Is there an engine problem?

Fri.03.10.08. I have just finished an uncomfortable conversation with Mary of Europa; who having assessed the recent ‘returns’ of the Smiths ammeter plus the incorrectly supplied oil pressure sender refuses to re-reimburse us for the parts. Having had a word with her ‘boss’ and the resident engineers, they claim that both parts show damage or have been tampered with therefore cannot be ‘sold on’. Even though the sender was sold as an incorrect part as such could only be tested after having been fitted to the car they still refuse to accept any blame; the total fault being ours for fitting the parts clumsily thus causing the damage. They intend posting back the units. I wonder what they think we can use an inappropriate and a superfluous part for? Having spent a total of £718.80 with Europa over the past few years I feel a letter coming on. I do hope they don’t finish up in the ‘fuck off’ bin, but I suspect they may. 

I have composed and dispatched a letter of complaint but later having spoken to Chris during the afternoon similar correspondence could have been sent to many other suppliers who also posted equally shoddy goods.

Colin had visited the workshop in the morning to catch up with the progress but also to listen to the wonderful engine tone. Regrettably, more faults began to emerge. The starter motor had stuttered the day before but now has totally died, there is an additional oil leak from the ‘Mocal’ oil cooler, but most disturbingly Colin has detected an odd ‘tapping’ noise from under the rocker box cover. The starter motor has the ‘so called’ reliable provenance of ‘Lucas’, the banker of the auto electrical trade, but perhaps it was only the box that it came in had any connection to the company at all. ‘Mocal’ again is regarded as a brand leader but similarly has disappointed. The present main area of disenchantment has been the stage 2 head prepared by GKN engineering. Not exactly a cheap piece of kit at £535.00; it has not been set up properly requiring a deal of fettling from Colin. This action should not be necessary, as so with the other faulty, ‘brand new’ goods. Throughout the entire build we have always endeavoured to purchase quality components from established trusted names within the trade, but at every stage in the restoration, disappointment, relating to the standard of manufacture, has never been far away. What the fuck is going on.

Nevertheless, the front springs and the leather cockpit trim have been completed. They are now ready to be attached to the car. I am also formulating a design for the tonneau/side screen issue. I propose to take the initial design to Coverdale carpets who hopefully can ‘realise’ as well as fabricate the idea. If a reinforced bar could be incorporated on the edges that are located directly above the door arch then 2 additional zips sewn into the line then the cover could offer a dual purpose of ‘mini’ side screen but when totally zipped up create a complete tonneau cover. The purchase of 2 wind deflectors (that normally are fixed to the windscreen) from Life’s motors could put the last touches to the weather equipment. This may work?