Weird Car’s weird cars!

[Sigmund Fraud]

7 minutes ago, Heidel_Kakao said:

With the Volvo are you sure the ignition system is in tip top condition? It could be good enough for revving in neutral but under load breaking down causing the bogging, might also be intermittent due to dampness. Ultimately it can only be an issue with air, fuel or spark and if you are sure the carbs are now set up correctly and it's getting air I would be leaning towards an ignition issue 

^ This makes a lot of sense !

Has it been converted to electronic ignition ? If it's still on points, check their condition, and consider replacing the condensor - modern reproductions are poor, and a common cause of misfiring under load.

[Weird Car]

11 minutes ago, Heidel_Kakao said:

With the Volvo are you sure the ignition system is in tip top condition? It could be good enough for revving in neutral but under load breaking down causing the bogging, might also be intermittent due to dampness. Ultimately it can only be an issue with air, fuel or spark and if you are sure the carbs are now set up correctly and it's getting air I would be leaning towards an ignition issue 

Well it did have a very week spark when I got it, and cleaning the points helped with that a load but obviously still hasn’t fixed the problem all the way 

 

1 minute ago, Sigmund Fraud said:

^ This makes a lot of sense !

Has it been converted to electronic ignition ? If it's still on points, check their condition, and consider replacing the condensor - modern reproductions are poor, and a common cause of misfiring under load.

I’ve got to be honest I’m leaning to it possibly being the condenser as it’s now had brand new plugs and leads and obviously a good clean up of the points all of which helped but never fully cured the problem 

[Sigmund Fraud]

4 minutes ago, Weird Car said:

I’ve got to be honest I’m leaning to it possibly being the condenser as it’s now had brand new plugs and leads and obviously a good clean up of the points all of which helped but never fully cured the problem 

I normally go for new old stock condensors, bought off ebay. But if you'd rather deal with an actual company, the Distributor Doctor has a good reputation (though I've never used them personally).

[Weird Car]

8 minutes ago, Sigmund Fraud said:

I normally go for new old stock condensors, bought off ebay. But if you'd rather deal with an actual company, the Distributor Doctor has a good reputation (though I've never used them personally).

 

On 07/08/2023 at 12:47, Weird Car said:

New condenser arrived in the post this morning, I’m going to have a go fitting it with a new coil tomorrow or Wednesday, I’m planing on taking her on a little road trip this weekend so fingers crossed that’s my issue

I have for my old Austin Cambridge, in this very thread way back in 2023 and as far as I know it’s still in that car to this day 

[Weird Car]

Sit rep, I replaced the condenser and whist it made the spark way nicer it made no difference to our misfire and poor running issue, So after a brief visit to my ex Volvo mechanic friend, the diagnosis was OMGHGF

yeah not the news I was after really but it’s blowing quite significantly between 1 and 2 so I just want to double check with everyone, that this is the correct set to buy before I get stuck in and replace it?

 

[High Jetter]

Payen used to be the No 1

[IronStar]

Late to the party, but my 2c on this carb / that carb / other carb vs EFI conversion.

It's no secret I have a mutual hatred relationship with carbs - I think they're vile contraptions that spend their time parked in the garage to come up with new ways to ruin your day in the morning. They can feel this, and are doing the exact thing I accuse them of.  I don't think I have a car with a carb I didn't want to set on fire due to the fuelling issues.
The issue is not helped by the fact that carb tuning is a lost art, and no one (well, at least here) has proper colortune style equipment to set the fueling properly, and it's all done to a good enough by ear standard. As a result, exhaust always stinks of that distinct old car smell, they're using more fuel than it makes any sense, and it's all generally shit. They hate sitting, and in the year 2025, a car with a carb is not likely to be a daily driver. I hate every single bit of this with passion and would always pay to get rid of all of this.

If it was my car, I'd probably pony up for the conversion. It's not, and it's easy to spend other people's money in your head, so your mileage and willingness to blow ££££ obviously may vary. 

[Weird Car]

Austin 7 inbound 

[Weird Car]

She’s here!! 
 

and first things first… Awww she’s so CUTE 😍😍😍

everything is like a full sized car but just scaled down to almost toy car levels! I just wanna hug it like a big teddy bear 🥰❤️❤️

 

 

 

 

Right, sorry I think I got a little carried away there 

so as cute as the 7 is it does have a few issues to address after the rush of Christmas, first and foremost the starting issue, I tried to get her running but unfortunately no luck, I noticed after opening the bonnet that there was a load of water sat directly on top of the plugs, I wiped away the water and tried again, it’s very handy being able to just pull the starter motor cable from under the bonnet, and I could see water bubbling coming from the plug holes, I obviously immediately stopped play there incase I hydro locked the engine, I’m gonna come back after Christmas with my tools and whip the plugs out and properly investigate, but yeah overall I’m really excited about it 

[N Dentressangle]

What a beauty - nice one!

[SiC]

I flipping love the Austin 7 and this one particularly looks ace.

I do really need to sort my car situation out so I can make room for one myself.

[Weird Car]

21 minutes ago, SiC said:

 

I flipping love the Austin 7 and this one particularly looks ace.

 

I really do think I hit the jackpot getting this for as cheap as I did, it’s obviously not immaculate but for a 90 year old car it’s survived amazingly well

and overall I’m pretty happy with how my fleet as a whole is looking at the moment 

[Squarepegroundhole]

Just read this thread from start to finish. Absolutely brilliant! Looking forward to hearing how to get on with the Volvo.

[Weird Car]

32 minutes ago, Ian_Fearn said:

Just read this thread from start to finish. Absolutely brilliant! Looking forward to hearing how to get on with the Volvo.

Wow!! That’s some commitment! 
more progress on the Volvo soon 

[Weird Car]

So had a bit of trouble with the Mighty Buick today 

 

it was Port Solent Car Meets annual Xmas/Boxing Day  meet today so I thought I’d risk taking the Buick, this would have been by far the longest drive I’d ever taken her, she made it there lovely and just wafted down the road, honestly it made me so happy to finally tick cruising in a 50s American car off my bucket list 

but just as I’ve gotten to the entrance to the meet she’s stalled and wouldn’t re start,

I had the utter embarrassment of being pushed into the meet by the Marshalls 😢😭

 

‘and photographed in the act by the official photographer’ 

 

after the meet I tried to get her started but no luck 

RAC sent their best man out and whist he was very helpful and replaced a lot of rotten wiring we still had no luck 

 

So after an hour or so of fault finding we gave up and called for the flat bed

 

 

 

such a shame as it was so lovely to drive her properly for the first time 

I met a old friend at the meet though who’s offered to buy her off me and properly restore/ care for her more than I’d ever be able to afford/do so come Tuesday she’ll be leaving the fleet 

it was fun whist it lasted but I have other projects that need attention 

[SiC]

19 minutes ago, Weird Car said:

utter embarrassment of being pushed into the meet by the Marshalls 😢😭

Nothing like making a bit of an entrance!

TBF it's probably one of the few classics that turned up this time of year. And you ticked something off the list.

[SiC]

I'd love a Yank Tank but they are simply too big to realistically fit anywhere undercover in the UK unless you own a fair chunk of land. 

How are you finding the 7 brakes? Are they as bad as some make out them to be?

[Weird Car]

6 minutes ago, SiC said:

 

I'd love a Yank Tank but they are simply too big to realistically fit anywhere undercover in the UK unless you own a fair chunk of land. 

 

I agree, but I had to try it, I’ll still own a 58 Plymouth one day though, that’s a firm promise I made to a very depressed 15 year old me 

 

6 minutes ago, SiC said:

How are you finding the 7 brakes? Are they as bad as some make out them to be?

I am yet to try them, just pushing them you can very much tell they’re cable operated but being so light I’d imagine it’d stop similarly to a motorcycle and sidecar once properly adjusted 

[comfortablynumb]

Probably the best outcome @Weird Car, I'd have loved to take it on myself, but the bank doesn't like banking with me!😁

Onward and upward.

You do realise you could have used the Buick boot to store the 7?🤣

[Weird Car]

1 minute ago, comfortablynumb said:

You do realise you could have used the Buick boot to store the 7?🤣

I can’t it’s currently got almost an entire Volvo 145 worth of spare parts in it 😂

[Matty]

1 hour ago, Weird Car said:

So had a bit of trouble with the Mighty Buick today 

 

it was Port Solent Car Meets annual Xmas/Boxing Day  meet today so I thought I’d risk taking the Buick, this would have been by far the longest drive I’d ever taken her, she made it there lovely and just wafted down the road, honestly it made me so happy to finally tick cruising in a 50s American car off my bucket list 

but just as I’ve gotten to the entrance to the meet she’s stalled and wouldn’t re start,

I had the utter embarrassment of being pushed into the meet by the Marshalls 😢😭

 

‘and photographed in the act by the official photographer’ 

 

after the meet I tried to get her started but no luck 

RAC sent their best man out and whist he was very helpful and replaced a lot of rotten wiring we still had no luck 

 

So after an hour or so of fault finding we gave up and called for the flat bed

 

 

 

such a shame as it was so lovely to drive her properly for the first time 

I met a old friend at the meet though who’s offered to buy her off me and properly restore/ care for her more than I’d ever be able to afford/do so come Tuesday she’ll be leaving the fleet 

it was fun whist it lasted but I have other projects that need attention 

Massive shame obvs but the right thing to do. Youre avoiding spreading yourself to thin so you can make meaningful progress with the other cars.

[Out Run]

On 23/12/2025 at 13:32, Weird Car said:

She’s here!! 
 

and first things first… Awww she’s so CUTE 😍😍😍

everything is like a full sized car but just scaled down to almost toy car levels! I just wanna hug it like a big teddy bear 🥰❤️❤️

 

 

 

 

Right, sorry I think I got a little carried away there 

so as cute as the 7 is it does have a few issues to address after the rush of Christmas, first and foremost the starting issue, I tried to get her running but unfortunately no luck, I noticed after opening the bonnet that there was a load of water sat directly on top of the plugs, I wiped away the water and tried again, it’s very handy being able to just pull the starter motor cable from under the bonnet, and I could see water bubbling coming from the plug holes, I obviously immediately stopped play there incase I hydro locked the engine, I’m gonna come back after Christmas with my tools and whip the plugs out and properly investigate, but yeah overall I’m really excited about it 

What a fabulous looking little thing! 
I have read your thread and watched a few of your YouTube videos over the years and I love how varied and unpredictable your car purchases are. Brilliant!

[eddyramrod]

3 hours ago, Weird Car said:

I had the utter embarrassment of being pushed into the meet by the Marshalls 😢😭

‘and photographed in the act by the official photographer’ 

Yep, been there with the legendary Huggy.  Starter wouldn't engage on the showfield at Chumley so the entire AS contingent pushed me into the arena, and out again when the time came.  Also, alternator failed on a Hampshire trip; we didn't make Port Solent that time.

You've ticked the box now at least; if you have someone better-equipped to take the car on, who is willing, then you're doing right by the car.  Best of luck with the 7 and whatever comes after!

[Weird Car]

7 minutes ago, Out Run said:

What a fabulous looking little thing! 
I have read your thread and watched a few of your YouTube videos over the years and I love how varied and unpredictable your car purchases are. Brilliant!

Thank you, and yep I’m always eager to try a different car 

I still miss that 59 Austin and Lada though 

 

4 minutes ago, eddyramrod said:

Yep, been there with the legendary Huggy.  Starter wouldn't engage on the showfield at Chumley so the entire AS contingent pushed me into the arena, and out again when the time came.  Also, alternator failed on a Hampshire trip; we didn't make Port Solent that time.

You've ticked the box now at least; if you have someone better-equipped to take the car on, who is willing, then you're doing right by the car.  Best of luck with the 7 and whatever comes after!

Exactly, I can now say I’ve owned and driven a 59 Buick which is something not every 24 year old can say 

the Volvo is kinda priority at moment as I don’t have another car I can use everyday, once that’s reliable enough work can properly start on the 7, eventually I’d quite like another Audi A6 C6 estate as a modern ish run about but I’ve already owned 2 so maybe something else, we’ll see 

 

[Weird Car]

And she’s gone 

 

 

had a good catch up with the friend who bought it and it’s getting delivered straight to an American car garage to begin the process of restoring it 

he also agreed to sell me his lovely 1960 Dodge in the not too distant future so perhaps I’ll be getting another land yacht sooner than I thought  

[SiC]

Certainly no beavertail recovery for that one!

Looks like it only just fitted on the 7.5tonner too?

[Weird Car]

18 minutes ago, SiC said:

Certainly no beavertail recovery for that one!

Looks like it only just fitted on the 7.5tonner too?

Definitely a tight fit, I felt a little bad for the driver having to reverse that rig down the tiny tight roads leading into mine

[Weird Car]

Sit rep again 

 

Had a tinker with the 7 today, all the plugs are soaked in water, I have a suspicion water has been making its way into the engine compartment via the top bonnet hinge and has ruined the plugs, testing the spark from the leads it’s very strong so new plugs have been ordered 

 

 

And of course I had to finish the year off right with one more car purchase 

 

 

yep that’s right, it’s the forum bike City Rover

purchased from @calebaaront’s wife as she just didn’t jive with it like she thought, after a test drive I was honestly smitten, just sitting behind the wheel had all sorts of thoughts rushing through my head about Rover as a company and how depressing it was that a once staple of British luxury and aristocratic style could stoop to badge engineering an Indian built city car, and maybe it’s that immense fall from grace, amid a rather gruesome time for the British motor industry that lets me see the City Rover in a different light than most, most would clown on this car for being the reason we don’t see new Rover models today but me, I appreciate it because whist it didn’t keep Rover afloat like they’d hoped, It’s so full of charm, from the cheap feeling seats and dash to the central locking that goes absolutely crazy for no reason, if you go into it thinking it’s a Rover like people did in its day with fond memories of the P4 and SD1 you will be let down ALOT but if you go into it thinking it’s a quirky small Indian city car it’s a heck of a lot of fun 

[RayMK]

3 hours ago, Weird Car said:

Sit rep again 

 

Had a tinker with the 7 today, all the plugs are soaked in water, I have a suspicion water has been making its way into the engine compartment via the top bonnet hinge and has ruined the plugs, testing the spark from the leads it’s very strong so new plugs have been ordered 

 

 

And of course I had to finish the year off right with one more car purchase 

 

 

yep that’s right, it’s the forum bike City Rover

purchased from @calebaaront’s wife as she just didn’t jive with it like she thought, after a test drive I was honestly smitten, just sitting behind the wheel had all sorts of thoughts rushing through my head about Rover as a company and how depressing it was that a once staple of British luxury and aristocratic style could stoop to badge engineering an Indian built city car, and maybe it’s that immense fall from grace, amid a rather gruesome time for the British motor industry that lets me see the City Rover in a different light than most, most would clown on this car for being the reason we don’t see new Rover models today but me, I appreciate it because whist it didn’t keep Rover afloat like they’d hoped, It’s so full of charm, from the cheap feeling seats and dash to the central locking that goes absolutely crazy for no reason, if you go into it thinking it’s a Rover like people did in its day with fond memories of the P4 and SD1 you will be let down ALOT but if you go into it thinking it’s a quirky small Indian city car it’s a heck of a lot fun 

I had one as a courtesy car for a few hours.  It felt skittish at 70mph on a very slight bend on the A43 just past Silverstone.  Very strange handling - and that's coming from someone who enjoys rear engined Skodas, swing axles and even Reliant 3 wheelers 🤣.  Maybe it had a mix of different cheap part worns, being an unloved courtesy car.  I'd prefer a Tata Nano for some hot Indian entertainment, preferably with a fire extinguisher.  Pity they did not make it here except for one or two for the motoring press.  Nevertheless, your City Rover looks nice.  Well bought!

[barrett]

On 31/12/2025 at 17:37, Weird Car said:

Sit rep again 

 

Had a tinker with the 7 today, all the plugs are soaked in water, I have a suspicion water has been making its way into the engine compartment via the top bonnet hinge and has ruined the plugs, testing the spark from the leads it’s very strong so new plugs have been ordered 

As a warning, I have to say I've never managed to make a prewar car run on new plugs. If you can find a set of 1930s plugs you'll be starting from a much better place, but even 1950s or '60s plugs would be better than anything you can buy today. If you have to get new plugs, use the Green Spark Plug Co (https://www.gsparkplug.com/ ) which sells NOS plugs