Thurs.11.05.06. It has been another hot day and again working outside has been a pleasure. The front suspension, engine, gearbox and anti-roll bar have all been removed. We left Slick’s at 6.00pm with only a few tough bolts to burn or chisel off to complete the slaughter of the chassis. The most disappointing discovery today was the condition of the engine. Water was swilling about in the first two and last push rod ports.
This would, ominously, indicate that the block had cracked which then in turn would necessitate a new engine.
The pistons were badly carbonised showing solid rusty deposits on the facing edge. Chris felt that the re-build of the engine in 1981 had been engineered by Bodget and Scarpa the notoriously bad mechanics of Wingates, Westhoughton. Gasket gue had been used very liberally and a curious mixture of nuts and bolts held the block to the cylinder head.
A pressure test on the block would give us some answers but there needs to be a great deal of serious thinking as to whether or not we should opt for a new engine. The gearbox seems to be okay but again this was re-built by the same ‘cowboys’ who were responsible for the engine. Many of the ancillary components need to be replaced, water pump, distributor, coil, starter solenoid, control box, regulator, dynamo, starter motor and rocker box cover.
I feel sure that there will be many more items that will creep onto the list before the job is finished. However, every new component that is added does enhance the quality of the vehicle. Expense is not an issue.
Many of the components are beyond hope but it may be wise to rescue as many as possible rather than purchase reconditioned units.
The condition of the chassis is appalling but quite understandable
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