 Martin Shelley repports on the progress within a the decade of restoring his 1909 18Hp Thornycroft. "With a 1908TT replica body (a much nicer wording than 'no body') attached the car can be fettled mechanically without the touring body in the way. In the same yard is the Hemming Blackburne now back in good running order with a rebuilt magneto, repaired oil pump and most importantly, a Petseal-free petrol tank. Following suggestions from PreWarCar readers, I managed to remove the soggy remnants with the correct Petseal remover, which is thin methyl chloride fluid (and hence vapour which does the work) which reduced old Petseal to coarse powder which can easily be shaken and washed out. (see more Petseal issues) I have now finished restoration of the engine using every conceivable original internal except for the main and big end bearings which were solid white metal and had to replaced with bronze which we then white-metalled. The original cast iron pistons have gone back in with original rings, gudgeon pins etc with only a light hone to clean the bores. The original camshaft which features eight separate cams assembled on a shaft with square keys and taper pins has been carefully dismantled, restored to original profiles and reassembled. Not yet a runner until the magneto platform has been remade and the fuel system refitted, but we are much nearer than we were eight weeks ago. I had an Australian friend who spent three weeks here helping me which is appropriate given the provenance of the car, first owner legendary Australian Cattle King, SidneyKidman. Last photo is Hemming the tank suspended so Martin could be give a good shake with old nuts inside to try and dislodge the old Petseal. In the end, he used the correct remover to do the job, but the suspended tank idea was a good way of shaking it without harming it. (editor: shaken not stirred ?) Not yet a runner until the magneto platform has been remade and the fuel system refitted, but we are much nearer than we were eight weeks ago. I had an Australian friend who spent three weeks here helping me which is appropriate given the provenance of the car, first owner legendary Australian Cattle King, SidneyKidman. (text and photos Martin Shelley, VMCC OEC and Blackburne Marque Specialist, Member VCC and VSCC) |
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Thornycroft & Hemming progress thanks to PWC readers.
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