:: Diary - March 2004 ::

:: February 2004 ::

There isn't a separate page for February, for one simple reason:

Nothing much happened!

A combination of bad weather, salty and slippery roads, and me being generally far too busy struggling with other stuff, meant that the car hardly moved over the whole month. I did find time for a couple of blatts but nothing worthy of report here!

:: Saturday, March 6, 2004 ::

It's TVR car club day, and it dawns bright and clear (if a little cold).

A bunch of guys have arranged to meet at the Forth Bridge, to arrive at the meeting in convoy. Fair enough, I'll have some of that!

First I give the car a wash, just to remove the film of dust that has accumulated. I note particularly the state of the wheels, which, after my careful polishing, have corroded badly and need to be done again. A more permanent solution required, I think.

I meet another 7 TVRs of various models and types (mine being the second oldest) and discover that the purpose of our convoy is to visit a young relative of one of the others. We set off in convoy - 8 of us rumbling (well ok, roaring) up this quiet residential street and parking all over his driveway and the road outside. An impromptu car show ensues with an audience of family and neighbours, while we quaff Irn Bru and consume biscuits like a plague of sweet-toothed locusts.

Then various family members pile into the cars and we set off for a quick blatt. My poor wee S is struggling to keep up with the Tuscans and 5-litre Chimaeras, but with expert use of the gear lever and divers-boot depression of the loud pedal, I manage to keep up, just. For the first time for ages, I realise just how fast (and loud) this car is.

We drop off the family members then set off for the meeting. By this time there are 10 of us, with me in front. I set off at a reasonable pace, to keep the convoy together. There is something surreal about looking in your mirror as you change lanes etc and seeing this streamer of TVRs following, filling the road for about half a mile behind you.

Arrive at meeting and discover that I have won the monthly photo competition in the national Club magazine! Oh I forgot to mention that in response to an appeal by the editor for pictures for the competition, I sent off two, a week before Christmas. Anyway, somebody produces a magazine and there it is! I've won! AND in the month where the prize has gone up from £25 to £75! Yaweebyooteh!

I blatt home in celebration, drawing special enjoyment by deafening 3 youths in a maxxed-up Fiesta, by overtaking them at full chat in a motorway tunnel. The experience is heightened because they decide to pursue me at the next junction but appear to be somewhat deterred by the 3 foot flame which erupts from the exhaust on the over-run, when they are right on my bumper. Deepest of deep joys.

I have remembered all over again how grin-inducing this wee car is!

:: Sunday, March 7, 2004 ::

I have a wee go at cleaning the wheels, but it starts to rain. I decide that I need a better and more permanent solution. A quick internet browse turn up a company called "Spit and Polish", who refurbished Dave's wheels.

:: Tuesday, March 9, 2004 ::

After much consideration, I decide that the idea of putting the car up on 4 stands while I send the wheels away, doesn't appeal. I need two spare wheels to keep at least half the car on the ground. Dave agrees to lend me a couple of his old ones (He has about 14 TVR wheels, which he has had refinished).

:: Friday, March 12, 2004 ::

I collect two wheels and tyres from Dave.

This takes about 2 hours because he is as much of a blether as I am. First I see his refurbished wheel as a foretaste of what mine will be like. Lovely!

He also persuades me that I need bolt-in metal tyre valves and not the cheap rubber things that are fitted as standard. I resolve to order some when I get home. (and I did!)

Then we have a look at his S, which is up on stands while he polishes the underside, replaces the shock absorbers and springs, and the door hinges... and the engine induction hoses... and... His car is beautiful though, much much nicer that you realise just looking at it on the road.

He also donates a Jaguar bonnet strut for me to try in place of the metal prop rod that's fitted as standard (and which keeps coming out, causing the bonnet to crash down closed all the time). Excellent!

:: Saturday, March 13, 2004 ::

I remove all 4 wheels, and take them to a well known tyre fitting company who remove the tyres from the rims. I cut off the rubber valves, pack the wheels into boxes, ready to go!

I then decide that, while the wheels are off, I am going to clean up the rear suspension. I attack the congealed grease and muck with paraffin and a stiff brush, and a pressure washer, and soon have both sides looking pristine.

The chassis members are generally in good nick, although the struts which are exposed to the grit and muck thrown up by the wheels, have had their coating chipped and cracked. There are a lot of struts though, and I decide that painting them is a long job for another day.

I do however, get out the black Hammerite and paint the brake drums, the drive shafts and the end of the petrol tank, which are visible under the wheel arch.

:: Monday, March 15, 2004 ::

Wheels collected by City Link!

:: Wednesday, March 24, 2004 ::

Wheels returned in boxes. I open the top one and this gleaming brand new wheel shines up at me - they look absolutely fantastic!

I can't wait to put them on so I attack the first wheel with tyre levers... but I just can't refit the tyre. It's like trying to shove a sumo wrestler into Woody Allen's wet suit. It just ain't going!

I give up and decide to get them fitted at the weekend.

:: Saturday, March 27, 2004 ::

Up bright and early! I fit the new alloy tyre valves and load the wheels and tyres into a car, and get the tyres refitted and balanced. They do a good careful job.

Back home, refit the wheels and tyres, stand back and admire.

Then I give the tyres a clean with shoe polish, and admire even more!

Superb!

A celebratory blatt ensues...