Hello

For now, I lumped all the pre-war cars together, I would LOVE for there to be enough demand to split it into groups (hint...hint, post here about your pre-war Singer)
ColinB
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Re: Hello

Post by ColinB »

Unfortunately I couldn't find any nickel spray Roly but I think the chrome shine can be managed by using a limited number of coats. As ever, the camera adds enchantment to the view and it isn't very good close up but will do as a stop-gap.
ColinB
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Re: Hello

Post by ColinB »

I have started applying the aluminium covering to the running boards. I recovered the original boards from a friend and found a couple of parts I had forgotten about - the base of the spare wheel support and what looks like some kind of battery box retainer. These will of course be installed on the new boards.

The aluminium is surprisingly stiff but I clamped it to the upper part of the steel base and persuaded it around the curves with a rubber hammer. I just need to trim off the ends and drill the bolt holes and I can see what it looks like in situ. I'm not in the house by the way as its far too risky :D - we have an outbuilding that used to contain a bedsit/spare room and I found the table ideal for this kind of work.
original parts.jpg
steel covered.jpg
Underneath.jpg
ColinB
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Re: Hello

Post by ColinB »

Trial fitted. I am finding that parts do not come together easily so I am having to wrestle the mudguards into position relative to the running boards but I think I'm getting there.
Trial fitted.JPG
ColinB
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Re: Hello

Post by ColinB »

Running boards now bolted in place both sides and the valences in the right place too though not yet fixed. I'm making a small strip of steel to replicated the look of the folded connection between the running board and valence which will be bolted through the three layers (strip, valence and running board) with countersunk bolts to lock them all together.

The problem with the fit to the mudguards was because William had disassembled various parts of the car in the 1960s and sent the parts up with the vehicle without any key as to their purpose. It wasn't immediately apparent to me what some strange pieces of bent metal were for, and I was trying to get everything together without them. I realised however that they should be bolted to the chassis to support the rear of the front mudguards. After a few trial fits and a bit of bending it all came together fairly well.
Fixed in place 1.jpg
Wing stay 1.jpg
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Peter McKercher
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Re: Hello

Post by Peter McKercher »

Even when you put the parts away yourself, sometimes you forget the sequence. Especially after months, years or decades pass between disassembly and restoration. Looking very good Colin.
Peter McKercher
Vice President - NASOC
Pre war Singer Specialist and Collector
Automotive Historian
Author of "Racing Roadsters"

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ColinB
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Re: Hello

Post by ColinB »

Just one question - does anyone know what this is for? It is on the passenger's side of the car near the battery location but does not seem to be related to the battery itself as it is too far to the rear. Boot scraper perhaps?
What is this for.jpg
ColinB
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Re: Hello

Post by ColinB »

I think I have the answer: I had thought the battery sat in a box but I see from a number of photos that it sits on the running board and is held down by a battery cover which is in turn held down by long bolts through the running board. Thus my 'boot scraper' is indeed a support for the side of the battery. I have not managed to find a battery cover yet but I'm sure they must be available somewhere on the net.
ColinB
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Re: Hello

Post by ColinB »

Running boards finally bolted in position and strengthened with the reinforcing strip. The spare wheel is in position. I made a wheel holder from a piece of 2mm steel which is not yet bolted on but is merely sitting in position. I plan to make a battery cover out of 18mm plywood. I presume the original would have been rubber but they don't seem to be available. I have damaged the paint on the mudguards during the rather physical fitting operation but I'll repair that in situ.
DSC_0002 (2).JPG
DSC_0003 (2).JPG
cdk84
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Re: Hello

Post by cdk84 »

Just Brilliant!

It's so encouraging to see the progress you've made, week in and week out.

Any sense of what it will take to have you feel you are 'finished', or do you want to look at this as an ongoing project?

Very Best,

David
ColinB
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Re: Hello

Post by ColinB »

Thanks David.
I am approaching the end of stage One which is to have her on the road in a roadworthy condition on a sunny day. The jobs left are fairly small: finish the battery cover, fit the bonnet catches and spare wheel holder, repair the chips on the paintwork, overhaul the brakes, change all the fluids and make sure all the greasing points are greased and the nipples work. I have just won two vacuum wiper motors on eBay for £30 which are alleged to work so I will also fit one of those. I am also wondering whether I should fit indicators in some unobtrusive and non-permanent way.

I need to make a box for the glove compartment and see to the door cards where the glue has not completely held around the pockets but this will be done as I go along.

Stage Two is to measure up a hood on some kind person's Junior, make the frame, get it covered, restore the side screens and take her out on a wet day! :D I may do a bit to my basket-case Sprite before getting on with the second stage.
ColinB
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Re: Hello

Post by ColinB »

Crude battery cover made up out of 18mm ply. It will do in the short term but I may make one out of thinner material at some point so it looks less clumsy. My 'boot scraper' is bolted in position doing its job of restraining the battery and I'm waiting for tie down rods to arrive to complete the installation. My frustration on that tiny aspect is that I know I have some that I bought for a Fergie and never fitted but I can't find them anywhere: I have too many sheds I suppose. I know I'll find them the moment the others arrive!
Battery cover.jpg
battery cover a.jpg
ColinB
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Re: Hello

Post by ColinB »

A frosty morning here, though I suspect Canadians would laugh at that description! I took her out of the shed to see how she looks with most parts in position. Just the bonnet catches to fit before I do the brake and fluid service. I started her up which is really easy now and, although she blew a bit of smoke around, the engine sounds great. Very encouraging.
front 1.jpg
front 2.jpg
rear view running.jpg
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mothy
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Re: Hello

Post by mothy »

Stunning!
You must feel so pleased.

Roly
-----------------------------------------------
Used to own a 1934 Singer Le Mans

Beer: So much more than just a breakfast drink.
ColinB
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Re: Hello

Post by ColinB »

I am quite pleased Roly thanks, but conscious that there is damaged paint to touch up and the finish always looks better than reality in the pictures. She is sweet little car though and I look forward to taking her down the road soon.
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mikeyr
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Re: Hello

Post by mikeyr »

When you get some spare time, my Le Mans is waiting in the garage. You have done a great job in record time.
Mike Rambour. Site Administrator
1953 Singer 4ADT (sold), 1934 Singer 9 Le Mans, 1934 Singer 1 1/2 4-Seater Sports (sold), 2009 BMW K1300GT
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