Post by srf on Jan 22, 2009 19:07:07 GMT
In case anyone is interested and haven't read my blog on Popularclassics.org I will tell you the story of my rolling restoration.
A couple of years ago I wanted a classic car. I had sold my classic tractors due to health reasons. For months I had searched high and low for a suitable vehicle. I didn't want a basket case I wanted a rolling restoration.
I saw some right dross at ridiculous money. Then whilst on holiday in Wales I saw an advert for a series 3a Rapier. It was not on my short list, but everything I knew and had read about them it fitted the bill.
We went to have a look at it the following day. A relative who had owned many cars over the years just happened to be visiting us that day. First impressions were positive. It was solid, sounded good, and was quite tidy inside. There was room for improvement. I couldn't go far because the MOT had expired. I was concerned about the brakes which weren't very good, so I negotiated a lower price subject to a new mot.
At that time I still had a trailer and when I suggested trailering it home the owner dismissed it and said it would drive to Cheshire no Problem.
When I went to collect and pay for my newly motd Rapier, the owner greeted me by saying where is your trailer? I said I was driving it, he then said I have only driven it locally so I hope you will be alright. We set off on our journey and after a mile or 2 I was amazed that the brakes were still awful. Apart from that, and no charge to the battery and intermittent working wipers we got home.
I put the car off the road and investigated the brakes. The front callipers were rusty and sticking badly, one side was partly seized.
I had the callipers fully restored and fitted new pads.
The brakes were much better but still a disappointment. It wasn't until the next mot 12 months later I found out why. The rear flexible hose that feeds both rear brakes had collapsed, in fact there was no fluid in the back at all. A new flexi and the brakes are good for a car of that age. I'll put some photos up and continue the story another time.
A couple of years ago I wanted a classic car. I had sold my classic tractors due to health reasons. For months I had searched high and low for a suitable vehicle. I didn't want a basket case I wanted a rolling restoration.
I saw some right dross at ridiculous money. Then whilst on holiday in Wales I saw an advert for a series 3a Rapier. It was not on my short list, but everything I knew and had read about them it fitted the bill.
We went to have a look at it the following day. A relative who had owned many cars over the years just happened to be visiting us that day. First impressions were positive. It was solid, sounded good, and was quite tidy inside. There was room for improvement. I couldn't go far because the MOT had expired. I was concerned about the brakes which weren't very good, so I negotiated a lower price subject to a new mot.
At that time I still had a trailer and when I suggested trailering it home the owner dismissed it and said it would drive to Cheshire no Problem.
When I went to collect and pay for my newly motd Rapier, the owner greeted me by saying where is your trailer? I said I was driving it, he then said I have only driven it locally so I hope you will be alright. We set off on our journey and after a mile or 2 I was amazed that the brakes were still awful. Apart from that, and no charge to the battery and intermittent working wipers we got home.
I put the car off the road and investigated the brakes. The front callipers were rusty and sticking badly, one side was partly seized.
I had the callipers fully restored and fitted new pads.
The brakes were much better but still a disappointment. It wasn't until the next mot 12 months later I found out why. The rear flexible hose that feeds both rear brakes had collapsed, in fact there was no fluid in the back at all. A new flexi and the brakes are good for a car of that age. I'll put some photos up and continue the story another time.
