New Project

[ColinB]

Does anyone have advice on piston removal? Despite soaking in release fluid again and putting one piston under constant pressure with a bearing puller nothing will shift. I haven't tried heat yet but I'm a bit worried about the effect of too much of it on the aluminum pistons.

[jeans_old_man]

I believe diesel fuel works as a release agent. I would find a piece of wood that fits the bore and extends across as much of the piston crown as possible then tap it with a lump hammer. If the piston breaks it probably would have been unusable anyway. You should be able to find pistons - even if they need modiying, but look after the white metal bearings as they will cost the earth!

[tvdwerf]

I always use a grease gun for old brake cylinders, so why not for this?
Only make a "head" with a grease nipple and maybe put a plate on top from the piston to avoid damage on it.

[cdk84]

Hello again, Colin,

How's it going?

Have you any new word on the progress you're making?

You've been as regular as a Swiss watch with keeping us posted.

Hope all's well.

Best Regards,

David

[ColinB]

Hello David, Good to hear from you. I'm still here but generally enjoying driving my Nine Coupe and MG TD rather than getting dirty restoring anything! I do however visit the site nearly every day.

The Light Six is stalled and I have somewhat lost heart in the project: one friend with great skills offered to make me a windscreen surround but was in the end too busy. After about 2 years I got the parts back and another friend with great skills then offered to do it. Guess what - after 6 months he is too busy! This sort of fabrication is way beyond me so she sits in the barn and is started up from time to time and run around the garden just to keep everything moving. I have recently bought a piece of acrylic to fit as a temporary screen so I may even take her out onto the road this year. The seats also need doing and I have also been let down twice by trimmers, but I can pad them out sufficiently to allow a trip. I realise that I'm best when I can do all the work myself as waiting for others is frustrating and dispiriting.

One problem in the UK at least is that these old saloons are worth practically nothing and I am loath to chuck a lot more money at a car that has cost me around £10k so far. I may in the end move her on as a project for someone else to finish, and take the hit on the cost.

[Phillip]

Hi Colin,

Saw your response to David and felt I had to reply. I feel your pain my friend! I have been focusing on my '28 Senior project and it has been frustrating as well, especially on the services side; people don't deliver on promises, aren't interested, or charge the earth for less than great work. My Senior is probably worth the least in my collection yet has cost the most of any Singer project I have done to date and I too have had my down days. In the final analysis I have never done this for money and I am determined to save what is an almost unique car over here. Patience is paying off, but it is a long game indeed.

The more sobering problem is the use of these cars once they are done. I enjoy driving my Singers, but modern attitudes and modern cars are not very welcoming on the roads of today. As a teenager I drove my '33 Sports all over the place without a care, but the world has changed.

I hope you finish your epic project. The Light Six is a rare beast and you are so close. You have provided inspiration for me to continue and I know many others here who read your threads are cheering you on as well.

Stay he course!

- Phillip

[jeans_old_man]

Oh no! Colin, you can't give up now after all the hard work you have put in. I think you are underestimating the value of this rare and beauiful car.
For me the fun is overcoming the challenges of restoring each part and over the years I have acquired new skills. In particular I have loved fabricating parts by silver soldering. I don't know what the issues are with the windscreen surround but there are extrusions available and I am sure you would enjoy 'doing all the work yourself'.
I would love to give you a hand but I am afraid that my illnes means that I am now reduced to supervising others. I have to echo Phillips comment: You have provided inspiration for me to continue and I know many others here who read your threads are cheering you on as well.
Keep going!

[ColinB]

You have encouraged me to have a go at the windscreen surround so thanks! I have asked my friend to bring the parts back so I can check on what I need and I'll use brass extrusions and solder them together to make the profile. I'll let you know how I get on.

[mikeyr]

YES YES YES !!! Welcome Back

[jeans_old_man]

YES Colin! But stop and think. Brass sounds like an expensive option and do you need to solder? The 9 windscreen is steel channel and the bottom corners are held together by internal brackets with countersunk screws. If you could find stainless channel you wouldn't need to chrome plate. Just thinking out loud. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[mikeyr]

my 4AD was done in stainless steel channel, it was 40 years ago but I found a channel that was a near perfect match and once on the car no one could tell the difference. If it was made then, chances are it is still made. Brass is easier to work with but (check on this as I am not sure) I think you have to silver solder it, if you plain solder it, it will fall apart when you chrome it (that is what I was told anyway so check on that)

[ColinB]

I haven't been able to find the section I need hence my plan to make it (see picture). Both of my (busy) friends are excellent welders and they were going to weld this up from stainless sections. With my low skill level I have no option but to use brass and solder.

[ColinB]

You can get a better idea of the section from this picture:

[jeans_old_man]

Are you sure those parts arn't salvagable? Possibly adding sections in the middle to make the correct length.
I was told that you cannot chrome plate onto lead based solder but I have used lead-free without any issue.

[ColinB]

It is one idea I have Brian. The sides are fine and once the glass is in place it will provide a lot of support. The parts did clean up quite well given that i like old cars to look their age so once I get them back I'll have a go. there is nothing to lose after all.