Car laid up for winter........why?

Post by **pauln** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 6:38 pm

I restored my 56 4 door split screen back in 2004 to use as a show car. Trouble is I prefer just using them as intended as everyday cars and I have been loathe to use a car so nice and shiny. My sister rings from France (shes working there this year) and needs a runabout which is just the push I need. Bye bye 803cc engine in with a 1098 engine, box and 4.1 axle (left over from a 1300 conversion on another minor). Rear hubs modded to ford spacing and set of decent front brakes (sierra discs and calipers). On with Ford rostyles and I have a useable car again. I spent october and november running around and remembering while I enjoy driving Minors. Now my sister has it, shes been from Kent to Plymouth, a visit to Wales and shes now in Chester. It may not be an original show car any more but we don't care.

Post by **Matt** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 7:00 pm

I like those wheels

4.1 diff? Sure its not 4.22? there is no 4.1 diff for a minor axle (although there is for a marina one)

How have you changed the rear PCD? Adaptor plates?

Post by **pauln** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 7:11 pm

Matt wrote:I like those wheels

4.1 diff? Sure its not 4.22? there is no 4.1 diff for a minor axle (although there is for a marina one)

How have you changed the rear PCD? Adaptor plates?

Yep got me I meant 4.22. The rear hubs were built up jigged and redrilled to 108 pcd (its strong enough but I would't recommend doing it). I've got an anglia axle and a 3.7 dif to go on when it comes back along with some decent rear brakes (lovely low maintenance discs and calipers). Wheels are capri rostyles 5 1/2 x 13 with 185/70 tyres.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 7:17 pm

Nice looking car. Provided there is no SALT on the roads I don't see any reason not to use the car. Up here -there is constant salt - and my Traveller doesn't leave the garage!

Post by **pauln** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 7:32 pm

I'm sure i'm going to be pressure washing off a load of salt when it comes back. Frankly i'm not concerned I would prefer it was used. We have used Minors over salty winters before with no insurmountable problems. My Cortina is getting used all year round as well. The living death of using a modern or taking a small risk and using a classic, my choice is clear.

Post by **Kevin** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 9:11 pm

I would prefer it was used.

Sounds good to me

My Cortina is getting used all year round as well.

Is it a MK1

as they seem to have a big resurgence in recent times judging by the numbers as shows nowadays.

Post by **Cam** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 2:51 pm

I use my '63 and '69 all year round! Best way is to use them as they were intended!

The only reason I don't use my '49 and '52 is they are not on the road.

Post by **pauln** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 4:27 pm

Kevin wrote:
I would prefer it was used.
Sounds good to me
My Cortina is getting used all year round as well.
Is it a MK1 as they seem to have a big resurgence in recent times judging by the numbers as shows nowadays.

It's a mk2, the left one.

Well done Cam, just use them and repair them when needed .

Post by **Cam** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 4:58 pm

pauln wrote:Well done Cam, just use them and repair them when needed .

Exactly! Cut out the rot and weld a fresh piece of steel in.

Nice Cortina by the way.

Post by **Robins** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 6:26 pm

Nice Cortina, I like old fords myself.
Not sure I fully agree with using the nice stuff all year round as a daily driver, that salt is a real killer, a power wash wont get it off when it has started to eat in to the metal, and that is quick.

But after whats been said recently, I have come round to the thinking I want to use mine more. And I will, as soon as they are back on the road. Traveller will be finished over christmas. The car is actually ready for MOT now, but if I don't hold back and finish the small things now they just won't get done.

Post by **pauln** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 7:06 pm

Classic car owners seem to have the attitude that the cars shouldnt be used in the winter. I keep the cars clean underneath and clean up and prime any flaky paint (I paint never underseal) after drying the area with a hot air gun. If I have to do a small welded patch every 5 years I count myself unlucky. The split screens well dynatrolled as well (still got 52year old inner sill boxing plates). It's cheaper for me to run a classic rather than a modern anyway.

Post by **pauln** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 7:07 pm

Well my sisters made it from Chester to Hailsham (sussex). Only problem was the throttle stop screw undoing a bit and dropping the tickover slightly. Just over 600miles in 3 trips, I'm not sure if i should keep it or sell it to someone whos wants it now (one question they asked was "is it reliable?").