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Dippy

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  1. Like
    Dippy got a reaction from fred in 1975 FE Victor!   
    Not sure about Billing yet as I don't really do much but drive this car as to me its just a daily albeit a special one. As you say it would be good to get them together so I will let you know if I decide to go.
    Hers a teaser although I don't get to see this often as I have seat covers on most of the time to protect them.
     

  2. Like
    Dippy reacted to Junkman in Shite-est interior colours   
  3. Like
    Dippy reacted to UltraWomble in One (shite) picture per post.   
  4. Like
    Dippy reacted to forddeliveryboy in Eye-catching black and whites   
  5. Like
    Dippy got a reaction from trigger in 1975 FE Victor!   
    Not sure about Billing yet as I don't really do much but drive this car as to me its just a daily albeit a special one. As you say it would be good to get them together so I will let you know if I decide to go.
    Hers a teaser although I don't get to see this often as I have seat covers on most of the time to protect them.
     

  6. Like
    Dippy reacted in Rusty Triumphs in Scotland - Dolomite in "most reliable" shocker - 08/02/24   
    I am so glad that I am not the only one who turns his back on reliable modern (ish) cars and tries to use 70s and 80s chod as daily transport.   I have access to two cars that date from 2001, an Alfa and a Peugeot, and each is usually pretty reliable, starts first go, and all that, but given the choice I would always rather drive some ratty old thing that makes me feel more connected with the road (even if that is because my feet are sticking out through what used to be the floor).  
  7. Like
    Dippy reacted to captain_70s in Rusty Triumphs in Scotland - Dolomite in "most reliable" shocker - 08/02/24   
    Cheers for the welcome. I've been lurking for a while, reading Vulgaour's Princess threads in particular. I nearly bought a black '77 Princess for £800 but it was money I couldn't spare at the time!
     

     
    I'm currently living in Banff and known locally as "the loon wi' the wee yellow car", although as of the 23rd I'll be moving out of my long suffering parent's house and living a few miles up the coast in Cullen. Naturally my new cottage doesn't have a garage, good thing summer is coming...
     
    I must say an early Ovlov 245 would make a fine addition to the fleet and an XJ40 might add a touch of much need class, but the local climate means most interesting stuff dissolves away before your very eyes. It's hard to even find a Pug 106 or K11 Micra that isn't utterly rotten.
    That said there are a few dedicated mentalists around here, there is a matt black MGB and a tatty Midget doing the 'rounds as daily drivers and the PO of my 1850HL now alternates between a Reliant Scimitar and a Mk1 Robin. There is also an early 90s Toyota Carina or Corona estate, a Fiat Panda, a couple of Mk2 Fiestas and some Minis knocking about.
     
    The funny thing about BL steel is that in certain places it is very rubbish, the doors rot in random places for seemingly no reason and the roof dents if you look at it too hard. Yet I can jump up and down on the rear wings and not cause a dent...
     
    Here are a few pictures of shite related action in the north east featuring snow, makeshift radiator muffs, breakdowns and myself:
     
       
     
  8. Like
    Dippy reacted to oldcars in 2015 shite quote thread   
    Posted 12 January 2015 - 10:51 PM
    chaseracer, on 07 Jan 2015 - 6:51 PM, said:
     
    This is a restoration show, I don't think pouring Radweld into a frazzled K-Series whilst someone continuously twats a Megane Scenic starter motor with a stubby hammer will hold the punters attention.
  9. Like
    Dippy reacted to barrett in Mummy says I'm Special - Heron Austin Seven   
    You probably saw my teaser on the news 24 thread earlier. Amazingly coalnotdole correctly guessed the identity of the newest addition to the fleet, as a Heron-bodied A7 special.
     
    We spotted this on Thursday on an A7 forum, the chap was basically asking what it was but seemed like it would probably be for sale so I gave him a ring. Annoyingly it sounded better than it looked condition-wise, and he wanted a fair enough price for it. On Friday we managed to get some cash together, and convinced the bloke to deliver it within the asking price (from Leicestershire!). On Saturday he asked if we wanted it on Monday or Tuesday... so on the strength of this photograph I now have another half share in a rubbish broken car that nobody has heard of

     
    Heron were one of the countless tiny firms producing GRP bodies to bolt onto obsolete prewar chassis in the 1950s. Unlike most firms, who designed their shells around sit-up-and-beg Ford components, Herons were designed to fit the long-wheelbase Austin Seven chassis which no doubt limited their appeal and accounts for the seemingly very small amount produced. Also unlike most other 'special' bodies, the Heron shell was a real looker.
     The first cars were open two-seaters, and extravagances such as headlamp openings or a windscreen were optional extras


     
    They later added a hardtop option, which turned the Heron into a cramped coupe. There are two of these floating about, one an unbuilt shell which has been mounted on a rebuild A7 chassis and running gear but not yet completed, which has been doing the rounds for a few years now

    1950s Austin Seven Heron bodied special by Austin7nut, on Flickr
     
    The other was languishing on a drive for decades, and was rescued and sold on by the same bloke who had our one. The A-pillars had cracked and the remains of the hard top were binned, and the car was for sale at Beaulieu last year, but it's pretty much a basket case and would take a very dedicated owner to get it back on the road.
     
    Heron also offered another model a little later on, which was billed as a 'saloon', and this is what we believe this car to be. Rather than a detachable hard top, the roof is an integral part of the shell. So that's a total of three known Heron shells - plus this car below, which was around until at least quite recently, and is known confusingly as the Ashley Gnat, though it has no connection to the Ashley company. It's not built on an Austin Seven and was significantly modified in period so can only lay partial claim to being a pukka Heron

     
    So anyway, this heap arrived at 10am and we've been playing with it pretty much all day. It has no engine or gearbox, but that's hardly a big deal with the preponderance of Ausin Seven motors lying around. We've already got one sourced.


     
    It's not quite as pretty from the back. Most Herons would have had Lucas rear lamps but this one has these 1960s rear/stop/indicator units fitted. They aren't just bolted on though, the body has been shaped to fit them

     
    Any ideas what they're originally from?

     
    Inside, it's also remarkably well-finished. The dash is well laid out with proper Smiths dials (the rev counter is clearly a later replacement). It's absolutely tiny though, but once in you can get moderately comfortable, if you enjoy claustrophobic little coupes (I do). The whole thing feels a cut above the normal levels of fit and finish you'd expect to find in a 'special'

     
    No speedo, just this handy Fymo tape rev limit instruction. How cool is that?

     
    Luggage space is limited to a little cubby hole behind the seats. A really neat arrangement but pretty much useless. There is a big parcel shelf and cubbies in the doors, though

     
    All those pics were taken as soon as it was unloaded, but we spent some time cleaning it up and it looks a million times better now. Everything is serviceable if scruffy, just they way I like it. the detachable sidescreens have gone on and make it even better/smaller inside.
     
    The plan is to get an engine and box in asap and get everything connected and see what works and what doesn't. Oh, and the wheels will be coming off for a refurb and a coat of black paint. Tyres look fine and will probably stay for the time being, until we wrangle a set of freebees. Once it's running and on the road we will build a hot engine and close-ratio four-speed 'box combo and explore the veracity of the 90mph rev limit. And probably die in the process.
    Importantly, the car still has the tiny crossflow radiator, angled steering column etc, along with desirable Super Accesories front axle, telescopic dampers all round and various other period trick bits that would be impossible to source. 
    For the time being it is safe and sound in the shed, being dwarfed by a 2cv

     
    Sadly there is no history (or paperwork of any kind) with the car. The build is to such a high standard it was speculated that it might have been a Heron-built demonstrator, though the 1967 registration doesn't fit with this. After an abortive try at making a 'proper' car, the Europa, which used an enlarged version of this shell and Ford Anglia running gear (and was, by all accounts, a formidable machine), Heron shelved car-building activities in around 1962, concentrating on GRP hard tops and accessories after that.
    The reg is a Birmingham issue I believe. In the unlikely event anybody remembers the car, or has any further info on Heron (an original copy of the brochure would be most welcome) I'd love to hear from you.
     
    Cheers!
  10. Like
    Dippy got a reaction from inconsistant in 1975 FE Victor!   
    Not sure about Billing yet as I don't really do much but drive this car as to me its just a daily albeit a special one. As you say it would be good to get them together so I will let you know if I decide to go.
    Hers a teaser although I don't get to see this often as I have seat covers on most of the time to protect them.
     

  11. Like
    Dippy reacted to alf892 in What the fuck are you looking at?   
    So some people drive new cars to fell superior while others drive old shit to feel superior..........both are smug cunts.
  12. Like
    Dippy got a reaction from Essex V6 in 1975 FE Victor!   
    Not sure about Billing yet as I don't really do much but drive this car as to me its just a daily albeit a special one. As you say it would be good to get them together so I will let you know if I decide to go.
    Hers a teaser although I don't get to see this often as I have seat covers on most of the time to protect them.
     

  13. Like
    Dippy got a reaction from Jim Bergerac in 1975 FE Victor!   
    Not sure about Billing yet as I don't really do much but drive this car as to me its just a daily albeit a special one. As you say it would be good to get them together so I will let you know if I decide to go.
    Hers a teaser although I don't get to see this often as I have seat covers on most of the time to protect them.
     

  14. Like
    Dippy got a reaction from danthecapriman in 1975 FE Victor!   
    Not sure about Billing yet as I don't really do much but drive this car as to me its just a daily albeit a special one. As you say it would be good to get them together so I will let you know if I decide to go.
    Hers a teaser although I don't get to see this often as I have seat covers on most of the time to protect them.
     

  15. Like
    Dippy got a reaction from HillmanImp in 1975 FE Victor!   
    That's my car and I have both used it everyday whilst trying to keep it in its time warp condition.
    I do believe cars should be used and it brings a smile to many others as I go about my daily business.
     
    It also brings a smile to my face every time I get in it and has proved to be utterly reliable in the last year and 6000 miles.
  16. Like
    Dippy got a reaction from trigger in 1975 FE Victor!   
    That's my car and I have both used it everyday whilst trying to keep it in its time warp condition.
    I do believe cars should be used and it brings a smile to many others as I go about my daily business.
     
    It also brings a smile to my face every time I get in it and has proved to be utterly reliable in the last year and 6000 miles.
  17. Like
    Dippy got a reaction from holbeck in 1975 FE Victor!   
    That's my car and I have both used it everyday whilst trying to keep it in its time warp condition.
    I do believe cars should be used and it brings a smile to many others as I go about my daily business.
     
    It also brings a smile to my face every time I get in it and has proved to be utterly reliable in the last year and 6000 miles.
  18. Like
    Dippy got a reaction from RobT in 1975 FE Victor!   
    That's my car and I have both used it everyday whilst trying to keep it in its time warp condition.
    I do believe cars should be used and it brings a smile to many others as I go about my daily business.
     
    It also brings a smile to my face every time I get in it and has proved to be utterly reliable in the last year and 6000 miles.
  19. Like
    Dippy got a reaction from Angrydicky in 1975 FE Victor!   
    That's my car and I have both used it everyday whilst trying to keep it in its time warp condition.
    I do believe cars should be used and it brings a smile to many others as I go about my daily business.
     
    It also brings a smile to my face every time I get in it and has proved to be utterly reliable in the last year and 6000 miles.
  20. Like
    Dippy got a reaction from AndyW201 in 1975 FE Victor!   
    That's my car and I have both used it everyday whilst trying to keep it in its time warp condition.
    I do believe cars should be used and it brings a smile to many others as I go about my daily business.
     
    It also brings a smile to my face every time I get in it and has proved to be utterly reliable in the last year and 6000 miles.
  21. Like
    Dippy got a reaction from eddyramrod in 1975 FE Victor!   
    That's my car and I have both used it everyday whilst trying to keep it in its time warp condition.
    I do believe cars should be used and it brings a smile to many others as I go about my daily business.
     
    It also brings a smile to my face every time I get in it and has proved to be utterly reliable in the last year and 6000 miles.
  22. Like
    Dippy reacted to michael1703 in 1975 FE Victor!   
    That interior looks bathroom fresh!
     

  23. Like
    Dippy got a reaction from jonny69 in What the fuck are you looking at?   
    I see lots of people looking and pointing at my Victor but the longest stares usually come from van drivers and passengers as they pass me on the motorway.
     
    Seeing something 15 years old is like spotting a vintage car around my parts, like the OP said its funny how motorists in their expensive new cars seem to wish
    they were driving my old chod.
  24. Like
    Dippy reacted to Lankytim in What the fuck are you looking at?   
    I was in a traffic jam on the M6 in the XM a month or so ago and an attractive brunette in an Audi shouted across "hey, nice motor!" I said thanks, but apparently she was talking to the guy in the VW camper in lane 1. Fucksticks, how embarrassing.
  25. Like
    Dippy reacted to jonny69 in What the fuck are you looking at?   
    How many people do you get looking at your motor then? And what sort of people are they?
     
    I've always got people staring at the Anglia. I think it's the fact that it's bright red, very low and you just don't see any around any more, so it sticks out. I get quite a few different types of voyeurs though:
    -You've got the older blokes who owned them back in the day or had a relative who had one - they're usually on foot or passing by while I'm under the bonnet and always stop and chat or reminisce.
    -There are the motorway starers. I feel sorry for some of these guys, because they're often blokes around my age (mid 30's) in their A4 or 3-Series having a good old look but they're actually checking me out as much as the car. After a lengthy online research process on various forums to make the sure they made the most sensible choice of car, they've spent all their hard-earned by ticking a box in a dealership. But now they've just rolled up next to someone who looks similar age to them who appears to not have to be anywhere near as sensible as they are and, oh god my life is actually so damn boring, I'm sat in here and I think I hate my job and my girlfriend is so dull. Can you pull better girls in an old car like that? Is it as fast as it looks? As soon as I glance over they look straight down at the steering wheel. Every time. No exceptions.
    -At the supermarket when I go back to the car there's often someone leaning across the car having a good look inside. Big grin on face, often with a young son with them. I get uncomfortable at this point because I'm just going to sling the shopping in the boot and drive off, but I'm aware that I'm prematurely ending their moment of enjoyment and it always makes me feel bad. There is never a conversation, I just uncomfortably make eye contact and say hi and they have to step away from the driver's door so I can get in.
     
    Enough rubbish from me. Your turn now
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