Noisy

 The last few days attention has moved to the exhaust. With a combination of 3 possible different manufacturers I knew it would not be a smooth assembly. Fortunately I help a friend a lot ... he makes exhaust systems, so I have a fair understanding of exhaust systems and the problems/options to get over them. With an unknown long branch manifold, fletcher Y peice and an unknown center/ back box I set about carefully lining things up to see what would need altering. I quickly found out I needed to buy a rear hanger and remembered I needed to buy the front gear box to exhaust clamp. They turned up quite quickly, which was nice.

But before they turned up the steering arm gaiters turned up, I cracked on and fitted them so the front wheels could finally go on and stay on. There was a little trouble with the lock nut not wanting to budge, but the blow torch soon encouraged it to play ball.

Yesterday I got home and was shattered but a lot was going on in the house so I disappeared to the garage, got the tap and dies out to clean up the captive nuts and what seems like the last old money bolts I have left! Led on the floor with my legs dangling out the side door of the garage i used the tap and die fitted the bracket and then pondered some exhaust options. With a little jolt I opened my eyes, I might have nodded off in the relative quite and darkness of being under the car! That was it cup of tea time.

Tonight I was working up at the Y price, fitted the gear box clamp and laid out the center section again to check clearances and alignment. It wasn't looking to bad, I am going to make a short straight joiner piece source another clamp and cut a little off the center section where it curves the wrong way. With a fairly confident plan in hand that will have to wait till work shop time on Saturday that was enough exhaust work.

The last of the bulk head insulation was quickly trimmed up and fitted. 

The gear stick gater was next, the freshly painted clamping ring and freshly washed gater was slid over the stick. At this point the holes in the floor where very hidden by the necessary layers, out came a bradel, poked till it went through the floor and quickly fitted some nice new screws. Of course the gear know had to be fitted, looking good.

The last bit for today was the speedo test. The car is still on axel stands while the exhaust work goes on. The battery was connected, started her up... quite loud with just the manifold. Sat on the floor, pushed the clutch and was pleased I could select a gear and set her off. Result the speedo i swoped over ( so the speedo matched the other 2 dials) a few weeks ago worked, phew.

Now it's enjoy a short mini night and study the to do list. May be buy a well deserved little mini treat 🙂