Classic Alfa Forums

Getting excited. New sud parts coming via Air mail. . (And It’s a big bit)

Jumbo gets new Gearbox.
So After another generally successful run of 50+ miles the Austin Finally gets A new gearbox and (Spigot bearing)
The old box had always been a bit noisy and the sychnromesh were Very tired. We’d got hold of a gold seal unit for the midget But as the A30 now uses the same 1275 midget box we’re putting it in Jumbo instead. (Well the Midge won’t need it for 2 yrs) whilst it’s out I’m replacing the spigot bush in the crank as it felt a little worn

Remember me saying about the “oh no worries it’s a good one !!” gold seal box we bought for the Midget. Well it was just as bad as the one we took out !!! So as I’ve got 3 1275 boxes and a 1098 minor box I decided to take care. Of it myself and I’ve just finished rebuilding a 1275 box . I needed to fit a new 1st motion shaft and replace all bearings and seals along with an upgraded front cover with a lip seal to hopefully stop the drip. I’ve now refitted that box today and just waiting for some bits for the Carbs. Then hopefully the Austin will be good for a bit of summer use.
Ive also been doing a bit in the midget with new panels now being welded in so it looks less crappy
(But it’s still a midget)
Lou

As the saying goes Lou, if you want a job doing well you'd best do it yourself.
At least you now know it's a good 'un

I know it’s not a car but it’s a car related project !! Big extension to the “Empire of Dirt” underway . Hopefully the extra room will help create more actual room to work .

I hope your flat garage roof is less porous than mine.

Seems that EPDM flat roofs have replaced the traditional felt and bitumen.

..........and also GRP flat roof systems.

Not sure about relative cost of EPDM and GRP though?

Hi Dave
Yeah we’re considering a Rubber roof covering. The old existing roof doesn’t leak but it’s sensible to recover the entire garage when the new bit is done. Eventually the existing wall will be removed to make an open plan area. We reckon that with a little clever placement we should be able to get 5/6 cars in for the winter months

EDPM ??

No, EPDM!
Synthetic rubber.

New roof finished. Next job is the side Windows and pedestrian door. Currently waiting for prices for a new electric roller on the new bit. Once it s all secure the old wall (now an internal) can come down to create one big open plan space.

Have you sold the A30?
Should be room for me to store a car there?

What do you need to store Dave. we’ve not sold anything the 33 and Austin are already in the new bit I’m hoping to get approx 7 in for winter when it’s all done but 5 should still give comfortable working room.

Only joking Lou.
I can't see A30, Midget etc on your list of cars?

Garage is looking great.

Garage extension is all done now. With new door fitted. I’ve taken the wall down between the old and new areas so I’ve just got one big area. I need to have a big move round this week so I can see just how many I can get in I’m hoping for 7 but the Porsche and spiders are quite big cars so may only manage 6. The main aim is to get the road spider inside over winter. Next job is to have the whole place rewired. It’s a nightmare !!!

Got another new toy.
I’ve always wanted a little lathe. Classic Myford ML7

Nice bit of kit there Lou, I would love to be able to use one of them.
My Dad was an engineer and when I was a kid he used to take me into work on a Saturday (probably to give my Mum a break) and I used to love all the equipment they had there, didn't know what they did but just liked the environment.
You will be looking for a milling machine next
Garage looks great.

Hi Keith. I’m actually going to get a vertical slide. This allows milling on a small scale.

A thing of beauty, I'd love one too. As Kieth though, I don't really know what I'd do with one, but would love to have one..
One day when I get the unit ship shape I ought to get one, a proper well built old school one like that rather than a modern one that would fall apart in a few months.

This is a Myford ML7. The serial number puts it at 1971. It’s not a huge machine but should be big enough for the sort of little jobs I want to do on it. You can get bigger ones big they usually need a forklift to move around.
I will be adding a vertical slide which will allow small scale milling.

I'm turning green with envy!

More new toys for the playroom It’s just a little ten tonner for things like bushes and bearings

Neat press there, easy enough to stash out of the way rather than a bulky free standing one, handy thing to have

Hi Kev. Yeah it’s listed as a bench top press. It makes bush installation a doddle. Some bushes can still be a little fiddly it all depends how much oversized the bushes are. Sometimes it helps to turn a small lead on the bush to get it started. I have the proper press tool for the sud top engine mount bush so that went in a piece of cake. I’m looking to make a press tool for the suds front suspension arm bushes.
Buying this kit may look extravagant but logic is that if I keep it in decent condition i can sell it all in a couple of years

In recent months I’ve made quite a bit of progress on the Midget. Here just a few pics along the way. So far it’s had new inner and outer sills , both floors , footbox fronts and sides , complete inner wings , A posts , both doors , rear spring hangers , inner and outer rear bulkhead, Still a way from being finished and a few of the seams still need to be dressed before seam sealer. Today I also removed the complete boot floor. I’m hoping to get all the welding and fab work finished in the next month then it’s bodywork and paint time. We’ve also actually decided to paint it ourselves. But i need to pick uncle Kev’s brains.

It would be great if kev could give us a paint tutorial