Sunday 23 April 'Drive it Day'.

[KenR]

Having owned my 1953 Jowett Javelin for less than three months, during which time I have given it a service and safety check, adjusted the brakes, replaced the dynamo, fitted a battery cut-off switch and replaced some dodgy wiring, the time had come to actually drive the thing.....up until now, I hadn't travelled more than 10 miles in it!
Sunday 23 April - 'Drive it Day' seemed like the ideal opportunity and as my 1971 MGB was currently languishing in the workshop awaiting yet more attention to the engine, the Jowett was pressed into service on the Glasgow MG Owners Club outing to Loch Fyne and the back roads of Argyle. So it was that at 10.30am I duly joined a convoy of 12 MG's, heading for the Gourock to Dunoon ferry, then onwards over some wonderfully scenic B roads, in places single track, to a welcome lunch at the Cairndow Stagecoach Inn on the shores of Loch Fyne - returning by a different, but equally scenic route. In all, it made a round trip of some 125 miles, during which the Jowett performed faultlessly, keeping pace with the MG roadsters and GT's on the winding and sometimes hilly roads (despite the disadvantage of cross-ply tyres!). Having done a mere 420 miles in the previous nine years, I think it appreciated the opportunity to 'stretch its legs'....
I have to say that I was impressed by the Javelin's handling, turn of speed and overall levels of comfort, as were the fellow MGOC members.
Sorry to say, we didn't pass many other classic cars on this 'Drive it Day' - although I did get an enthusiastic wave from a 1960's Porsche driver - perhaps recognising a fellow 'flat-four' enthusiast? Well, maybe not....
Haven't worked out how to add a photo to this post, but I've added some to my personal gallery, for anyone interested to view

[Forumadmin]

Glad to see the Javelin performed well. Put radials on and you will be even more impressed with the handling. And if you take some time to get the ride height, camber, track and steering ball height correct it will perform even better.

Ken, you have posted some good pictures in the Gallery TOPIC here

[KenR]

- thanks for posting the Gallery link. I'm having trouble with a couple of photos which looked OK in the thumbnail, but needed rotating in the larger view....and are somewhat distorted - possibly a problem with scaling? Couldn't work out how to correct that.

Have read a few posts about radial tyres but still not clear if these can be fitted to the standard rims.....also noted your helpful comments about ride height, camber etc.. I have also noticed that the majority of the rubber suspension bushes are well past their best, so perhaps this would be a worthwhile winter task? Is polybushing an option?

Ken Ross

[Forumadmin]

Try searching on radial here. Some people have experienced issues with rubbing of the rear tyres due to wider profile. Check you have even clearance between wing and tyre. If not the panhard rod or bottom link spacer needs sorting.

I have all three Jowetts on radials, although the rally car has widened rims.