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Clanger

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  1. Like
    Clanger got a reaction from DeeJay in 1951 Pontiac Chieftain   
    You know Phil, I haven't a friggin clue what you are doing... but I am enjoying watching you do it.  Keep up the good work!
  2. Like
    Clanger got a reaction from Sir Snipes in 1951 Pontiac Chieftain   
    You know Phil, I haven't a friggin clue what you are doing... but I am enjoying watching you do it.  Keep up the good work!
  3. Like
    Clanger got a reaction from tooSavvy in 1951 Pontiac Chieftain   
    You know Phil, I haven't a friggin clue what you are doing... but I am enjoying watching you do it.  Keep up the good work!
  4. Like
    Clanger reacted to DeeJay in Cycling North After Winter   
    I'll remember that when I go to buy my Y-front undertrousers. 
  5. Like
    Clanger reacted to PhilA in 1951 Pontiac Chieftain   
    Well, here we go again. I bit the bullet and bought me this.
     
     

     

     
     
    It's still up at the lot right now, there will be a miniature Collection Thread embedded in this thread when I go fetch it. Hopefully if the weather's good, that'll be this weekend.
     
    So, what is it?
     
    As the title suggests, it's a 1951 Pontiac Chieftain.
    It's got a flat-head straight eight hiding in the engine bay, 4.4 litres of it. It's bolted to a 4-speed Hydra-Matic Drive gearbox. No torque converter on this one, just a fluid coupling. 116 horses at a screaming 3700 RPM, 240lb/ft at 2000. It idles at 375 RPM. Redline just shy of 4k.
    Did I mention it's quite big? Sixteen foot eight from end to end and it seats six people in comfort. Every door has a quarter-light, too. Comfort is provided by properly sized tyres and (quite surprisingly for the age of it) double independent wishbone front suspension. Steering is via worm/wheel steering box so is moderately direct and the brakes are hydraulic drums all round. Modern and scientific!
     
    It's an honest example; looks to have had a "restoration" about 15-20 years back and the rust is coming through the seams and filler. The bottoms of the door skins have gone, the bottom of the A-pillars have gone (the front doors, on a single hinge a piece still open and close with one finger!) And it's got a couple holes and blebs in all the places you would expect.
    Not much electrical works. It needs to be completely rewired because someone has "converted" it to 12V. Thankfully it was originally negative ground so that's a good start. Gauges and such can be driven from a 6V bucking converter.
    Engine has had some work done on it- starts and runs nicely with very little greb coming out of the exhaust. It's got a few gaskets that need replacing and the tappets need some major adjustment, the gearbox engages gears correctly, the steering is okay but has a lot of slack in the center and the brakes work well, dont sink or feel spongy but need adjustment.
     
    More to come. I'll post up more pictures when I get it home.
     
     
    --Phil
  6. Like
    Clanger reacted to TripleRich in 1975 Ford Granada Coupe - Lots & lots of tinkering   
    Thanks for all the feedback guys, I really appreciate it.  It'll be quite surreal when this thing moves under its own power for the first time.
    I try not to concern myself too much with taking it out for a spin.  You can get very paranoid and wound up about what might happen to it and it sucks a lot of fun out of ownership.  At the end of the day if some plank does bump into it or I do something daft I'll just drag it back into the workshop and mend it.
    As I said next year is the aim for finishing it, should be doable and with any luck I can enjoy some of the summer with it.

     
  7. Like
    Clanger reacted to PhilA in 1951 Pontiac Chieftain   
    Needed a little quiet time this evening, so I went out to the garage.
     

     
    Removed the three-gauge cluster of aftermarket gauges from under the dash, coaxed the wiring and pipes through and got it all out of the way.
     

     
    I know the oil pressure gauge worked fine. The ammeter never really moved- traced the wiring and it had been put in wrong. All it was reading was output from the alternator. Heated the temperature gauge bulb up with my heat gun and the needle registered so that's good too.
     

     
    Blocked off where I had taken the oil pressure gauge line out so I don't empty the sump by accident turning the engine over.
     

     
    The dash is already more tidy. I was wrong, the dash was originally gray, and the steering column black.
     

     
    Engine bay is better. Need a bung to put in the hole up behind the engine. Also there should be a ground strap there, too. On the list.
     
    Phil
  8. Like
    Clanger got a reaction from Volksy in USA Road Trip   
    Driving across country a few years ago I settled in behind a big rig in Arizona and we stayed with him all the way through New Mexico and into Texas - he was cruising at 80 and that suited me fine.
     
    Later on, driving through Texas a highway patrol car executed a Smokey and the Bandit style u-turn across the grass median and pulled us over - he let me off with a warning and advised me to drive no more than 10 over the speed limit unless I was going through some of the po' dunk towns that would ticket us out of towners for the revenue...
  9. Like
    Clanger got a reaction from Volksy in USA Road Trip   
    The great rental car insurance conundrum... one of my pet peeves.
     
    The rental car is insured - it can't be on the road without insurance.  However, here in California, as is the case in all states that allow it, the rental company is self insuring.  In other words they are also the insurance company and the vehicle is insured to be driven by anyone authorized by the rental company.
     
    The catch/problem arises when it comes to the issue of damage to the vehicle - in the contract that you sign you agree that you will be responsible for damage to the vehicle unless you either have your own insurance or, you pay for the "insurance" they sell you.  Any third party that you injure or cause damage to will be covered under the rental company's policy.
  10. Like
    Clanger got a reaction from Volksy in USA Road Trip   
    Card vs. Cash - I rarely, if ever use cash - in fact I have to go to the bank right now as the place rebuilding the water pump for my Rover only takes cash - so, while cash is always useful, you will be fine with your card.
     
    Stop signs - yes, yes, and thrice yes.  Come to a complete stop, cars that arrive at their stop sign before you and traffic to the right has right of way.  If you make a right turn on a red light only do so after coming to a complete stop and making sure it is safe to go.
     
    Speed limits... of course the answer is always obey the posted speed limit.  That being said, on regular roads I keep very close to the limit, no more than 5 mph over, but usually right on the limit.  On Freeways I generally cruise at 75 mph or so, and I am not the fastest car on the road either.  Local rule of thumb, try to keep within 10 mph of the limit and don't take the piss if you see any police vehicles.  And, you can overtake on the inside on the freeway, so if someone won't move over, just duck up the inside if it's safe to do so.
     
    Dodge Durango pfffft - Dodge Ram 4x4 with the 5.7 hemi.
  11. Like
    Clanger got a reaction from Volksy in USA Road Trip   
    Buying a car for a non-resident isn't a problem, neither is insurance - but, do you really want to wander around in a strange country trying to find a bargain?  Presumably you only have a finite amount of time for your holiday - easiest route is rental.  I am sure that some of the smaller companies have rules about taking their cars out of the state but I generally rent from the larger places and have never come across this - out of the country, yes... out of the state, no.  Enterprise are my usual choice - unlimited mileage, take the car anywhere you want in the country - good selection, compact car through full size pick-up trucks and SUVs - reasonable prices.
     
    Bear in mind that second hand cars here aren't as cheap as they are in the UK - so, if I see something for $1,000 I have to ask myself "how bad is it?"  I know I would be reluctant to gamble my holiday and my money on a "bargain."  Besides this is what you really want... https://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/d/1972-ford-ltd-station-wagon/6745066214.html
     
    San Francisco... I love the place but it can be very touristy and very expensive.  And, some parts are a real shit hole and can be dangerous if you don't know where you are.  I usually get an air bnb when I go as it usually works out cheaper than even the cheap hotels.  Alcatraz is worth a visit but, as has been mentioned it will be crowded.  Years ago you could just hop on the ferry but now you will need reservations.  If you like Irish Coffee there is the Buena Vista near the wharf - it's got quite the reputation and serves something like 2000 a day.
     
    LA to San Francisco in 6 or 7 hours... nope, won't happen.  I make that drive a couple of times a year and 8 hours is steady driving at around 75 mph with only one brief stop.  Traffic at both ends will slow you right down and if you are taking the 5 - the quickest and least scenic route - you will run into truck traffic in the central valley.  If you choose the 101 it will take you between 8 1/2 and 10 hours - it's a more scenic route and we often go that way just to enjoy the drive.  PCH/Highway 1 - only to be used for meandering and enjoying the views and never when you have a deadline.  The 1 only just reopened this summer and should stay that way barring another rockslide.
     
    Venice is a bit of an eclectic place - I've not been there for donkey's so I am sure it has all changed - you are close enough to Santa Monica and the other beach cities - Redondo, Hermosa, Manhattan - with Long Beach and Huntington Beach a bit further down.
     
    Take a look at Crystal Cove in Orange County - they have beach huts for rent - forget trying to book one in advance as it is almost impossible - however, they do have walk-in availability so it's worth checking out as long as you have a back up plan if nothing is available. 
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystal_Cove_State_Park 
    https://crystalcove.org/beach-cottages/reserve-now/
     
    If Yosemite is on your agenda bear in mind that it is crowded and accommodation can be hard to come by - that being said, it is an amazing place and you should not pass up the opportunity to visit.  And, don't forget to visit the Winchester House in San Jose.
     
    Last, do not underestimate the distances involved - make a realistic itinerary and enjoy your holiday.
  12. Like
    Clanger got a reaction from eddyramrod in USA Road Trip   
    Card vs. Cash - I rarely, if ever use cash - in fact I have to go to the bank right now as the place rebuilding the water pump for my Rover only takes cash - so, while cash is always useful, you will be fine with your card.
     
    Stop signs - yes, yes, and thrice yes.  Come to a complete stop, cars that arrive at their stop sign before you and traffic to the right has right of way.  If you make a right turn on a red light only do so after coming to a complete stop and making sure it is safe to go.
     
    Speed limits... of course the answer is always obey the posted speed limit.  That being said, on regular roads I keep very close to the limit, no more than 5 mph over, but usually right on the limit.  On Freeways I generally cruise at 75 mph or so, and I am not the fastest car on the road either.  Local rule of thumb, try to keep within 10 mph of the limit and don't take the piss if you see any police vehicles.  And, you can overtake on the inside on the freeway, so if someone won't move over, just duck up the inside if it's safe to do so.
     
    Dodge Durango pfffft - Dodge Ram 4x4 with the 5.7 hemi.
  13. Like
    Clanger got a reaction from eddyramrod in USA Road Trip   
    Buying a car for a non-resident isn't a problem, neither is insurance - but, do you really want to wander around in a strange country trying to find a bargain?  Presumably you only have a finite amount of time for your holiday - easiest route is rental.  I am sure that some of the smaller companies have rules about taking their cars out of the state but I generally rent from the larger places and have never come across this - out of the country, yes... out of the state, no.  Enterprise are my usual choice - unlimited mileage, take the car anywhere you want in the country - good selection, compact car through full size pick-up trucks and SUVs - reasonable prices.
     
    Bear in mind that second hand cars here aren't as cheap as they are in the UK - so, if I see something for $1,000 I have to ask myself "how bad is it?"  I know I would be reluctant to gamble my holiday and my money on a "bargain."  Besides this is what you really want... https://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/d/1972-ford-ltd-station-wagon/6745066214.html
     
    San Francisco... I love the place but it can be very touristy and very expensive.  And, some parts are a real shit hole and can be dangerous if you don't know where you are.  I usually get an air bnb when I go as it usually works out cheaper than even the cheap hotels.  Alcatraz is worth a visit but, as has been mentioned it will be crowded.  Years ago you could just hop on the ferry but now you will need reservations.  If you like Irish Coffee there is the Buena Vista near the wharf - it's got quite the reputation and serves something like 2000 a day.
     
    LA to San Francisco in 6 or 7 hours... nope, won't happen.  I make that drive a couple of times a year and 8 hours is steady driving at around 75 mph with only one brief stop.  Traffic at both ends will slow you right down and if you are taking the 5 - the quickest and least scenic route - you will run into truck traffic in the central valley.  If you choose the 101 it will take you between 8 1/2 and 10 hours - it's a more scenic route and we often go that way just to enjoy the drive.  PCH/Highway 1 - only to be used for meandering and enjoying the views and never when you have a deadline.  The 1 only just reopened this summer and should stay that way barring another rockslide.
     
    Venice is a bit of an eclectic place - I've not been there for donkey's so I am sure it has all changed - you are close enough to Santa Monica and the other beach cities - Redondo, Hermosa, Manhattan - with Long Beach and Huntington Beach a bit further down.
     
    Take a look at Crystal Cove in Orange County - they have beach huts for rent - forget trying to book one in advance as it is almost impossible - however, they do have walk-in availability so it's worth checking out as long as you have a back up plan if nothing is available. 
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystal_Cove_State_Park 
    https://crystalcove.org/beach-cottages/reserve-now/
     
    If Yosemite is on your agenda bear in mind that it is crowded and accommodation can be hard to come by - that being said, it is an amazing place and you should not pass up the opportunity to visit.  And, don't forget to visit the Winchester House in San Jose.
     
    Last, do not underestimate the distances involved - make a realistic itinerary and enjoy your holiday.
  14. Like
    Clanger reacted to wuvvum in USA Road Trip   
    I found that even when sitting at 3-figure speeds I still had traffic coming past me.  The myth that Americans drive slowly appears to be just that.  I also had great fun along a windy bit of the PCH chasing down a local lad in an Integra Type R - he wasn't hanging about either, so the bit about Americans not being able to drive round corners is also bollocks.
     
    Here's "my" car parked up along Hwy 1.
     

  15. Like
    Clanger reacted to Pillock in Garden Shed   
    So.... not pennies then?
  16. Like
    Clanger reacted to PhilA in 1951 Pontiac Chieftain   
    All back together and given a bit of a buff.
     

     
    Bench test. Successful.
     

     
    Back on the car.
     

     
    Compare the driver's side- just lights up by the bulb.
     

     
    Repaired reflector all illuminates evenly. Looks good!
     

     
    And finally, in the sun. All shiny. Not black any more or kinda gray.
     
    Happy with that
     
     
    Phil
  17. Like
    Clanger got a reaction from eddyramrod in AMC Rebel's Other ill advised American Iron   
    OPG - just down the road from me - happy to stop by there if it would help in any way.
  18. Like
    Clanger reacted to PhilA in 1951 Pontiac Chieftain   
    Getting there.
     

     
    Enough for tonight. Left the power supply running and the sudden spate of humid, warm rainy weather prompted another hatching of spiders, which all connected around the light. Ugh. Got maintenance at work overnight so I have no idea what shape I'll be in tomorrow but I'll try to do some more.
     
    Phil
  19. Like
    Clanger reacted to PhilA in 1951 Pontiac Chieftain   
    Flash rust. Left overnight, from yesterday.
     

     
    All cleaned up with Dremel. Stuck it in acid bath to clean. Once it's fully clean, copper plating abound.
     
    Phil
  20. Like
    Clanger reacted to PhilA in 1951 Pontiac Chieftain   
    Plating occurs. Resistance lamps acting as a voltage divider.
     
    Bonus, neighbor was throwing away a welding cart and asked if I wanted it. I now have a welding cart. Need to get a MIG welder to go in it now...
     
     
    Phil
  21. Like
    Clanger reacted to PhilA in 1951 Pontiac Chieftain   
    That's what you get when copper plates just a little too fast. It just wiped off.
     
    Started over with more resistance to reduce the plating current.
     
    Phil
  22. Like
    Clanger reacted to PhilA in 1951 Pontiac Chieftain   
    Alright. For those of you who have tolerated this sidestep into alchemy, the (very nearly) end result, and the whole point of this endeavour:
     

     
    Reflective surface where there was none before.
     

     
    With the sidelight hooked up in a temporary fashion, the result is plain to see.
     
    Phil
  23. Like
    Clanger got a reaction from pshome in Emblems topic - also contains shite on film   
  24. Like
    Clanger reacted to Squire_Dawson in Crap headlights   
    +
     
     

     
     
    =
     

  25. Like
    Clanger reacted to ChinaTom in Cycling North After Winter   
    I have a very large pannier bag with top and side compartments - proper touring job complete with the mounting frame. It is in a lock-up on a Cambridgeshire airfield at the moment and I won’t be back to UK for a fortnight. Totally surplus to requirements as the bike was nicked and I’m not getting a replacement.
     
    If you can make use of it, and can wait till I get to UK, happy to deliver it.
     
    If not required, or doubtful, get some cash for it. Anyway, it’s a donation and will just clutter up the shipping container that contains the remnants of all my past lives, none of which included me as a touring cyclist!
     
    And put up a funding site. I expect there are a few of us here that will quite happily keep you going if only to live out an adventure that they themselves may fancy doing but are too lazy / old / chickenshit / otherwise unable to have.
     
    If there is one thing I have learned in life it is this. When things are not as you want / hoped / deserved, then travel. Go somewhere / anywhere else. This is not an option for many. But if it is an option, take it. Somewhere warm and sunny. You could end up doing volunteer work with like minded individuals, you could end up installing micro grid infrastructure in remote parts of Indonesia, planting trees in central Laos, getting bar work on a beach in Philippines, teaching drywall techniques in Bolivia... it doesn’t have to be all Bear Grills, but the sense of perspective it can provide is good and helpful.
     
    My specific specialty in life has taken me to very remote corners of the planet, and I have met a lot of people on my travels that traded a poor situation in an affluent society for the risks and unknowns of making themselves useful in less developed areas. Most have the same back-story. Set out with no plans, but ended up enriched (rarely financially, but that isn’t the point) by alternative types of existence.
     
    My specific speciality in life resulted from a ‘fuck this, I am out of here’ moment. My life could have turned out very poorly indeed had I not spent my last few quid on a very very budget flight to China in 1998.
     
    All the very best to you.
     
     
    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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