Milford Vintage Engineering Ltd

1935 3 1/2 Litre Derby Bentley

2012-02-24T13:28:00.000Z

During investigation of the cooling problems this car was experiencing, we removed the side plates to inspect the waterways and the visible areas appeared free. Using our bore-scope we were able to see further into the hidden areas where it became apparent that there was a great deal of corrosion and debris blocking the water circulation around the push rod side of the cylinder block.
This has all been cleaned out and new copper tubes inserted. Raymond is now lapping in the valves before putting the engine back together.

Side plate removed from block showing some corrosion although
water was still able to circulate (small gap visible on left).
Main corrosion found on opposite side of block out of sight

Corrosion visible in the cylinder head

Cylinder head and block with new copper tubes inserted

Cylinder block

Raymond laps in the valves

1930 ROLLS-ROYCE 20/25

2012-02-24T12:01:00.000Z

We are in the final stages of the roof restoration on the 20/25. Graeme and Ian have been busy fitting the smoker's hatch to the top of the roof and have now finished fitting the brass pin bead and guttering. Graeme has now masked off the brass pin bead to paint it black.

Brass pin bead visible around the bottom and side of the roof
with the new guttering coming down to meet it

New guttering going on

Rear of car masked off to paint the brass pin bead in black

1973 MGB GT

2012-02-10T15:55:00.000Z

Raymond is working on this MGB GT at the moment. It is having the front suspension and the rear brakes overhauled. Yesterday the sub-frame was shot-blasted to remove the surface corrosion and allow us to check its overall condition and today Roy has been busy painting it ready for fitting up next week when the new parts arrive.

Front suspension removed from the car with corrosion
easily visible

Front suspension stripped down awaiting
work

Front sub-frame re-painted following shot-blasting

1939 AUSTIN BIG SEVEN

2012-02-10T15:34:00.000Z

One of our regular customers has just bought an Austin Big Seven. He limped it up to the workshop last week and Ian has now cleaned out the fuel system and put a new bottom in the rusty fuel tank. We are currently overhauling the brakes which were in an advanced state of wear. Once this is completed we will be servicing the car and treating the underside and cavities with Dinitrol wax protection.

Interior of petrol tank showing extensive corrosion

1930 ROLLS-ROYCE 20/25

2012-01-20T14:13:00.000Z

Although generally a mechanical workshop, this week has felt more like a joinery. With work progressing on the Alvis, we have also been making a replacement running board for the 20/25. This is now complete and Graeme has started fitting it this morning. He has also been busy overhauling the back brakes and he is about to get the brake cutter out to cut the new shoes back to true so that there are no high spots which means better brake efficiency right from the start.

Original running board

Old

New

Painting new running board

New board in place with new rubber and original treads

ALVIS SPEED 20 SB

2012-01-20T13:39:00.000Z

We are continuing with the ash-frame restoration on the Alvis. We had hoped not to have to remove the rear body skin, but on closer inspection the frame was found to be so bad that we felt it was the only way to be sure of getting rid of all the decaying wood/woodworm. We have braced what is left of the frame so that reconstruction can take place.

Front scuttle with new timbers in place

N/S rear corner

O/S rear body - note NO fixings so no structure

Previous 'repairs' to O/S rear C-post

O/S rear main structure showing advanced rot

Close up of O/S rear main structure (as above)

Work in progress - note extra braces to
support the body

ALVIS SPEED 20SB

2012-01-12T10:44:00.001Z

We are back after our Christmas break and now really stuck into the ash frame restoration work on the 1934 Alvis Speed 20 SB.

Ian and Roy have finished taking the doors, front wings, running boards and skins off the car and assessed the true condition of the ash frame which is extremely poor. Thankfully the owners have not been involved in an accident since there wasn't a great deal of structure left.

Reproduction of the frame sections has started as you will see from the photos below

Doors and front wings stripped
getting ready to remove front scuttle

Previous repair attempt just hanging in mid-air
and not attached to anything

Bulkhead/firewall frame in extremely poor condition

N/S A-post
Previous repair attempts with no structure

Fire damage uncovered caused by welding work on the scuttle skin
and woodworm activity clearly visible

Old (Right) and new windscreen bottom rail

Trial fitting new sections

1934 ALVIS SPEED 20 SB

2011-12-21T14:13:00.000Z

We are in the process of carrying out repairs to the ash frame on an Alvis Speed 20SB and have just chosen and collected the lenghts of ash before Ian starts work on reproducing parts of the frame.

Some of the ash ready for cutting and shaping

ROLLS-ROYCE 20/25 TRIALS CAR FOR SALE

2011-12-16T12:43:00.000Z

One of our customers has asked us if we know of anyone looking for a Rolls-Royce 20/25. We do not buy or sell cars ourselves, but have said we can put her information on our blog. We give no warranty as to the condition or suitability of the car for any potential buyer, but will be able to pass details on to our customer if you are interested.

FOR SALE 1935 Rolls Royce 20/25 TRIALS CAR

Chassis Number GSF-3

Sunshine Saloon/ Long Wheel Base

Barker Body

A very original car with Coachwork by Barker.

Engine Overhaul 1971 (61,000 miles on clock) .

Total Body Bare Mental Re-spray 2000.

Fifth owner.

Owned for 15 years by RREC Scottish Section Member

All invoices of work carried out. Over £25,000 spent

Fifth owner since new.

One of the first cars with a Sunroof and Dipped Headlights.

Barker’s publicised her new body shape in December 1935.

Rolls Royce Motor Car Bulletin of December 1935 and documented in Bird’s and Hallows.

RREC Rallies (Central Southern, North East Section, Oxford Section, Scottish Section, Yorkshire Section and some Euros).

First Point of Contact: ianmilford@vintage-engineering.co.uk

ROLLS-ROYCE 20/25

2011-12-07T12:57:00.001Z

Ian and Graeme running cables

The work on the front brakes of the1930 Rolls-Royce 20/25 is now complete and the front axle king pins and bearings have been replaced. The one-shot system has been overhauled and we have just finished replacing the clutch. The re-wire is underway and the gearbox will be refitted once the wiring conduits are back in position. When the wiring is completed we will move on to the back brakes and refitting the front wings.

CLUTCH OVERHAUL PHOTOS

Clutch pressure plate complete with old lining

Pressure plate stripped down

Clutch cover with fingers removed

Clutch fingers and pivots ready for overhaul

New linings on pressure plates

Pressure springs and other components ready for build up

Clutch cover with fingers in position

Pressure plate assembled ready for refitting

Clutch into position on flywheel

Snowed under

2011-12-02T11:10:00.000Z

The blog may have been quiet for a few weeks, but here in the workshop we've been snowed under, although not literally quite yet as the first few flakes have settled in the last couple of days.

The mouse nest is just visible on the left and

the wires it has exposed are on the right

The guys have been keeping busy with various different vehicles including removing a mouse nest from an MGB GT and repairing the wiring loom it's resident decided to eat!

The nest in all its glory!

We also finished a few minor jobs on the 1964 Porsche 356C in time for its owner to drive it down to the Scottish Austin Seven AGM in New Lanark where it was much admired before being driven home to the North of Scotland.

World's Smallest v12 Engine

2011-12-02T10:46:00.001Z

Time to branch out? Here's a video link sent by one of our customers with a V12 E-type

World's Smallest v12 Engine Break.com

PORSCHE 356

2011-10-28T15:03:00.000+01:00

This car was recently acquired by one of our clients and is having a few minor jobs carried out. We are currently awaiting delivery of the final few parts including the repaired seat frame and will then check the items off our list.

JAGUAR SS100

2011-10-28T14:46:00.000+01:00

The rewire is now well under way and should be finished next week. We then have one or two other minor tasks to carry out before it can return home to its owner.

A BRACE OF JAGUAR E-TYPES

2011-10-28T14:41:00.000+01:00

The two Jaguar E-types we were working on late last year/early this year are both back in for a return visit.

The V12 commemorative one (black) is having an end of season service and MOT work including changing the steering rack which has developed a leak over this season.

The blue 4.2 series 2 is having an SU carburettor conversion together with a higher ratio diff to improve performance.

ROLLS-ROYCE 20/25

2011-10-28T14:29:00.000+01:00

Work continues on the recommissioning of this 20/25. The work on the front cross-member is now completed (see photos below) and the front axle repairs are now well underway. All parts have now been over-hauled ready to assemble. The next job is to fit and ream the brake shaft bushes before the king pins, etc, are built up

Heavily corroded front cross-member

Original front cross-member (rear) with newly
fabricated replacement near completion (front)

Original chassis fillets at rear with new replacement parts
in foreground

The Scotsman

2011-10-25T14:06:00.000+01:00

Look out for The Scotsman on Friday 28th October which has dealer profile all about us in the motoring section

WORKSHOP VIEW

2011-10-24T15:22:00.000+01:00

Time seems to have flown by as we have been busy at various shows and events.

Congratulations to Raymond, Graeme and Roy who managed our entry at Scone's Farming of Yesteryear and won Best Trade Stand. We have a lovely shield for the year as a reminder.

The workshop is busier than ever at the moment with a good variety of work ranging from repairs to an ash frame on an Alvis Speed 20 SB, major recommissioning work on a Rolls-Royce 20/25, rewiring a Jaguar SS100 and services to a brace of E-type Jaguars which featured in earlier posts.

Tomorrow we have the Scotsman Newspaper coming up to take photographs and interview us for a feature in a forthcoming motoring section so look out for more information.

MORE PRIZE WINNERS

2011-09-02T10:11:00.000+01:00

CONGRATULATIONS to two more of our clients on their recent prizes

1902 Arrol-Johnston
Recent cup winner for best car in show

1969 Jaguar E-type
Second prize at the Mearns Show

We regularly carry out servicing and small jobs on the Arrol-Johnston, and the E-type was a fairly large restoration project earlier this year. More pictures can be found on our website http://www.vintage-engineering.co.uk/ and earlier posts on this blog.

WO BENTLEY

2011-09-01T16:01:00.000+01:00

One of Ian's favourites is back in the workshop for a little attention. This is a 1923 WO Bentley which has remained in the same family for a very long time. She was at Le Mans with the Ecurie du Lapin Blanc and still has the invitation to the 1938 prize-giving pasted to the inside of her door. She is in for us to have a look at her steering and have some new tyres fitted.

Soon to undergo some work on the steering

In her wartime role

AUSTIN HEALEY 3000

2011-08-29T14:49:00.000+01:00

Our long term project of the Austin Healey 3000 BJ8 has been collected today by its owners and is off on a tour of the UK before being shipped to their home in Australia. The car arrived in a very sorry state albeit bearing a brand new MOT! We have carried out a full restoration including engine rebuild, bodywork and re-spray, new trim, re-chroming, etc. and its owner was thrilled when he came to pick the car up this morning. We are sorry to see it go, but with the chilly summer weather here in Scotland we are sure Australia is more appealing.

Bidding the Healey a fond farewell

Parcel tape was holding some parts
together!

Corrosion clearly visible

Part way through the restoration

Nearing the end with the new trim
being fitted

Work even has to be carried out on
new parts - the replacement hood
was 6" too wide at the back and 2"
too wide at the front so needed
alterations to fit correctly

The finished car ready for collection

Rolls-Royce Radiators

2011-08-24T14:13:00.000+01:00

I have just been watching a fascinating video about the fabrication of Rolls-Royce radiators.

Austin Healey 3000 Test drive

2011-08-22T15:31:00.000+01:00

Ian has been out over the last few days putting some miles on the Austin Healey so that it can undergo a 500 mile service before being collected at the end of the week and sent off to its new home in Australia.

Friday saw him (with Raymond) across to Killin and back via Loch Tay, Aberfeldy and Pitlochry and then it was up into Aberdeenshire and Speyside on Saturday. The car is performing well and currently having one or two minor adjustments so that it is ready for the weekend.

AUSTIN HEALEY 3000

2011-08-09T17:56:00.000+01:00

The Austin Healey is now nearing completion. This has been a huge project following its purchase on Ebay. The trim is being fitted as I type and the last mechanical parts are being fitted before its MOT test next week. We will then need to run it in and carry out its 500 mile service prior to collection at the end of the month. Following a tour of the UK by the car's owners, it will be heading for its new home in Australia.

Trim being fitted up

WORKSHOP UPDATE

2011-08-09T17:45:00.000+01:00

We are now all back from our various holidays and on the go again.

The work on the WILLYS JEEP is now finished and it is off for MOT on Thursday - the first time it has been on the road for 13 years

The BENTLEY S3 CONTINENTAL is also just about finished and, again, has an MOT on Thursday.

The VAUXHALL 30-98 is back with us due to engine problems. These appear to have been caused by poor repairs at some time in the past. Following investigation, including compression and leak down tests, we have found that there is a crack in the cylinder block between the bore and the valve on No 3 cylinder. There is a small clip of one of the tests being carried out below:

Our own BULLNOSE MORRIS engine rebuild is finished and the clutch and gearbox have been fitted prior to putting it all back in the car. Hopefully the sunshine will continue and we can get some outings before rain stops play!

We have also had a number of smaller jobs on the go including changing the alternator on a VW Beetle for some passing German tourists, the red Derby Bentley has been in for a quick service before heading off for a continental tour and Ian had a wee bit of work on an Austin 7 too.

ROY ON STAGE

2011-08-05T15:39:00.000+01:00

Come along and see our very own Roy on stage in The King and I

Tickets available on the night or in advance from Roy at MVE

CONGRATULATIONS, AGAIN

2011-07-12T16:33:00.000+01:00

Since our post yesterday congratulating the Rolls-Royce 25/30 on her prize, we have today heard from the owner of the red Derby Bentley 3 1/2 litre that she, too, has been winning prizes. He emailed to say "Currently running very well and won a ‘concours d’elegance’ last month" - Congratulations!

The car will be back with us next month for an oil change before heading off on a 4,000 mile continental trip.

CONGRATULATIONS

2011-07-11T15:26:00.000+01:00

Congratulations to the Rolls-Royce 25/30 that we look after. It won the Touring Class at the recent Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts' Club National Rally held recently at Rockingham Castle

Other workshop news

2011-06-30T15:22:00.000+01:00

Newly cored radiator

Willys Jeep

The radiator is back from having a new core fitted. The other new parts have now arrived, so we will be back onto the project shortly.

20hp part way through fitting
new king pins and bushes

Rolls Royce 20hp

The king pin and bushes are currently being replaced on Lavinia's N/S front axle

Newly fabricated top water plate visible
under copper pipes in centre of picture

1902 Arrol-Johnston

We have now finished fabricating a replacement top water plate and this can be seen in place on the photo. Once the oil feed tank and cooling pipes are all back in position and tightened up we can test the car before returning it to its owner.

1920 Vauxhall 30-98

2011-06-30T14:34:00.000+01:00

Work continues on the Vauxhall 30-98. The front springs and axle are back on the car and Ian is currently rebuilding the water pump.

Front axle back in position

Bentley S3 Continental

2011-06-30T14:17:00.000+01:00

Bentley S3 Continental

We have an S3 Bentley in the workshop for a service to include work on the brakes. The brake shoes are currently being re-lined, the brake servo has been refaced and the master cylinder has been overhauled.

Scottish Transport Extravaganza

2011-06-29T14:36:00.000+01:00

Come and see us at the Scottish Transport Extravaganza on 9th and 10th July at Glamis Castle in Angus.

We look forward to meeting you and will have a photographic display of our work, together with one or two cars

JAGUAR E-TYPE

2011-06-29T14:32:00.000+01:00

The Jaguar E-type that came to us as a part project with a number of boxes has left our workshops today looking and sounding fantastic!

Ready to go with a new MOT

A reminder of how the car arrived with us
(together with loads of boxes of parts)

You can see the car at the Scottish Transport Extravaganza at Glamis Castle on 9th and 10th July

JAGUAR ENTHUSIASTS' CLUB SCOTTISH DAY

2011-06-23T14:17:00.000+01:00

26/06/2011

Sarah and Ian will be attending the Jaguar Enthusiasts' Club Scottish Day at The Scottish Antiques Centre near Doune FK16 6HG with a display of recent work on Jaguars.

For more information on the event please contact Terry McDougall on terrymcdougall@hotmail.co.uk

JAGUAR E-TYPE

2011-06-17T16:12:00.000+01:00

The E-type is nearing completion and should be MOTd this coming week following which it will be thoroughly cleaned and polished for collection.

Ian connects up the cigar lighter

Most of the trim is now in place (but not yet vacuumed!)

Original seats are back in the car

View of the under-bonnet with rebuilt engine

1902 ARROL-JOHNSTON DOGCART

2011-06-17T15:46:00.001+01:00

1902 Arrol-Johnston Dogcart

The Arrol-Johnston has come in for a visit prior to an event in a few weeks' time. Ian went up to service her and discovered that the top water jacket plate had developed a number of cracks and was no longer serviceable.

Arrol-Johnston engine with plate
clearly visible below copper tubes

This is a cast aluminium plate and, unfortunately, would not weld. Due to the time constraints on us, Ian has fabricated a replacement from sheet aluminium by cutting and milling the individual parts prior to welding them together and final machining.

Original plate on left and outer rim
section of new plate on right

Centre section of new plate recessed

into outer section

Ian cuts small sections of aluminium

Close up cutting aluminium

Replacement plate prior to welding

LAVINIA PAYS A VISIT (ROLLS-ROYCE 20hp)

2011-06-10T14:18:00.000+01:00

Rear brake shoes contaminate with
oil from the back axle

Following her earlier visit to us with fuel problems, Lavinia (1927 Rolls-Royce 20hp) has just been back to have her brakes overhauled, steering poundages set and all lubrication checked before her journey south to the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts' Club Annual Rally at Rockingham Castle next weekend.

Rear brake and hub parts
ready for cleaning

The rear brakes were heavily contaminated with oil so had to be re-lined. Following re-fitting we used our specialist brake cutter to ensure that the shoes would have maximum contact with the drums when applied.

Our specialist brake cutting tool ensures that, when applied,
the brake shoes have maximum contact with the drum in all
positions without having any high spots

On checking her fluid levels, we found several that were low, including the steering box and the gearbox from which we drained less than an eggcup of oil.

On inspection, the steering box had
virtually no oil present

She was collected yesterday for her drive to an overnight stop near Carlisle and will make her way gracefully down over the next week.

1942 WILLYS JEEP

2011-06-10T13:08:00.001+01:00

We have been asked to bring this jeep back to being road-worthy and MOTd. Generally, it is in a pretty good condition, however the brakes and suspension need some work as well as sorting out a leaky radiator.

Parts are fairly easy to come by so wheel cylinders, brake linings, etc have all been ordered up. The radiator is going away to a specialist we use, as are the springs which need a couple of new leaves and then re-tempering.

Estimating work required

Broken brake lining

Front hub stripped

Engine bay

Engine bay following removal of

radiator

JAGUAR E-TYPE

2011-06-10T12:40:00.000+01:00

The E-type is nearing completion now with the trim going in. We hope to have her MOTd next week and back to our customer.

Sound deadening and carpets going in
(it will have a good vacuum before delivery)

Door trims starting to be fitted

Bertie goes home

2011-06-02T15:03:00.000+01:00

Bertie goes home

Ian has left to drive Bertie, the Rolls-Royce 20hp, back to his home in the West. Ian will then return with a Bentley S3 for some work on the brakes

Jaguar E-type

2011-05-27T15:10:00.000+01:00

The E-type is now back from the paint shop looking great.
We are currently preparing it for its MOT test which includes work on the rear brakes as the handbrake is currently inoperative, and replacing the front torsion bars which had lost their tension and therefore collapsed.

Thirlestane Castle Historic Motoring Extravaganza

2011-05-27T14:49:00.001+01:00

We have our first show of the year on Sunday, 5th June at Thirlestane Castle, Lauder. Pop in and see what we've been up to recently and have a chat with Ian and Raymond

ROLLS-ROYCE 20hp

2011-05-20T13:39:00.000+01:00

We have just received a lovely letter from the owner of this 20hp. He bought the car a wee while ago and has endured many months of motoring in which he has had to stop every 10 miles to deal with fuel starvation and the engine cutting out. He came to visit our workshop with a friend and booked the car in for a day's work. On examination Ian found lots of small problems including debris in the carburettor, HT coil incorrectly fitted causing HT sparks to jump the points, burnt out contact breaker points, and a poor condenser.

With all of these items attended to our customer writes "I enclose a cheque for the excellent work you have done to my car. I am delighted of course after 9 months of interupted driving. I took the car out the other day... for a fairly long run and it went extremely well"

Ian works on the fuel system of this 1927 Rolls-Royce

Jaguar SS 100

2011-05-12T12:35:00.000+01:00

We have just completed stripping an SS100 engine which has a number of cracks in the cylinder block. These should be stitched by a specialist company before we carry out the rebuild.

TEAM MVE

2011-05-11T12:38:00.000+01:00

Katie sailing at the final qualifier in Pwllheli
(seen in the centre of the picture ahead of the other boats)

We are very proud to announce that Katie Milford has been successful in gaining a place on the British team for the Laser Radial Youth World Championships taking place in La Rochelle during July. Well done, Katie

JAGUAR E-TYPE Series 1

2011-04-20T14:07:00.001+01:00

The car has come in for a service and MOT work.
Graeme has been working on the rear sub-frame, overhauling the brakes and drive shafts. This is now complete and ready for fitting back onto the car. The sump was off for repair to damaged sump bung threads which has been completed.

Rear sub-frame stripped out

Rear sub-frame ready for refitting

Rust visible in hub bearing

Perished front suspension bushes

The front suspension joints are undergoing replacement and this has thrown up a quality control issue with the new spare parts which our suppliers are currently trying to rectify. The problem we highlighted has caused them to reject the new batch of these parts as well as the batch ours came from. Quality control of new parts continues to be a problem for some makes of older cars.

MORRIS 1000 VAN

2011-04-20T13:06:00.000+01:00

This van has recently had a re-spray and bodywork with one of our colleagues. We were then asked to give her a service and MOT as well as check the compressions since she was not running particularly well.
Upon checking the cause became clear since the valve guides on the 'refurbished' engine already in the van had not been fitted correctly meaning that the valves had been badly worn. New valves and guides were fitted and the head was skimmed before the re-assembly.

DERBY BENTLEY 4 1/2

2011-04-20T12:48:00.000+01:00

The rewire is virtually complete and the wings and running boards have been re-fitted so she is starting to look more like a car again. We are currently re-fitting the interior trim and are simply waiting for the return of one of the instruments from the engraver. Once this is back in the car she should be ready to leave us suitably shod in new rubber with refurbished wheels to boot.

Instrument panel awaiting final clock

A car once more!

Refurbished and repainted wheels with new Blockley tyres

LAGONDA 3 Litre

2011-04-20T12:37:00.000+01:00

The rewire is now complete and we are just awaiting the return of the dynamo from repair.

Engine bay and bulkhead following re-wire

In the meantime we have fabricated original-type shock absorber mounts and fitted them to the car.

ROLLS-ROYCE Phantom II

2011-04-20T12:30:00.000+01:00

Raymond and Roy are carrying out a "small" service on the Phantom II. This includes a couple of A4 sheets of points to check, lubricate, adjust and renew such as coolant, oils, one-shot system, etc. Regular servicing not only keeps the car in tip-top condition, but also alerts us of any potential problems, thus saving the owner both money and time.

Base to oil filter pick-up gauze
Cleaned and new gasket, ready to be refitted

LAGONDA 2 litre Continental

2011-04-20T12:20:00.000+01:00

The car is having its clutch and bushes replaced and being prepared for the season ahead.
Ian is busy making new parts where none are available.

Turning new parts on the lathe

Some of the new parts

ROLLS-ROYCE 20HP - "BERTIE"

2011-04-20T12:11:00.000+01:00

Refurbished clutch fingers

We have now received the clutch fingers back from refurbishment and are ready to re-fit the gearbox to "Bertie"

LAGONDA 3 LITRE

2011-03-18T15:14:00.001Z

We have noticed over the years how jobs seem to go in cycles - brakes, gearboxes, engine rebuilds, etc. At the moment it seems to be re-wiring.

Close up of cables

This 1929 Lagonda is here to have a full rewire. Ian has stripped out the old cables (which included PVC, bell wire and a number of burnt out cables) and is now running the new cotton braided replacements.

Starting to strip out old cables

New cables

The dynamo is being converted to a two brush type and a later cut-out can be seen on the firewall. This is our workshop one while we await delivery of the new part

JAGUAR E-TYPE

2011-03-18T14:52:00.000Z

Finishing touches inside engine bay

The engine and gearbox are all back in the car and we have been busy sorting out electrical faults. The owner has decided to have the paint work tidied up before it gets several coats of lacquer. Once the car comes back from the paint shop we will refit the trim (seats, carpets, etc) and then road test. If all is OK it will then be MOTd before going off in time for the 50th birthday celebrations

DERBY BENTLEY 3 1/2 LITRE

2011-03-18T14:43:00.000Z

Ready for collection

The 3 1/2 litre Derby Bentley is now ready for collection following some work to the back axle, a new exhaust system, full service and MOT. This car does a number of foreign trips so look out for her on the roads around Europe.

BENTLEY Mark VI

2011-03-18T11:04:00.000Z

Pre-season check

This car had a major service at the tail end of last year so she just needed a quick pre-season check this morning. This included tyre pressures, fluid levels and a repair to one of the rear lights. Fortunately, she is regularly maintained which means that any potential problems are picked up fairly quickly before they become a major issue.

ROLLS-ROYCE 20HP

2011-03-10T12:19:00.001Z

1st, 2nd and reverse gear visible

The gearbox rebuild is complete with the gears now correctly aligned.

3rd and top gear visible

The servo has been stripped since we found it was semi-seized with oil holes blocked due to paint. It has also had incorrect linings fitted at some stage. Once the new linings arrive it will rebuilt.

The next job is to fit the flywheel and clutch prior to re-fitting the gearbox

Gearbox from bell-housing end

Brake servo stripped

Rebuilt gearbox (from servo side)

ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER GHOST

2011-03-03T10:10:00.000Z

We have the trusty 1924 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost back in the workshop to have her newly refurbished dynamo refitted.

AUSTIN SEVEN WANTED

2011-03-03T09:30:00.000Z

We have been contacted by someone looking for a pre-1931 Austin Seven. He is looking for anything apart from a Nippy, sports model or a special. If you are thinking of selling, please get in touch and we'll forward details and leave all parties to their own negotiations.

Quick up-date

2011-02-25T11:28:00.000Z

Apologies for the lack of entries over the last week or so - Sarah has been off touring the country.
Work continues on the two Derby Bentleys as well as the Jaguar E-type and an MGB GT.
More information will follow shortly on the individual projects.

JAGUAR E-TYPE 1969

2011-02-11T15:39:00.000Z

The cylinder head has returned from the machine shop and has been re-assembled. The valve clearances are all set and the head has been re-fitted to the block. Graeme is currently fitting the inlet and exhaust manifolds.

Having originally been in the USA, the car has an elaborate emission control system fitted. This is now being removed and the manifold modified to suit.

Cylinder head before machining

Cylinder head on return from machine shop

Cylinder head (side view showing new studs fitted)

Head in position prior to setting cam timing

Derby Bentley 4 1/4 Re-wire

2011-02-11T15:14:00.001Z

Wiring diagrams with control box as the work progresses

The re-wire is well under way.

All cables are cut and routed. The electrical fittings are now being put back into place and connected up.

New cables on bulkhead

New cables pushed through bulkhead
on interior of car

Cables routed and ready
for conduiting

First part of conduit in place

Cables all neatly hidden away in conduiting

Derby Bentley 3 1/2

2011-02-01T14:32:00.000Z

We have a second Derby Bentley in the workshop at the moment for a major service, modifications to the floor for easy access to the dipstick and gearbox filler and work on the diff.

Sludge in the centre of the diff

Wear on the brake shafts
(these have now been metal sprayed and machined
back to the correct size)

Diff parts ready for rebuild showing the new bearings
fitted into their housing

Diff ready to take bearing housing

JAGUAR E-TYPE

2011-02-01T13:07:00.002Z

The engine rebuild on the E-type is now well under way. The bottom end is complete and back into position along with the gearbox. The top end is currently being worked on and should be in position later this week.

Damaged bores showing wear ridge

Evidence of leaks from the core plugs

Rust visible in the cylinder head

Rust on the timing gears

Re-bored block with new core plugs fitted

Bottom end complete and ready for re-fitting

Derby Bentley 4 1/4 chassis refurbishment

2011-02-01T12:11:00.000Z

Front section of chassis exposed

While it is with us this Derby
Bentley is having a tidy-up. The chassis has been rubbed down to remove all the corrosion.

Chassis rubbed down with
corrosion removed

Holes visible in chassis

Patch welded into position

A very small hole to the side of the running board outrigger was exposed. On removing the outrigger a further couple of holes were discovered. The corrosion was, therefore, cut out and a new section welded into place.

Following this the whole chassis has been painted in rust inhibiting primer before having a top coat of gloss black

Chassis painted in rust inhibiting primer

Chassis now repainted in black

Derby Bentley 4 1/4

2011-01-21T15:54:00.000Z

This Derby Bentley is in the workshop to have the steering box refurbished and has now been stripped out ready for its rewire.

A view of the old cables after the conduits were taken off -
note that the rubber has melted and is appearing through the cotton braiding

Rear of dash showing poor condition of cables to be replaced

Front firewall all steam cleaned and ready
to be further cleaned up using wire wool

Front cockpit area stripped out for re-wire

The chassis has been steam cleaned ready to be rubbed down and have a coat of paint after which the new cables will be run.

Dash on removal from car
(with rear axle from 3 1/2 litre Derby Bentley in the background)

The dash is also being repaired and tidied up while it is here.

Dash now stripped, sanded and painted in primer

On removing the carpets and trim we discovered that the rear footwells had advanced corrosion and have been asked to carry out the necessary repairs.

ROLLS-ROYCE 20 HP

2011-01-17T14:35:00.000Z

Ian is currently in the middle of stripping the gearbox from a Rolls-Royce 20 HP. The car's owner had noticed a slight stickiness in disengaging with the change lever. Ian tested the car on arrival and agreed that changing out of first and also out of second when under high load situations is unacceptably ‘jerky’ when compared with the change between third and top and warrants further investigation. It could well be a mis-alignment due to bearing and bush wear but will only become apparent upon stripping down the gearbox.

Parts are thoroughly degreased prior to inspection

1969 JAGUAR E-TYPE

2011-01-13T14:59:00.000Z

Car on arrival at MVE with boxes of parts

visible in background

This car came in to us partly stripped with lots of boxes. We have been asked to build it back up and re-commission it.

We started it up to assess the engine and found that there were leaks from the core plugs. The head gasket was also leaking due to the cylinder head studs not having been screwed in properly. On further investigation the cylinder head was found to be very poor and the bottom end of the engine had 0.007” wear on the bores (although someone had fitted new pistons).

This is now undergoing a re-bore and will have over-sized pistons fitted as well as repairing threads in the cylinder block ready for new studs. We have sourced a second-hand replacement cylinder head which is due to us in the next couple of days. It will then be fully inspected and any necessary work carried out prior to rebuilding the engine.

Gearbox

Gearbox ready for stripping
(rust visible on gears and selector hubs)

Whilst the engine was out we inspected the gearbox to find that it was full of corrosion and the bearings were no longer serviceable. New bearings were ordered, the shafts and gears bead-blasted, washed and inspected and the casings cleaned before fitting new synchro rings.

During strip-down

On close inspection debris is visible

Building up the gears on the shaft

Gearbox in the final stages of rebuild

The gearbox is now re-assembled ready for refitting

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2011-01-10T12:56:00.000Z

We are now back to work following the welcome Christmas Break and wish you all a very Happy New Year.

Although the weather may not make you think of the summer ahead, please do not forget to book in early for pre-season servicing since we have quite a full workshop at the moment and would not like anyone to be disappointed.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T08:50:00.000Z

We would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with many hours' fun in our beloved cars.