His & Hers’ -Diary of a Renovation

Part 2

see part 1

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Well, here we are, 6 months into our renovation and the promise that the engine would be running by Christmas was indeed fulfilled.

Christmas, as you know, is a time of celebration, a time to be with family and friends, so, in keeping with tradition, we had a houseful over the festive period. 10 for lunch on Christmas day, 11 on New Years day and varying numbers, though never less than 7 between times. And where was Mike for 90% of his waking hours each and every day of his two weeks off? In the garage of course, working on the Vitesse!

To give him his due, the engine was running as promised but it was touch and go. I was a little concerned when asked to , “Just hold that screwdriver on the points.” to the ‘jerry rigged’ fuel pump linked to a petrol can with a bit of hose pipe, and sparks flying. I lost my bet, on Boxing Day, and surprisingly, once it was running it sounded pretty good.

Since then, a few more bits have come off, but amazingly, quite a few have gone back on. It does, once more resemble an engine, and a very clean one at that. Not quite sure what the nail varnish remover was for, but hey, what do I know!

Since the new year progress has been slow, work (the 9-5 ish sort) has impacted heavily, as has the fact that it’s freezing in the garage of course. I have chosen a colour for when we finally get round to sorting the bodywork out. A stylish, very dark blue metallic paint made for BMW. Not quite original, but pale blue just isn’t my colour.

Apparently the plan now is to get the rest of the engine back in, get the bonnet back on (currently suspend above Mike’s Chimaera) and take it for an M.O.T. Then, bodge the rest to get it back on the road. The tarty bits (holes in the bodywork and paint etc) are to be done when it’s roadworthy.

I have to say, I’m looking forward to going topless (car wise of course) in the summer, as we did miss it last year. (Wind burn, sun burn and blisters.) Five into 2 seats just doesn’t go. Hopefully, by the next edition in early July we will be announcing our attendance at Kimbolton.

Lesley

So promise kept then! I do have to acknowledge considerable input from Andy and Colin - both in motivation and doing tasks.

A few minor problems were encountered - the original fuel pump seemed to provide the necessary go, but the metal sheared at the outlet (40 year old soft metal alloy). Also the brand new rotor arm, from a well known OE supplier, decided that it was better in two parts rather than the whole - full points (excuse the pun) to the local motor factors - a new rotor arm sourced and in stock by 5pm the same day.

The one that had us scratching our heads for a bit (well most of one day) was when the engine wouldn’t fire no matter what we did - only when we went back to basics and started again did we discover the timing was 180o out. Sorted that and then the battery gave up - an overnight charge and then the engine started and seems to be in rude health.

Onwards with the bulkhead, brakes and clutch!

Mike