S1 NEWBIE RESTORER NEEDS MORAL SUPPORT

[SachaP]

Hello all. Bought my lovely red S1 in Nov 2006 (love at first sight). Wanted to replace a Triumph Spitfire with something with a bit more ooomph. Been on axle stands since Dec 2006 with view to simple minor winter restoration. Lots of work done (mainly cleaning crud off), but am now fed up with not being able to drive the darn thing as the "minor restoration" is still not finished. Work done so far - chassis cleaned, primed and painted in "hammerite red", new suspension (Gaz) and brakes (new discs, pads, lines and hoses at front, cleaned up drums and new lines and hoses at rear), steering reconditioned, new "cobra classic" seats in black vinyl (fit a treat and look superb), new chrome bullet mirrors (not de rigueur but look surpsiringly good), new carpets, dismantled and cleaned roof, and a few other bits. All that's left is to fix electics (I managed to make the engine bay smoke when I tried to start her up a couple of weeks back). Am waiting for mechanic to do his magic, hopefully Friday. I have taken loads and loads of pictures of the restoration, which I will try to post once I know how. Please remind me why I started on this project!!

[ketvrin]

You started because you KNOW it will be worthwhile ! any doubts you have will disappear when she coughs into life and growls.

I went through the same, starting about the same time as you but got finished in May... take a look at myphotoalbum for pics.

I had moments of despair especially when it was snowing and blowing a gale and the missus refused to make me a cuppa and the car was in bits, but it sounds like you are almost there mate... keep at it, it will be worthwhile ! and well done for getting this far !

I hope thats enough moral support for you for now...

[SachaP]

Kevin - many thanks for your encouragement. Your car looks awesome. Mine not quite ready as yours. (I think) I've loaded a picture of mine into my profile in present guise.

[ketvrin]

That looks good Sacha and not far off being on the road by the look of it... post some more pics when you can.

K

[mycroft]

were in northants are you ?
Welcome to S club , as the saying seems to go , you don`t have to be mad , but ...... (most of us are)

[pies]

Mines been off the road for over two years now MOT will be booked soon and I know it will be worth the wait

[Barkychoc]

Mine has an MOT, but currently wouldn't pass due to bush gone on trailing arm and possibly also due to the giraffe suspension, I reused the original springs on new shocks not realising just how much too long they were.
I know it has a range rover engine but this is ridiculous !

I think I'll have to take a pic before I change it...

Sacha P welcome, and any issues, questions etc. you have get them posted on here.
I've only been on here a couple of months or so but have learnt so much with everyone's help on here, everyone is very friendly & helpful.

Chris

Edited by Barkychoc on Wednesday 8th August 20:28

[tubbystu]

pies said:

Mines been off the road for over two years now MOT will be booked soon and I know it will be worth the wait

Two years I was nearly suicidal when mine spent 8 months at Austec....

[petclub]

Sacha, you're car looks great, just think what it'll feel like when done, the noise etc.

[Gentleman Geoff]

Nice work! Welcome to the forum and I hope you soon get on the road in your S.

I like your wing mirrors. You can't go wrong with a subtle bit of chrome hardware and I always thought the S would suit these. Looks like they match the door handles, filler cap and headlamp surrounds nicely.

[SachaP]

Thanks all for your messages. Mechanic has confirmed for tomorrow, so I may now just be a day away from completion. Jobs left to complete - (i) re-connect steering rack (ii) sort electrics (iii) bleed brakes and (iv) set up suspension. I'm sure there will be a fair amount of snagging to deal with so look forward to seeking your advice.

[SachaP]

Mycroft - sorry forgot to say I live between Wellingborough and Rushden, not too far from Santa Pod. Where are you, hope to see you around. In fact did I see your car near Santa Pod about 4 or 5 weeks back?

[Longers]

Hang in there Sacha, it'll all be worth it in the end

There's a few us in the Northants / Leics / Notts area with little old me in the middle (Rutland) so no doubt we'll meet up soon.

SachaP said:

Mycroft - sorry forgot to say I live between Wellingborough and Rushden, not too far from Santa Pod. Where are you, hope to see you around. In fact did I see your car near Santa Pod about 4 or 5 weeks back?

If it was Dale you'd have heard him before you saw him

Longers

[mycroft]

Could have been me i went to poddington in the s a few weeks back , could have been fliny , he lives in Rushden i think .
If you fancy a spin i could call over the weekend take you out for a few miles , nothing like the wind in your hair to remind you what you doing it for .
I am in Barton , Nr Kettering.
Dale

[SachaP]

Dale - YHM.