Back on track?

 Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Chris and Colin continued to press on with tasks in hand. Colin yet again, redesigned the mounting plate for the rear of the gearbox by introducing a sliding mechanism on the base; this will allow for ease of removal should there be a future problem. The 38-inch prop bought from Max turned out to be 37 inches but fortunately the bean can in addition to the extra adjustment on the engine mountings meant that there would not be a serious problem when actually fitting it. 

The Hardy Spicer joint at the differential end had to be changed from the 5 eighths model to the 3 eighths version to match the flange of the output ‘UJ’. But, once removed the bearings inevitably spilled out, so the component needs to be replaced. It was a simple matter to order one from our local supplier ‘Ledsons’ who promised delivery the same day. To fill the time whilst waiting for the part Colin assembled the rear leaf spring to the chassis utilising the original refurbished MK4 Spitfire part from the Burlington. The price in 1981 was £20.00. Re-bushed, stripped and cleaned the spring is as good as ever. He also, provisionally located the routing of the petrol filler cap. Simultaneously, Chris was enjoying himself cleaning the dashboard instruments whilst at the same time busying himself by assembling the front hubs to the vertical link.

On my way back to Wigan I collected the new Hardy Spicer from Ledsons. 

Earlier in the day when I was placing the order Old Tom Ledson asked me what it was like working for Chris Ball, to which I replied that on occasions he was a little flaky but usually he was ok. Tom jokingly responded with “Is he still as tight as ever? he never sends any money with an order and never buys a drink; but give him my best regards anyway.” Having passed on the message Chris mentioned that upon my return, I was to offer Tom a 2 pence tip along with his brothers Paul and Joe informing him also that there would be a drink waiting for him behind the bar of his local: a tea bag.