Modestine

[DavidLaver]

My sister had a Mini called Ethel - based on its worth.

The Austin 7 Special is called Flora - after someone shouted that from the pavement in encouragement.   I know its a Lancia forum but I can't resist posting some snaps.  The black wheels 19in wheels with Blockley 3.5in tyres are relatively recent as the VSCC won't tollerate the radials anymore, and quite right too.  I waited until the Blockley was available to avoid motorbike tyres which give me the heebiegeebies.   The original radiator shell was made from a wok lid.  Twenty years on its STILL not finished, but conversely its still improving.

David

[johnturner]

Robin

Really sorry to hear that, having been resurrected, Modestine has now shed her propellor shaft.  I wonder whether a sound thrashing a la Basil Fawlty would help.  The good news is that Lancia used standard Hardy Spicer couplings on the early cars, the company still operates as part of GKN in Birmingham, and Andy there is very helpful and can, or could until recently, supply companion flanges with the right keyway and taper off the shelf.  And he may be able to help with the re-machining of the output shaft.  A complete new shaft was made up for Arthur Keeling's Dilambda and Les will phone over the weekend to explain what was involved.

John

[Dilambdaman]

Many thanks John, I'll follow that up.

Robin.

[Dilambdaman]

Have spoken with Andy and Dave at GKN Driveline and they are pretty confident that they can effect a repair.

So, got the gearbox out this yesterday afternoon, opened it up and removed the damaged shaft. In the post to GKN today.

Good job I did open the gearbox up as the roller bearing immediately behind the damaged taper was full of metal filings and would have been knackered in no time.

Robin.

[rogerelias]

Can i slacken off a bit on the straps?

[Dilambdaman]

GKN Driveline built up and machined the taper on the gearbox output shaft and made a new propshaft flange to suit. All in a couple of weeks and at a very reasonable cost. Many thanks to John Turner for putting me on to them.

Re-assembled the gearbox on Saturday and hope to get it back in the car on Monday.

So, Roger, appreciate it if you could tighten the straps on your chair just until she's back on the road. 

Robin.

[rogerelias]

Me and the seat are orf to the broads for a week on friday, so no comments from here. but good luck

[Dilambdaman]

Well, I drove the Dilambda for a mile or so last evening but had great difficulty selecting 3rd and 4th gears. They have always been problematical but are much worse now. I was not totally confident that they were meshing fully when the gearbox was on the bench.
 
Otherwise everything else seemed fine apart from the water pump which is leaking badly again! Very good oil pressure still.
 
So, gearbox out again I'm afraid. Funeral to go to today, Goodwood Revival Friday so hopefully get to it on Saturday.

Robin

[DavidLaver]

There's something about getting a prize you really deserve - and when that car is running sweetly again...

David

[rogerelias]

I am kinda getting used to this chair

[Dilambdaman]

The box came out yesterday and was stripped down and carefully re-assembled. Seems to operate OK now on the bench so back in the car this week hopefully.

Robin.

[fay66]

The box came out yesterday and was stripped down and carefully re-assembled. Seems to operate OK now on the bench so back in the car this week hopefully.

Robin.

Robin,
any nasties in there or did it just need taking apart and putting back together again very carefully.

Brian
8227

[Dilambdaman]

The box came out yesterday and was stripped down and carefully re-assembled. Seems to operate OK now on the bench so back in the car this week hopefully.

Robin.

Robin,
any nasties in there or did it just need taking apart and putting back together again very carefully.

Brian
8227

No, no nasties in fact didn't find anything obvious that was causing the selection problem. So, fingers crossed until it gets road tested.

Robin.

[Dilambdaman]

Box back in the car  (I'm really getting quite fast at that!) and a short test run went OK.

Whilst the box was out I had the sleeve on the bottom of the gear lever repaired which has improved gear changing enormously.

So, re-assemble the rest of the bits and pieces and indulge in some gentle longer runs.

Robin.   

[stuwilson128]

I really hope that you have finally solved the problems and can start to enjoy Modestine again