A couple of real pea souper mornings on our way up to the north east, which made for late starts so far this week…
Monday was spent working on a Rover 218 VVC coupe ‘Tom Cat’.
The car hadn’t turned a wheel for 12 years, but nevertheless was still a runner. We carried out head gasket replacement and a cambelt service, plus replaced all filters, spark plugs and alternator belt. We removed the thermostat as it was hanging lose anyway, good job as it was well gunked up with rust. The car had evidently been topped up with just water in its past life due to this and the state of the water pump. A bit more work to be done, but a very good save of this fab car, complete with low mileage and really good body work.
Our first call of the day today was in Bishop Auckland, where it was lovely to meet Tom and his MGF 143 (in CAQ) that he had recently bought. The slave cylinder needed replacing and the hydragas pumping up.
All done there we then continued on to Durham, to meet Luke for check ups on his two cars.
Of which, one is an MGF Mk 1 mpi (in COF) that was still in good original condition, apart from the roof that had been replaced prior to his ownership.
And a 1.4 ZR in Ignition Blue, that was also in great condition.
Great to meet Luke and have a chat, as there wasn’t a great deal of history on either of them when he bought both of them from Mathewson’s a year apart from each other. Date to be arranged for next year to get a couple of essential service items carried out on them.
We had an enjoyable day on Sunday, Ruth and Mark came over from Belper to collect ‘Destiny’ her fab TF 135. Great to see them as always. Big thanks to Ruth for more potted plants, grown by her own fair hand, to continue to brighten up the front of the workshop. (Forgot to get a pic, will feature in future posts). Pleased to hear they had a good run back, with a few subtle pops along the way!
Adrian drove up from Leigh on Sea, and called in on his way, to a run in North Yorkshire, for a few things to be sorted on the very well travelled ‘Pearl’ his TF 160.
Great to see Adrian and have a catch-up. Thanks so much to him for the selection of teas and tin of biscuits, always very welcome! – https://ift.tt/fFBsX0p
