VYK The Russet 78 Sprint

[Bish]

I had a spare hour today and thought it would be nice to sync and tune the carbs up. Unfortunately, whilst running the car up to temperature the front carb started to overflow and spill fuel from the overflow pipe. No problem, I’ve been here before and have new float chamber needle jet things and gaskets. Won’t take a minute to swap a new one for old and stop the overflow. So I took the first screw out of the float chamber lid and placed it safely aside only to see it roll away and disappear down this hole. Bugger!



Now you may know that the hole in the pic is to let water drain down and out the front of the sill. No problem I hear you say - take the rear plastic mud guard off from the inner wing and you shall find your screw. Well yes, but I had been avoiding doing this for some time afraid of the rust and holes that I may find behind, not to mention shearing the mud guard bolts!

Strong sweet tea and a smoke we’re taken, and nerves were steeled. To my surprise the mudguards came off easily and I found nice solid metal behind. No holes, minimal rust, no sheared bolts. A good does of waxoil is all that’s required before re fitting the mudguards.



Also found the old aerial just hanging there!



And of course the screw.



Result

[dollyman]

That was lucky Bish Has removing the aerial cured an annoying rattle Quite tidy under there, and long may it remain so.

Tony.

[Bish]

That was lucky Bish Has removing the aerial cured an annoying rattle Quite tidy under there, and long may it remain so.

Tony.

A rattle cured before I even heard it because I haven’t even driven the car yet! I’m getting closer to that day though. I’ve got to refurb the wheels, cavity wax everywhere, refit the interior, rear lights badges n trim, side stripes, replace front and rear screen rubbers - and then it’s mot time........

Hoping to get on the road before the winter.

[Bish]

Another job I had been putting off was investigating my windscreen wiper issues. The drivers side wiper wheel box is missing the knurled end which allows it to grip the wiper arm. I have searched my box of bits to find said part with no joy. Resigned to the fact that I have to replace to wheel box itself I decided to bite the bullet and whip the dash panel out. The rest of the interior is out anyway so I might as well go the whole hog!



Found an old mouse nest in the passenger air vent! At least I found that at this point, rather than later on when all the interior is in and I’ve got no air.



I’m thinking it’s not too bad a job to replace the wheel box? I think they are available new from the usual suspects. If anybody has any experience on where best to get one from then please let me know.

[dollyman]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LANDROVER-SE ... Swi0RbES~r

Hi Bish, this item might do the job? Worth a try for the price. Trico and Lucas used to sell them years ago and i have seen them at auto jumbles and they do work. Somebody on here might have one knocking about in their toolbox

Tony.

[Bish]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LANDROVER-SE ... Swi0RbES~r

Hi Bish, this item might do the job? Worth a try for the price. Trico and Lucas used to sell them years ago and i have seen them at auto jumbles and they do work. Somebody on here might have one knocking about in their toolbox

Tony.

That’s interesting Tony, thanks for that. I was thinking I would have to replace the whole unit. But that may work. I will see what I find when I get the wiper mechanism off the car. I have sent an enquiry to Mick Dolphin as he has the wheel box listed on his site. Won’t be doing too much to the car today as I’ll be enjoying the cricket!

[Richard the old one]

If it is the nut shown in the photo send me an email with your address and I will post it to you. I am assuming you would also need the washer as it is critical for the operation.

[Carledo]

If you have trouble getting a wheelbox and need one, I have a decent used wiper mechanism already removed from a late car.

I've found only about 1 in 4 come undone without grinding the outer nuts off the wheelbox threads, which, unless you're very careful and pretty lucky, renders the wheelbox unusable!

Steve

[Bish]

If it is the nut shown in the photo send me an email with your address and I will post it to you. I am assuming you would also need the washer as it is critical for the operation.

Thanks for the offer Richard but I think I need more than just the nut and washer. I will have the whole mechanism out tomorrow so will know then.

[Bish]

If you have trouble getting a wheelbox and need one, I have a decent used wiper mechanism already removed from a late car.

I've found only about 1 in 4 come undone without grinding the outer nuts off the wheelbox threads, which, unless you're very careful and pretty lucky, renders the wheelbox unusable!

Steve

Thanks Steve. I will have a go at getting it off in one piece! If that fails I will send you a pm regarding the mechanism you have.

[dollyman]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LANDROVER-SE ... Swi0RbES~r

Hi Bish, this item might do the job? Worth a try for the price. Trico and Lucas used to sell them years ago and i have seen them at auto jumbles and they do work. Somebody on here might have one knocking about in their toolbox

Tony.

That’s interesting Tony, thanks for that. I was thinking I would have to replace the whole unit. But that may work. I will see what I find when I get the wiper mechanism off the car. I have sent an enquiry to Mick Dolphin as he has the wheel box listed on his site. Won’t be doing too much to the car today as I’ll be enjoying the cricket!

They can be fitted without removing the wheel box Bish, if there is enough spindle left sticking out.

Tony.

[Bish]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LANDROVER-SE ... Swi0RbES~r

Hi Bish, this item might do the job? Worth a try for the price. Trico and Lucas used to sell them years ago and i have seen them at auto jumbles and they do work. Somebody on here might have one knocking about in their toolbox

Tony.

That’s interesting Tony, thanks for that. I was thinking I would have to replace the whole unit. But that may work. I will see what I find when I get the wiper mechanism off the car. I have sent an enquiry to Mick Dolphin as he has the wheel box listed on his site. Won’t be doing too much to the car today as I’ll be enjoying the cricket!

They can be fitted without removing the wheel box Bish, if there is enough spindle left sticking out.

Tony.

This is the offending wheel box. Looks like the end has been snapped off, plus the threads for the chrome nut are pretty rough on both wheel boxes. So I guess I need a new one or Steve’s one that he has available?



Here’s the other side with the knurled end still intact. But dodgy threads also.

[dollyman]

Aaah i see whats happened Bish, one of those spline repairs wont fix that. I thought the spline had come off leaving the post behind. Looks like Steve to the rescue Where would we be without him

Tony.

[Bish]

If you have trouble getting a wheelbox and need one, I have a decent used wiper mechanism already removed from a late car.

I've found only about 1 in 4 come undone without grinding the outer nuts off the wheelbox threads, which, unless you're very careful and pretty lucky, renders the wheelbox unusable!

Steve

Sent you a PM Steve.

[Bish]

Attention now turns to my alloys. They’re not too bad but in need of a refurb. I have thought about doing this myself, but it’s a lot of time consuming work, and I’m pushing to get on the road before winter. I have had a quote of £275 to refurb all five alloys inc fitting the tyres. Good price I reckon plus a lot of time saved!

Pics are of the best alloy, the others are a bit more worse for wear.





Being used to doing all resto work myself I am a bit reluctant to spend the money, plus I’m a bit tight!
Hmmmm I’m thinking on it.......