive, Imperial Thread- Eurotech

10 Piece Socket Set Whitworth BSF Imperial Thread 3/8" - Eurotech

and

9 Piece Whitworth Combination Wrench/ Spanner Set- Imperial BSF Thread- Eurotech

they feel very good in the hand - lightweight and modern.....
i dont get the impression they are going to break anytime soon.

i dont use 1/2in unless i've already tried with 3/8, or dont have socket big enough. much more 'feel' and easier to manoeuvre in tight spots with 3/8.
i got the 1/2 set for the extra 3 sockets.
havent needed deep sockets yet
i would have to say though, spanners are a must!
i prob use them most.

another great place to pick up whitworth spanners is in any of the many antique shops that are popping up all over the place recently - well in the last 10 years or so.
i am close to newcastle and around this way there are plenty of them. they are commonly filled with lamps tables vases etc - old furniture and a lot of decorative stuff.
i used to get dragged into them.
that was until i realised most of them had a corner tucked away akin to a man cave - now i dont grumble so much.
heaps of curios and old-school tools - lots of carpentry tools, saws, rabbit traps and the sorts. also usually some old tool boxes - quite often filled with old hand tools.
more than once i found old nsw/vic railway tool boxes with 'much loved' mix-matched whitworth spanners. geodore (spell?) brand i come across a bit but most usually good qual stuff and still very much functional.
most i ever paid is $5 a piece - mainly double open ended.
but thats less than 1/2 the price of the set above - but i like matchy-matchy also, so.....

if i get time this coming weekend, i'll stick my head in a couple of shops that are pretty close by and see whats there.

any excuse i suppose.....

stay tuned

Thanks snafubar (love the combo army moniker). I managed to pick up some whitworth stuff- mix of sockets and spanners - off the gumtree from a former landy owner last week. My brother has kindly collected for me as both he and seller live in Gippsland fringes, so it's sight unseen so far (except for the usual crappy photos on gumtree) but I thought, "It's a start", plus I got a new new garage creeper in very good nick for $20.

All I need now is "him/her" to operate on. Things are advancing on that front. Vehicle I have in mind is going in to experienced mechanic possibly later this week to see what's needed for RWC. Fingers crossed. Could be soon a proud father of a new 43 year old late Series IIa SWB.

Then I will have a real problem. Naming "her/him"!!!!!! No seriously. This is an important step in bonding. It's like naming a new-born. I might even hold a competition on here. Have to publish photos first of course so everyone can say "she (he) looks like a . . . . . . to me."

I think he will have to be a she. My first and second landies were "les femmes". I just don't see landies as butch, like say a Unimog is butch. I see them as sensitive creatures that need to be treated with respect. Do that and they will follow you anywhere. Strewth that sounds sexist. I better be careful. :)