Any Gordon Keeble Owners Out There?

[Mellow Yellow]

Think I was the only GK there this time, certainly only one between 8 & 9:15. Did meet a chap there who worked with Jim Keeble, think he said at Sholing, but was just leaving at the time so didn't get to chat much. Any photos phj?

[Mellow Yellow]

phj said:

Mellow - some pics - as you can see, a bit of a contrast between the old and the new in terms of chassis tube health. Its maybe halfway through - then it will go for a dip, more rectification, then the strengthening around the problem areas such as peddle box and diff, then back for another dip and a powder coat...then a squirt of Waxoyl. It will then have a longer life expcectancy than its owner!

I must say, that doesn't have the appearance of a car that's going to be ready for the 50th but B7trr seems to have turned his round in a very short time so who knows?

[Mellow Yellow]

I always insisted the GK purchase was a case of "new family forces purchase", finally took the kids out in it for the first time at the weekend. Two child seats a tight squeeze but they do fit:

[Mellow Yellow]

Displayed Ch76 at the Capel Car show on Saturday, a chap started asking about the car and then revaled himself to be non other than Raymond Knott, son of Ernie!

It's a great show, although it's billed as a car show, it's combined with a traditonal village show, so veg, flowers, dogs, trade stands etc which means there's something to keep 'Mrs Yellow' and the kids happy. It's a good sized event with a huge variety of vehicles, anything of interest is welcome, well worth a visit.

I even made it onto their new site banner (far right)

[Mellow Yellow]

DonkeyApple said:

Stick a section of old carpet between the baby seats and the car seats if you're leaving them in there. It's amazing how quickly they damage old leather and padding.

They were only in for the day but they're in the other car 24/7 and I know they marked the leather in the Volvo wso think I'll be following you advice

Unfortunately I'm otherwise engaged on 1st Sept, looks a good show and it's only just over an hour for me.

B7trr it's nearly September, how's it going? can we have a photo update?

[Mellow Yellow]

B7Trr, I've dropped you an email, need to talk about chroming etc. Any chance you can mail me some contact details?

[Mellow Yellow]

keeble kid said:

.Any Keebles going to Goodwood revival?

Going on Saturday but still undecided on which car to take. 76 has a couple of minor issues at present, not really show stoppers but may wimp out and take the Griff instead, or even the family runabout if the weather doesn't look great.

Did Beaulieu autojumble yesterday, went better equipped than last year, with photos and measurements. Got a very nice wooden Moto Lita steering wheel, wiper blades, wing mirrors and ashtray as well as some good contacts.

[Mellow Yellow]

It was front ashtray (Austin Healey) I got, mine doesn't have one. It's far from immacualte but only cost £5, it'll stay on a shelf until I get around to re-doing the centre console which is a good few years off but at least it means I have one. They are availabkle new online for around £32. Very satisfying to find one at 3pm after sifting through hundreds of stalls/boxes, had a choice of two and now kicking myself for not just getting both.

Steering wheel is used, I did take plenty of measurements beforehand and it looked okay when lined up against the old one, I guess I'll find out if it fits later this week.

[Mellow Yellow]

sussexkeebler said:

Mellow Not sure if you got a new or used steering wheel - I also got a new mota lite steering wheel a few yesrs back only to find that mota lite changed their boss design so a new wheel wont fit on an old boss. Still they are a helpful company and can supply a new boss.

Relief. The steering wheels fits, really didn't want to splash out £60-90 on a new boss. looks fab too.

Welcome Dirk1.

Photos B7trr!

[Mellow Yellow]

RFC1 said:

I have always loved these cars, and very nearly bought one in the mid 80's. What is the rough going rate for one these days, assuming of course that any ever come on the market.........

Sandy.

If you're seriously in the market for one, join the club and let the club secretary know what you're looking for. An awful lot change hands between club members before, or as soon as, they are advertised.

As for the going rate, £10-15k for a "barn find" but I can't imagine there are many left, several have changed hands in the last year or so and are undergoing restoration, nearly the whole production are accounted for by the club. I've not heard of an immaculate one changing hands on the open market for about 2 years, the last one was advertised at around £47k. Classic prices have done well in recent years, no reason to think an immaculate GK wouldn't fetch over £50k if one came on the market now.

If you've not already done so, take a look at the GKOC site, there are photos of most members cars.

[Mellow Yellow]

Help!!

Fired up 76 tonight to get fuel and ignition light stayed on, car ran okay for a minute, before I switched off and had a look for anything obvious. Spotted this fuse which looks as though it may have got a tad hot. It's a 30A fuse, one of a pair (other one is fine) both connected to the same relay.



There's a bit of paper with the manual which lists most of the fuses but not these two. Can't see anything in the original wiring diagram with Black/Red wire, alternator connection is brown/white but heavier gauge. Any suggestions?

[Mellow Yellow]

Two votes for fans then, I thought 30A was a bit hefty for fans and the notes with the book do list "2x25A in clear holder" for them but I didn't check that they were actually there so could easily have been replaced. should be an easy one to check though.

Yes huntsman, I do have the original wiring diagram but, as OneOf99 points out, none of this is standard. Really trying to determine whether the fuse is the cause or just a symptom of the alernator failing. Had an alternator go on a Griff once and it took out a 100A fuse. Sounds like replaceing the fuse/holder might be worth a go though.

[Mellow Yellow]

B7trr said:

That grey looks superb on that GK with the deep red leather Daryl!

Does look nice doesn't it and the photo doesn't do it justice? Was one of the colours on my shortlist but I want a grey interior and I think it might end up, well, too grey. Dropped 76 off at Terrys (so now he has another) for a couple of jobs before getting it sprayed and I'm still undecided on the colour. Love that tan interior with the green.

Burnt out fuse holder and alternator turned out to be totally unrelated, top marks to huntsman for the diagnosis on the fuse holder and all those who indicated it was probably fan. Spent forever trying to identify the alternator with no joy, it's Lucas but didn't match anything I could find a picture of so ended up having it overhauled.

Vette Number said:

Evening everyone - are there any part builds (ideally complete without body as GK52) anywhere near the West Midlands? I have a bit of a task on, rebuilding without reference to a strip down record (or a Haynes manual) and would GREATLY appreciate the opportunity to take about 1000 reference pictures!

I think keeblekid has about the best collection of restoration photos I've seen, ask nicely and he might send you a copy.

Edited by Mellow Yellow on Monday 21st October 12:39

[Mellow Yellow]

Sounds like I just missed you at Terrys yesterday GK52, was hoping to get a snap of 76 and 77 together, could even have been 77, 76 and owner of 75. Unfortunately 77 too far back to get in shot with 76 so have to wait until next year. Had a trouble free journey home in 76 despite crawling all the way out of London and around the M25 so cooling issues all seem fixed, next job, decide on a new colour!

[Mellow Yellow]

keeble kid said:

Hi all Keeble owners check out Classic Cars December issue,Quentin Wilson gives a very good write up on G-K values which should make all of us happy!Hope to see you all next year at the 50th!

Shiny ones worth £60k and likely to be pushing £100k within a few years, according to Mr W. Those figures certainly justify spending a few bob more on polish

[Mellow Yellow]

B7trr said:

Yellow, rear bumper finally installed!

Sorry for the late reply, been in warmer climates for a couple of weeks, hence couldn't make NEC either. Did wonder if I was going to beat you to it. looking good, what's your latest ETA, does it have an engine yet?

[Mellow Yellow]

oneof99 said:

Forgotten Cars - BBC South

G-K Ch25 has recently been recorded as part of a feature on 'Forgotten Cars', to be shown on BBC South (Regional News, daily 18.30 - 19.00). I understand this is likely to be broadcast on Wednesday 15th or Thursday 16th Jan. Subject to there being no 'major' news stories... Enjoy

Was at a friends for dinner on Saturday and he mentioned seeing a BBC South article on GK featuring a "not quite BRG" car last week, must've been this. Hopefully being repeated this week as I'm recording the next couple of nights.

[Mellow Yellow]

Also got it recorded, will see if I can get it digitised at some time.

It's available on iPlayer (search South Today) until this evening.

[Mellow Yellow]

Congratulations B7trr, that is certainly an engine in there.

[Mellow Yellow]

Well, Ch76 off to the sprayers tomorrow, I think I've decided on colour, just ordered a set of Realm wheels today. PLan is to have it driveable again in two months but I've allowed a bit of contingency. I few of you have had grills re-chromed, does it need to be dismantled in order to do this?