A date for your dairy.
This should be a great night and definitely not to be missed. Come along and have a great time and support a worthy cause while enjoying yourself.
To book your place, contact Peter@PeterEbdon.com or barrie.hope1@btinternet.com
21 February 2010
A small group of half a dozen cars set off from Yarm Station heading for Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle.
This hardy group of members of the Tees valley MG Owners Club saw a fluttering of snow as they set off but it soon turned worse.
This was the state of play on the approach to Richmond so we stopped there and decided to go our seperate ways.
Pam & I decided to chance it and headed for Bowes. Despite the worsening road conditions we made it with only a couple of opposite lock moments at low speed.
After a good look round the Museum, a cuppa and slice of cake, we set off for home, expecting a longer than normal journey. The Gods must have been pleased with us as the roads were clear and we had a good run home.
20February 2010
Today saw a group of MGCC Tyne Tees Centre members gather outside a typical modern unit on an average industrial estate. Inside, though, this was no ordinary unit, it was home to Heritage Classics.
Inside was a droolmaking selection of wonderful cars and superb workmanship. John and his team really work their magic to bring tired classic cars back to life.
7 february 2010
On Friday I received what I think is one of the most useful accessories for the MGB.
This neat device attaches to the headrest stalk and keeps your seatbelt where you can get to it instead of having to scrabble around behind the seat for it. Suitable for both the GT and roadster with the single post headrests, this really does work and has my wife's seal of approval and that isn't easy to get. It's made from moulded plastic and has the MG crest on the front and rear.
As all it does is guide the belt, it doesn't affect the safety or operation of the belt in any way. We gave it a good test today with a run from Stokesley to Helmesley, which anybody aware of the road will know is a twisty road with some steep climbs and descents. Even with some spirited driving the belt stayed in place over our shoulders and we both felt comfortable with it.
We met some friends in Helmesley and showed them the holders. They were impressed too and wanted to know where we got them.
They came from a US enthusiast who makes some neat accessories for MGs and some other cars. Website is www.clarkandclarkinc.com
If the parts aren't on the website yet, drop them an email and Robert will be only too pleased to help.
I have no affilliation to this company. I'm just a very satisfied customer.
24 January 2010
Before the snow arrived I had the misfortune to have an oil cooler feed leak and empty the sump. The leak was caused by the line from the back of the block sagging down and resting on the steering column joint. It must have been like that for some time and it finally wore through. Luckily I noticed the lack of oil pressure and switched off before any damage was done.
As the car lives outside and the snow came fixing it was going to have to wait.
The snow has finally gone and the BGT is back on the road. Oil leak fixed, fuel leak fixed, sailed through the MOT.
Here is a short clip of the climb up Carlton Bank.
24 December 2009
25 November 2009
A few little teething troubles with the B but gradually getting them sorted.
A short run in the dark one evening resulted in sparks from under the dashboard and one glowing red wire, great for keeping my right knee warm but not good for the electrical system. Investigation revealed a flick switch with uninsulated terminals just tucked up behind the dash which had shorted out and moving it out under the dash killed the heat. I don't know what the switch was for but the power feed was scotchlocked to the dipped beam wire and the short was severe enough to burn the contacts on the dipswitch. A replacement switch has arrived and will be fitted soon.Thankfully all the smoke didn't escape from the system and there was enough left to get home.
The engine was still smoking badly so it had to be sorted sooner rather than later. The royal decree was 'off with its head' and investigation started. It's years since I did any serious work on an engine but it soon came back to me. Everything loosened off well and didn't take long at all. Actually getting the head off took about half an hour. I've never come across one so tight on the studs. I thought it was welded on. Eventually, after much persuasion with a copper hammer, it gave up and decided to cooperate.
I was expecting to see the worst in the bores but they were in fine condition, so good in fact that I doubted that the problem lay there.
The head wasn't too bad either, with minimal play in the valve guides, so after discussion with a mechanic friend, it was decided to replace the head and see what happens.
The head went back on much easier than it came off. With some trepidation I fired it up again. The trepidation was justified as there was just as much smoke as before.
After much head scratching and subsequent removal of splinters from fingernails, we decided to alter the breathers. The system was a breather pipe from the front tappet chest cover which split with a Y piece, one side going to the manifold at the front carburettor and one to the rear. To maintain manifold vacuum, I split the Y piece from the breather pipe from the tappet chest and blocked the end with a bit of Blu Tack.
Eureka!!! Success!!. No smoke at all. The temporary Blu Tack was removed and a permanent solution set up by linking the two manifold ports to maintain vacuum and leaving the other end open to atmosphere.
Now, smoke free, all that was left to do was a good tune up and the B runs very well indeed.
What an interesting weekend!
Had a trip down to Leicester to look at an MGB GT. A deal was struck and I'd like to introduce you to The Bruise
The Bruise is a 1971 B GT, in very solid condition underneath but a bit scruffy on the top.
It had a surprise though. When I inspected it it ran well, steered straight and braked just fine.
On our way back to the hotel we got stuck in heavy traffic, and after waiting quite some time at one set of traffic lights, when I accellerated away, it started to misfire and blew clouds of blue smoke behind it. The misfire eventually cleared and we got back to the hotel.
On the Sunday morning we set off for home in pouring rain and it soon became apparent that The Bruise wasn't going to make it withiout some help as it couldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding. I didn't have any tools with me so I called the RAC. After a wait of about an hour and a half, the RAC turned up. Cleaning the plugs got things running better, but not perfectly.
We had a pretty good run back, maintaining 65-70 mph wherever possible even with the engine running a little rough. I was pleasantly surprised just how stable the car was in some severe crosswinds.
Another surprise was about 20 miles from home. I had kept my eye on the fuel guage and as we joined the A19, there was a quarter of a tank showing. Great! we'll make it home without a stop.
Wrong!!!. Cough cough, splutter, splutter and stop.
Luckily, the old girl was behind me in the Audi so it was only a minor inconvenience.
Now the car is home. it's time to start investigating the rough running.
5 July 2009
I finally fitted the new water pump yesterday and the TA is now watertight again, at least in the engine department.
Today proved that the rest of it isn't so watertight. We went for a drive to Saltburn, setting off in bright warm sunshine. It clouded over as we arrived in Saltburn but didn't start to rain until after we had a walk down the pier and an icecream. It wasn't heavy rain so we donned our waterproofs and set off for home.
This was the climb up from the sea front.
There were some roadworks with traffic lights at the top of the bank and despite the old girl getting her brolly up, we were well & truly soaked.
The joys of hood down motoring in the British summer
22 June 2009
Yesterday was the 39th Beamish Reliability Trial, and what a great day it was. We had a start time of 09.09 so we had to be up at daft o clock to be there in time to get signed in.
It started off as a cool day with promise of warmth to come and the promise was upheld and we were very warm at some stages.
The first away were at 8.30 so some had left before we got to the start and some had not yet arrived hence the few cars in these pictures.
It's always a joy to do this run when it's fine, not only because it's more comfortable for us but the fine weather brings out the watchers and their waves and shouts of encouragement really make the day.
The TA perfomed well all day and had no trouble at all on any of the hills. This is a short clip of the ascent of the Stang, a long observed climb.
We arrived at Bainbridge for lunch and it was so busy you couldn't see the cars for people.
There was one that snuck in on the quiet.
After a good lunch break with loads of chat with other drivers and friends who turned up to see us we set off again for the homeward run. The warm day started to turn a bit cooler towards the end of the day but it was still a very good run.
Back at the finish there were few cars about as some had already left to go home and quite a few still had to finish.
I'm not sure if we are upmarket here or if the Roller is just slumming it.
As usual the organisation of this event was flawless and a big thanks to all the organisers, marshalls, observers and those who asked all the awkward questions!
It's a bit difficult to take a picture of my own car in action while I'm drving so if anybody reading this has any pictures of entry 44 in action on the run, I'd really appreciate a copy for this site. I'll give full credit of course.
20 June 2009
The TA passed its MOT hooray! Just an advisory about a rear wheel bearing which will have to be changed fairly soon.
The downside of the week is that the new water pump hasn't arrived so tomorrow we'll be travelling hopefully and carrying plenty of water.
It will be a long day. The Beamish run is about 150 miles and we are about 45 miles from the start, so it will be around 240 miles in the day.
The car is as ready as it can be now, all fuelled up, oiled up and just has to be loaded up with food for the day and a couple of folding chairs.
I'll have the camera with me so hopefully there will be some good pictures and video later.
15 June 2009
The definitive guide to tools and their uses
Belt
Sander:
An electric sanding
tool commonly used to convert minor touch-up jobs into major refinishing
jobs.
Craftsman 1/2 X
24-Inch Screwdriver:
A very large pry
bar that inexplicably has an accurately machined screwdriver tip on the end
opposite the handle.
Dremel
Tools:
A very useful tool
for modelers which allows them to make more mistakes much faster, thereby
turning $100 kits into spare parts, and completely justifying the purchase of
another $100 kit.
Drill
Press:
A tall upright
machine useful for suddenly snatching flat metal bar stock out of your hands so
that it smacks you in the chest and flings your drink across the room,
splattering it against that freshly-stained heirloom piece you were
drying.
Eight-Foot
Long Yellow Pine 2x4:
Used for levering
an automobile upward off of a trapped hydraulic jack
handle.
Electric
Hand Drill:
Normally used for
spinning pop rivets in their holes until you die of old
age.
Hacksaw:
It transforms human
energy into a crooked, unpredictable motion, and the more you attempt to
influence its course, the more dismal your future becomes.
Hammer:
Originally employed
as a weapon of war, the hammer nowadays is used as to locate the most expensive
parts adjacent to the object we are trying to hit. It is often used to
make gaping holes in walls when hanging pictures. Also used as replacement for
screwdriver.
Hose
Cutter:
A tool used to make
hoses too short.
Hydraulic
Floor Jack:
Used for lowering
an automobile to the ground after you have installed your new brake shoes,
trapping the jack handle firmly under the bumper.
Mechanic's
Knife:
Used to open and
slice through the contents of cardboard cartons delivered to your front door. It
works particularly well on contents such as seats, vinyl records, liquids in
plastic bottles, collector magazines, refund checks, and rubber or plastic
parts. Especially useful for slicing work clothes, but only while in
use.
Oxyacetylene
Torch:
Used almost
entirely for lighting various flammable objects in your shop on fire.
Also handy for
igniting the grease inside the wheel hub when you are trying to remove a bearing
race.
Phillips
Screwdriver:
Normally used to
stab the vacuum seals under lids and for opening old-style paper-and-tin oil
cans and splashing oil on your shirt; but can also be used, as the name implies,
to strip out Phillips screw heads.
Pliers:
Used to round off
bolt heads. Sometimes used in the creation of
blood-blisters.
Radial
Arm Saw:
A large stationary
power saw primarily used by most shops to scare novices into choosing another
line of work.
Skill
Saw:
A portable cutting
tool used to make studs too short.
Straight
Screwdriver:
A tool for opening
paint cans. Sometimes used to convert common slotted screws into
non-removable screws.
Table
Saw:
A large stationary
power tool commonly used to launch wood projectiles for testing wall
integrity.
Tweezers:
A tool for removing
wood splinters and wire wheel wires.
Two-Ton
Engine Hoist:
A tool for testing
the maximum tensile strength of everything you forgot to
disconnect.
Mole-Grips:
Generally used
after pliers to completely round off bolt heads. If nothing else is
available, they can also be used to transfer intense welding heat to the palm of
your hand.
Welding
Gloves:
Heavy-duty leather
gloves used to prolong the conduction of intense welding heat to the palm of
your hand.
Whitworth
Sockets:
Once used for
working on older British cars and motorcycles, they are now used mainly for
impersonating that 9/16 or1/2 inch socket you've been searching for the last 45
minutes.
Wire
Wheel:
It cleans paint off
bolts and then throws them somewhere under the workbench with the speed of
light.
Also removes
fingerprints and hard-earned guitar calluses from fingers in about the time it
takes you to say, "YEOWW!
14 June 2009
Hopefully the few hours tinkering on the TA yesterday will see it pass the upcoming MOT, and be somewhere near ready for the 2009 Beamish Reliability Trial on 21st.
Whilst tinkereing I found the source of the water loss, the water pump. A new one is ordered and will hopefully be here in time to be fitted before the 21st, or we will be doing the run with large supplies of water and loads of hope.
A rather interesting vehicle turned up in the yard recently.
It's a 1970s Wizard Van, based on a VW beetle floorpan and mechanicals. Much work is needed but it should be very interesting when finished as the owner plans to fit a 2 litre engine. It should go quite well, given the lightness of the fibreglass body.
What a Wonderful Weekend
It didn't look too promising on a wet Friday morning and it was a toss up which car we took on our weekend away. The Audi had the advantage of a working hood, but the TA had the great advantage of the fun factor.
The rain eased just after lunch and stopped by mid afternoon, so we decided to take the chance and take the TA. It turned out to be the right decision as it was a scorching weekend with only a light shower on Saturday night.
We stayed the weekend at The Old Vicarage run by Grant and Barbara Humphreys, who made us feel right at home. If you are ever looking for B&B in the Wensleydale area, you need look no further than here. We recommend it. As an added bonus for MG enthusiasts, Grant is the owner of a very smart TF and he knows all the good driving roads in the area.
The views from The Old Vicarage were stunning.
Saturday started bright and sunny, if a little cool, but it soon warmed up and it was a joy to be driving on fairly quiet country roads. We took some of Grant's advice and had a blast on some real 'T Type' roads with breathtaking scenery. We stopped off to do some of the touristy things, including a visit to the
Wensleydale Creamery, where much cheese was tasted.
After a brief return to The Vicarage for a freshen up, it was off out to find an evening meal. There are so many places in the area, and such a variety of menus, we were spoiled for choice.
After another hearty breakfast, we set off on Sunday for some more fun in the sun and had a great day including a visit to Castle Bolton, and Hardraw Force. Hardraw Force if the highest single fall in the Dales and has the added advantage that you have to go through the pub to get to it.
In the course of the day we visited the beautiful Semerwater, where the TA dipped its tyres for a cool down.
Up to now there was no sign of the elusive water leak. I think the leak seal in the radiator did the trick.
Monday morning saw us saying a sad goodbye to Wensleydale, as we set off to
Duncombe Park for the annual fair, where we met friends from the Tees Valley MG Owners Club. A scorching hot day, so hot that my head was burning and I had to buy a hat. Despite the heat it was a super day, with some good chat and plenty to see in the field. Our grateful thanks to Roger for organising the day for us.
All in all a very good weekend, only spoilt slighty by the return of the mystery misfire on our way to Duncombe Park. The TA ran superbly otherwise.
It's 'New Toy' day
This is my daughter's new toy
This is mine
No prizes for guessing who has the money then!
26 April 2009
The Cobweb Run was the first major run of 2009 for the MG Car Club Tyne Tees Centre and it couldn't have been a better day for it.
Thirty four cars of all ages met at The Ridley Arms, Stannington for a drive of some 85 miles through some of the most stunning scenery in the North East.
With Pam in the navigators seat, we had the dubious pleasure of being the first car away.We were flagged off at 10.15 by the sales manager for Silverlink Specialist Cars, who had a TF LE500 on display for us to see.
We set off, consoled by the fact that there were plenty behind us in case we had snags, but the old girl behaved herself all day, and the car ran pretty well too.
The first leg of the trip was about 35 miles (depending on how often you got lost) to
Otterburn Mill, where many stopped for refreshments.
Clouds had now started to replace the wall to wall blue skies, and it was a bit chilly when the sun disappeared but we didn't see any rain, even though some saw a few drops.
The second part of the journey took us some 50 miles to our destination at
Brockbushes Farm near Hexham where we had a dedicated parking area. Lots of tales about the run, and a cream tea, rounded off the day.
Somewhere along the way the TA had been shedding water, as the rusty water marks down the sides of the bonnet showed. I topped up the radiator before leaving for home and we did the 50 mile journey home with no problems. The source of the leak will be investigated in due course.
All in all it was a superb day and I'm sure Pam & I won't be the only ones very thankful to Lyn & Peter Ebdon (Sorry your name is second, Peter, but I know which side my bread's buttered) for their hard work in planning this run.
Thanks also go to all the helpers who carried out the vital roles of marshals and keepers of the signing on sheet, without whom this event wouldn't have run so smoothly.
29 March 2009It was a bright sunny morning but just a bit on the cold side, when we met at Yarm Station for a run with other members of the
MG Owners Club for a trip to the
Black Sheep Brewery in Masham.
We had a pleasnt run to Richmond where we had a short break for coffee and a leg stretch, before setting off for Masham. The run to Masham took us over the top of the Dales with stunning views. The cold wind didn't detract from our enjoyment though and we arrived suitably invigorated.
We took part in the very interesting tour of the Black Sheep Brewery and had a coffee afterwards before wending our way home again.
The TA performed well apart from a mystery misfire which would bring us to a halt. On restarting the car the misfire vanished and all was well until the next time. It happened about half a dozen times on the way home, but as long as we were making headway I wasn't about to start pulling things apart at the roadside so we kept going. It's on the list of things to sort out now.
A ReminderThe
MG Car Club Tyne Tees Center hold its first major run of the Year. The Cobweb Run takes place on 26 April and there are still a few places available so don't delay, enter today.
28 March 2009
Last night saw the first supper run for the Tyne Tees Centre of the MG Car Club. Starting off at the Durham Services on the A1M we had a pleasant ride of about 23 miles, ending up at The Moorings Hotel in Grange Villa where we all had a great meal and a jolly good time was had by all.
Thanks to Dennis for organising the run. Unfortunately because of the extremely cold weather we were unable to coax the TA out of the garage so we took my wife's car.
24 January 2009
Having sent off my application form for the MG Car Club Tyne Tees Centre Cobweb Run on 26th April, I decided it may be a good idea to have the TA running. It was out of action with a duff fuel pump and I'd bought another pump, but it wasn't a direct replacement for the existing SU pump and would need some work to fit it, mainly draining the petrol tank of about 6 gallons of fuel.
I had no suitable containers for this quantity of fuel, and there was no way it was going in my wife's car, so I had a change of plan.
Liberal applications of WD40 finally got my wallet open, and when I recovered from the shock of the price, I bought a direct replacement solid state SU pump from Moss.
It was waiting for me when I got home from work yesterday, and I fitted it this afternoon in about 15 minutes. After the customary two or three tries, the engine rumbled into life.
All I have to do now is have a quick run round with the grease gun, and change the oil in the rear brakes (well it is a TA).
26 October 2008
Today started out warm & sunny as we headed up the A19 to Ryhope to see the marvelous pumping engine in steam. What a superb piece of Victorian engineering and a joy to see it working. The team of dedicated volunteers have certainly done a great job. Unfortunately my camera doesn't do a very good job indoors so the pictures are unusable.
I did get a few outdoor pictures.
A great MGC belonging to Malcolm Beevis of Marske
26th
This Super MG TC belongs to Ian Tunnicliffe, who didn't have far to travel, being from Sunderland.
These magnificent machines were just in the gateway and were wonderful to see as we walked in.
This little baby was for sale, and I was very tempted but didn't dare ask the price.
There must have been well over 100 cars of all ages there, as well as craft stalls, model displays, and the very necessary food & drink.
It was well worth the visit, even though we were only there for a couple of hours we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and will keep an eye open for the next steaming. Hopefully we'll be able to go in the TA next time.
Crikey, doesn't time fly by. It doesn't seem like a month since I last updated this page.
I sorted the ignition problems on the TA and as it was a pleasant day today I decided to take a drive out and maybe get some video shots.
Typical of my luck, I'd just got everything ready to go and the fuel pump packed up. I'm now looking for a new pump, preferably the solid state version of the SU pump that's already fitted. The prices I've found up to now are the stuff heart attacks are made of.
16 July 2008 - Nick, I've tried to answer your question about the gearbox but the email addess you used won't accept my emails. Please can you let me have an alternate address to reply. Thanks
13 July 2008
Not a lot of news at the moment. My TA is immobile with ignition problems and I haven't had time to do anything with it, and with no events planned, it's been put on the back burner for now.
Sorting and clearing rubbish has been the main prority and in the process I've discovered a few more things which will be on the site as soon as I get chance. Things that I have identified are a TC steering column, a set of XPAG cam followers, and a couple of T Type outer door handles.
Summer? is here so if your car is on the road, enjoy it. If it's laid up you have plenty of light nights to skin your knuckles on it.
28 June 2008
The Fire Engine Rally
This annual event started a long time ago as the Teesside Airport Fire Engine Rally (hopefully somebody will tell me exactly when as my memory isn't too good these days) and since then it has grown from something mainly for Fire Service enthusiasts, to a super couple of days for all the family.
As well as fire engines of all types and ages, there are displays of cars of all ages, craft displays, model displays, arena activities, and rides of all types for the children. I'm sure I've missed something but I only had a couple of hours to spare and couldn't get round it all.
Unlike last year when it poured with rain and washed the event out, today was bright and sunny when we arrived about half past one, but breezy and a little chilly when the sun went in.
Everybody we saw seemed to be enjoying themselves, with plenty for all tastes and food for all tastes as well.
I only saw a few MGs.
This lovely and rare1967 MG1100 Mk1, owned by Alan Channing of Spennymoor has it's certified copy of its factory record showing that it was built 5-6 January 1967.
A very nice MGBGT, looking as good as they always did.
T230, an MGBGT, ex Sussex Constabulary, now extensively restored and equipped. It's looking good but I can't help thinking that the 'aerodynamic brick' on the roof must hamper the performance a little.
The MG TC on the right is another ex police car, now owned by Bill Tonks of Wingate.
I didn't feel the slightest bit guilty lighting up a cigar next to this.
An impressive line up. Given the cost of fuel theses days and the few miles per gallon these vehicles do, I was very pleased to see so many 'in attendance'. I don't know if the numbers are up or down on previous years, but this year is a good turn out.
A few more than three steps to heaven.
Inside the marquee I found some wonderful examples of model engineering by Keith Hay. It's good to see craftsmanship still survives.
Meanwhile, back in the arena, a display by the Young Firefighters. Young Firefighters is an initiative run by some fire stations, who take youngsters between the ages of 13 and 18 and give them training one night a week. They train to use all the equipment, from branches to cutting gear, in just the same way that firefighters do. I think it's a briiliant idea and it will hopefully raise awareness with the youth of today of the real value of the Fire Service. If it stops some from setting fires and stoning the crews who attend, then it can only be a good thing.
I really wish that I'd had time to see more, but what I saw was as good as ever and a credit to the organisers and those who attended with the displays of all types.
15 June 2008
The 38th Beamish Safety & Reliability Run
Our day started not too badly, with a bit of a late start from home meaning that we just had time to sign on and get a couple of pictures before our start time of 09.11.
Once we got away it was a superb run down to Bainbridge for the lunch break. The TA was on song and climbed the hills with no trouble at all. We did try to take some video on the way to Bainbridge but somebody forgot to check the batteries in the camera. I can't say who in case I incriminate myself. We were in the company of some superb machinery ranging from a BSA Bantam to a Rolls Royce. The weather was a bit of a mixed bag with cold rain one minute and bright sunshine and warmth the next. The hood never goes up on my TA so no prizes for guessing what made us happiest.
Once at Bainbridge I changed the batteries in the camera and managed a few shots whilst eating lunch and chatting to other entrants. There are also a lot of visitors who come to see the cars and ask loads of questions. All in all an entertaining break.
Having left Bainbridge in bright sunshine, which stayed with us all afternoon, we tackled the first of the observed afternoon climbs, Askrigg Bank.
The next was Silver Hill, which was done with ease.
Following Silver hill we had quite a distance before the next observed hill and it was on this leg of the journey that disaster struck. Most of the day we had been in amongst other cars but for some reason we were the only car on the road for a while. We were barrelling along merrily at our own pace when a misfire developed. There was about five miles to go to the next checkpoint so I decided to keep going and investigate there. Unfortunately that was not to be as the misfire became no fire and we ground to a halt. I had just started to investigate the problem when the first good samaritan stopped to help. With all that was going on I can't remember how many stopped to help but it must have been close to a dozen people who offered advice and parts. You know who you are so if you are reading this Thank You. Your willingness to help a total stranger and the support you offered does you credit and maintains my faith in human nature.
The problem turned out to be a failed rotor arm and many were offered but none was the right one.
Whilst I was on the phone to the RAC, the end of course marshall happened along, closely followed by the event sponsor, who happened to have the correct rotor arm. With the engine now running again, the RAC was cancelled and we were on our way. Sadly we were now so late that all the following checkpoints would have closed, and even if we went directly to the finish there would have been nobody there.
We accepted our fate as non finishers and made our way home. Despite the problems, it was a marvellous day and a big Thank You goes to George Jolley and his team of volunteers for all the work and planning that goes into such a great event, and all the work that actually goes into the day.
Our final Thank You goes to Ken of North East Motorcycles, Ivanhoe Terrace, Chester-le-Street, Durham, DH3 3JB, The sponsor of the event and the man who came up with the gold in the form of a rotor arm which fitted.
All in all a superb day in every way and I look forward to next year. I'll be carrying a spare rotor arm next year so if we do hit trouble you can guarantee it will be something different.
12 June 2008
My work on the brakes paid off and the TA passed its test with flying colours. Up to now this year, I've only driven it round the block to test the brakes and it was good to let the old girl stretch her legs on a longer run. Great to feel the wind in my hair too. We are all set for The Beamish now and just have to hope for some good weather.
8 June 2008
It's been a super weekend weatherwise, which is just as well as I had to get the brakes sorted on the TA. Towards the end of last summer they were terrible. The fronts needed bleeding every time I went out in it. I've had the front cylinders re-sleeved with stainlees steel inserts, fitted new rubbers, linings and flexy hoses and hopefully all will now be well.
Next weekend is a big event, The Beamish Reliability Trial, a 150 mile drive over the moors with some of the steepest climbs and descents in the area. Good brakes could be an advantage. Hopefully I'll have some pictures and maybe some video of the TA in action.
The car is as ready as it will ever be, I just have to have the MOT done next week. Fingers crossed that I haven't missed anything as there won't be much time to get it sorted.