Jonathan’s Jav

[jonathan_dyane]

I’m going to do my best to document the slow rejuvenation of something in a great state of decrepitude, my 1951 Jowett Javelin. 

[anonymous user]

Yes please, much more information needed as soon as possible.

[tooSavvy]

Grumpy Northener is 'da man' on these, I believe....

https://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/208066/jowett-jupiter-grumpy-northeners-farewell

[jonathan_dyane]

Sam Glover the car’s previous custodian when I asked him what it was like stated ‘basically everything is fucked’. In fact it looks much worse than it is but make no mistake it is going to take a lot of love before she graces the road again.

The car did come with two engines. Both were seized and helpfully full of rusty water. I started with what I thought was the good engine. This is it in bits. Very badly seized I had to cut two of the conrods to get it apart. 
 

The most terminal problem Javelin engines have are cracked crankcases, remarkably these look saveable. Unlike anything else!

[jonathan_dyane]

Grumpy Northerner is indeed a stalwart in the Jowett scene. He has been a source of guidance already and in fact it was he and Theo Gillam who saved the car from certain death. It had spent many years semi dismantled under a tarp after a failed restoration.

Having dismantled engine #1 (helpfully Jowett have a great love of the Whitworth system so I was able to buy an ancient socket set to help) engine number #2 now has the heads off and as well as also being seized solid also has a badly cracked crankcase. I have therefore suspended engine work until I collect a engine #3 which I have purchased sight unseen. It is semi dismantled but helpfully isn’t seized.

In essence the least machining and the smallest number of new parts required is what I’m looking for otherwise costs quickly mount. Did I mention that I hate spending money?

[jonathan_dyane]

I had a migraine yesterday and entered today feeling fuzzy and weak so I have had a day having a nice potter around. I did a good audit of the many boxes of parts that came with the car and almost everything is there. Happily there was even some treasure in the form of new big end shells which might well be helpful.

[jonathan_dyane]

I then had a good hard look at the body and tried to work out where one begins with such an endeavour. There is some nasty rust under the back window and before I knew it I was removing the window..

[jonathan_dyane]

It’s actually not that bad. I can’t wait to start welding, it’s going to be a great luxury welding something made of decent quality steel of good thickness. In spite of moss growing on the back shelf the actual rot is all quite localised.

I had hoped to progress a bit further today but unhelpfully in removing the bootlid I managed to drop it on my head which given my already precarious situation was deeply unhelpful. Time for an early shower.

I do feel like I’ve actually begun now however, which feels great. Progress will be slow as of course I have various other projects on the go but it feels good having no real rush. I think when dealing with a project of this magnitude pacing oneself is very much the way forward.

[Asimo]

Marvellous.

I have ordered a copy of Gerald Palmer’s autobiogrophy to celebrate.

[HMC]

Brilliant! Looking forward to updates 

[Skizzer]

Wow, this is gunna be a good one. Excited.

[DVee8]

Bloody hell, and some say this place is going down hill.

This, the brown Rover and the Trans sport. What a weekend. Thats just the start.

[juular]

This will be fun. Following with interest. 

Looking forward to see how you fix the screen surround as I've got the same job to do on mine!

[tooSavvy]

Park it up behind a classic Beetle....

4 + 4 ... 8 hor oppo. ?

Vrooomm..... indeed

 

[High Jetter]

Heated rear screen? 1951? Really? Impressive.

[Tadhg Tiogar]

3 hours ago, DVee8 said:

Bloody hell, and some say this place is going down hill...

It's going downhill in style.

[STUNO]

7 hours ago, High Jetter said:

Heated rear screen? 1951? Really? Impressive.

1970's Halfords stick on special !