Yeah, its got a new performance engine, runs really nicely too. I have just finished the second coat on the nosecone, brake drums covers, air filter assembly, hubcaps, drawbar, seat and radiator so i hope to be able to build it up over the weekend. Then there are the wings to repair and the bonnet hinge to fix, then they can be painted and go on. After that its mainly wiring, lights etc and finishing touches.
Oh yay, look, another seized bolt! Lets get a hammer.....and some kano.....and some cider!
That's looking really good, Nick!
One suggestion. Before you put the paint gun away, you may want to straighten your steering drag link, unless its bent like that to clear a loader frame or something.
Yeah i did think that, apparantly it was bent for some implement which was fixed to the side rails so i was going to leave it, i did try and knock the joints out, but they wouldnt budge. Could you straighten it in place?
Oh yay, look, another seized bolt! Lets get a hammer.....and some kano.....and some cider!
You could straighten it in place with some heat, but it would be hard to get it perfectly straight. Your best bet would be to take it off and use a press. Can you rent or borrow a tie rod puller to take it off?
Keep posting pics. Your Major is going to look really good when its done.
Nick, she is looking good!
I usably knock the draglink joints apart with two big sledge hammers, holding one against the side of the knuckle, and then smack the opposite side of the knuckle, after a few good whacks the tapered shaft will pop right out, you can actually hear a different tone when it pops loose. Or you can simply back off the adjusting nuts in the end of the rod and leave the ball/shaft in the knuckle. The rod is just a hollow tube and can be bent in a press quite easily, I use soft wood blocks to let then conform somewhat to the shape of the rod rather than leaving it full of dents and flat spots.
The paint is from agriline, and seems very good quality for the price of it! Ive now assembled it and got it running again, there are a few small places which ive missed, but i think once everything is back on it, i.e wings bonnet etc i will touch it up then. I think i may have another bash at getting that drag tube off, i have a 20 ton press here so it will be easy to do providing i can get the bloody thing off. I will also take a few more pictures and post them later
Oh, also, i want to check the dynamo is operational before i paint it, how do i go about that? Ive got it connected negative earth, so i would need to polarise it i guess? How do you do it?
Oh yay, look, another seized bolt! Lets get a hammer.....and some kano.....and some cider!
Google Lucas Fault Diagnosis Service Manual. It's a PDF that covers the dynamo, regulator and other Lucas systems.
In the first instance start the engine, switch on lights, place volt meter across battery terminals. Voltage should rise as engine revs rise [with or without lights on -- but lights on will give a better indication of good dynamo output.]
put the dynamo on the bench. put a positive on both terminals on the dynamo than connect an earth. it should set away like a motor. if it does this it should be ok.
Ive been hard at work today, im now at the point where i have to repair the wings and bonnet. They are both original, the wings are a bit rusty in the usual places so is not too bad to repair them, but the bonnet is more tricky. The bonnet panels themselves have no rust or dents anywhere, but the hinge has rotted quite badly. Can you buy the hinge assembly, or am i going to have to do something else?
Oh yay, look, another seized bolt! Lets get a hammer.....and some kano.....and some cider!
To ensure correct polarity connect the dynamo body to your battery earth terminal. Then with a wire connected to the live terminal of the batt. stroke the other end of it against the dynamo positive connector 3 times. It will spark, but that's normal.
im just curious is the lever on the front of the rocker cover a de-compressor?? ive seen about them in the book but never actaully seen one in the flesh
I have used two litres of grey primer (including wheels). I havent done the bonnet or wings yet either. I have used about 1.5 litres of blue, and 0.5 litres of orange so far, but i havent finished the wheels properly either.
I reckon from start to complete finish i will use 3 litres of grey, two of blue and nearly one of orange. Also I have used 4 litres of thinners so far, but that includes cleaning the pot and gun. Hope that helps
Oh yay, look, another seized bolt! Lets get a hammer.....and some kano.....and some cider!
Yeah im very pleased with it considering Ive never done any spraying before! I used a cheap 50ltr compressor which came with free air tools for £150! It managed it very well!
My only advice to any other people who are thinking of doing this and are novices like me, is make sure there is plenty of light, because ive missed a couple places which i couldnt see properly in the workshop.
Its not an issue really because ive got a few other things to paint so i can touch it in, but i could imagine it would be very depressing if you think youve finished and then find bits youve missed
Oh yay, look, another seized bolt! Lets get a hammer.....and some kano.....and some cider!