29-12-2020, 09:46 AM
A few years ago I decided to give my garage doors a coat of creosote. I duly finished the first pair of doors and then realised that the container of creosote contained not creosote but old Austin 7 engine oil, destined for the next garden bonfire. After a few months the garage doors had been exposed to plenty of sunshine and the old oil had soaked in completely. I have not had any problems with rot or timber infestation!
Before you ask whether I put creosote in the Austin 7, the answer is no. My father once topped up my mother's Renault 4 with engine oil, then realised it was linseed oil he used for French polishing. Like most incidents of this type, my Mother didn't find out, but my father often wondered whether the cylinder bores would have a superb polished finish.
My Mother isn't mechanically minded, she referred to the steering wheel as the 'handle bars', the sunroof was the 'lid', and she would say that she had put some parafin in it when it needed refueling. I can't remember what she called the dashboard gear change but the handbrake, an umbrella like handle under the dashboard was known as 'Arkwright's Till' as if you touched it it would fly off with a violent bang similar to the shop till in 'Open All Hours'.
Before you ask whether I put creosote in the Austin 7, the answer is no. My father once topped up my mother's Renault 4 with engine oil, then realised it was linseed oil he used for French polishing. Like most incidents of this type, my Mother didn't find out, but my father often wondered whether the cylinder bores would have a superb polished finish.
My Mother isn't mechanically minded, she referred to the steering wheel as the 'handle bars', the sunroof was the 'lid', and she would say that she had put some parafin in it when it needed refueling. I can't remember what she called the dashboard gear change but the handbrake, an umbrella like handle under the dashboard was known as 'Arkwright's Till' as if you touched it it would fly off with a violent bang similar to the shop till in 'Open All Hours'.