Law of sod! 2 days to Le Mans, and the car's in bits. HELP!

[Boatbuoy]

Hi All,

I don't really know what to expect from posting this, but probably just need to vent some frustrations.

I was really, really looking forward to my first ever trip to Le Mans having always wanted to go. Saturday evening, the slave lets go, and taking it to a garage just isn't an option, so I rolled up my sleves and got stuck in, instructions and previous posts read, parts ordered, car in the air. Slow progress at first but soon felt very much on the way. After going at it all day Sunday and all evening Monday I'm now literally down to the last bolt (top, centre bell housing to engine) of the dismantling process and it just will not shift. I have no skin left on my arms and knuckles, my hair is full of grease, I'm too big to work efficently under the car, and I now know that my skin is allergic to clutch fluid.

I'm tired, fed up, pd off, and now really not looking forward to the whole event. I really don't want to be a quitter, but it feels like a mountainous task still to do.

Please guys, encourage me, and if anyone finds themselves in Bedfordshire with expert knowledge of how to finish this job off then please don't be afraid to make yourself known!

Best Regards,
Olly

Edited by Boatbuoy on Monday 6th June 23:37

[Pied Piper]

I do feel your pain, leave it overnight have a nice bacon butty in the morning and try again, if I was nearer I would come and grunt and groan for you.

[Boatbuoy]

Thank you PP, unfortunatly I have to work tomorrow and Wednesday, so now only have 2 evenings left. Gutted.

[reliant_fr]

I know your pain, mine was dismantled for retrim, once finish she won't start! and leave to le mans this morning!!

Le Mans cost us our nerves!!!!
Good luck to you

[Robscim]

Olly,

Hang in there - it will be worth it.

Sorry I can't help from down here, but one of the guys should be in touch tomorrow (who knows what they're doing whereas I don't!!).

Just think of the drive down - this must be the fifth time for me in the cerbera. You won't regret it!

When are you scheduled to leave? Which route? Staying where?

Cheers

Rob

[Boatbuoy]

07:20 Eurotunnel on Thursday

Staying in Houx Annexe

[Robscim]

We're 8:10 ferry, so unless you stop for fuel, we're going to struggle to pass you!!

Houx for us.

Best of luck - not too much to do now!

Cheers

Rob

[moribund]

Good luck getting it sorted, I'm on the same crossing and want to hear some TVR thunder from you!

Do you have a backup plan if it won't budge?

[sweeper]

Hi Olly,

Sorry to hear that, I can imagine you are really gutted...

Personally I'd look for an alternative, i.e. get it flatbed'd to the garage or invite your indie to your house for help. With two afternoons remaining without the needed enthusiasm (and sanguinity to get it sorted) the pressure may even lead to make it worse...

Working on the Cerbie should be 1)fun and 2)rewarding, so my golden rule is not to do it if this is not the case.

Anyway, I keep my fingers crossed for you! Don't loose your faith mate!

Cheers.

[julian64]

When I'm in that situation, I take a step back, and then go and visit a tool store.

For me skinned knuckles and frustration mean I'm not using the right tools for the job.

[sunbeam alpine]

Don't want to add to your misery, but if you're replacing the clutch slave, I'd look to replace/repair the master cylinder as well - mine went 4 days after replacing the slave cylinder (although not on a TVR).

I often find that gentle application of heat can help free sticking bolts. Also (if you haven't already) try tightening the bolt a bit - it might be easier to break the grip that way.

[stuthemong]

Where about in beds are you? If you're local (Buckden) I could come have a look see if can be of any use - although im pretty busy too so if you're more than 20 miles away it will be tough :-(

[stuthemong]

Oh - if you've got all the others undone could it be worth trying to support it with a jack so it's weight isn't on the bolt?

[julian64]

On the subject of the gearbox, and this probably isn't much help.

The tools required are a ramp which goes up to head height, and a box spanner set with extensions that allow you to extend right to the back of the gearbox.

[Gazzab]

Robscim said:

We're 8:10 ferry, so unless you stop for fuel, we're going to struggle to pass you!!

Houx for us.

Best of luck - not too much to do now!

Cheers

Rob

I had to stop for fuel 3 or 4 times on the way from Calais to Houx.

[Boatbuoy]

sweeper said:

Hi Olly,

Sorry to hear that, I can imagine you are really gutted...

Personally I'd look for an alternative, i.e. get it flatbed'd to the garage or invite your indie to your house for help. With two afternoons remaining without the needed enthusiasm (and sanguinity to get it sorted) the pressure may even lead to make it worse...

Working on the Cerbie should be 1)fun and 2)rewarding, so my golden rule is not to do it if this is not the case.

Anyway, I keep my fingers crossed for you! Don't loose your faith mate!

Cheers.

First all, having slept I'm feeling a lot more positive today. I hear what you're saying and ordinaraly this would be both rewarding and fun. But this may well be the only year that I have the Cerb for Le Mans, and I don't want to miss out.

P.S. You nearly bought this Bd!!!

[Boatbuoy]

julian64 said:

When I'm in that situation, I take a step back, and then go and visit a tool store.

For me skinned knuckles and frustration mean I'm not using the right tools for the job.

All the right tools, but too big a body!!!!

[Boatbuoy]

stuthemong said:

Where about in beds are you? If you're local (Buckden) I could come have a look see if can be of any use - although im pretty busy too so if you're more than 20 miles away it will be tough :-(

I pass through Buckden every day on the way to/from work. I'm in a village near Biggleswade so it's probably right on the limit, thanks anyway for your offer. I hopefully have the cavalry coming this evening/tomorrow in the form of a very experienced TVR man.

Today's a new day, and I'm a determind man!

[Boatbuoy]

sunbeam alpine said:

Don't want to add to your misery, but if you're replacing the clutch slave, I'd look to replace/repair the master cylinder as well - mine went 4 days after replacing the slave cylinder (although not on a TVR).

I often find that gentle application of heat can help free sticking bolts. Also (if you haven't already) try tightening the bolt a bit - it might be easier to break the grip that way.

Already been there! The master went first, changed that on Friday evening and that in turn upset the slave! As a result, I didn't know weather to or be !

[Boatbuoy]

Thank you all for the support, I appologise if I havn't replied to everyone. I may not post again today (for obvious reasons) but your comments are very much appreciated - once again I don't feel all alone in the world thanks to the fantastic TVR network on PH! You are all stars.

I will let you know the result. And if anyone is going to Le Mans I hope to meet you and have a beer together.

Best Regards,
Olly