What did you do today?

[R_D_Olivaw]

Thanks Tony.

I have been tempted to paint the fence after my success last year with the drive; however, time has not been on my side and I've probably missed the opportunity to do that this year. In addition I've noticed, that the drive appears to be reverting back to its old colour, so maybe my painting isn't as good as I thought.

I've yet to work out if I want to drive 273 miles to Darlington in a car that's almost as old as me. Driving in the rain doesn't seem like a good idea and driving on a really hot day doesn't seem like a good idea either, but it would be an adventure, especially if I got there and back without breaking down. I even know someone that would do it with me, based on the fact that he once helped me drive from Cardiff to Bratislava (Slovakia), non-stop in 22 hours.

I would love to take my car to Ric Wood's to get the engine looked at. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with it, but I know he's a wizard with the Essex engine and perhaps he could get the smell to disappear. Having said that a new exhaust, which is on the shopping list, might also help in that department.

Once I've had time to do some sanding and polishing I'll post some pictures.

[Tony Hayward]

Ian

Don't be a softie!!!! I drove mine to Yeovil (371 miles), Stansted House (355 miles) and others, for GOC annuals.

Make sure you have recovery available!!

You need new wipers, mine are good for 120+ mph; I did change them for offset rod operated with Fiesta arms
and 18" blades though, but thats another story.

Regards
Tony

PS Will let you in due course what Ric Wood can do for my engine, but I expect the bill will be in 5 figures,I know the gearbox will cost £2000.

[R_D_Olivaw]

Hi Tony,

At five figures, that's a scary number. I assume it's going to be a major overhaul with a lot more horse power.

I'll be interested to know how it goes and whether you're happy with the results.

My friend is up for the trip, so as things currently stand "Darlington here I come", and yes I have recovery.

[Tony Hayward]

Ian

It appears that someone thinks you may need some more Pandora charms to help you on your way!!!!

Let me now how things are (with the charms).

Regards

Tony

[burgundyben]

Removed the dynamo, started to fit an alternator.

[burgundyben]

Finished fitting the alternator and the electronic ignition, now charging at 14 volts.

Timing still needs setting, waiting for newly painted mark on the pulley to dry! Can't be far out as running beautifully.

[burgundyben]

Ready to test drive!

[burgundyben]

Fitted a pair of static lap belts to the front while the ignition switch fell to bits.

Am I the only person fiddling about with a Gilbern?

[Dan]

Fitted a pair of static lap belts to the front while the ignition switch fell to bits.

Am I the only person fiddling about with a Gilbern?

Sounds like you are cracking on.

I havent done any work on mine but have actually used mine to go to a few breakfast meets which has been nice.

My winter project is to fix my heater which is currently dissconected but that will be in the new year due to work commitments.

Dan

[burgundyben]

A replacement ignition switch finally arrived, it took about ten mins to fit and all seems to be working ok.

The wipers seemed to have survived my 4 year old grabbing hold of them!!

Hopefully, if it ever stops raining, some test drives ahead.

Then I will have to sort out the coolant leak and the gearbox oil leak....

[Ian-Genie]

Today I finally finished completely dismantling my 1968 Genie. It’s now just a shell (still on the chassis), and there are a dozen or so plastic crates full of parts. Absolutely everything needs refurbishing. I visited the ever-helpful Phil Ivimey last week who’s given me some guidance on separating body from chassis (I have the articles that have been published in Rarebit of course, but there’s nothing like seeing the job in person). So I’ll be attacking the fibreglass in the New Year.

[Blackpool Plastic]

Yesterday I watched " Carry on Behind " on TV ( one of the Carry On series of films from the Sixties and Seventies ). In the closing scene, as caravanners leave the site, in the background behind the reception office, there is a gold coloured car with a black roof that looks very much like an Invader Mk 2.

Did anyone, not distracted by Elke Sommer, notice it ?

Happy New Year everybody !

Mike

[cminvader2]

Body removal,
Seeing the post from Ian-Genie, on the 24th, wishing you all the best, and any help I can offer please ask. Have removed the complete body from a Mark 2 and re-fitted it, just this year, was beginning to think I was the only person mad enough to do it. If you have any questions please ask.
Regards
Colin

[Ian-Genie]

Thanks Colin, that’s very good of you. I may need to ask some questions once I get stuck in. Did you take photos of your removal process?

[cminvader2]

Ian,
Yes I have some photos, can share with you. Did try to put a couple on the reply, but kept telling me the file size was too big. Sure I've put some photos on before, but don't remember having such a problem, will talk to my son, he's far better at IT than me. Basically I cut most of the interior bodywork out, and left the outer shell complete, except the cills, which I cut off along a line behind the lower stainless trim strip. The inside floor is made of a number of sections which are riveted to the chassis, and then all the joints are glassed over afterwards. A lot of the aluminium rivets had corroded, so I replaced them on the rebuild with stainless, you need a very good rivet gun (lot of leverage) and 4.5/5.0 mm stainless pop rivets really go with a bang!
Cheers
Colin