I've found it essential to keep records of work done on a growing collection of classic vehicles I look after - so why not blogs for each vehicle?
The idea is to not only keep a written and photographic record of the various maintenance and repair operations, but to open a forum for comments, help, links, etc. eventually forming a knowledge base from which we may all learn something useful about keeping these old cars & bikes mobile.
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| Zodiac V6 |
I've gotta say right off that my philosophy towards these vehicles is one of originality - but I'm not overly pedantic about it. The experience of driving the car in its original state - body roll, "strongarm" steering and limited power included - should be preserved. Having said that, I'm not against radial tyres, modern sound systems, etc., and I try to do most of the work myself - which means I am limited to the extent of the ability, time, equipment and money I have available to me. For these reasons, there won't be any concours restorations here.
The Vehicles
Roughly chronologically, the ones I will be dealing with here are:
I'll add cars & bikes, depending on what comes my way. Condition of the vehicles ranges from major rebuild candidates to excellent original cars which are a credit to their PO's (Previous Owners), so some of the content is just basic maintenance, but there will be some fairly serious repair and restoration stuff as well.
I'll also be covering some procedures on a couple of more modern vehicles as long as it's interesting - to you and/or me. Leave a comment or request for advice, etc. if you want. I welcome questions, advice or ideas on anything pertinent to the blogs.
As it applies here, it means I will try to maintain originality, but if that is not practical or desirable, I will try not to compromise any future restoration. For example, I may fit a modern sound system, but installed in such a way that existing sheetmetal, trim, wiring, etc., is not unduly affected.
Same goes for my blogging "skills".but bear with me and I hope to improve content & layout, etc. as I get the hang of it.
This Welcome Page will carry the latest posts until I move them to the respective blogs dedicated to each vehicle. Use the tabs at the top of the page below header to navigate to vehicle-specific blogs.
Since this is the welcome page, I'm may rant on a bit about background, equipment, work practices, etc. - if you get bored at any time just hit the links or tabs to go to where the real work is happening.
HOLDENS; 1954 FJ sedan, 1961 FB sedan, 1972 HQ Kingswood sedan, 1981 VC Commodore wagon, 1982 WB ute.
FORDS; 1966 Zephyr Mk3 sedan, 1971 Zodiac Mk4 sedan, 1977 Ford Fairmont sedan
MOTORCYCLES; 1991 BMW R80-S
TRUCKS; Leyland/Albion/Dodge (LAD) trucks
I'll add cars & bikes, depending on what comes my way. Condition of the vehicles ranges from major rebuild candidates to excellent original cars which are a credit to their PO's (Previous Owners), so some of the content is just basic maintenance, but there will be some fairly serious repair and restoration stuff as well.
I'll also be covering some procedures on a couple of more modern vehicles as long as it's interesting - to you and/or me. Leave a comment or request for advice, etc. if you want. I welcome questions, advice or ideas on anything pertinent to the blogs.
Primum non nocere
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| FJ Ute in GladWrap! |
- "First, do no harm"
As it applies here, it means I will try to maintain originality, but if that is not practical or desirable, I will try not to compromise any future restoration. For example, I may fit a modern sound system, but installed in such a way that existing sheetmetal, trim, wiring, etc., is not unduly affected.
Disclaimer
It should also be noted that I don't claim anything much in the way of formal training in automotive trades - so the usual disclaimers apply about any advice implied or given on these pages.SAFETY FIRST!
Same goes for my blogging "skills".but bear with me and I hope to improve content & layout, etc. as I get the hang of it.
This Welcome Page will carry the latest posts until I move them to the respective blogs dedicated to each vehicle. Use the tabs at the top of the page below header to navigate to vehicle-specific blogs.
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| HR Van. Rare to find one without windows cut in the sides. |
Since this is the welcome page, I'm may rant on a bit about background, equipment, work practices, etc. - if you get bored at any time just hit the links or tabs to go to where the real work is happening.
