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Captain Mainwaring

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  1. Like
    Captain Mainwaring reacted to Uncleben in Such Brown wafty land yachtage   
    So I'm tracing the history of the Ltd and this is what I have so far, some of you may be interested, some not so much! 
     It was built at the Mahwah assembly plant in New Jersey in 1973,  Americas biggest assembly plant, covering 172 acres until it's closure in 1980 (Bruce Springsteen references this in 'Johnny 99')  my Ltd was the 108,037th model off the production line. 

    Finished in 5J Ginger metallic, with ginger interior trim, 351-2v Windsor V8, FMX 3 Speed box and 2.75:1 rear axle. 
    Sold by Winner Ford, Berlin rd, cherry Hill, New Jersey (still a Ford dealer today) on 22/3/73 to a Mr William Scott of 920 Herbert Blvd, Williamstown, New Jersey for $3248!
    It seems this was passed to his son or other relative, Ronald W Scott of 1714 Herbert Blvd, on 21/6/94 who owned it until it was exported to blighty on 13/9/19

    It seems it sat in a garage and used sparingly during this time, mileage on the title in 94 was 96778, it's currently on 113920, unsure on mileage when it came to UK, the guy that imported it commented on a post I made on Facebook, I'm waiting to hear from him, also I'm currently in the process of contacting the American owner and will hopefully find out some more info about it's history and life in the US as I like geeky stuff like that. 
    So it was built, sold and spent all it's US life in New Jersey, think I may name it Bruce! 
     
  2. Like
    Captain Mainwaring reacted to Tommyboy12 in Tommy's A-series Misery - Collection caper!   
    The Beetle had a good run out with a few friends to the new Caffeine and Machine venue near Millbrook proving ground. It's new alternator and properly tensioned auxiliary belt behaved properly and I enjoyed having Bluetooth audio. It's properly cold when it's -1C and you have no heater though.
     



  3. Like
    Captain Mainwaring reacted to grizz in Grizz’s OCD Awesome ASTRO Van 🚙, VW Caddy Van 🚐 Now a Green Toad 206 CC 🐸   
    Soooooo
    Why??
    Not really sure if I should try understanding the universe or Karma. 
    Sometimes life throws you a curved ball, sometimes it tosses a turd. 
    And once in a while you strike gold or is that GREEN? 
    The seller was an accomplished purveyor of tat. 
    Knowing that “Free Candy” would attract a certain audience. 
    So he stepped up his game to warp speed. 
    Adding a Fray Bentos steak pie to the offering. 
    Absolutely intrigued of course but resisted. 

    Not having the desired effect he added in quick succession a Pink Prime energy drink to attract those too tired to realise how alive they are. 
    Followed shortly by the foreign sex tourists beacon, a cream Panama hat. 

    I nearly walked away when the next offering was added to the steadily growing sacrificial pile. 
    A half dozen faggots to start the party off. 
    I make better meatballs. 
    Just in time, his next offering had my interest reignited. 
    Home brew beer making kit. Much more grown up. 

    I was still not quite convinced that I needed to drive a little green French toad. 
    Until he played to most dirty, unfair and trumpest of trump cards. 
    BEHOLD !!!!
    THE CUCUMBER BUCKET HAT OF GLORY. 
    I threw my money at him and made a buy. 
    My life would be complete. 


    So I got insurance and road tax shaken out of my piggy bank and agreed a collection date as long as not a Tuesday. 
    Next job……. Figure collecting this thing of beauty. 
    The Chevy Astro was a few trains and station collection followed by 200 miles drive home. 
    VW Caddy was three trains and a tube, station collection in Zel’s awesome Rover and 104 miles drive home. 
    I really did not feel like three trains and a tube to then do a 77 mile drive home. 
    So I hinted really hard at good mate Woodsie to help and he offered to drive me up early on Saturday morning as we both had appointments by midday. 
    6.45 we headed out, still dark. 

    Woodsie stuck to the left lane at 65mph maximum 70 and proved a point. We were there quicker than my usual right lane driving. 

    By the time we got there at exactly 08,00 and thirty minutes earlier than anticipated it was -3’C out on the sidewalk where the seller met us and handed us car, documents, keys, and all the sweetners. 
    Kevin pounced on the cucumber bucket hat like a cat on a tin of tuna.  His new music festival hat. His wife was not impressed when I sent her the pic below. 

    So after half an hours chatting we headed back to the motorway via a truck stop so I could get some unleaded in the cars belly. 

    Parking up behind Kevins not so subtle camper bus showed how small the little toad is. 

    Next up….
    Breakfast ordered from Jamie in the food van. 
    Totally open to the elements I felt sorry for him freezing his nuts off. 
    And he just stayed happy and chatty. Making our bacon and egg crusty rolls and coffee. 

    Tell you what, someone is going to marry a good cook. 
    Super nice and really nice quality bacon. 

    Pose time. 
    Then scoff. 

    After breakfast we headed back onto the M1 motorway down to the M25. 
    Amazingly quiet and easy driving. 
    I took a pic of the speedo as we started out. 
    Nice baseline to work from. 

    The two litre engine is so eager and willing on the riad. 
    Totally unstressed 
    I think it could do with a 6th gear to drip the revs down from 3k at 70mph. 
    Home by 10.45 

    All my treasures unpacked from the cavernous trunk/boot. 
    No spare wheel but a tin of PUCK tyre gloop in French. 
    Not ideal but insurance came with RAC recovery. 
    Hopefully better than my experience with Green Flag. 

    In short succession mate Fil @sparkplug and then @nickwheeler arrived. 
    The usual pisstake from Nick and Fil. 
    Not jealous at all. 
    Maybe surprise. 
    We tried to get a thumbs up from Nick. 
    Failed. 

    I did also approach the onboard super computer and set the time and date. 
    Oh, and the radio. 
    Could be a pointless exercise though based on the sellers disclosure and advertising. 


    And for those interested in a shorter video…….
    https://youtu.be/BD0eotY2Ao4?si=sylWn5G8oazMFTIZ
    Cold out today but I look forward to investigating it all. 
    Another day. 

     
  4. Like
    Captain Mainwaring got a reaction from chaseracer in The new news 24 thread   
    Working 12 hour shifts and the recent onset of shit weather have meant I've not been able to take the 340 out nearly as much as I'd like. The roads were nice and dry this morning, however, and it's my day off, so a perfect opportunity to stretch the old girl's legs. 
    First job was to get the bloody thing started. She was having none of it at first, it was turning over fine (glad I charged the battery a couple of days ago) but just wouldn't fire. I attributed this to it not being started in a little while and the aforementioned shite weather might have caused a bit of damp to set in, so I whipped off the dissy cap, gave the inside a wipe with the tiniest bit of WD-40, and lo and behold it fired straight up.
    Felt spot on when out for a drive, it runs a bit lumpy occasionally when under load, but in fairness it's overdue a service, so maybe that and some new spark plugs will help.
    I'm so glad I didn't end up selling this car. I absolutely adore it. I got to a point where I felt like I couldn't do it justice, that it'd be better off in the hands of someone with more time and a more confident mechanic, but I've decided to persevere with it as best I can. I was scared it'd end up as yet another 300 series with a welded diff and spending its last few months going sideways, and besides I've irrevocably gotten the 300 bug, so if I shifted it I'd only be lusting after another.


  5. Like
    Captain Mainwaring got a reaction from Jim Bell in Chod North East. Spotting through time.   
    A landmark occasion in that building's long history.
    'So Whatcha Want' off that is An Banger. 
  6. Like
    Captain Mainwaring got a reaction from Datsuncog in The new news 24 thread   
    Working 12 hour shifts and the recent onset of shit weather have meant I've not been able to take the 340 out nearly as much as I'd like. The roads were nice and dry this morning, however, and it's my day off, so a perfect opportunity to stretch the old girl's legs. 
    First job was to get the bloody thing started. She was having none of it at first, it was turning over fine (glad I charged the battery a couple of days ago) but just wouldn't fire. I attributed this to it not being started in a little while and the aforementioned shite weather might have caused a bit of damp to set in, so I whipped off the dissy cap, gave the inside a wipe with the tiniest bit of WD-40, and lo and behold it fired straight up.
    Felt spot on when out for a drive, it runs a bit lumpy occasionally when under load, but in fairness it's overdue a service, so maybe that and some new spark plugs will help.
    I'm so glad I didn't end up selling this car. I absolutely adore it. I got to a point where I felt like I couldn't do it justice, that it'd be better off in the hands of someone with more time and a more confident mechanic, but I've decided to persevere with it as best I can. I was scared it'd end up as yet another 300 series with a welded diff and spending its last few months going sideways, and besides I've irrevocably gotten the 300 bug, so if I shifted it I'd only be lusting after another.


  7. Agree
    Captain Mainwaring got a reaction from chaseracer in The "WTF is that?" thread   
    AMC Rambler?
  8. Like
    Captain Mainwaring got a reaction from Yoss in What makes you grin? Antidote to grumpy thread   
    Just been out for a drive in the Volvo and got a thumbs up from a chap driving a Phantom Coupe no less! 
    Envious no doubt.
  9. Like
    Captain Mainwaring got a reaction from worldofceri in The new news 24 thread   
    Working 12 hour shifts and the recent onset of shit weather have meant I've not been able to take the 340 out nearly as much as I'd like. The roads were nice and dry this morning, however, and it's my day off, so a perfect opportunity to stretch the old girl's legs. 
    First job was to get the bloody thing started. She was having none of it at first, it was turning over fine (glad I charged the battery a couple of days ago) but just wouldn't fire. I attributed this to it not being started in a little while and the aforementioned shite weather might have caused a bit of damp to set in, so I whipped off the dissy cap, gave the inside a wipe with the tiniest bit of WD-40, and lo and behold it fired straight up.
    Felt spot on when out for a drive, it runs a bit lumpy occasionally when under load, but in fairness it's overdue a service, so maybe that and some new spark plugs will help.
    I'm so glad I didn't end up selling this car. I absolutely adore it. I got to a point where I felt like I couldn't do it justice, that it'd be better off in the hands of someone with more time and a more confident mechanic, but I've decided to persevere with it as best I can. I was scared it'd end up as yet another 300 series with a welded diff and spending its last few months going sideways, and besides I've irrevocably gotten the 300 bug, so if I shifted it I'd only be lusting after another.


  10. Like
    Captain Mainwaring got a reaction from Stinkwheel in The new news 24 thread   
    Working 12 hour shifts and the recent onset of shit weather have meant I've not been able to take the 340 out nearly as much as I'd like. The roads were nice and dry this morning, however, and it's my day off, so a perfect opportunity to stretch the old girl's legs. 
    First job was to get the bloody thing started. She was having none of it at first, it was turning over fine (glad I charged the battery a couple of days ago) but just wouldn't fire. I attributed this to it not being started in a little while and the aforementioned shite weather might have caused a bit of damp to set in, so I whipped off the dissy cap, gave the inside a wipe with the tiniest bit of WD-40, and lo and behold it fired straight up.
    Felt spot on when out for a drive, it runs a bit lumpy occasionally when under load, but in fairness it's overdue a service, so maybe that and some new spark plugs will help.
    I'm so glad I didn't end up selling this car. I absolutely adore it. I got to a point where I felt like I couldn't do it justice, that it'd be better off in the hands of someone with more time and a more confident mechanic, but I've decided to persevere with it as best I can. I was scared it'd end up as yet another 300 series with a welded diff and spending its last few months going sideways, and besides I've irrevocably gotten the 300 bug, so if I shifted it I'd only be lusting after another.


  11. Like
    Captain Mainwaring reacted to loserone in Calendar - November   
    I mean, basically any of these.
     
  12. Like
    Captain Mainwaring reacted to fatharris in FatHarris - tales of a motoring moron ***More engine work***   
    As it has been precisely approximately 12 months since the last big job was carried out to the garage (insulation in between the roof joists with two layers of celotex), it was time to do this years job. I'd bought an infrared heater last year, which was lovely when on, but wasn't a lasting heat. With 'leccy prices remaining high, it was time to search for an alternative solution, and a diesel heater was routinely touted as the answer to my prayers. I waited until summer this year when prices would be lower before pulling the trigger on one.
    I didn't want it to be at floor level, or to be in the way at all, so it had to be elevated, and I wanted the exhaust to be out of the building as soon as possible, without the entire unit being outside. That left just one location - the shelf above the garage door. The location for the remainder of the kit required was mocked up to get an idea of what would be required, and where:


    The intended routing of the exhaust marked in orange - proper technical drawing skills on here!

    So, onto the very first job - fitting the vertical pickup fuel pipe in the tank.

    Piece of cake, right?

     
    Bollocks,
    Yep, somehow I got all turned around, measured zero, drilled once, and didn't realise my cockup until I went to mount the tank.
    No worries, solution procured, courtesy of the ratchet strap that was holding the Laguna's fuel tank a few months ago

    Eventually, with no photos because I was actually quite busy on it, but eventually I had everything all plumbed in - the power cables were extended to allow the battery to be mounted adjacent to the fuel tank - this has a smart charger fitted 24/7 as well - the units require a cooldown programme prior to shutting down, and in the event of a power cut, the unit could become heavily damaged as a result due to overheating, this makes the battery an essential bit of kit.
    The ducting will be replaced for longer items in due course - this was just to test the system - ideally the heater output will be at floor level to allow the heat to travel through the full height of the building.
     
     

     
    A longer exhaust ended up being used - still not 100% happy with the routing of it. The battery used also wasn't up to the job, so was swapped out for my mate's surplus Shogun battery. 
     

    There was not a lot of wiggle room with regard to the routing of the fuel, exhaust and intake pipework.

    With the work done, it was time to fill with diesel, prime it and give it a test run. How did it work?
    Bloody lovely, is how. Even with the shoddy duct routing and on the lowest setting, the back of the garage thermostat reported an increase of about 5c in four hours. The fuel pump was initially mounted into the underside of the shelf via a rubber mount, but the constant 'clicking' sound was incredibly loud - following advice from other users, the rubber mount was suspended by a cable tie, which has lowered the noise considerably. It's still very noticeable though, but isn't a problem as I always have music on in the garage.
    My biggest concern was the exhaust routing and proximity to the wooden shelf - I've removed as much adjacent wood as possible and it clearly didn't burst into flames, but I will be adding some form of metal heat shield around the area, to allow better heat dissipation. I want to try and change the routing at the other end too, to route the tail end of the exhaust round the corner from the garage door to reduce the risk of the fumes being blown back in. I'll also be investing in a smoke and CO alarm, because that's just common sense.
    If anyone was planning to have one of these Chinese diesel heaters, I'd recommend upgrading the jubilee hose clips (the factory ones are shite), and reading the installation instructions of a similar Webasto equivalent - the instructions for installation are largely the same, with the control panel operations are well covered in Youtube videos.
    Either way, I'm looking forward to working in a warm garage over the winter months, with the insulation in place to keep the heat in!
    As a final billy bonus, I used the Laguna for the school run today, first time I drove it in the dark since the heater repair - was happily greeted with this sight:

    Yep - the heater control backlights - they'd never worked in the time we owned the car, and I simply assumed they weren't a thing on Lagunas, so clearly the new heater resistor has rectified further dealings with the system than I thought!
    Cheers!
  13. Agree
    Captain Mainwaring got a reaction from eddyramrod in Handsome bastard, fighting me all the way...   
    Once you get it back and it's (hopefully) right I'm sure you'll fall in love with it again. They're a nice thing these...
  14. Like
    Captain Mainwaring got a reaction from Supernaut in The new news 24 thread   
    Working 12 hour shifts and the recent onset of shit weather have meant I've not been able to take the 340 out nearly as much as I'd like. The roads were nice and dry this morning, however, and it's my day off, so a perfect opportunity to stretch the old girl's legs. 
    First job was to get the bloody thing started. She was having none of it at first, it was turning over fine (glad I charged the battery a couple of days ago) but just wouldn't fire. I attributed this to it not being started in a little while and the aforementioned shite weather might have caused a bit of damp to set in, so I whipped off the dissy cap, gave the inside a wipe with the tiniest bit of WD-40, and lo and behold it fired straight up.
    Felt spot on when out for a drive, it runs a bit lumpy occasionally when under load, but in fairness it's overdue a service, so maybe that and some new spark plugs will help.
    I'm so glad I didn't end up selling this car. I absolutely adore it. I got to a point where I felt like I couldn't do it justice, that it'd be better off in the hands of someone with more time and a more confident mechanic, but I've decided to persevere with it as best I can. I was scared it'd end up as yet another 300 series with a welded diff and spending its last few months going sideways, and besides I've irrevocably gotten the 300 bug, so if I shifted it I'd only be lusting after another.


  15. Agree
    Captain Mainwaring got a reaction from loserone in What makes you grin? Antidote to grumpy thread   
    I won't hear a bad word said against Xsara Picassos, my mum had three of them and they were GR9.
  16. Like
    Captain Mainwaring got a reaction from myglaren in What makes you grin? Antidote to grumpy thread   
    Rally co-driver calls
  17. Like
  18. Like
    Captain Mainwaring got a reaction from brownnova in The new news 24 thread   
    Working 12 hour shifts and the recent onset of shit weather have meant I've not been able to take the 340 out nearly as much as I'd like. The roads were nice and dry this morning, however, and it's my day off, so a perfect opportunity to stretch the old girl's legs. 
    First job was to get the bloody thing started. She was having none of it at first, it was turning over fine (glad I charged the battery a couple of days ago) but just wouldn't fire. I attributed this to it not being started in a little while and the aforementioned shite weather might have caused a bit of damp to set in, so I whipped off the dissy cap, gave the inside a wipe with the tiniest bit of WD-40, and lo and behold it fired straight up.
    Felt spot on when out for a drive, it runs a bit lumpy occasionally when under load, but in fairness it's overdue a service, so maybe that and some new spark plugs will help.
    I'm so glad I didn't end up selling this car. I absolutely adore it. I got to a point where I felt like I couldn't do it justice, that it'd be better off in the hands of someone with more time and a more confident mechanic, but I've decided to persevere with it as best I can. I was scared it'd end up as yet another 300 series with a welded diff and spending its last few months going sideways, and besides I've irrevocably gotten the 300 bug, so if I shifted it I'd only be lusting after another.


  19. Like
    Captain Mainwaring got a reaction from RoverFolkUs in What makes you grin? Antidote to grumpy thread   
    I won't hear a bad word said against Xsara Picassos, my mum had three of them and they were GR9.
  20. Like
    Captain Mainwaring got a reaction from JMotor in The new news 24 thread   
    Working 12 hour shifts and the recent onset of shit weather have meant I've not been able to take the 340 out nearly as much as I'd like. The roads were nice and dry this morning, however, and it's my day off, so a perfect opportunity to stretch the old girl's legs. 
    First job was to get the bloody thing started. She was having none of it at first, it was turning over fine (glad I charged the battery a couple of days ago) but just wouldn't fire. I attributed this to it not being started in a little while and the aforementioned shite weather might have caused a bit of damp to set in, so I whipped off the dissy cap, gave the inside a wipe with the tiniest bit of WD-40, and lo and behold it fired straight up.
    Felt spot on when out for a drive, it runs a bit lumpy occasionally when under load, but in fairness it's overdue a service, so maybe that and some new spark plugs will help.
    I'm so glad I didn't end up selling this car. I absolutely adore it. I got to a point where I felt like I couldn't do it justice, that it'd be better off in the hands of someone with more time and a more confident mechanic, but I've decided to persevere with it as best I can. I was scared it'd end up as yet another 300 series with a welded diff and spending its last few months going sideways, and besides I've irrevocably gotten the 300 bug, so if I shifted it I'd only be lusting after another.


  21. Like
    Captain Mainwaring got a reaction from beko1987 in What makes you grin? Antidote to grumpy thread   
    I won't hear a bad word said against Xsara Picassos, my mum had three of them and they were GR9.
  22. Agree
    Captain Mainwaring got a reaction from eddyramrod in A long time wish......is now a terrifying reality!!   
    When someone on the forum has fulfilled a long time wish by buying an old Fiat with no MOT or any discernable service history, you know its alive and well!
  23. Like
    Captain Mainwaring got a reaction from AnnoyingPentium in What makes you grin? Antidote to grumpy thread   
    Just been out for a drive in the Volvo and got a thumbs up from a chap driving a Phantom Coupe no less! 
    Envious no doubt.
  24. Like
    Captain Mainwaring got a reaction from martc in The "WTF is that?" thread   
    AMC Rambler?
  25. Like
    Captain Mainwaring reacted to wesacosa in The new news 24 thread   
    I found a picture of my fleet, circa 2010 (just the front 3 not all of them, although I nearly bought the turquoise V70 in background but let my mate get it instead)

    and some close ups of one of my probably most regretful sale
     



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