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November 2005
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Having been severely remonstrated with by fellow builder, Andrew Crathorne, I thought I had better provide an
update. Yes, I am still alive and since the engine swap life has become a little too easy on the Pembleton front - nothing is going wrong.
The car has been used at least once a week, starts first pull and does what it says on the tin. What more could you
ask for?
In July was my 40th Birthday bash (yes I know, I've aged well) - 80 people, one hog roast, two barrels of beer and
umpteen bottle of wine later, we just had time to clear up before heading off on holiday in August.
In September we had the Dambusters run. Colin Wilson is building a Brooklands in Lincolnshire, and organised an
owners meeting at his place, with a run out in between. The drive up there was a bit drizzly, but at 75 the aeroscreens work nicely so it wsn't a problem. The cruise up the A1 and A47 was easy and we had a great day, superbly hosted by Colin and his family. Photos say it all, so there are some below - colin's car has individual seats and "bulges" on the rear deck - he has done a fantastic job and it has spurred me onto some changes this winter. |
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The drive home was equally uneventful, but fun all the same. Once again it also underlined that this is not a car
for the shy.
In October was Donnington, and what a saga that turned into! The day itself was very misty and, perhaps
foolishly, I decided to go via Oakham and melton Mowbray. The mist meant that you couldn't overtake and it took 2 hours, excluding the 30 minutes it took to find a ******** petrol station in Melton! Eventually I got there and hurray, no queues! I wasn't with any organised group, and not wanting to barge in on nayone, I parked up at the edge of the infield and walked over to the 2CV Kits and Specials group. When I got there I realised that I had lost my car keys, but on backtracking the area had filled up with 7s and Cobra reps. I spentt an hour walking up and down looking at the floor (and getting some odd looks) but couldn't see them - I was stuffed.
So, a walk up to the centre manager to report the loss just in case, and then a visit to the tool suppliers for a large
screwdriver. I decided that I could hotwire the car (bypassing a few added features), but the steering lock presented problems, hence the screwdriver. The steering lock hadn't engaged (if it had, I would have been very stuffed), so it was possible to remove the steering column, remove the lock housing and refit it without the lock.
So there I was upside down in the footwell with the top mounts removed, lock assembly loose (to make sure it
didn't accidentally engage) and trying to stare the lower clamp into submission when the phone went - a family had found my keys and kindly handed them in. I went up to check they were the right ones (which they were) returned to re-assemble the whole thing double quick and then get back to the halls to meet Mike Meakin for lunch. I'd been there for over two hours and I hadn't seen anything, but at least I could get home!
If you're reading this and you were the people who handed my keys in, I am eternally grateful and only wish I
could have contacted you at the show. And to the two chaps who assisted whilst I was doing my mechanic bit, many thanks also.
I moved the car to the 2CV area and the afternoon passed pleasantly, talking to owners, builders and passers by.
On the way home though I was on the roundabout near the M1 when the engine died - short moment of panic before I remembered that I had removed the wires from the back of the ignition lock - sure enough when changing gear my knee had knocked one off the terminal. Quickly reconnected and off we went, but I need to make sure those are firm and cable tied back up.
And in all of the hassle, I forgot to take any pictures!
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