The car has been stood for the best part of 40 years, although it was started and driven to the end of the road and back around 10 years ago, so shouldn't have any major problems. The last real journey it made was back from an MOT in 1974, so I'm hoping that would point to no major wear on suspension, brake linkages, etc, etc.
It needs a set of tyres and tubes, which I was going to try the club spares section for. I assume they stock these, as I saw an ad for innner tubes in the Jowetteer. As mentioned before, it has had a later 1934 engine and 4 speed box fitted and the whole system has been converted to 12v electrics too. We now know from the change of engine number on the log book this was done in 1951. An additional battery box has been fitted on the near side running board, but it seems sensible to go with a single 12 volt battery, especially as the battery cables don't look too clever. Given the length of time it has stood, the plan is to take off and check/overhaul the starter, dynamo, distributor, voltage regulator and carb, as I'm keen to get it as usable and reliable as possible. It obviously need hoses, HT leads, fuel lines and anything else that looks perished.
I have a few initial questions I'd be very grateful with some expert help with:
The fuel tank is under the bonnet and I understand the later models had it more conventionally at the rear of the car. This later engine has a fuel pump, which I was planning to refurbish with a rebuild kit. However, it seems strange to have a pump on a system which would presumably work quite happily as gravity feed. Would the original engine have had a pump??
At some stage while it's been off the road, someone started filling and rubbing down the front wings. As can be seen on the pictures on the other thread, these now need finishing and painting. I'd like to do this properly with the appropriate paint, but I'm not sure what would have been used originally? Does anyone have any recommendations for paint and methods?
My only real concern with the engine itself (which will be treated with the utmost care and respect before starting it again!) is the front and rear main oil seals. I'm assuming these are felt?? If so, I've rebuilt enough old engine to guess their condition
The manual and Service Spec from the club say Castrol XL for engine oil, but I was confused to see "Duckhams 20-50" listed as an alternative. I was assuming it needs straight SAE30? Do people use SAE40 for the summer, or is this an over complication?
Any other tips, warnings and advice will be very much appreciated!
Barry
