Stress test for ‘t Kreng’s cooling system

Today saw the final test for the cooling system of ‘t Kreng. And to be honest I wasn't looking forward to it! The weather forecast predicted temperatures off up to 32ºC in the area. Not very appealing from a driver’s comfort perspective. And with a measured maximum outdoor temperature of 31,4ºC it indeed was rather hot in the car. Though I needn’t have worried about the car itself or the cooling system. She behaved as if nothing had happened. With the water temperature gauge’s needle sitting rock steady at its normal position. But while waiting in a traffic cue at some roadworks I decided to capture the temperature gauge’s normal position. Guess what I noticed. And another pointer that I should use this car more often! (Since fitting the new water pump I have been using the car on a weekly basis. Covering on average 100 kilometres per week)

For the rest the driving even was fairly enjoyable despite the heat. And I decided to make a stop to take some pictures at an often used location for my cars;

‘t Kreng’s water pump

p.s. the damage to the spark plug caps was caused many years ago by a stone marten.
He/she was handled properly without any animals being harmed in the process!

The last time I reported on this subject there still was a small leak from the slot underneath the water pump. But it looked like it was starting to seal better after each drive. There was no noticeable drop in the coolant level every time I returned home. Though there would always be a tiny trace of coolant from the slot underneath the water pump. At least the driving always was nice!

On the driveway to the former fiefdom “Jongenhof” near Lerop - St. Odiliënberg.

A for the Euregio typical large carré farmhouse and former seat for a feudal lord.

Today I took the car for a 2½ hour drive, but not before I wiped of all traces of coolant from the slot. During this drive the temperature gauge remained rock steady at its normal position, with the needle just touching the ½ mark. The coolant light only lit up briefly when starting the car. And when I returned home late in the afternoon, there again was the mandatory check for any leaks. The slot and the area underneath were completely free of coolant traces. Success at last I hope. Time will tell!

DHC repairs #12: Start of the body repairs

Last weekend I visited the workshop where the DHC’s body is undergoing some much needed repairs. First job was inspecting the pile of body parts left over from the donor body shell. The result of drilling and grinding every evening for two weeks. A small selection of the most important parts for the body’s repairs;

The left hand rear wing.

The panel covering the front of the right hand rear chassis leg.

The strengthening on the inside of the right hand B-post

The inside of the left hand outer sill and the B-post panel.

Strengthening panel inside the front of the right hand rear chassis leg

The rear chassis legs.

And with the various parts inspected it was time to put the angle grinder into the body. But not before a simple brace was fitted to prevent distortion of the body. To check this, the doors were also fitted to the body. And some control measurements were taken.

After which it was time to put the angle grinder to the right hand sill. As you can see there is a fair amount of tin worm in that sill;

The old sill and its second hand replacement.

DHC repairs #11: Picking apart the repair panel donor

A few weeks ago I dropped of the repair panel donor body at a friend’s work shop. And earlier this week I received a few pictures of the progress of picking apart this body. A lot of spot welds had to be drilled out to get to this stage. And this (again I dare say) highlighted a lack of quality awareness on part of the British Leyland work force. Some of the spot welds were at an almost 45° angle with the sheet metal they were supposed to hold together. Not good when you have to drill them out!

A few pictures of another TR7 that is now officially scrapped. Lets say it’s "For The Greater Good"!

Next now on the to-do-list is removing all panels that need repairs or replacing from the cars original body. To be continued!