Sunday 19 January 2014

Coolant flush

Basic job done at last, that should have been tackled ages ago, but more fundamental issues got in the way!

Since I am hoping that the constant build up of oil in the water (not the other way around strangely) was down to other issues, I have at last drained all of the old coolant, flushed around with plain water and then refilled with 1/5 antifreeze. Should be enough, may add some more antifreeze maybe, but main thing is interested to see if the oil / emulsion build up continues or if it has stopped.

Then will perhaps re-fit thermostat.

Plugs out again, looking a touch rich perhaps, but only a little. Certainly OK looking, another good sign.

Saturday 18 January 2014

Still nervous

Over a month gone, more importantly getting on for 150 miles since CH Gasket was re-done. So far so good, frustrating weather because the driving opportunities continue to be limited. Today was the first time driven in a week and starting was a bit tricky. But still all seems fine.

Can't help but still be nervous though. But happy to be behind the wheel as ever.

Saturday 11 January 2014

Nice day out

After all the rubbish weather, today was slated to be a nice day. Great opportunity to go out with the family. Wife, daughter and I across the front seat. Around 20 miles round trip. Just to the shops, around a bit and back again. But this was back to what it was supposed to be.

Nice, pleasant laid back driving. No issues. Overhearing comments of "that's gorgeous" referring to the car. Chatting with people about it.

Sunglasses on. Happy days.

Days like today have been few and far between, time of year hasn't helped. But just have half an eye on the coming Spring / Summer and looking forward to carefree days, easy starts and no covering!!

Wednesday 8 January 2014

Car at work - 7 No issues / Electronic Ignition

Another year starts, Amy has celebrated her 60th birthday and life gradually returns to normal. Weather has been absolutely atrocious over Christmas and New Year. High winds, heavy rain. Roof tiles ripped off the house, therefore leaky roof and also the house springing leaks in other places too. Still a lot of people / areas of the country far worse off than us, so still should be thankful. Roofers arrived today to fix the tiles, have hopefully sealed the other leaks. Amy has similar issues but has remained dry because she's undercover!

Needless to say, due to that, there have not been too many driving opportunities over that period. Exactly why I got the Citroen and it's done it's job. Done a couple of hundred miles in Becky, which means that Amy has been able to stay undercover throughout all of it.

Today, off to work, first forecasted nice day in ages so it was a no brainer, it's Amy's turn. Off come the covers, start her up (OK - with the aid of carb cleaner again - substitute for Easy Start.. it does the job). Nice uneventful journey to work. Nice. First "car at work" shot of 2014. But I REALLY must stop taking these pictures.


On a separate note, I have ordered and received an electronic ignition conversion kit. New Dizzy, new Coil and new HT Leads. Only £100 and all the write ups seem to indicate it's a good move. Escpecially as I will keep the old working stuff as backup. So just need to decide when to take the plunge and fit that. A bit nervous about it. Also need to plan and fit the new seat covers. Eventually!

Saturday 4 January 2014

Happy 60th Birthday!

So, according to the log book, Amy was first registered on 4th January 1954. Now that was the first working day in January that year, so I'll take it with a pinch of salt whether that means that date specifically or whether it means January 1954 or even that she was just registered for the first time THAT YEAR.

But for the purposes of recognising that my car is 60 YEARS OLD!! That will do.

So Happy Birthday. Nice new set of wheel trims fitted. Contrary to one of my first entries in this blog, I'll not be painting the wheels cream! A quite stunning looking car actually. Looking good for her age!!

A40 Somerset
A40 Somerset - 60 years old today!

1954 Austin A40 Somerset