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April 2004

 

Started to install the radio.  After much thought, I decided that the glove box would probably be the best place.  There was still not enough clearance in the normal radio slot and seating it underneath the glove box would present further mounting problems and may prove dangerous in the event of an accident.  The glove box would also provide additional security.

I had also decided to install speakers into the doors.  The only place that I could find to mount them was in place of the ashtrays

 

Broke down!  Sediment in the fuel tank had blocked the outlet causing fuel starvation.  Remove the tank and cleaned out as much of the sediment as possible using the old fuel after filtering to swilling out out several times.  Moved the fuel pump to a safer location.  Also replaced some of the old tubing with braided hose.  Also fitted a new, lockable, filler cap in the hope that it would stop petrol pouring out over the bodywork when going round corner with a full tank - it didn't.

 

Removed the rear windscreen and cut a new rear parcel shelf from 6mm ply, using the old one as a template.  Put new shelf supports in place before re-fitting screen.  Secured shelf and rear seat in place.  Still need to cut out for rear speakers.

Fitted a Kenlowe cooling fan to the radiator

Changed the oil and filter.  Checked the torque of the cylinder head bolts and replaced the cam cover gasket.

Applied to get the number plate put on a retention certificate (As agreed with the previous owner).  The DVLA allocated a new age related plate for the car.  Just need to find some digits for the front grill and get a new number plate made for the rear.

 Replaced the front windscreen rubber.  Whilst the screen was out I started to trim the new crash pad in order to get a good fit.

Disaster!

Whilst out on a long run to Harlow one Sunday morning, I heard a very unpleasant sound from the engine, followed by a complete loss of power.  After initial investigation, I found that the contact was missing from the rotor arm.  Not having a spare, I called out the AA.  They found that the rotor arm was not actually rotating when the engine was spun on the starter motor.

After the nice man from the AA had returned my home on his flat bed, I removed the distributor to examine extent of the damage.  "Oh dear",  I said...