1930 ROLLS-ROYCE 20/25

Ready for a test run

We are finally nearing completion of the work on this old lady.  She is out for a test drive today in the sun.
We are now just waiting for the return of the wooden rear window surround which was broken up and rotten so a new one is being made by a wood specialist.  In the meantime a new driver's window glass top section is also being made since the one on the car was incorrectly shaped leaving a gap of varying sizes at the top.

1935 3 1/2 Litre Derby Bentley

 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

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

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

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

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

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