06-03-2021, 10:19 AM
Another Peak District run out in another "back on the road" car yesterday. I got this little special at the same time as the blue boat tail from the same person as a "job lot" with the intention of getting them both into useable condition and then keeping whichever suited me most. This one needed a bit more work as it came with an engine in bits and missing pistons, and no wiring. I had the block bored +40 thou and fitted new pistons and rewired it for 12V as it came with a 12V Dynamator (alternator dressed as a Dynamo) and electronic distributor and a fancy modern 12V geared starter motor. It's a 1930 chassis (I think it started life as a van) but has a later engine and 4 speed gearbox.
Its a bit more civilised than the 3 speed Boattail as the gearbox is a bit quieter and the engine has rubber mounts and the suspension feels a bit firmer, but I think the 3 speed is more fun for some reason. This one's also got indicators and brake lights which probably help in traffic.
It still needs a little work to the throttle linkage, but overall it seems to run really well and the partly rebuilt engine is very quiet much to my relief as I'd never put an A7 engine back together before.
It's a tight little cockpit an I'm not sure gear changing would be possible with a passenger !