Vitessesteve

Standard Vanguard - Service Instruction Manual

2011-08-31T20:06:00.002+01:00

I am always on the look out for Triumph pdf documents to add to my collection. I publish many of them on this blog and my website. Here is the latest addition. It is scan of the Service Instruction manual for the Standard Vanguard series I & II and the Triumph "Renown" models. Thanks to Dirk from the club Triumph forum for sending me a copy.

Tuning Stromberg CD Carburetters

2011-07-25T11:52:00.000+01:00

Tuning Stromberg CD Carburetters by Martyn B Watkins a small book I found at a show a few years ago.

Triumph 2000/2500 services notes

2011-05-12T12:45:00.000+01:00

Here is a copy of web page that got me to buy one of my favourite Triumph resources.

Repairing Jaeger & Smiths Speedometers

2011-03-17T22:42:00.002Z

I have heard from Anthony Rhodes that he has some new material and is thinking of writing a second edition of his guide Repairing Jaeger and Smiths Speedometers.

I have a copy of a Repairing Jaeger and Smiths Speedometers on my website. You can download from Repairing-Jaeger-and-Smiths-Speedometers.pdf

Triumph 1800 Saloon, Roadster and Renown wiring diagrams

2011-02-18T14:50:00.001Z

Recently I noticed that somebody had a copy of a wiring diagram for the Roadster in a Club Triumph post. Thanks to Rui for these.

Triumph Roadster 1948-1949

Triumph Saloon 1948-1949

Triumph Renown 1950-1952

Ageing Triumph GT6's using the window glass !

2011-02-01T15:47:00.001Z

It is amazing what you can find with Google. How about this article titled:

Ageing Triumph GT6's using the window glass !

Most classic cars can be dated by their registration letter or registration document. But what about cars which have personalised, foreign or re-registered number plates, or were registered late by the original dealer ?

The most accurate method is, of course, to contact the BHIMT who may be able to supply such details as production date, date registered etc. However a rough guide to a cars age can be found using the manufacturing codes on the windscreen and door glass.

On the glass underneath LAMINATED, TOUGHENED, ZEBRAZONE or WIDE ZONE there may be a dot. If this dot appears under the first letter, then the glass was manufactured (blown ?) in 1961, 1971 or 1981 (and I think it's safe to say that we can approximate the car's age to within ten years !). Similarly, if the dot appears under the second letter, the glass was made in 62, 72 or 82 and so on, with the dot appearing under any of the nine letters (or eight + space). If there is no dot, then the date is 1960, 70 or 80.

The month of manufacture can be found on TRIPLEX glass. In this case only the first and last pairs of letters are used, as shown :Triplex
Now, this is only a rough guide as mentioned, as it relies on a strict factory stock rotation, so expect a few anomalies. Furthermore, it is a good idea to use the door glass, as there is a fair chance that the front windscreen will not be the original.

This post originally appeared on http://www.fugazi.co.uk/GT6/GT6.html

Rust in peace

2010-11-28T14:08:00.001Z

A friend of mine has some wreaks in his garden near Market Rasen . He needs to clear them out soon.

All are free. I hope somebody might take the motor homes to break for spares. I have more info and pictures just leave a comment or mail me.

Herald Body booklet

2010-08-15T20:00:00.003+01:00

Just picked up a copy of this useful looking booklet from Ron via the Club Tiumph forum.

Have added the full pdf to my website. see Other-manuals

World Cup Rally 40 celebration at Gaydon

2010-04-19T10:48:00.004+01:00

First Triumph show for me this year. A great turnout of people and cars. It was good to see a mixed field of cars. Along side the Triumphs were many other cars. I was surprised to see a rally Austin Maxi. I think the last time I saw a rally Hillman Hunter as a boy when I had a corgi model complete with Kangaroo. I would like to have found more information about this Dolomite.

wanted

2010-03-26T09:46:00.005Z

During the cold and dark winter months I have been reading up on classic specialist and kits cars. This is a book I would really like to get my hands on.

Mallory Boxing day 2009

2009-12-27T13:56:00.003Z

No Triumph cars at the boxing day meeting but did see this old Triumph sidercar outfit. The Mallory boxing day meeting was a welcome break from the traditional Christmas hols.

2 speed windscreen wipers

2009-08-24T13:23:00.005+01:00

I have featured an article by Erikis Skinkis for sometime now on my website. Recently Geoff Morgan from Australia contacted me to suggest an improvement.

I am not an automotive electrician, but I have wired my own kit car completely, which includes connecting up a Lucas 2 speed wiper motor without the luxury of the original loom and switch. Some information was obtained from the net, some by bench testing for confirmation.

The diagram below shows how to wire up the 2 speed wiper motor using two single pole double throw (5 pin) automotive relays. The isolating switch used below is a simple 2 pole switch in which both output pins are live in the fast position. Relays do not have to be used, but if using a switch it is important to use the correct Lucas wiper switch (part No #35927). The Lucas motor stops in the park position very suddenly by shorting the windings to ground and if the correct switch is not used, you will blow fuses or worse.

If you are not 100% certain of the identity of the wires in the connector plug (there are various colour combinations) I strongly recommend you do a bench test.

Geoff Morgan

Here is the circuit diagram from Erikis which only has 1 relay.

Triumph Service Training Notes

2008-10-16T13:33:00.002+01:00

I have recently scanned the Triumph Service Training Notes - Lucas Petrol Injection which covers the TR5, TR6, 2.5PI saloon and 2.5PI estate. This is a guide to the maintenance and servicing of the Lucas Petrol Injection systems fitted to various Triumph cars. I am hosting a copy on my website.

Lola is 50

2008-10-13T09:41:00.004+01:00

We went to Huntingdon to see a parade of Lola racing cars run from their factory to the marketplace. This T70 Lemans racing car was driven on the parade by Sir John Surtess. It was a great sight and very loud.

I was surprised to see Lola have made some more modest cars such as this one. The Lola Mk1 a 1100cc car built in 1958.

RBRR - The Club Triumph Round Britain Run

2008-09-29T16:17:00.000+01:00

I may not be on the run this time but I am supporting it.

Triumph 2.3

2008-08-25T18:44:00.005+01:00

I saw this bike at the Thoresby show today. I wonder if the 2.3 inline 3 would fit in a Vitesse/Herald.

Engine is a Liquid-cooled, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder with a Capacity of 2,294cc

According the manufacturer website it has Maximum Power of 106bhp @ 5,400 rpm and Maximum Torque of 154ft.lbf @ 2,025 rpm

Not a lot of progress in 40 years then. So it turns out not have any more power than the Vitesse. Why bother.

Lucas Parts 1969

2008-08-01T14:44:00.005+01:00

Lucas Girling Equipment and Service Parts - Standard Triumph 1969

Catching up with the Canley Classics blog I saw mention of the 4 wheel "Pony" gearboxes for sale.

Included in this parts booklet is a section listing parts for the "Pony". I bet it puzzled people back then and it even odder now.

Lunchtime find

2008-05-29T13:37:00.004+01:00

Look what I found in Oxfam today. A real period piece published in 1962. It covers the 948cc and 1147cc cars. There no oil stains on it. I could not resist the retro style of the cover.

Stag Repair Operation Manual

2008-05-25T21:50:00.002+01:00

Have just found a PDF copy of the Stag Repair Operation Manual. Not sure where it came from will add it into my website soon.

Crich 2008

2008-04-13T17:41:00.003+01:00

Even better than last year!

There seemed to be more cars than last time. It was good to meet up with some old friends and chat to some new people.

Having read about Chris Allens saloon in his blog http://nuts-about-triumphs.blogspot.com/ I was impressed to see the car itself. I reckon the wheels looks work very well. The chrome finishers give an impressive deep dished appearance.

This is the car I would have liked to take home.

Track day booked + new software

2008-03-16T20:22:00.003Z

I normally logon to my blog to update it - but have found some new software that may make things easier.

Seems like an age since I last posted anything here. Must try harder.

Have booked a place for a trackday at Cadwell Park on 6 May so will get to use my new helmet. Will be my first track day ever so have also booked some instruction.

Spring cleaning

2007-12-30T16:11:00.000Z

Spring has come early to my house. We have started tidying up our cellar. I have had a large amount of my car stuff down there.

Finding stuff I had long forgotten. Found a clutch cover and driven plate but what car is it off?

Also lots of suspension parts including three lever arm dampers, one appears unused. I have thrown some bits away - I wonder why I ever kept this clutch slave cylinder.

revised G Thomas tuning manual

2007-11-23T21:07:00.000Z

Did you spot that small ad in the TSSC magazine the Courier, well I am glad I did.

I have just got my copy of the revised Tuning Manual from G Thomas, direct by airmail from Estonia. The post team at work used to cars parts turning up every now and then were impressed by the many stamps on the parcel.

It now has colour pictures and much revised text. The first impression on opening the parcel was disappointment it looks just like the original - bright yellow.

From my initial reading it looks like it will be a jolly good read. More info avaiable via his website: http://www.jagclub.ru/triumph_news.html

J -type Overdrive - to be sorted + NEC show

2007-11-10T21:55:00.000Z

I have been driving with a overdrive that stops working as the car warms up. Have done the easy checks - the oil level is fine. Had resigned myself to spending quite a bit of money on a recon. Well on my way to the NEC show I dropped in at Canley Classics and Dave Pearson talked me into a money saving idea - just try fitting a new solenoid. Great idea if it works and even it does not the money will not have been wasted as a new solenoid would be a part of a recon job on the whole unit.

And so onto the NEC. Friday is more expensive that Saturday and Sunday plus it much easier to see the cars. As always my Vitesse was one of very few classics in the car park. I wonder how many of the crowds at the show actually ever drive their classics or do they even have a classic back home at all.

Here are some pictures.

What no Triumphs - Doncaster Custom car show

2007-10-20T15:59:00.000+01:00

Here are a few pictures. Saw a mildly modified Rover P5, a Hillman with a yank V8 and an old Ford Zodiac mounted on a 4x4 frame but no Triumphs.

Maintenence and a sale

2007-09-18T21:31:00.000+01:00

Whilst doing some maintenece on my website I found this set of instructions for fitting the tonneau cover to Herald or Vitesse.

Only a start but have made my first eBay sale. A set of 5 wire wheels I sold were picked on Saturday by a nice couple who are finishing off a Gentry.

Seaside run

2007-08-25T20:31:00.000+01:00

The good weather made us decide to go to the seaside. I forgot how far the Lincolnshire coast is from home. Had intended camping but did not hit the coast until 9.30pm. Thought of parking up in the dunes and sleeping in the Vitesse.

Found a B&B "Sunnycroft" with a vacancy and a pub still serving food at 9.50pm in Sandiland. Any way why am I saying all this - this a car blog. Where are all the classics? A beautiful sunny bank holiday weekend and we only saw 2 classics a Morgan and a great big limo of some sort.

Why do people not use their classic cars?

eBay virgin

2007-08-24T13:24:00.000+01:00

I have bought enough stuff over the years. Think I will have ago at selling. http://search.ebay.co.uk/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZvitessesteve

Got some wire wheels a while back from a garage I cleared out. Tried offering them via Club Triumph classified but no luck. Lets see if eBay is any better.

Completely tyred

2007-08-16T21:34:00.000+01:00

Got the back two done this morning. What a difference turning up first thing on a week day compared with a Saturday morning. No queue so car was sorted quickly. So now have 4 new Vredestein T Trac tyres fitted.

Before buying these tyres I did a little surfiing and found these test results which seem to be all Dutch which I suppose is to be expected for a Dutch tyre maker.

T-Trac
ADAC Motorwelt - 3/2002
Comparative Strengths - Dry Performance
Gute Fahrt - 3/2002
Comparative Strengths - Aquaplaning, Circle Tests
Comparative Weaknesses - Rolling resistance, Comfort
ADAC Motorwelt - 3/2001
Comparative Strengths - Dry Performance
Comparative Weaknesses - Wet Performance, Rolling Resistance

So they should be a good comprimise with strong dry performance possibly at the cost of comfort and economy. I do not drive my Vitesse to save petrol.

TSSC Leicester Sunshine rally

2007-08-12T19:42:00.000+01:00

A great day out with an interesting mixture of cars. It was good to see the TSSC shop there.

I found a bargain Brixtax racing harness in the autojumble which I can now try to work how to fit. Also bought a new rotor arm from Bill Davies of Rarebits4classics

Was good to meet up with some old friends from the West Midlands. One of the most impressive cars for me was this recycled herald

Half Tyred

2007-08-11T20:07:00.000+01:00

I have at last got around to replacing the front tyres on my Vitesse. Had the tracking checked and it was at 7.5 rather than 1.5 toe in. How did it get like that? Normal wear and tear occording to the tyre bay chaps at Selecta Tyre Ltd. 2 Vredestein T-Trac 175/70 for £55.56. Had them inflated with nitrogen just like F1 for an extra £1.25 a tyre. Total with balance and tracking £108.53, not bad I reckon.

Newark market place

2007-08-05T20:04:00.000+01:00

Unfortunately I could not make it to the TSSC Robin Hood rally this weekend. But they came to the market place and I meet them and their cars there. Sorry no pictures this time.

Dig out those parts

2007-07-17T15:06:00.000+01:00

Meet up with a couple of fairly local Triump folk and their cars at the Cadwell race meeting.

Unfortunately my camera battery was out of power so have borrowed these pictures from the TSSC website.

Agreed to sort out some Herald bits and pieces I have aquired and pass em on to Andrew.

Cadwell Park 2007

2007-07-15T19:43:00.000+01:00

The rain held off all day.

Had got so used to the bad weather that had taken rain proof jacket but no sun cream or hat - a typical English summer day!

If there had been a price on this car, which was for sale, I think we would have bought. It won its races and my better half Jan was well smitten.

Most of the races were MG races but the 1st and last races featured Triumphs. The last race was an all comers race with an amazingly wide field which included 3 TVRs, Caterham R400 which won very easilly and three Triumphs. Unfortunately this Vitesse estate failed to finish.

More details of the TSSC race series is available at: tssc triumphracing_news or at: http://www.racing-triumphs.co.uk/

Newark Kit car show 2007

2007-06-17T21:13:00.000+01:00

I like shows that let me in for free. Not as good turnout this year probably the rain put people off. The carpark is one of the best bits of this show. A good mixture of old and new. An old Fraser Nash and a group of wild mini.

That orange car has a mid mounted Hayabusa engine!

Did a little shopping got some yellow tape to cover the earth straps. Also found some screw caps to cover the screws that hold the door trims on.

99p - Bulkhead

2007-06-10T13:06:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I collected this eBay bargain from Bob. The A posts below the screen and the floor pans look better than on my car. Bob also sold me a spare boot insert panel that I can refurbish and replace the now rather rusty one on my car.

It was a 320 miles round trip to Epsom an uneventful journey. Only embarrassing bit was not being able to open the rear doors at first - there was a separate button on the key fob - but only found it after phoning the hire firm to ask.

Flower power

2007-06-06T21:57:00.000+01:00

This evening I took my better half out to see some open gardens at Cropwell Butler. The event was a part of the The National Open Gardens scheme for charity. www.ngs.org.uk You get to look around other peoples gardens and at these evening does you often get a glass of wine and some nibbles - very civilised.

On the way home we kept off the main roads and took to the lanes. An excuse for a run out in the Vitesse. You see so much more on the country lanes at this time of year - it was beautiful.

Vitesse Parts manual

2007-06-01T22:24:00.000+01:00

I have added a copy of the pdf version of the Vitesse parts manual to my website at: vitessesteve.co.uk/Service%20manuals/Service%20manuals.htm

Should make things easier when trying to order bits from work!

Club Triumph - Lincs

2007-05-31T09:01:00.000+01:00

Wednesday night at the The Coach and Horses, Hemingby, Horncastle.

What a friendly lot! The evening combined two of my favourite things good food and Triumph cars.

Several interesting cars in the car park despite of the rain. A serious looking big saloon caught my attention.

The only disappointment was that the overdrive has starting playing up again.

Overdrive - cured

2007-05-15T14:02:00.000+01:00

More oil seems have sorted it. No obvious leak that I can see. So is the pressure building up resulting in blowing out of oil when the overdrive is working hard. Must find the pressure release.

Crich - tramway museum

2007-05-12T20:54:00.000+01:00

An excellent if modest show. I was pleased to meet up with some old friends and meet some people whose cars I have heard of but never meet.

A modest turn out yes, but a good selection of cars. A concourse Acclaim and a TR7 rally replica were my favourites. With free entry to show cars inluding my Vitesse and a welcome drink from the organisers I was well pleased.

Overdrive - the cure?

2007-05-06T13:58:00.000+01:00

Looks like it just needs the gearbox oil topping up.

The speedo cable had nearly let go. The rightangle drive was being held against the overdrive by the tension in the cable... so I screwed it back on. Why did it come lose? Everything looked OK just not fixed together properly.

Also found that the heater distribution box was not attached on the passenger side.

Camping & Overdrive

2007-05-04T23:46:00.000+01:00

Went to the TSSC Lincoln meet yesterday. Plans for the forthcoming camping weekend over the August bank holiday were discussed. TSSC HQ have produced some flyers. I will post a copy here when I get my scanner working again.

The J-type overdrive would not engage must investigate. I had forgoten what a difference its makes particularly at speed. Most of the run to the meeting is along a straight A road I was still keeping up with the moderns but it was much louder.

Some beautiful Italians

2007-05-01T22:00:00.000+01:00

I went to Roverto to see an exhibition at their modern art gallery about car design. It was fab. The were 75 cars inside and the day I was there a group of modern Maserati and Ferrari turned up.

My Vitesse is three times as fast as a Lamborghini

2007-05-01T21:54:00.000+01:00

Saw this whilst on holiday in Italy. Max speed 50kph! So my Vitesse is at least three times as fast as a Lambo.

It is a small world

2007-03-30T12:47:00.000+01:00

The Triumph world is full of all sorts of people. I spend time on some Triumph messageboards and forums. It is always good to be recognised in real life - although more often than not it my Vitesse that is noticed rather than me.

After the Retro Race show my car got a mention on the club triumph forum and now I have noticed a picture on the KD Triumph Blog of Karl Dandridge. And yes I must admit that my Vitesse does have excellent fascia air vents thanks to Karl.

I must try harder to recognise/meet the people behind the cars/messages.

Race Retro 2007

2007-03-25T18:27:00.000+01:00

Great day out. Lots of historic and classic cars and that was just in the carpark. Parked behind me was this 4.2 Rover V8 powered big saloon. Saved £5.00 parking by arriving in my Vitesse.

Wyl assists in disposal of a dead body

2007-03-21T18:24:00.000Z

We used my Vitesse to tow my other halfs dead little Renault 5 out of the yard for Tommy Croyden and daughter "the wrecker" to take it away. The 5 had stood awhile and one of the tyres was almost completely flat, so I had to pull pretty hard to get the thing to start moving - a little slipping the clutch was needed to start. Used a tow rope on the Vitesse tow bar. No real problem doing the job the Vitesse has alot of low down grunt. I wonder how many Triumphs get used for towing.

Use your local

2007-02-27T12:12:00.000Z

Last night I went out to the Nottingham meeting of the TSSC/Club Triumph. It was their 2nd anniversary. Had a burger, a beer and chat a good night out.

Got me thinking about something I have heard said about local pubs. Apparently lots of local pubs are closing down because of competition from big chains and due to lack of use. It is only after the closure that people start to complain and say something should be done about it.

Car clubs must not go the same way. Use them or lose them!

4 door Vitesse at Stoneleigh 2007

2007-02-12T13:00:00.000Z

Out Saturday night til late so was always going to be a quick visit any way. Got to the show for 1.00pm.

Was looking for a decent secondhand door or a door skin but found some treasure on Mark Field http://www.jigsawracingservices.co.uk/ stand. New old stock doors for little more than the skins a real bargain!

Now how the hell am I going to get them home? I had no tools in car having had a tidy up post MOT. So had to buy a cheap set of spanner for £1.00. Then had to take the passenger seat out and pack it upside down behind the drivers seat. Then I used the tow rope to tie the 2 doors against the roll cage and passenger door handle. Got some strange looks in the carpark.

A good show I got to talk to several people I have meet in cyber space. Meet a couple of french Triumph people and got to practice my school boy french - a common interest made communication easier.

herald-tips-tricks.wikidot.com

2007-02-07T19:46:00.000Z

Have recently come across this new wiki aimed at Herald owners.

What do you think of this: http://herald-tips-tricks.wikidot.com/search:site/q/club%20triumph

29.04.2007 Following a comment from the author of the site himself please note the link should be http://herald-tips-tricks.wikidot.com/start:start0

MOT passed

2007-02-07T13:45:00.000Z

Hurray. Got another years MOT. The car was well recieved at the garage, "a real car for a change"

Only got a few advisories: I reckon that is good. The front wheel bearing have some play and the handbrake only just passed.

Was surprised that my 1969 Vitesse needs a better more efficient hand brake than a modern car. Why so? The handbrake on a Vitesse is a secondary brake because of the single circuit main brakes, so must be 25% efficient. On a modern car a handbrake is the third brake system after the dual circuit brakes, so can be as little as 16%.

Kenlowe - wiring

2007-02-03T20:32:00.001Z

I had been thinking about trying to get the warning light to work on the override switch. So when fellow blogger Martin Randle http://raidertr7.blogspot.com/ mentioned he was having trouble getting the light to come at the right time I had a rummage and found the fitting instructions. Here is the wiring diagram hope it helps.

Job done

2007-02-03T20:15:00.000Z

All ready for the MOT now. Did not spend Friday night sorting the car after all so did not get the MOT done today. Will have to sort it next week. Need it ready for a trip to the Triumph do at Stoneleigh.

Cut the studs on the number plate light down to size this morning and fitted that. Have a reversing light again. How long will that last I wonder? I read on a message board recently that the new light may not last well.

The handbrake and horns both needed fixing. If that is the limit of what is needed to pass the MOT this year I will be well pleased.

Steering linkage - the rebuild

2007-02-01T22:20:00.000Z

The new linkage fits a treat.

Putting the steering back together I found why the horn had stopped working. The wire was no longer attached to the slip ring at the end of the column. I tried to resolder the wire without taking the slip ring out. Silly boy. Had to drift the ring out. Much easier to solder the horn wire onto the slip ring with it out and held in the vice jaws.

The last time I was dealing with these parts I seem to remember it just falling out. I wonder why it was sticking this time - how can the top of the column shroud have changed shape?

I finished putting all the switches back into the column. Will complete the rebuild tomorrow night.

Steering linkage removal - part 3

2007-01-30T11:25:00.000Z

The replacement lower steering column arrived today at work, so I know what I will doing tonight - putting the steering back together. I ordered online Sunday it arrived first thing Tuesday excellent.

Steering linkage removal - part 2

2007-01-28T17:47:00.000Z

I have attacked it with WD40, heat, big hammer and an angle grinder. The linkage just will not let go of the lower part of steering column.

Time for some time out and something to eat.

Looks like will have to either source another lower column or buy a drimel to carefully carve off the linkage.

After a good cup of tea and some surfing have decided to give in and buy a replacement lower steering column.

Newark Autojumble

2007-01-28T15:58:00.000Z

I have bought a late Triumph 2500S head which is my excuse to go the Newark Autojumble today so I can pick it up. Picked up the head and looked around at the jumble. My best purchase was a section of tough foam like a judo mat which should make lieing on the garage floor more bearable. Took some pictures in the classic carpark.

Steering linkage removal

2007-01-27T23:11:00.000Z

Got the linkage to let go of the rack no problem, but getting it off the lower column is proving more difficult. The linkage had been painted over with black underseal so the first job was getting that off so I could get at the bolts.

Lots of WD40 and nut splitter have got the other bolt out of the top of the linkage. I can not get the thing off the column so will have to resort to completely dismantling the steering tomorrow. Hopefully if I get the lower column clear of the car I can attack it better on the work bench.

Rear number plate light

2007-01-26T17:28:00.000Z

Got a new rear light from Tim Hodgekiss http://www.vintagemotorspares.com/ last year at the NEC classic show. Unfortunately the studs were not straight. He replaced it I have just got round to trying to fit it. Thought that MOT man might want to see the reversing light working. All the other lights work.

This time I find that the studs are good and straight but too long. They are so long that the bracket that the lamp fits to will not fit back on the boot lid.

Will have to cut the studs shorter. Have got a UNF die to clean the tread up afterwards.

Steering linkage

2007-01-24T14:58:00.000Z

Another item on my MOT list. I had wanted to upgrade the steering linkage and use something I had seen on Bill Davies http://www.rarebits4classics.co.uk/ website. He has not been able to supply so with time running out I picked a linkage from eBay (the Jumblemaster)

and also ordered a standard one from Canley Classics to ensure that I had something in hand.

Both arrived today at work.

Thanks Jason I can handle it

2007-01-22T14:54:00.000Z

My fellow blogger Jason Chinn http://chinn.blogspot.com/ has come up with the goods. After a serious rummage he sent me a couple of door handles - and they fit. My list of jobs for the MOT is one item shorter.

Also got a handle for £3.00 from TSSC member Pete Sargent. So now I have plenty to choose from!

It does fit?

2007-01-17T19:53:00.000Z

Got a new internal door handle in the post from Canley Classics. At first I thought "it does not fit." The thing looks identical to broken one but ....

The part that fits over the shaft is correct size to hold the shaft but oversize to fit through the escutcheon.

On talking to the ever helpful David Pearson it seems that the new handles are bigger and better. I will have to enlarge the hole in the escutcheon. If I bought new escutcheon as well the hole would have been bigger.

So I have little bit of fittling to do. I should be used to that by now after 16 years as a Vitesse owner.

ADU 3B - Anew Blog

2007-01-15T13:46:00.000Z

Have just found this - thought you might be interested too.Blog related to the restoration of famous Works Triumph Spitfire Le Mans 1964/1965 "ADU3B"http://www.adu3b.blogspot.com/

Interior door handle

2007-01-14T13:55:00.000Z

Whilst checking the car over for the forthcoming MOT I was repairing the passenger door handle so that the external button opened the door. The little screwed in bolt that contacts the internal lock mechanism had shaken loose, so I applied a bit of thread lock and screwed it back in.

On refitting the interior door handle and turning it it broke. The break is just where the holes are for the retaining pin. Does anybody know of any after market handles that would fit and look OK in my Vitesse?

new website progress

2007-01-10T20:58:00.000Z

New website progress: Have got email boxes working. Have got Frontpage edited pages to show. Have got index page to display still needs some editing.

http://vitessesteve.co.uk

Derwent/Notts new year run

2007-01-07T19:47:00.000Z

At rest at the start in Ripley market place.

The end of the run at Castle Donnington services.

An excellent day out. No real mistakes with the navigation. Only problem was the ford at Rufford, the car made it to dry land but all the electrics cut out. Thanks to all who stopped to help. A group push started me up hill real heros to a man!

Anybody know what happened to the Mini that had just suffered the same fate as my car and whose driver helped push me up hill to restart.

We even won a bottle of wine in the raffle at lunch.

new web site coming

2007-01-05T22:36:00.000Z

Did you see that Wayne Farnworth of ComputerFix Mobile PC & Mac Repairs, Upgrades and Maintenance http://www.computerfix-mobile.co.uk was offering a special deal on the TSSC website. I won and will lauching a new website soon.

I have recently purchased a domain name and will when it is registered have it hosted at Computerfix.

Let there be light

2006-12-31T14:47:00.000Z

That is another job done. I have now got lots of electic sockets and lighting fully sorted in my garage.

Yesterday I fitted a roller blind to the window. Much better than the builders sack I had been using to stop anybody looking in.

No excuses now power, light and 2 fully working doors - will now start the big list of car projects.

Break in - Part 7 the end

2006-12-30T14:48:00.000Z

Kevin the garage door man, called round today and sorted out the electronics. Excellent service from KJH Automation Services Limited 07976 753824 or kevin-h@lineone.net I would recommend him to you if you need your electric gates or garage doors installing or fixing.

That hopefully is the end to sorting out the mess following my garage being broken in to.

Plum pudding race meeting

2006-12-26T18:20:00.000Z

I heard of this race meeting at Mallory Park some time ago but what with one thing and another never got round to going. They have had a meet on boxing day there for years apparently.

It was a good excuse to get the Vitesse out for blast. I reckon we were the only classic in the crowd excepting a cream coloured MGB GT. A pity I have often seen interesting cars in race meeting carparks.

There were two Triumph motorbike sidecar competitors - I spotted this one in the paddock. The other picture is of a Berkley which was racing with the sider cars.

Break in - Part 6

2006-12-21T12:38:00.000Z

Yesterday I was called at work and told the replacement door was available. "Can I fit it tomorrow" he says. Thanks to an understanding and flexible employer I was able to work from home today. So here is the latest instalment in the seemingly never ending saga.

The Garage door man has just gone - job nearly complete. Nice new garage door fitted, this time with no external lock that can be vandalised. Strange that I was told originally that I had to have the lock fitted. A roller door with no external fittings should be less tempting to vandals and thieves.

It turns out that the electronic control gear for the door also needs replacing - normally he would have had parts in his van - his van broke down earlier this week so he came in a hire van with no spares.

So this is another chapter in the continuing saga not the finale - to be concluded soon.

Foggy notion

2006-12-20T12:53:00.000Z

Was out in my Valencia blue Vitesse in the fog. A dark colour with little old rear lights and no fog lights is not very visible. Must fit a fog light.

Alloy water pump housing

2006-12-12T21:21:00.000Z

I know it is not my picture I have borrowed it from Canley Classics. But I just wanted you to see my new arrival. When I opened the box in my office it still had that machine shop smell which was a very welcome interuption to my morning.

Fun Cars

2006-12-08T13:09:00.000Z

I had been looking for this book for some time. Found it on eBay at the end of October. Now another copy has come up. Strange that. Next thing I know it will be republished and available from W H Smith.

There are various cars in the book that use Triumph parts. The TX Tripper pictures are very period. A bit like this.

Kas Kastner - his latest book 2

2006-12-06T15:26:00.000Z

Just got my copy direct from the states. Signed by the man himself.

Not much in this book about small chassis Triumphs compared with the last two. Has an excellent article about Lucas Fuel Injection amongst other things.

Break in - Part 5

2006-12-02T13:54:00.000Z

Sorting out the repair or replacement of the roller door seems to be taking for ever. The insurance company have been very good and promised to pay for a complete new door if that is needed. It seems that it is cheaper to replace the entire door and fit new tracks for it than try to fix the damage. In other words the existing door has been written off.

The contractor who will doing the work visited me at 7.20am on Monday so I could show him the damage etc before setting off to work. How is that for service? He said he could have been at my garage for 6.00am.

most excellent resource

2006-11-22T20:25:00.000Z

I had read that the Triumph 2000/2500/2.5PI Register service notes were recommended for triumphists with PI.

Having bought them I reckon that it was money well spent. They are full tips gathered over the years by club members. http://www.t2000register.org.uk/

In case you can not read the above here is what it says.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

SERVICE NOTES SUPPLEMENT
The long-awaited second volume of our invaluable guide to maintenance and problem solving from the pages of “SIXappeal” 1993 to 2001. Written by our experts and members. Price £12.50 plus £4.00 p&p (UK).

ALSO AVAILABLE AGAIN IN A LIMITED EDITION - SERVICE NOTES Volume I
Still in demand this is the original volume covering the technical bits of “SIXappeal” 1981 to 1992. Price held at £20.00 plus £4.50 p&p (UK).
SPECIAL OFFER - while stocks last
Buy both volumes of Service Notes for only £30.00 plus £7.00 p&p (UK).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

You can save the postage if you buy them at a show. I got mine at the NEC classic last month.

Heated screens 2

2006-11-15T22:10:00.000Z

Have you noticed this recent exchange on the messageboard started by Jason Green. http://www.tssc.org.uk/messageboard.asp?board=clubchat§ion=general&topic=20061109202455447697795

Looking back at March 2006 copy the TSSC mag Courier I read a letter about getting heated screens made by midlands based company called Uroglas.

The letter invited readers to telephone a chap. What happened next? Did he get any screens made up?

Have tried to contact him by private message via the TSSC board I will report back he later.

A real new post - new style blog -

2006-11-15T16:09:00.000Z

So what is so good about this new style Blog? It just seems to have republished all my old posts. So if like me you have some software to track new posts you will have got a surprise recently.

I use a Blog roll from Blogarithm http://www.blogarithm.com/getSticker.html which mails me daily with headlines from the Blogs I am watching - a neat trick.

Heated screens

2006-11-10T17:45:00.000Z

A fellow Triumph Sports Six Club member has posted this on their messageboard.

Heated Screens, anyone? Posted By : Jason Green, 09-Nov-2006, 08:24pm
If any one is interested in a heated screen, please register your interest here.
Current project is for heated front and rear screens for the Herald/Vitesse and heated rear screens for the GT6.
All screens are laminated.
The minimum production run is 15. So when we reach 15 names for each type I'll contact all by PM to confirm.
Prices are from £140 for the front, £120 for the GT6 rear screen and £140 for the Herald/Vitesse rear, all subject to VAT.
I'd like a Vitesse front.
Next, please.
-----------
I would like 1 front screen and 1 rear screen for my Vitesse. If you are interested you can either visit the TSSC messageboard or contact me and will pass your message to Jason.

Break in part 4

2006-11-02T13:12:00.000Z

I made a start with buying tools at the NEC classic on Friday. There were lots to choose from but unfortunately alot of junk on view.

Am getting the house alarm extended to include the garage. Will need a radio link as the garage is at the bottom of the garden not attached to the house. The existing alarm only sounds at the garage and did not stop the theives.

Most of the stuff that was nicked was covered by the insurance pay out. Annoyingly no cover for expensive Millers synthetic oil that I had not got round to putting in the car. No spare parts stolen which is good because the house contents would not cover that either.

Seems to me that classic car owners need insurance that covers spare parts and stuff like oil as well as tools. Must check it out next time the renewal comes up.

Break in - part 3

2006-10-26T13:08:00.000+01:00

Good news. Had a telephone conversation with the insurers and have agreed a sum of money with them. My cheque is in the post, so can look for replacement tools at the NEC tomorrow.

GT6R

2006-10-25T09:11:00.000+01:00

Just visited this excellent new blog. All about building a replica GT6 LeMans car.

http://gt6r-lemans.blogspot.com/

two blondes

2006-10-23T22:54:00.000+01:00

The two blondes in my live. Gloria is the big loud hen on the left and Dolly is rather more quiet. Both named after Triumphs. So you thought naming cars was silly!

Break in - Part 2

2006-10-21T12:24:00.000+01:00

In order to nick my stuff the garage door was forced open. I told the insurer this and guess what they send a fitter round who looks at the door and tells me it needs replacing or mending. I already knew that I had told the insurer what had happened and thought that they had arranged for somebody to come and fix it. Lucky I had not taken any more time off work for this episode, but will have when the door is fixed. I did spend most of this morning waiting for this news - not a good use of my precious weekend time.

Just like having your car breakdown when the first bloke turns up and says yes your car in broke will get it recovered and you then have to hang around again waiting to be recovered.

Bling bits

2006-10-17T14:13:00.000+01:00

I want the 2.5PI engine I am building to look good as well. Found these on sale on eBay from a chap who does lots other shiny bits. http://search.ebay.co.uk/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZbuyright777QQssPageNameZSTRKQ3aMEWNQ3aMESOI

Must make a list

2006-10-17T12:04:00.000+01:00

Do you know what is in your garage? Having recently suffered a breakin and having to tell the insurer what is missing I realize how much stuff I had. I intend to make a list of all my tools and parts so I actually know what I have got. At least that is what I thinking today.

Guess when I get down to sorting through the contents I may have second thoughts or stop when the list gets too long and the amount of time and money I have spent collecting all the stuff becomes apparent.

Break in

2006-10-13T11:07:00.000+01:00

Last night my garage was broken into. Fortunately no damage to my car but lots of tools have been nicked.

The police are sympathetic but I have no expectation of getting any thing back. Hope the insurance covers it.

Kas Kastner - his latest book

2006-10-12T20:13:00.000+01:00

I wonder who will be stocking "Racing, Winning and Other Myths in Triumph Cars" the latest book from Kas Kastner? http://www.kaskastner.com/buybooks.html

If it is anything like his other books it will be a good read.

I would like to get an autographed copy so hope to hear about somebody importing copies sometime this month.

POSTSCRIPT added Tuesday 17th - Looks like neither jason chinn or Canleyclassics will be importing this time - so have ordered direct and paid by PayPal - easy job done.

still a bargain

2006-10-11T13:49:00.000+01:00

With all my other insurance policies costing more each year I wondered what was in store for the car this year. No worries. Last year my insurance cost £122.00. This year £124.35 a bargain from Footman James http://www.footmanjames.co.uk courtesy of TSSC http://www.tssc.org.uk/.

Practical Performance Car

2006-10-03T16:43:00.000+01:00

I was complaining about supply and demand the other day. Well at last a result on one front.

I took out a subscription to Practical Performance Car some months ago at the Newark Kit Car Show. There was a special offer of 5litres of Millers motor oil free - it turned up today at work.

I asked for Millers Sport 20w50 semi synthetic classic oil. I have been sent CFS 10w60 which is a far more expensive fully synthetic racing oil.

Not being sure it was appropriate for my Triumph Vitesse engine I asked a question on a couple of messageboards. "Anybody know if such high tech stuff will be OK for use in my road car which gets some hard use but is no racing car?"

Within hours the replies came back from Club Triumph Forum. Brillant!

Probably the perfect engine oil for ANY of our engines. Slap it in and enjoy!
"if you are offended in any way by my opinion, please add a pinch of salt"Too young to die old http://www.crazyspitfire.blogspot.com/ the BROKEN Beast!

Use it Steve. It's coming up to winter and that lower rating means your poor old starter isn't going to struggle against that glue called 20 weight mineral oil that will form on a frosty morn. Oil technology has moved on considerably we should all be taking advantage of it. I have used 5-40 for the past 15 odd years in my motors, and they all do big/hard miles, no problems to report.
http://www.canleyclassics.com/

Thank you all gentlemen. I am reassured. At more than £40.00 for 5 litres it could be the start of an expensive habit - but I love my engine. On second thoughts it must be cheaper than a rebulid and if as Dave says I do 20000miles on it that is about the same as 4 normal changes. So I will spend less on oil as well!

Asda at Tunstall

2006-10-02T21:37:00.000+01:00

Having picked yet another eBay bargain in Tunstall Staffordshire I was looking out for a chip shop but found ASDA first. It made my day to come back to my Vitesse and find it surrounded by an admirring crowd. You don't see many of these cars nowadays; I had one of those years ago; you lucky so and so my wife makes me drive a modern etc.

Supply and demand

2006-09-30T20:43:00.000+01:00

I have noticed of late an increasing tendancy for the particular bits and pieces I want not to be available. I know that our cars are getting to be less and less used but if this tendancy continues we will not be able to use them even if we want to.

to Hawes and back

2006-09-17T20:05:00.000+01:00

This is what made me drive for more than 5 hours. Am I mad, I don't think so. More eBay treasure. A gearbox for £10.00.
The North York Moors are beautiful just look at this river.
And my car did not miss a beat! The more I use it the better it gets.

Storage

2006-09-15T12:44:00.000+01:00

I had to move all my stuff out of my old garage before it was demolished and I had a splendid new one built. I have been enjoying the space and left most of the stuff in the cellar. The time has come to move back. The part or tool I want is always in the wrong place or in a box buried under something else.

Having surfed around a bit I found some industrail strength shelving on eBay. It is due to be delivered next week. http://search.ebay.co.uk/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZbigdugltdQQssPageNameZSTRKQ3aMEWNQ3aMESOI

Another tank

2006-09-14T11:35:00.000+01:00

I took a trip out to Mablethorpe on the Lincs seaside last night. Its an odd place the beach is hidden from the town by huge dunes. Had a fish supper after picking up a Herald estate petrol tank before heading back home.

The roads were a challenge in the dark, with so many farmers harvesting under lights it was tricky to be sure where the road was sometimes. Some of the farming machinery had multiple flood lights which were not dipped for on coming traffic.

Now I wonder if this tank will find its way into the PI fuel system?

I can only assume that the gearbox twisted

2006-09-05T20:23:00.000+01:00

Comment from Andre

I can only assume the gearbox twisted and thats why the bell housing
cracked.
I checked the cover and did not see any impacts.
But maybe I might line the thing with sheet metal :)
I'm going to pick up a 5 Speed, I was going to buy a OD kit, but not now.
I want something I can beat on a little more.
A.

Transmission failure - not mine

2006-09-05T13:41:00.000+01:00

I have read a tale on: http://www.justdrive.ca/gt6/ which reminded of a not dissimilar incident that befell my Vitesse some years ago. So sent poor Andre an email.

Sorry to read of your news.

I had the bell housing fail on my Vitesse at speed some years ago. The gearbox started to come through the transmission tunnel. (Fortunately into the passenger foot well.) I was pushing the car hard at least 4500rpm in overdrive top!

I guess that the bell house broke first which left the gearbox attached to the prop. Being attached to the prop rather than the bell housing the gearbox broke through the tunnel. The continuing motion of the car pulled the prop off the end of the gearbox, the UJ jokes were smashed. There was a hell of a lot of noise. Fortunately the road was empty and I was able to pull the car up straight.

At the time it was a very unusal event for nobody in the West Midland Triumph community in the UK had ever seen such a thing. The recovery driver told me how lucky I was that the prop runs above the chassis at the transmission as he remembered picking up the remains of an old Ford where the prop had dropped and dug into the road!

Take a look at his pictures: http://www.justdrive.ca/gt6/06/0904/slides/DSCN1285.html

Yahoo - Triumphcarads

2006-09-03T17:35:00.000+01:00

The Yahoo group triumphcarads · Triumph Car Ads nearly closed today. Lucky some kind soul stepped in to be the new moderator.

It exists as a free listing for Triumph cars and parts.

It is a great idea would be a great shame to see it fold.

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/triumphcarads/

Use or lose it.