1939 AUSTIN BIG 7

We have certainly been extremely busy here in the workshop.  

The Austin Big 7 engine and gearbox rebuild was completed back in January ready to return to the customer for fitting however he decided that he would like us to fit them (he had removed them himself).  Ian went down to collect the car itself and was also given a list of other jobs our customer wanted us to carry out.  These included a re-wire and a suspension overhaul.  Our customer had an event he planned to attend this weekend (25/26 May) and was looking forward to getting the car back.  However, when the work was completed and we were able to road test the car there was a horrendous howl from the back axle - diff problems!  We tried the usual suppliers for parts but were not able to source many.  Luckily our customer had a contact who "might just have a back axle around".  A few phone calls later and the friend was delighted to have an excuse to come and visit us (something he had been wanting to do, apparently).  Fortunately we then had enough parts to make up a good back axle which is now fitted back into the car and as quiet as a mouse.  

The car is ready for collection by a delighted customer who will also drop in on his way home after his trip for a 500 mile oil change (following the rebuild) and check over.

ENGINE REBUILD:

Engine and gearbox arrives at MVE

Engine stripped down

New and original components
cleaned and ready to rebuild

Rebuild almost complete

Engine back in the car

GEARBOX REBUILD:

Stripping the gearbox

Bellhousing view- before

Ready for cleaning up and inspection

Starting to build back up

Building back up

Remaining parts for refitting

REWIRE:

When starting to fit the loom we were puzzled as to why some of the cables appeared to be the wrong length.  Upon further investigation it became clear that some of the electrical parts had been fitted in the wrong place on this car.  Once they were re-positioned correctly the cables reached without any problem.

Ready to start stripping cables

We were also asked to use this
opportunity to clean up the bulkhead

Instrument panel about to be rewired

Almost there!

Ready to go

AUSTINS GALORE

How often have we remarked that our work seems to go in cycles - whether it be a whole host of gearbox or engine rebuilds, or just a number of the same marque of car.  At the moment we have a bit of both!

Firstly we seem to be over-run by pre-war Austins.  We currently have an Austin Heavy 12/4 from 1933 for a major restoration, as well as a big 18hp Austin Six from 1937 having the necessary to get it roadworthy and through an MOT.  We also have a couple of Austin Sevens on the go as well.  Add to that three Austin Healeys with gearbox problems (including one belonging to a German tourist) and you can see how strange the world of co-incidence is!

The big Austin Six with bench seats on both sides in the back.
The blue tarpaulin roof has now been removed and replaced
with black Everflex as per our instructions.  The engine has been
removed and stripped ready for machining.

Austin Heavy 12/4
Work is now well underway and lots of replacement parts have
been arriving.  The engine is stripped, the suspension is being
worked on at the moment



Austin 7
The picture shows the car on casters so that we can move it
in the workshop while the back axle is being worked on.
It has now had a new crown wheel and pinion and is off
for an MOT test today following various other jobs we have
undertaken




Austin Healey gearbox
Not too many steps from this.....





.....to this.
The gearbox has now been stripped and new parts ordered



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



WORKSHOP UPDATE

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.

AUSTIN SEVEN WANTED

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.