Day: 16 January 2020

GTM Libra k-series 143 VVC kit car was interesting to work on yesterday morning. Great to meet Jim who had asked us to carry out cambelt service.

Really good to see how another vehicle manufacturer has different approaches to mounting the engine. The whole rear of the car is formed into a triangular box section using the engine itself to make up part of the frame.

We also noticed that they used MGF front hubs in the rear. It has great little features such as a rear clam shell with an engine window and a removable roof panel that can be stored behind the seats.

The whole car only weighs just over 800 kg.

Desborough was our first call this morning and great to see Marcus again for full cambelt service on his TF135. We were due to go in March but Lorraine asked if we come a bit earlier as the alternator had completely seized, snapping the alternator belt. Fortunately, no further damage done! New alternator fitted. Had a bit of soaking, was a tad chilly but at least everything behaved itself and we soon got thawed out in the trusty steed en route to the next call.

From there we went back to Roger’s MGF in Northampton to change the heater matrix that had sprung a leak. System bled and back up and running nicely again.

We received a phone call first thing this morning regarding the Rover 45 that we had done the head gasket on a couple of days ago, saying that the car was misfiring. So, for our own peace of mind we tagged it on to the end of the days work so ‘popped’ down to Amersham, where it had been driven to work. After code reading and listening to it misfiring, the customer admitted it was no where near as bad as it had been. We narrowed it down to coil pack number 1. It is quite common with coil packs when they go when warm, they tend to run a lot more rough than on cold starting. As a precaution, we also changed the full set of plugs, together with replacement coil pack. Instantly ran a lot smoother. Bit of a longer day than anticipated but that’s what we do!

Bit of a late start also due to massive hold up on the M1 this morning. Had a wave and a hello from Mick Welch whilst stuck though, great to have a chat at the services, look forward to seeing you at Blythe services for the run down to FRL 😀

Great to receive a visitor at ‘Norris Garage’ this morning and lovely to meet Peter. He had recently bought a TF135 and wanted us to carry out a health check and discuss any issues that needed addressing if any.

Couple of bits needing doing and date booked in to get everything done and make the car sound.

You’ve got a good one there Peter. Sorry we were late! Hope you had a good topless run back to Leeds.

A few more bits completed on the steppy we have in, not too much more to do now and then all complete ready for return to its owner.

Absolutely brilliant service from Steve and Taryn at Black Sheep Customs. What great neighbours to have at the workshop. Their attention to detail and hard work really shows. Can highly recommend them.

Thank you, to you both for putting the finishing and much needed touches to the TF. ‘Madam’ looks stunning!

New decals arrived today! Bit of a modification to them, which looks great. Sorry to everyone that we didn’t have them on stock for, if you could send me a message I will get them posted out to you. Still waiting for the Chrome ones.