MAGAZINE No 102 SUMMER 2005

Edlines

A big thank you to all those who have helped to make this a bumper issue. We have minutes from the well-attended AGM, reports on the Capesthorne show, news on Rochdale GTs (which feature strongly on the page if not on the road), some crucial info for Olympic owners from Derek Bentley, info. on oil applications and the usual variety of topics in members letters and articles.

The next main event which many of us look forward to is the Historic Specials bash in August see advert. If you visit a show of particular interest do write a report on it for the rest of us.

I'm a little surprised at the minimal response to the subject of originality raised in the last issue. Are we all sitting on our hands? I know I am!

Now a word from our secretary Alaric:

It's always interesting looking at members' application forms. This year a couple of desperate pleas stood out: Keith Barry Higgins from Stockton on Tees has a Phase II with 1865cc MGB engine fitted. It is on the road, but has a problem "It destroys rotor arms - Help! - It's on the road, or verge if rotor arm shorts out again". I've heard of this before, but can't for the life of me remember what the answer was. Also Barrie Jones from Milton Keynes has a Phase II and needs someone to remanufacture window frames. Writing from memory, the original aluminium frames were sourced from boat supplies, and I believe may have come in two widths. A few years ago, several members used the stainless steel frames from Morris Travellers cut and welded, and they do look nice, and will probably last longer than the aluminium ones. If anyone can help with either of these problems, write to Alan, and also let me know and I will forward your replies on to the members.

Capesthorne 2005

Well, it was another successful Capesthorne Show, marred only slightly by a heavy downpour in the early afternoon.

There were 29 members and friends at the show for the Saturday afternoon. The driving test, delayed by a heavy downpour and thunderstorm, was won by Malcolm McKay driving Derek Bentleys Phase I. The evening meal was at a new location on the road to Congleton, and despite not having any proper beer, seemed to be a success. We were treated to a fascinating discussion on the development of the Olympic led by Derek Bentley. If you haven't come on the Saturday afternoon before, do try to make an effort next year; it's well worthwhile.

This year we had about the same number of Classics and Kit Cars as last year, 11 Olympics, 1 Riviera and Mick Steads Autobee Pacemaker, now in running if not roadworthy condition.

The prizes were judged by Malcolm, and graciously presented by Hilary Parker. In the Classics, first place was a Renault Juvaquatre NSL 907, owned by Ray Cresswell, the only one on the road in this country; second was the Austin-Healey Sprite DNX 182K belonging to club member Mark Butler and in third place was a Mini Marcos DVD 661J belonging to Howard Plant.

In the kit car section, the prizes were awarded as follows:

First place Dax Rush V8 4.6 G98 YJA owned by John Kinsey and built 3 years ago;

Second place went to a Banham X21 (Metro based) K245 VNF which was built two years ago and has been used every day since;

Third place was a Pilgrim Bulldog Tara ROB 277R driven by the builder and built 17 years ago;

Visitors choice was a GTD 40 V50 GTD

The Which Kit Car? award went to a Vintage Motor Company of Doncaster limousine LUI 8747.

The most important prizes are, of course, the ones awarded to Rochdales, so here goes: as mentioned before, Malcolm McKay won the driving test; the prize for highest aggregate mileage to both the AGM and Capesthorne was awarded once again to Colin Breakspear, and the prize for Best Rochdale went to the Phase I Olympic 779 CUG of Tony Wright.

Special thanks are due to those who laboured so hard to get the show organised: Ron Scarfe, Brian Easton, Roger Coupe, Dave Milner and Paul Narramore. Also to Jane Devons who manned (if that is the right word?) the club tent, assisted by Milly, Gail, Ilka, Hilary and Jane. Thank you.

Miscellaneous Meanderings

There are a number of new members to welcome to the club:

Mark Butler who is looking for an Olympic, Tim Cutts, who is a neighbour of Colin Breakspears in Germany, Peter Gascoigne, Derek Johnson who has two Olympics XRB 834F and SF 9505, Lees and Co brewery mentioned in the last magazine have joined. Jack Thomas from South Wales has rejoined and Patrice Wattinne from France has acquired the ex-Roy Dawson Triumph-chassied GT. Moraigh Butler also joined at Capesthorne having outbid Malcolm and purchased a GT on eBay for £127! There are still bargains to be had!

The club is hoping to be invited to the publicity launch for JW Leess GT, more details when we have them. It would be great to get a bunch of Rochdales back in Rochdale again!

Finally, I have nearly three crates full of back issues of the magazine. They are no use to anyone in our loft, so for the next few months, we are having a BOGOF two for one sale. Not all are available, but let me know your requirements.

Alaric Spendlove

Some of the class winners - Photos: Malcolm McKay

Chair Chat.

Back in April when we had our AGM the weather was a bit on the cool side, but the company was as ever extremely warm and friendly. The all Olympic line up of Rochdales came up to the now usual high standard. The business part of the program was completed in record time, after a very interesting and informative presentation about the club Website by Aubrey Richardson. One suggestion put forward at the meeting was to try to set up a club week end at Rochdale, linked with the Rochdale Brewery who have acquired a Rochdale GT to use for publicity purposes. We will keep you all informed of any progress.

Next on the calendar was our annual Cheshire Kit Car Show. The weather was mixed both on the Saturday and the Sunday, however it did not dampen anyone's spirits and a good time was had by all. The encouraging thing for me is the ever increasing number of members and friends that turn up to help Ron and his team to get the site marked out ready for when the public arrive on the Sunday. We had 29 to sit down for an enjoyable evening meal on the Saturday at a new venue, after which Derek Bentley gave an interesting and enlightening talk on the background of the Olympic. A big thank you must also go to all who tuned up on the Sunday and so willingly volunteered to help with the different tasks that made the day run so smoothly.

On the home front I have to admit that there has been very little progress on "Sows Ear", my time having been taken up with getting my boat back in the water for the season. My aim however is to have something to show for the Specials Day in August, so see you all then .

Roger.

* * * * * * L E T T E R S * * * * * *

Dear Editor,

I have recently joined the Rochdale Owners Club and I am now looking for an Olympic to buy. Now I suspect that there are a few of you out there who have more than one car sitting around doing nothing, or even one car sitting around doing nothing! Well, if this the case can I please buy it? What I'm looking for is a Phase 1 or Phase 2 Olympic which I could use for racing. It doesn't have to be a running car; a rolling shell would be fine.

I work for a company that builds classic racing cars, and restores classics for the road, (current projects, an FIA spec Jaguar XK150S FHC, and the ex-George Harrison Mini Cooper) so I know what's involved. So if I buy your car it won't go from the back of your garage to the back of mine never to run again! I am well known to Malcolm McKay, it was he who got me started on this with his talk about his supercharged example, and got me hooked when I visited his 'collection' last Friday.

What I want to do is prepare the car well, and try put Rochdale somewhere on the racing radar where they ought to be. So if anyone can help me in my search I would be most grateful.

Yours faithfully

Peter Gascoigne

Email: pfgasket@aol.com

From Gordon Cowley Rochdale GT

Dear Alaric,

It was always going to be a hard task to get the Rochdale GT to Tasmania for the Ford 8 and 10 Sidevalve National Rally in February 2005 and it never quite made it. I worked on it basically for five weeks full time but there was just too much to do. I eventually gave up to do a bit of work on my c1952 Anglia Tourer for the National Rally. It was a 100-yard car when I started and I turned it into a 50-yard car. Even the regular Rally attendees noticed that it was different.

There is some progress to report on the Rochdale GT. The boot has been finished but I still need to nut out and do the fuel filler. All the LHS Ford Ten fuel filler holes have been filled and fibre glassed. I reinstated the engine bulkhead, built a three-part gearbox and prop shaft tunnel and carried out various body repairs including frenching in the new tail lights. I used fibreglass sheet, aluminium flat and angles, plastic body filler and fibreglass resin and mat to do all those jobs. I had what seemed to be a dodgy repair done on the pax side 'A. pillar. I was not keen to remove the windscreen to fix it. When I tried to lift the body off the chassis (with a chain block and rope through the door openings) to put it on the rotisserie to finish the underside fibre glassing I managed to pull half the roof off. I broke the 'A' pillar in the bodged up area, I pulled the roof off the 'B' pillar and split the body between rear side and back windows. Without my fibre glassing experience I would have probably burst into tears and gone to bed for a week. As it was, I just looked at it with the roof flapping in the breeze and thought I can fix that and I could and I did.

I ended up cutting into the RHS of the engine bay (see page 7 mag no 97 to see why) to make room for the air cleaner and I have rebuilt the area around the air cleaner with a fibre glass sandwich to keep the strength in the area. I used 3 mm balsa sheet covered with fibre glass sheet both sides and used plastic body filler to stick it together. One of my favourite aeroplanes is a D.H. Mosquito. I have a 20 mm alloy spacer and then a 55 mm air cleaner added to the carby hence the need for a bit more body cutting and rebuilding. I guess that in the end after I have attended to the cooling system I will still have most of the bonnet sides in place with a new profile for the top of the bonnet. Whatever covers the air cleaner will be part of the bonnet.

The rotisserie has been of great use as I can turn the body over and fibre glass all the joins in the fibre glass sheet that I have used to make the body airtight and waterproof. I still have to put the body back on the rotisserie for more finishing work but currently I have to do some housekeeping things, so for a short time the Rochdale GT will sit in the shed.

I had set up the body / chassis quite low (100 mm, the minimum allowed) and due to interference between the front wheel arches and the front wheels I decided that it would be easier to lift the body / chassis than open out the front wheel arches. I lifted the body up by lowering the axles and then what seemed an insurmountable problem arose. It was the usual thing however; it was just a case of a solution waiting to be found. I ended up with a drag link that wanted to be where the radius rod was. I will leave the original steering arms and tie rod to do their job underneath the radius rod. I will use the two top backing plate bolts on the LHS to attach a new steering arm to the LHS stub axle. That way the drag link fits comfortably over the radius rod and I have scope to lower the body and attend to the front wheel arches later.

I was told initially that for ease of registration in S.A. that I should import a vehicle with registration documents. In the end no documents were supplied so I asked the local Reggo Authority if my vehicle would be accepted as a 1961 Rochdale GT and what rules it needed to comply with. I sent 28 pages of supporting documents.

At that point I expected all sorts of problems. I have a reply and virtually all I have to do is present the Rochdale GT in a roadworthy condition with brakes, windscreen wipers etc and with appropriate lights in all the right places and the 1961 Rochdale GT will be registered. As a result my next deadline will be when my approval to register runs out in December 2005.

Remarks on convert to 100E power page 4 mag no 98. I converted my c1952 Anglia Tourer to 100E power and found it a worthwhile exercise. The gains are slipper big ends (use a later 100E engine) and a built in water pump. There are changes in the ports, valves and camshaft in the 100E engine which give you more power as well. See page 5 mag no 97 for other detail. You do need plenty of oil pressure to run these engines at high RPM figures. I did two sets of cranks and bearings before changing to an external oil pump. I used the pressure pump section from a racing type dry sump system. It is driven at half engine speed from the nose of the crankshaft by a toothed belt. The Ford Ten engine runs 40 pounds at the front of the engine and the 100E runs 50 pounds at the rear of the engine. The oil comes out of the wet sump, through the pump, through a full flow oil filter and back into the engine via a 100E side plate with the oil pressure switch hole opened up to gas. The hole where the internal oil pump fits is blanked off. Ford Ten and 100E engines can lose a lot of oil pressure through the centre camshaft bearing through normal wear. I bought some 100E semi finished camshaft bearings. They were fitted to the 100E block and the Ford Ten block line bored so that the semi finished 100E bearings would fit the Ford Ten block. When the camshafts got a new profile all the camshaft bearings on each camshaft were ground to the same size. The semi finished 100E camshaft bearings were then line bored to fit the appropriate camshaft.

The biggest problem with the conversion is the sump. The deep part of the sump is at the wrong end of the engine. You can use 40 mm of the top of the 100E sump to fit the 100E engine. You can weld a Ford Ten sump less the top 40 mm to the 100E sump. You can remove the bottom section of the 100E sump and add the bottom section of a Mk 1 Cortina sump to get more oil volume. You can drop the base of the sump to the same level as the bottom of the radius rod. Make sure that the oil will run out of the drain in the sump. If you do not believe that oil is really necessary in an engine or you think that it is always really cold in the UK you can cut off the front of the deep part of the 100E sump so that it fits behind the steering gear. You will have to modify the oil pick up as well and there are many ways to do that.

That's it for the moment,

Kindest regards,

* * * * * * * * * * * *

From Barry Higgins Olympic Phase 2

Re modified Olympics

Not long after I built my first Rochdale GT in 1958 Jack Dowson (NE tuner and Rochdale bodyshell agent) told me about the new monocoque shell being designed. I wanted one of these rust-free bodies. In 1978 I bought the last car made in 1975. It was fitted with a Riley 1.5 engine, gearbox and back axle. I was pleased it had the torsion bar front suspension and not the Thompson layout as fitted to the Herald, Elite etc as they were always needing new bushes. So the factory had made a modified car! I let the bodyshell cure until 1997 when I retired, and started to work on it, getting it on the road in 1998.

It was noisy, low geared and leaked like a sieve. I cured the leaks and decided to put an MGB engine in. They are even making new bodyshells and everything you want for an MGB is available now (I can't stand buzz-boxes; it's like sitting inside a dentists drill as you row it along with the gear lever). The external shape and size is identical to the Riley 1.5 so it looks original, everything fits, including the engine mounts, they can be bored out to 2 litre (you can fit Ford pistons) and tuned up to 180 BHP quite cheaply. (I bet you a tenner you won't get 180 BHP from an MGB engine without spending big money Ed)

I started with a Marina, late type thin wall block engine which weighs less than a Riley 1.5 and took it up to 1865cc and approx 120 BHP (no cogged belts to snap and blow up your engine). (I bet you another tenner you don't get 120 BHP from your MGB engine, as measured on a calibrated dyno Ed)

I have found overdrives heavy, complicated and unreliable, whereas an extra couple of cogs on the back of a 4-speed box to make a 5 only adds about 1' lbs. (Agreed; also, there is no need to widen the propshaft tunnel either Ed). I talked to my friend Terry, who has his own gearbox and axle business, who said the best box was a Ford Mk9. He built me one with a higher step up than an overdrive, fully reconditioned, for £225 Re originality, a 1975 box looks almost the same, but you never see it anyway.

My 1962 Lotus Elite was the best handling car I have ever driven (except for racing cars) but I remember a young Elite owner saying to Jack Dowson I am thinking of putting wider wheels on. Jack said: Why, is it too fast for you? Wider wheels will slow it down and is the steering too light? Colin Chapman knows what he is talking about you know. Bearing this in mind I am keeping 155x14 tyres on the front, but for higher gearing have put 165x14 on the rear, which gives me 2800 rpm at 70 mph. I have found that one of the best ways to quieten a car is higher gearing and of course it improves mpg and reduces engine wear.

I would not want to fully modernise my Olympic. As long as I am able to service it myself I want to keep things as simple as possible eg I find dynamos very reliable, I can get a recon one for £20 and I can carry brushes and bushes in the car, a new (MGA) voltage regulator for £23, a Ford XR3 (more powerful) battery for £24 and I can charge it without disconnecting anything. My Scimitar had two alternators on in its first year and has had two more since. I can't repair them at the roadside and I have to disconnect the battery to recharge it. My neighbour did this on his nearly new Rover, the radio lost its memory and he had to send details to the works; 6 weeks later he got the code!

I bought a new Daihatsu for my wife; it did 34 miles before conking out! The dealers analyser indicated a faulty key, they tried the other two with the same result. 4 days and 3 experts later they phoned Japan. It was a loose earthing wire under the EFI, visible only with a mirror, and half the ancillaries had to come off for access. Later she left the headlights on one foggy day; the handbook says not to push or tow start the car (manual gearbox), so it had to be towed home in any case. The 3 experts gave me 3 different answers as to whether or not I could charge the battery without disconnecting it.

(I have never had any problems recharging batteries on cars fitted with alternators, electronic gismos or whatever, and I can't see why there should be any problem, as the much more severe process of jump starting is the norm in the supermarket car park. Push or tow starting is another matter - I believe it is to do with protecting the catalyst; perhaps readers can elucidate, although in Barrys case the battery would not operate the fuel pump Ed)

If I could solve the earthing rotor arm problem and find some suitable rear shockers, with a single bolt top fixing, to cure the curved spring and sticking shocker problem I would be happy with my oldfashioned Olympic. (See Les Browns letter on rear suspension. Also, wedges above the spring mounts can straighten the springs usefully different on each side of course. Ed)

Disconnected Jottings

1. In my last letter I said that unleaded could be as low as 84 octane. Of course I should have said LRP.

2. A small hair dryer (£2.50 in charity shop or £5-ish in Boots) can be used to blow upwards to stop paint runs, it dries GRP or paint quickly, but most of all to put inside your boiler suit for instant warmth or to ease your aching back! (Could do with a cartoon here, Paul Ed)

3. If you want harder or softer front suspension on your Phase 1 did you know the Minor 1000 had thicker torsion bars and softer shockers than Riley 1.5/ Wolseley 1500?

4. Blow all the gas out of your empty penetrating oil can, pierce the top with a sharp point, pour out up to a tablespoonful of oil and in winter brush it on to your chrome and ali. It dries leaving a hardish greasy film to protect from salt.

5. A double bed mattress cover with elasticated rim nicely covers the roof and glass area of an Olympic.

From Les Brown Olympic Phase 2

Hi Alan,

It seems like everyone else has had a go at this, so why shouldn't I add my own two pennyworth?

PHASE 2 REAR SUSPENSION

Practice versus Theory

Fast, civilised, astonishingly quiet, predictable, smooth-riding reading those old test reports, were they really talking about the same thing? The rear suspension of my Phase 2 has been by far its worst characteristic in recent times. When I first drove the car I found it incredibly harsh and speaking with my cars original owner hadn't provided any solutions. Had it always been like that? Dave wouldn't commit himself perhaps he was afraid I would ask for my money back and tended to hide behind vague generalities well, you expect a sports car to be hard. My first inclination, to run it on the Michelin ZXs it stood on, proved to be a mistake as they had hardened over the years and lost the smooth-riding characteristics I had once admired. Replacement of all four, apparently little-worn tyres provided some respite as did lowering the pressures a little I now run at 20psi all round, which would be much too low for some but the Olympic is such a light car. Were official pressures ever quoted? Earlier experiences of 1960s cars had not led me to expect this, and I had recently owned Minis, Coopers, and various specials which had all been maligned for a choppy ride even in their day, but actually rode much better than the highly-praised Olympic. And if you were to compare my daughters (hydrolastic) Riley Kestrel, or even my current Commer (Aeon spring assisters excellent) there really was no comparison. Clearly something peculiar was happening, but what?

After putting up with things for some time there was lots of other stuff to sort out things came to a head four years ago when the car failed its MOT on leaky shockers. I resolved to go the whole hog and fit the latest AVOs not easy since they wouldn't fit into the hole in the top of my (1964) arms. After much cutting and welding, they were persuaded into place but the results were disappointing. Could it be the bushes? I replaced the lot, following conventional wisdom and fitting the poly variety where available, but again with disappointing results. In spite of fairly soft (130 lb) springs, the rear end felt really harsh on the move, and speed bumps came through with an almighty CRASH that shook both car and occupants. Leaning on the rear, the movement was good several club members made the comment but it was apparent that there was stiction I seem to remember my old Physics teacher banging on about there being no such word, but I think most folks will know what I mean - in the system which was preventing things from working as they should. The problem was much eased when the car was loaded should have told me something and a further indication would often occur as I lowered the car after jacking it would often stay at the fully extended position for some time, eventually settling into its normal ride height with a loud crash. The slightest downward pressure was often enough to achieve the same thing, but the weight of the car alone was clearly struggling to overcome the friction somewhere. I know that not all Olympics are afflicted in this manner, but on the other hand there are others too hard for comfort.

Again I put up with things for some time, but after being off the road for a week or two while I fitted a new clutch and attended to various Ford bits another crash came as the car was pushed onto the floor a rear spring had broken. Worse still, when dismantled I found that it had been broken near the top for some time, with a new break a few inches down. Also, the shocker was found to be completely shot after a mileage of only about 14 000 miles. Time for some serious thinking. In spite of rubbish service from the AVOs, I couldn't think the problem lay with them. Similarly, I know that SPAX is almost a dirty word in Rochdale circles, but they used to work perfectly on the various specials I have been involved with in the past.

Were the original Woodheads that the cars were tested on of much more flimsy construction that these later items? Was flexing of the damper rod absorbing certain misalignments which more heavily constructed shockers did not? Were the original mounting rubbers more flexible than the later poly bushes, and again absorbing some of those misalignments? Were the different experiences from car to car a function of some rear ends being in better alignment than others? Was the double ended stem arrangement on the Olympic unsuitable for the application? Did the unusual spring location, straight onto the body, instead of on a collar on the shocker, result in extra vibrations being fed straight into the body?

Most owners will be aware of the odd angles which the rear shocker sits in relation to both top and bottom mounting. This is quite a complex issue, but how serious is the misalignment, and has it any effect on the ride? With the shock absorber in place this is hard to judge, but when it and the spring are removed, an interesting possibility is available. I have always kept a small circular mirror in the garage for viewing timing marks etc, and this was placed directly on the lower spring seating within the rear arm and held in place with dum dum make sure to press it fully down onto the seating. Next, place a light above the top mounting hole and Presto! the mirror gives a circular reflection onto the underside of the car. If the mounting holes are perfectly aligned, the image from the mirror will be reflected straight back to the top mounting point. If not, the amount of error involved gives an indication of just how far out things are. I was amazed at how easy this proved to be, expecting to have to shine a torch directly at the mirror, but this proved to be unnecessary moving the lamp about above the top hole had little effect on the position of the image. Pick the centre point of the reflection, and remember that the image is being reflected through twice the actual angle of misalignment refer back to your O level physics if in doubt! The extended length of the shock absorber is in the region of 370mm, and the actual angle by which the shocker is misaligned is given by

Arc Sin (Error/2x370)

Actual values are given in the table if you can't be bothered getting the calculator out.

It is quite instructive to move the axle up and down and watch the way that the image moves. On mine, the angles proved to be way out at the fully extended position a good five inches or so to the rear and slightly to the centre of the car. As the axle moved up, this quickly improved until at the full bump position things were just about spot on. The calculations refer to the fully extended position only, and should use the compressed lengths if you want more accuracy across the range my own car gave a reading of 11.7 degrees out at the bottom. Was this too much for the bottom stem mounting? If you wish to do the same for the top point, you will need to stick the mirror firmly in place on the underside of the top spring mount (conveniently circular to allow you to position this) and shine the light upwards through the bottom hole instead. I found it convenient to tape a piece of card to the top of the arm to catch these reflections, with a hole cut directly above the bottom hole to allow the light to pass. Results here were much more encouraging, with an initial error of only 30mm or so, representing an angle of about 2.9 degrees or so (note that the length from mirror to image is a bit smaller here, if you use the card. I thought this was pretty good and unlikely to cause problems, although the error got steadily worse as the suspension was compressed the opposite of what happened at the bottom.

Overall, the misalignment problems seemed to be worst at the bottom of the travel, therefore the worst place, if you think about it. With the arm at its lowest position, the 12 inch spring was compressed to 10.6 inches, giving a force of only 182 lbs on my 130lb springs. At full compression, where things were almost perfect at the bottom, a 7.1 inch length gives 637 lbs which would be enough to overcome any stiction if present but the figures for the extended spring obviously weren't doing this.

All very interesting, but what to do about it? Talks with Nigel top marks for speedy delivery of the next set of AVOs and Alan brought up a couple of further points. Firstly, fasten the shockers in place without springs and see if there is excessive friction. The answer here was, yes there was, at just the point that the above would indicate I could hardly move the darned thing at all, and the axle weight was nowhere near enough to overcome the friction forces caused by the side loadings within the shock absorbers. I have toyed with re-welding the base of the suspension point to achieve more appropriate geometry for some time, and the scheme shown would seem to offer a fairly straightforward procedure. Cut away the bottom of the arm, make up a replacement base and hold it in position at a better angle using a threaded bar through the top point. I haven't actually done this one (out of Oxygen at present) but it's an interesting possibility do be sure of the welding at this point, however, as it is vital to be as strong as possible to carry the back end of the car.

As a temporary measure, it seemed sensible to lower the car a little to get away from the bottom, fully extended position as far as possible I wound the spring collar down half an inch or so and crossed my fingers. The other suggestion was yours, Alan don't tighten the nuts at the ends of the shock absorbers any more than necessary. I therefore replaced the poly bushes at both top and bottom with the larger, softer rubber items which came with the AVOs, using Nylocs and Loctite, but kept the tightening to an absolute minimum to allow as much flexibility as possible. A point to watch here is the size of these rubbers and the whacking great washers they come with. If you fit these directly to the top points, you are likely to end up with the top washer rubbing on the three nuts that hold the top plate in place the way that the shocker angles are changing resulted in extremely loud chirruping noises which took quite some tracing! This was fixed by filing the washers to avoid contact with the nuts.

And now the $64000 question did it work? After four or five years maybe even longer of boneshaking ride the answer is basically yes. There is no comparison with the current ride quality with that of a few weeks ago, all the more surprising for being such simple tweaks. I now have some idea for the first time what those tests were talking about presumably RMP made sure the testers got a good one, but then who wouldn't? After a few days on the road the ride is really quite good, especially when the sporting pretensions are considered. Now why did it take me so long to get round to it? I am now intending using castellated nuts and drilling the stems for split pins to enable the nuts to be kept at minimum tightness in safety thanks folks, I'm a happy bunny!

POSTSCRIPT: Since carrying out the above, I thought that a call to AVO themselves might not be a bad idea. Shame I hadn't thought of this earlier! I ended up with (another) Nigel on the line who proved both interested in the problems encountered and also very helpful. He confirmed that the stem-stem arrangement was not good, and could only think of one other car the Marcos which used this layout. He said that this car was also plagued with similar problems, and felt that the arrangement would inevitably lead to misalignment issues. He seemed to approve the slack-as-possible approach for the mounting nuts, and felt the castellated nuts and split pins to be worth a try in the circumstances. He also didn't like the mounting of my spring right up to the bodywork with a smaller diameter 2.25 inch diameter spring a larger diameter spring would be needed in order to avoid bowing, which was presumably part of the reason why mine had failed. Now where did I put those original springs.? He recommended a shorter spring mounted conventionally onto the shock absorber via a top collar I now have four of these kicking around!

Other suggestions were to replace the bottom mounting altogether with a rose jointed fitting to cope better with the alignment problem. I had visions of the s mounting up at this point but he said conversion was not a big issue if the shocks were returned about 10 apiece, plus about a fiver for the joints. Failing that, just changing to a conventional eye fitting with rubber bush would probably do the job anyway. He was keen to look at my scrapped shocker to see if it really WAS side loadings that had done the damage - this seemed a good idea, but like a pratt I had already thrown it, only saving the nearside item which was in much better shape. Last point concerned the strength of the shockers I mentioned that I was running mine on position 3 (of 22 available) and he felt that this indicated that further reduction of the damping forces would be beneficial, especially as the spring was of only 130 lbs strength. This could be easily done if they were returned, though I'm not sure that this was included in the above price.

Following this, I've been looking for some actual figures on the present AVOs. I have only some details from a photocopy of mag 64, but no figures and Nigel couldn't find any details on his computer he thought that the firm had moved and changed hands since they did ours. I have a copy of original Woodhead diagrams, with handwritten details added ie rebound 230 lbs, compression 106 lbs. Does this sound about right? I think I have seen 132lbs quoted for the original rear springs also. I'm on my third set of springs (and shockers!) so I'm a little reluctant to take the plunge on a fourth especially with the improved ride but it would be nice to get right to the bottom of all this!

LBB

Footnote from Alan: I can't see why the stem-stem arrangement should be a problem indeed it is the only one which gives compliance in both planes at both ends if you don't overtighten the nuts (shades of Phase 1 doughnuts?). The bottom rubber is only ever compressed on rebound. Re using the AVO top mounts: this would probably require shorter springs, and you would have to ensure they did not become coil-bound on full bump. Finally, my arms did not allow the retention of the AVO adjusters, so I removed them, cut down the shaft and sawed a screwdriver slot in the end. The annular space was filled with grease-impregnated foam and they are the only part of the shocker that has not rusted! Nul points to AVO for rustproofing.

- From Aubrey Richardson Phase 1

Dear Alan,

As mentioned at the AGM, at very long last I have managed to obtain a Rochdale Olympic! I purchased a complete and remarkably original Olympic Phase 1, registration number FEA 458D from Derek Johnson of Crowthorne, Berkshire on Thursday, 3rd March, 2005. According to the log book (a V5 amazingly) the car was first registered on 4th July, 1966 and holds the chassis no. 35045 (confirmed) and the engine number 15WC-U-W662 (unconfirmed). On first glance the engine does appear to be a Riley 1.5 'B' series. The block certainly has '1500' cast into the side. Derek also supplied an HRG alloy head and various other spares.

The V5 does not indicate the number of previous owners, but what little history Derek could supply is detailed below:

Car acquired in "early 70's" by Derek from a man (possibly a student) living in a YMCA or similar in London. The car has standard Riley suspension with an MGA close-ratio box. Apart from an erratic idle (cured by replacing carburettors) the car was reliable until involved in a rear-end collision courtesy of a Mercedes. The car was taken off the road at this time and has remained dry-stored ever since. The date of the accident is now not known, but the newspapers under the car indicate somewhere around April 1977 (indeed they heralded the Royal Silver Jubilee!) and the tax disc ran out in early 1978.

The damage to the rear of the car remains, mostly around the number plate and rear lights (the fibreglass complete but broken), as do sundry damages to headlight, scratches to wings, roof and a few stresscracks. The door hinges are broken and the car is in need of full restoration, which I intend to do over the coming year(s)! I've restored several Lotuses so are not too unfamiliar with fibreglass repairs. Malcolm will be pleased to know I intend to fit a 27 litre Rolls-Royce Merlin and the suspension and steering from a McLaren MP14 I happen to have lying around (only joking, it's a Griffon not a Merlin...).

Since writing the above to Derek B I have started on the car. I intend to repair the rear-end damage first, remove the mechanicals, completely renovate the body and respray it, check/renovate the mechanics, wiring, seats/trim and then simply reassemble everything (in true Haynes manual fashion). So, I should be able to bring it to the Capesthorne weekend (in 2030).

The brunt of the impact with the Mercedes was taken fairly squarely around the number plate region. Indeed, I'd say the reversing/number plate light was the centre of the impact. According to Derek Johnson, he was sat stationary at a junction when the Mercedes became too familiar, so I suppose the impact speed was not too high. The damage is limited to an elliptical area centred on the number plate, extending to within 75mm of the rear window, to 30mm or so around each side of the number plate and rather more extensively under the rear valance. I presume the Olympic rode up the bumper/bonnet of the Mercedes. The body just above the centre of each rear wheel arch is cracked and I can't quite make up my mind if this was caused by the impact shock flexing the fibreglass beyond its elastic limit, or by the rear wheels rubbing the wheel arch. Initially I thought a rear number plate repair panel would be required, but having spoken to Roger Coupe at the AGM and having seen the photographs of his rebuilt Riviera, I have adopted his 'fishplate' repair method (small strips of metal, one end screwed to the sound fibreglass and the other to the fractured piece, the back side of the panel is glassed and then the face attacked). So far so good! (Indeed, repairs to this area are now complete).

Inevitably, on closer inspection the rest of the body shows more signs of damage than I originally noticed, especially star cracks and ding damage - thankfully no osmosis (perhaps it is just a Lotus thing as all my 'Loti' have osmosis somewhere). The roof appears to have had something dropped on it (suspiciously body shaped - Derek seemed such a mild mannered man.) and the driver's door outer skin has separated from the inner where Neanderthal techniques have been practised whilst attempting to open the door (not by me, I hasten to add!). The door lock has been ripped off and the door skin damaged.

The driver's door window frame was broken just above the triangular reinforcing piece at the bottom front of the frame, but I have just welded this up and polished it. Luckily no distortion and after a few hours filing and polishing the repair is now invisible.

Having read through many of the back issues of the Magazine it appears the following is not uncommon: Door hinges! At the moment, the doors are seemingly held onto the body via structural cobwebs - unlikely to pass an MOT. Just how are you supposed to get to the hinge pins? They remind me of the Lotus Elite/Eclat/Excel's wiper motor, which is reputed to have been hung from the ceiling and then the rest of the car built around it! (Ah! Richard Parker went on to Lotus.). Perusing the back issues of the ROC magazine, I was quite taken with your solution using spherical bearings. However, I still need to remove the doors so if you have any tips for doing so without recourse to Anglo-Saxon diatribes, a keyhole surgeon or strange practices involving black cockerels, a full moon and ancient chants (tried them all) I'd be grateful.

The front of the car has a few scrapes, dings and such like which I suspect is a result of hanger rash. The most serious damage is a broken bonnet hinge and a broken headlight.

Whoever built the car must have been hardy, as there is no heater fitted. Indeed, at the AGM the first thing I noticed was the air inlet duct in front of the windscreen on all the cars present. FEA 458D has a single windscreen washer jet instead. Perhaps heat soak makes the use of a heater superfluous? If so, perhaps air conditioning may be a necessity.

The engine is in need of TLC and at least one core plug has been evicted. Whilst a standard B series (Wolseley according to Derek Bentley) is fitted, Derek Johnson also included an HRG head and two new rear shock absorbers in the sale. I'm undecided on what to do with the engine as part of me wishes to keep it quite original, (and the HRG head is quite good) whilst another is horrified by the weight of the B-Series (it allegedly attracts planets). I'm also under no illusion about my abilities to toe-and-heel perfect gear changes every time on the synchromesh less gearbox - close ratio or not. I do have a Lotus Twincam and Coventry Climax (FWE) awaiting new homes, but no gearboxes. Decisions, decisions. I am also deliberating over whether to fit an engine management system; I must be in the minority as I find ECU's and modern engine management very straight forward, but I still haven't quite got my head around the Weber carburettor.

Under the bonnet I was pleasantly surprised to see the sub frame was quite sound (most of the engine bay was liberally coated with oil and grease). Ron Scarfe suggested jacking under the sub frame to see if it is actually okay, which I haven't done yet. I've yet to measure castor, camber, toe and all-round alignment, but as I believe this Saturday should be a fine day I'll use it as an excuse to evade gardening duty.

As for the rest of the car, the electrics will be educational as the wiring appears to be original (I may donate the loom to a local museum) and the interior is complete but in need of recovering.

No doubt this all sounds horribly familiar to you (and probably anyone else reading this) but I've waited so long for an Olympic that I'll overlook the odd blemish.

Finally, having read many back issues of the magazine I just wished to express my admiration for your work as Editor. The magazine is always very informative and engaging; very impressive!

Regards,

Aubrey Richardson

Dear Aubrey,

Thanks for the details of your purchase. You seem to have a fair bit of work ahead - what's new? Although the car was taken off the road due to its rear ender it seems to have a lot of other damage. I guess the damage to the driver's door arose through the problems with the hinges, apart from the separation of the skins, which is normal Olympic. The doors seem to be just a weeny bit too big for their openings, so when the edges get ground off ....

Hinges: the lower can be accessed though the inner panel, which usually has had a large hole cut in it for the very purpose (the Phase 2 has no inner panel), but the upper is a lot more difficult. I think the easiest way, and probably the best if the hinge is rusted solid, is to cut an access hole through the outer skin. If you keep the cutout it can easily be grafted back in, whereas trying to work in a narrow black hole through the bonnet opening is a nightmare. Two Club members have had success with the rod end method and both said it was not difficult (I did mine when there was no dashboard in place and the shell was on its side, so it was particularly straightforward for me).

Getting the doors off the hinges can also be tricky if the bolts are rusted up (they usually are). I can't remember in detail how I did my Phase 1 but it involved a vet-like insertion of the arm. If the hinges are really bad it may be best to cut them off and start with new, but the rod end method is very tolerant to wear of the bores, so it would be worth trying to cut/grind off the bolt heads first, if the nuts cannot be removed by a civilized method. The other advantage of my method is that hinge misalignment is unimportant - usually a major cause of trouble in the original.

Engine: the W in the engine number shows it to be Wolseley and another indicator is the lack of a mechanical take-off for the tacho at the rear end of the camshaft. Choice of engine/gearbox is yours! I must say my Olympic did feel a bit heavy with the B series motor.

Do I gather you are au fait with ECUs and injection? If so I could do with some steer on my current Olympic project which has a Ford Zetec 2l motor (don't tell Malcolm). I have the original EFI system including the ECU and probably all the loom too. I can't fit in the original fuel injection hardware, so I was planning to use a pair of DellOrtos that I have pro tem. The question is: will it run with the original ECU in ignition-only mode, or will I need to use an aftermarket system? I would convert to EFI later. Your comments would be appreciated.

I am redesigning my wiring based on a Fiesta IV fuse/relay box. The diagram for this makes the original Riley diagram look like a minor accessory!

My Phase 1 was never fitted with a heater - the original owner said one wasn't available when he built the car (1961), and sold it because of this after the bitter winter of 1962/3, but the factory offered one from early on, so he must have been misinformed. It has a washer jet in the same place as yours. I fitted a Mini heater in the space above the passenger's feet, fed by a hose from the front. The driver has his own, cold only, feed via a hose from the front. Unless you intend to do a lot of winter driving, I reckon cold air is more important than hot. You are right - there can be a lot of heat from the exhaust, and it is worth insulating the glassfibre from this to prevent damage to the footwell by the manifold.

There are probably a lot more things to mention, but enough for now!

Regards, Alan

PS Thanks for the bouquet (I actually quite enjoy the editor's job as I get to keep in touch with what's going on).

100E INTO FORD TEN DOES GO

With regards to engines 100E into Ford Ten does go but with a bit of skill and ingenuity. It also helps if you have pulled a few Ford Ten, 100E and Kent Cortina engines apart and have a few extra parts sitting around.

The bottom end of Ford Ten and 100E engines could be classed as quite robust. They will last but they need oil pressure to do so. I lost two sets of cranks and bearings before I solved my problem. The save (Oil Pump OPTION FOUR) came at a high cost, but so are bearings and cranks. My 100E engine runs with 50 pounds of oil where it goes into the block at the rear of the engine and can run to 5,800 RPM. My Ford Ten engine runs with 40 pounds at the front of the engine and the oil enters at the rear by using a 100E side plate. You open up the oil pressure switch hole in the 100E side plate and re-tap it. It goes from 1/8^th Gas to Gas. The Ford Ten engine is happy up to 5,300 RPM. Both engines have been balanced.

Oil pressures. The external oil pump Ford Ten engine oil pressure was disappointing at first but I eventually worked out the differences in the engines. With the 100E engine the oil pressure is taken from the fitting where the oil goes back into the engine and that engine runs 50 pounds. The Ford Ten engine pressure is taken from the front of the engine where the oil is picked up for the bypass filter. The pressure indicated is the oil pressure at the front camshaft bearing and at 40 pounds there, it is quite acceptable. I suspect that there would be a pressure drop from the rear to the front of the engine in both cases but I

have never proved it.

SUMP. A good place to start because that's where all the work is and if you cannot get that right do not bother. You need to have an old 100E block and a Ford Ten gearbox to make sure you weld the sump square and without warpage. Cut both the Ford Ten and the 100E sumps off 1" from the block flange. Bolt the 100E sump flange to the 100E block. The 100E block bolts match the Ford Ten gearbox bolts so bolt the Ford Ten gearbox casing to the 100E block. The 100E sump, 100E gearbox bolt pattern is different to the Ford Ten but this is not a problem as you then bolt the base of the Ford Ten sump to the Ford Ten gearbox case and those bolts line up. Weld the two sumps together. Some sheet steel will have to be used to fill gaps in the front section. When all the welding is finished do not forget to re-solder the area around the flywheel. You will see where the solder flows out when cutting and welding. When that is done fill the sump with kerosene to check for leaks. Re-weld and re-solder as required.

The 100E engine is quite civilized and has its dipstick on the RHS of the engine out or the way of the inlet and exhaust manifolds. On the Ford Ten the dipstick tube and dipstick get in the way of inlet and exhaust manifold changes. This can be fixed by welding a dipstick tube into the Ford Ten sump on the RHS making sure it clears the engine steady rod on that side. You then have to make a dipstick of the required dimension. Before the sump is leak tested fit the oil pump and modified pickup to a 100E block with crank, rods and flywheel and test fit the sump. The Ford Ten sump has a dimple in the lower section that interferes with the flywheel. Use a bit of hammer and/or heat to solve that problem. Make sure the crank turns without hitting anything. Make sure the dipstick fits also. I used a cut down Cortina Mk 1 dipstick with a cap that covers the hole in the 100E dipstick tube. The cap was brazed on in the right place for the oil level required. Due to clearance problems fit the studs for the engine steady rod brackets after the sump is in place.

OIL PUMP OPTION ONE. Use the Ford Ten oil pump, which sits on the LHS of the sump. Not a really good idea because of oil pressure problems turning left. Can be solved to a degree by putting a vertical north-south baffle in the centre of the deep part of the sump with a one-way trap door 1" square to stop all the oil rushing away from the pump in LH turns.

OIL PUMP OPTION TWO. Use the 100E oil pump, which sits on the LHS of the sump with the oil pump pickup entry pointing forwards. Use some copper pipe and right angle elbows to take the pickup forward to just in front of the No 1 crank, across to the other side, back to the gap between cranks No 3 and No 4, into the centre of the motor, then down into the centre of the deep bit of the sump.

For a baffle this time use a flat sheet of steel level with the floor of sump just below crank throw level. Cut a hole for the oil pickup to go through. Do not forget a hole also for the dipstick. Bracket the RHS oil line to the centre bearing crankshaft web. Drill and tap the crankshaft web.

OIL PUMP OPTION THREE. The 100E oil pump is biased to the centre of the engine. When it is turned through 180 degrees it is now biased to the outside of the engine, will no longer fit in the sump and the oil pump pickup is pointing in the right direction. You then cut the bottom of the deep part of the sump out, and also the side of the sump adjacent to the oil pump. For option 3 do not weld that bit of the sump up. You then deepen the sump by 1" and this has the bottom of the sump level with the front axle radius rods when the engine is fitted in the vehicle. By using the 100E oil pickups you should by using the cut and weld method get the oil pickup in the right place, centre bottom of the deep part. You then build up the sump around the oil pump. I used a flat piece of sheet steel for the base of the sump and fitted a sump plug in the base. In the long term this does not work. The flat sheet flexes up and down due to the hot and cold cycles and cracks through the welds. I removed the flat sheet and used the bottom of a Mk 1 Cortina sump with the sump plug left in place. The base of this sump section can go down level with the bottom of the radius rods for a useful increase in oil capacity in the sump. I put a horizontal baffle in the deep part of the sump just below crankshaft throw level and stepped under the oil pump. This baffle had a circular hole for the oil pickup to go through and another for the dipstick.

OIL PUMP OPTION FOUR. An external oil pump. Some racing cars have dry sump oil pump systems. They normally have sandwiched together one pump to put oil under pressure into the engine and two or more pumps to get the oil out of the sump. A local firm made up a pump for me with just one section. As you can see in the photo it is made up of aluminium/duralumin? plates held together by four through bolts, one in each corner. The plates are very smooth/flat and fit together without oil loss, without sealant, just a skim of oil. The internally toothed belt is driven from the nose of the crankshaft. The pump drives at half engine speed. The front face of the generator drive pulley was trued up in a lathe so that the toothed belt pulley would run true. The front plate that you can see is part of a leg that goes down to the engine mounting bar and is bolted to the engine mounting bar. The externally adjustable internal pressure relief valve vents back into the inlet pipe.

The 100E engine has a sump made for fitment into a Ford Ten chassis. It has been deepened by about 30 mm and has the oil pickup terminating on the LHS of the sump from the centre of the deep part of the sump. The Ford Ten engine has a sump deepened in the same way with the same type of oil pickup. I have used proprietary barbs for the hose to fit on and proper spanner tightened joining pieces. There are no worm drive hose clamps. The oil comes out of the sump and into the bottom of the pump with the use of 5/8-inch internal oil hose. It comes out of the pump through inch internal oil hose and through a full flow oil filter.

The filter element (Z62) is the same as that used on a spin on oil pump/filter as used on the Ford Kent engine. Both the 100E engine and the Ford Ten engine are fitted with 100E side plates and the oil goes back into the oil gallery through an opened up and re-tapped oil pressure switch hole. It goes from 1/8^th Gas to Gas. There is a blanking plate over the hole where the original oil pump was fitted. The camshaft lobes have been reground to the same figures (for both engines and the Ford Ten inlet and exhaust ports have been opened up to 100E sizes) and the camshaft bearing surfaces all ground to the same size. Both engine blocks have been fitted with semi finished camshaft bearings line bored to suit the camshafts.

If you are having machine work done on your 100E block have the welsh plug holes opened up to 1 11/16". There are brass welsh plugs readily available in that size. 100E ones are 1 43/64" and hard to get.

Options one, two, three and four can also be used for Ford Ten engines to solve the no oil pressure when turning left phenomenon.

100E BYPASS FILTER. The 100E bypass oil filter interferes with the LHS engine steady rod and the front axle. The 100E water pump interferes with the Ford Ten front timing cover. Fit the 100E water pump and then file the Ford Ten front timing cover to fit. Fit the Ford Ten side timing cover. Loctite some form of 5/16" bolt into the left over hole.

The Ford Ten front support bar can then be used to support the front of the engine in the normal manner. The other two holes by the timing cover are holes for the bypass filter utilized in options one, two and three. The oil comes out of the top hole and returns via the lower hole. These holes should already be threaded and take Ford Ten block fittings. Put an oil restriction hole in the lower fitting. Solder it up and drill it 0.5mm. An off-road after market source supplied a remote spin-on filter and base. The local brass tube fitting source supplied the connections to use 3/16" OD nylon tube. I fitted the oil filter on the LH chassis rail in front of the radiator.

ENGINE STEADY RODS. Use the Ford Ten engine brackets but they will have to be shortened and re-drilled to fit. I put studs in the rear two holes either side of the sump to fit the brackets. The engine steady rods are then too short so I cut up 4 rods so that there was only one weld in each rod.

RADIATOR. I used the Ford Ten radiator. The bottom outlet was moved to the right as far as possible. I actually put a cut in the outlet tube from the LHS just short of cutting it right through, bent it outwards and then filled in the V. I used a shortened lower 100E radiator hose. I only had 100E engines with molded top radiator hoses so I did the following. The only block outlet that I could find with the right bolt spacing was from a Hillman Hunter and that took a 1" hose. A flexible hose was used as a top hose. If you have the metal 100E thermostat housing that may match the top Ford Ten radiator outlet and you can use a larger flexible hose. As a thermostat is used the over capacity of the Ford Ten radiator is not a problem. If you wish to use the 100E radiator you will have to make up some mounting brackets for it. I fitted an O-ring to the brass Ford Ten radiator cap to make an airtight seal. When the coolant gets hot it expands into an overflow bottle and when it cools and contracts it gets sucked back into the radiator.

STARTER MOTOR DRIVE. The 100E bendix drive interferes with the gearbox casing. Cut off the gearbox casing in that area so it will fit. Make sure that you leave all the bolt and dowel holes in place. The gearbox floor hump will have to be re-modeled with a hammer to make room for the bendix drive. Unless you live, drive, in a very dusty area no other covering is really necessary.

As the 100E starter motor needs 12 volts I converted to 12 volts negative earth. I used a Bosch-Motorcraft 12 volt internally regulated alternator. The engine bracket was made from 1" steel strip, it needs to be strong. I broke a lot of adjustment brackets, they need to be strong as well. I had a 3 brush generator with cutout so it was easy to wire it in. The ammeter wires had to be reversed. I used a 12 volt windscreen wiper motor and fuel pump. The fuel gauge works on 12 volts but will not last. Use a 7 volt resistor as used with 7 volt coils in a 12 volt vehicle. I fitted an oil pressure gauge (60lb) and an oil pressure warning light. I was able to buy suitable 12 volt headlight globes and fitted a high beam warning light.

SPIGOT BEARING AND CLUTCH. The 100E spigot bearing matches the Ford Ten one for size. You can use either the bronze bush or a later model sealed bearing. Use a 100E clutch plate as the spring centre is kinder on the crown wheel and pinion.

DISTRIBUTOR. As I wanted modern push fit spark plug leads I fitted a modified Lucas Mk 1 Cortina distributor. You cut all the vacuum advance housing off and fill the hole with silastic or these days, two part epoxy filling. You rivet the top moving plate of the distributor to the fixed plate in the static position. You remove the Cortina drive gear and after re-drilling the shaft fit the 100E drive dog. The holes are close together and parallel. Make sure the rotor button is in the right place before you pin the drive dog. The 100E holding adjustment bracket fits the Cortina Distributor.

CARBURATION. I started out with twin 1" SU's and an Aquaplane exhaust manifold. As I could not get the needles right for the SU's and as access to the carbies was difficult at best they eventually went. The next try was an alloy adapter block on a 100E inlet manifold to fit a 28/36 DCD Weber twin choke downdraft carby off a Mk 1 Cortina GT. It was re-choked and re-jetted and worked pretty well. The primary choke is 18mm and the secondary choke is 20mm. To tidy up the 100E inlet manifold I cut all the hot box section off. The accelerator linkage was set up similar to a Mk 1 Cortina GT. The Aquaplane exhaust manifold was used.

The next try in the Tourer was when I went back to the improved Ford Ten engine. I have a ROWE twin carby inlet manifold. It was made in Adelaide where I live. The carbies are single choke down draft Webers, 26 IMB 10's from a Fiat 600 or some such. You can buy them brand new, they are well made lovely carbies, and you need to have a bit of re-jetting experience to get them to work. The Aquaplane exhaust manifold was retained. I had the Tourer parked near my work station at one of the Adelaide Classic Rallies and Paul Vesty and in particular Doug Nye were most impressed with the Tourer. I said that it had twin Webers and Doug thinking twin double choke side drafts just had to look under the bonnet. He was sucked you could say by someone not properly identifying the Webers on purpose. He still asks after the Tourer.

I have a single 26 IMB 10 on my Tow Motor with Ford Ten inlet manifold and an Aquaplane exhaust manifold and that engine purrs like a watch as well. I had to make up an adaptor plate to fit the carby.

The carbies open up the wrong way so you have to show a bit of initiative to get the butterflies to open. The choke cable needs to be extra long as well as the cable enters from the front.

I fitted the 100E engine to my 1948 Anglia Sports Tourer as I wanted a bit more performance. The other major reason was the slipper bearings, cheaper and easier to rebuild. Some early 100E engines had poured metal bearings so look out for them. The Bay to Birdwood Committee did not like the 100E engine as it was too modern for their liking. I had to fit a Ford Ten engine just before each B to B run. When the Rochdale GT came along I had some where better to fit the external oil pumped 100E engine and an external oil pump Ford Ten engine was built up for the Tourer.

With regard to the oil pump options I have done all four. My sedate driver the 1938 Ford Ten sedan has option one. My past devil may care driver the 1952 Anglia mudsprint sedan has option two and a large oil pressure warning light as I did not really trust all that copper pipe. That engine now gives good service in the Tow Motor. The sports tourer gets a bit of a stir along and has had options three and four. The tourer runs 15" wheels and revs a bit to get anywhere but has lots of oil to look after it. I live near the hills and do not need to use second gear too often in the hills.

Later 2004. I have fitted a 100E crown wheel and pinion into a Ford Ten diff housing. I now use less revs but need second gear more often.

I used Renault R8 or R10 rims made up with Ford Ten centres. I use Michelin 135 by 15 tyres which should come with the wheels. Try to get wheels with double safety humps to hold the bead in place for when you get a flat tyre.

Gordon Cowley

Originally prepared October 1989. Revised and updated January 2002.

FBHVC NEWS

The recent issues of the Federation of British Historic Vehicles Clubs (FBHVC) newsletter has contained many items on current or proposed legislation that could affect the historic vehicle movement, much of it originating from the EU. There is far too much to include in this magazine, but if anyone wants more details than the brief outlines I have given below, please contact me for a photocopy of the originals or, better still, log onto their website: www.fbhvc.co.uk

Alan Farrer

Annual Registration Charge

Proposals to impose an annual charge on vehicles whether on the road or not, ie a tax on possession. This would impact particularly on keepers of collections. Its purpose is to fund the vehicle register at the

DVLA.

Continuous Enforcement of Motor Insurance Reuirements

Proposal to make it an offence to be the keeper of a motor vehicle, the use of which was not covered by insurance. This means one would need to insure a vehicle that was licensed, even if it was not being used (eg under restoration, but licensed on the nil rate band).

Review of Number Plate Suppliers Regulations that prevent the supply of number plates for 1973-2001 vehicles in their original font.

Waste Framework Directive (EU)

Proposed regulations to translate the agricultural waste elements of this directive into UK law. This could prevent farmers (and presumably others) from keeping obsolete machinery on their land.

Extension of the Kent Act

Refers to the requirement for dealers to register with local authorities and to keep a record of transactions. This could apply to occasional autojumblers or organisers of jumble-type event. This originated in Kent!

Volatile Organic Compounds

Refers to requirement to replicate the finishes on older vehicles (cellulose etc).

Clean Neighbourhoods

Guidelines aimed at improving the environments in which we live. One of main items is nuisance parking, which aims to prevent the use of the public highway to carry out repairs or trading in motor vehicles. Could possibly prevent the use of a mobile mechanic on the road.

Driving Licences

Relates to the renewal of licences at age 70. Unless additional information is given at the time of renewal using form D1, and other forms filled in, the new licence will cover only category B (basic licence). This will be required every 3 years.

Weight restrictions for cat B, including 3500kg for total combination weight. This could affect people towing cars on trailers using a large 4x4.

MOT Testing

Computerisation of the testing procedures means that MOT test stations will be monitored centrally; it appears that many station do not currently implement the 24 hour re-test rule, that allows a free re-test of a failed vehicle if it is taken away and returned within 24 hours, but allow more time than this. Big Brother will ensure their compliance in future, so be warned.

ROCHDALE OWNERS CLUB RULES

1. Name

The name of the club shall be 'Rochdale Owners Club', hereafter referred to as 'The Club'.

2. Address

The address of The Club shall be the address of the Secretary at the time.

3. Objectives

a). To provide Members with information, advice and assistance on all matters connected with the marque Rochdale.

b). To arrange meetings (eg lectures, social, competition) and so promote the interests of The Club.

c). To afford members such benefits and privileges as can from time to time be arranged.

4. Membership

Membership shall be available to past and present owners of Rochdale cars, and also to anyone claiming an interest in the marque. Membership shall be subject to acceptance by the Committee at all times; such acceptance to be confirmed at the AGM. Associate Membership will be available to a second person living at the same address as a Member. One copy of the club magazine will be sent to that address; each Associate member will be entitled to one vote at Club meetings; to attend Club functions; to stand for election to Committee posts, and generally be entitled to all other benefits of Club membership.

5. Subscriptions

The subscription rates shall be reassessed annually at the AGM and fixed for one year. Subscriptions are currently due on the first of April each year.

6. Finance

All monies of The Club shall be handled and administered by the Treasurer. Payments shall be made only on the signatures of the Treasurer and either the Secretary or the Chairman. Payments over £35 shall be subject to prior approval by the Committee.

7. Officers

The Officers of the Club shall be: Chairman; Secretary; Treasurer; Editor; Olympic Registrar; Pre-Olympic Registrar. (Officers shall be fully paid up members of The Club).

8. Election of Officers

Election of The Club Officers shall be made annually at the AGM. Retiring Officers shall be eligible for re-election. Nominations shall be received by the Secretary in writing if before the AGM, or at the AGM. In either event, the proposer must have received the consent of the nominee prior to the nomination.

9. Committee

The Committee shall consist of the Officers plus not more than four other members elected in accordance with the rules given at eight above. Additionally, the Committee shall also be empowered to co-opt other Club Members for specific purposes to further the aims of The Club. Such co-opted Members shall have equal standing to elected Committee Members, and be subject to the same termination.

10. Minutes

It shall be the responsibility of the Secretary to take Minutes of all Club meetings as is appropriate. Such minutes to be entered into a book and presented for confirmation.

11. Voting

Voting at all meetings shall be by show of hands or such ballot as may be determined at the time. Every Member (including each Associate Member) shall be entitled to one vote

(one subscription is one membership).

12. AGM

The Annual General Meeting shall normally be held during the month of April each year for the following business:

a) to receive the reports of the Committee for the past year;

b) to receive and consider the statement of accounts for the previous year, as audited;

c) to appoint an auditor;

d) to complete any other business appropriate to an Annual General Meeting;

13. Special General Meeting

A Special General Meeting may be called at any time by the unanimous decision of the Committee, or by not less than 10% of the Members. The reason for the SGM shall be given to the Secretary in writing, and a minimum of 1 month's notice to members will be required.

14. Alteration of Rules

These Rules are subject to the wishes of The Club Members, and may be modified in part or in whole by two-thirds majority vote at an Annual General Meeting; or a Special General Meeting called solely for that purpose.

15. Allocation of Rules

All members shall be provided with a copy of the Rules on election, and whenever there is a substantial change to them.

16. Use of Computer

Members should note that Membership details of members and their cars are held on computer.

T O P T W E N T Y O I L FAQ s

PRE-OLYMPIC REGISTER

Malcolm McKay

It's great to report that the resurgence of interest in pre-Olympics continues, with GTs still mostly changing hands for far more money than in the past. It's also nice to see that there's still the occasional bargain to be had for the canny buyers among us!

Brewery buys GT!!

The most exciting GT news for years, at least for the beer drinkers among us, has to be the purchase of GT 263 UXG (featured in the last mag) by J W Lees Brewery of Manchester (www.jwlees.co.uk). Still family-owned, the brewers of the widely-known John Willies are a bunch of enthusiasts who felt that a Rochdale car would be a great adjunct to their large collection of Rochdale pubs! The plan is to restore the car and use it for promotional purposes, then possibly give it away in a competition so keep drinking and who knows what you might win

GTs Overseas

I'm sad to report that William Culbert has sold his bright yellow Herald-chassis GT featured two issues ago; the consolation is that he got a healthy £3850 for the car on ebay and it has now been collected by Philippe Vermast of Luxembourg, who plans to respray it British Racing Green (an original GT colour, so a choice I approve!) then fit a race engine (either Triumph or Ford Kent) and go racing! William remains a member and is on the lookout for an inexpensive original-spec GT.

William Culbert (left) hands over his GT to new owner Philippe (centre) and friend

When his GT was for sale on ebay, William was contacted by a previous owner with this photo of it in its previous incarnation!

Meanwhile, Haiko and Ingo Jahns Herald-chassis GT better known to members as the ex-Roy Dawson car has also crossed the channel, this time for £2750 to Patrice Wattinne in France, who has also just bought a Phase 1 Olympic to add to a collection including Tornado Typhoon, Markham Peasey,

Microplas Stiletto, Ashley 750 and Fairthorpe Electron Minor now that's a collection to make even me jealous!

The Jahns Herald-chassis GT in London, shortly before its recent move to France

The ex-Bert Tressel GT featured in the last issue has now safely arrived in Japan and new owner Takatoshi Ichikawa is delighted with the car. I'm very grateful to my Japanese friend Saiki Wada who has been to see the car and its new owner, and sent the following report:

Mr Ichikawa was so pleased that the GT is in such good condition. Also, he was impressed that the tweaked Ford SV engine is so sweet!

As the photos might suggest, he is a Porsche collector and owns nearly 10 Porsches including 904GT and two '73 Carrera RS!'s He told me that he had owned so many classic cars such as Alpine A110, R8 Gordini, Fraser tuned Imp, several Abarths (he agreed that he is rear engine fanatic!). He is not just a rich man, he knows cars and he said that the Rochdale GT is one of the sweetest classics he ever owned! Let Bert know that his baby is in very nice hands now.

By the way, he asked me whether he could get a set of Ballamy Wheels. If you know someone who wish to sell, let me know.

Takatoshi Ichikawas GT in good company in its new Tokyo home

We look forward to welcoming our new GT owners in Luxembourg and Japan to the club soon

Meanwhile, it's great to get a report from Tim and Colin of the ROC German Chapter on another worthy rescue:

Thunderbirds Are Go!

The call to "International Rescue" came in loud & clear: "Rochdale to be scrapped by ex-pat in North Germany, please help"!

I gave Bill (the ex-pat in question) a call & we did the deal on the phone (yes, I know, one of those things you just don't do when buying a car).

Bill's wife is German, so it was clear that we wouldn't be spending Easter Friday, Easter Sunday or Easter Monday moving cars around in full view of the neighbours (good Germans just don't do that sort of thing), so on Saturday Parker (AKA Colin Breakspear) & Lady Penelope (me; hey, when do I get to wear the trousers?) left the pink Rolls in the garage & got Thunderbird One out for our day trip "up North". On arrival, we were greeted by Bill, Bill's wife, a cuppa & the rear end of a GT poking out of the garage. Further research determined that there was not much left of the GT as Bill had broken it up to provide parts for his Martin restoration. We loaded the bodywork, doors, windows & bonnet onto the trailer (in comparison with my Olympic, the GT is a real lightweight), had another cuppa & checked out the car's documentation. Another cuppa later & we were back on our way "down South" in the direction of home, with the tune to "calling International Rescue" ringing in our ears as we gobbled up the Autobahn kilometres.

The documentation file revealed some useful information which included the original registration number, photos, correspondence with the original builder & an interesting cutting from "Practical Classics" which detailed this car as being a GT Prototype (which it clearly isn't)!

For everybody's information, the number of Rochdales in Germany has now grown by 100% (from two to four), in the last six months & all four are within 15 miles of each other! Achtung, here come the Germans!

Tim & Colin (ROC, German Chapter)

Bill Matthews passes on the GT he'd taken to Germany to the ROC's German stalwarts, Tim and Colin Back in the US of A

Another GT that left these shores a few years ago is the very attractive DAS 910 that now graces the website. Current owner Fran Honeywell bought it from the importer (who apparently hadn't realised it was in England when he bid on it, and lost quite a bit on the deal) and plans to race the car a little when he's not campaigning various other race cars. He's been quiet for a while so it was good to get the following message recently:

Greetings from America! My Rochdale has been collecting dust in the garage for a while as I have just not felt up to another dose of frustration and heartbreak.

I wanted to get your thoughts on something. The motor in the car is in really poor condition. The valve guides are so worn I'm not sure what keeps the valve itself from pulling through the hole. The cylinders are also well worn and the head gasket blew the last time it was run. These flat head motors aren't easy to find over here. There are parts around and if I really wanted to I'm sure I could find something, but it won't be easy.

What do you think about swapping the flat head for a 948cc Sprite motor and a 4 speed gear box? These motors are easy to find and I just happen to have a few laying around that have found their way to me since I got my Bug Eye Sprite. I don't want to do anything that will alter the car or lower its value, but my thinking is, I have this stuff and it would drive much better with a 4 speed box in place of the 3 speed tractor transmission. A stock 948 only had a few more horse power then the Ford motor and it was available when the car was built. This would also allow us to take 2 cars to the vintage events and we could have 1 spares package for the 2 cars. I'd like to hear your views and opinion. I want to make use of the car, but I need to exorcize some demons before trying again!

This query touched on some interesting issues so my reply is probably worth sharing, even though as his response shows it didn't entirely apply in his case:

I completely understand your suggestions - but it's a difficult one to answer, especially when it comes to the question of what could devalue the car. As you may know, another GT that had made it to USA sold on ebay a couple of months ago for some 16,000 dollars. It was an exceptionally nice car, restored to a good standard with tuned Ford sidevalve running gear. The new owner in Japan is delighted with it. Remarkably, four people were still in the bidding above 15,000 - one in Japan, one in UK and two in USA. This is by far the highest price ever for a GT, by the way.

A few weeks ago a yellow GT that had been transferred to a Triumph Herald chassis and quite nicely trimmed out sold from UK to Luxembourg, also on ebay, for 7000 dollars - also a very good price for a GT but, of course, quite a lot less than the standard car (though it looked great in photos, its condition was nothing like as good as the US car). So, it's possible that changing to different running gear might devalue your car. However...

Back in 1959, a little booklet was published by a young man called Allan Staniforth, who has since written many respected books on car suspension tuning etc. It was called 'BUILDING A "GRAN TURISMO" SPECIAL' and related the story of how he built his own Rochdale GT for road use and weekend competition. Now, Allan chose to use the 948cc A-series engine and gearbox. He also used all manner of other different components and exactly replicating his car (which does not survive as far as we know) would be a monumental task - though it ought to make a very nice little car which would surely be worth at least as much as a standard one...

The crux here is that, if you change the engine, you have to do major, major work to get a usable, raceable car. This is because of the limitations of the original Ford chassis design, which relies on the torque tube and A-framed rear axle to take major torque and shock loadings from the back axle directly to the massive crossmember under the back of the gearbox - thus allowing them to use a very lightweight, minimally-braced, chassis from the gearbox mounting back.

Even with that set-up, it was recommended that you box in the channel-section chassis when fitting a sports body to the Ford chassis. If you change the engine and gearbox, you have to change the torque tube and rear suspension. If you change the rear suspension, you have to change (or heavily modify) the chassis. One follows from the other - there's no easy way around it. Consequently I always advise strongly against changes, because most people who set out down that route never finish it.

Allan Staniforth's solution was to use just the Ford chassis side members (for the simple reason that the Rochdale body is designed to bolt easily onto them), box them in throughout their length and build an entirely new set of crossmembers, braces etc onto them. At the front, he used a narrowed Standard 8/10 crossmember to get twin wishbones, coil springs and telescopic dampers, but fitted with Triumph

Mayflower larger drum brakes and adaptors to take the 15in Ballamy wheels. At the rear, he fitted a Ford Pop axle with 4.7:1 crownwheel and pinion, coil spring/dampers, twin trailing links, Panhard rod and Ballamy 15in wheels.

A HUGE amount of work. Of course, you could leave the front suspension alone (assuming there's enough room between the steering rods and the front bulkhead to fit the A-series engine - otherwise you either have to move the suspension/steering or the bulkhead (the latter would be best, because you'd also get the engine's weight further back in the chassis).

As for rebuilding the Ford engine, there are specialists who can do it; a fully recon engine is about a thousand pounds here (try www.smallfordspares.co.uk ) - I'm sure they wouldn't insist on an exchange unit as there's no shortage of used engines in the UK for £15-20. They also do a wide range of tuning equipment. Expensive, but a lot quicker and easier than any of the above options!

Fran responded:

As you may recall, my car no longer has the torque tube and A frame rear axle. It has been converted to a 4-link rear suspension with a "live" propshaft that looks suspiciously like the one in my Sprite. It is really no big deal for us to rebuild the flat head engine in the car. It will need to have the cylinders bored and bigger pistons fitted as the wear is just too much to get away with just a hone job and new rings. The biggest reason for wanting to make a change is the gearbox. The ratios in the 3-speed box are just not suited for road use and a 4-speed box would make it easier to keep the revs in a workable range. I don't know if the frame sections have been boxed in the rear or not. I suspect not, but it's been a while since I was under there. I'll have to go take a look when I get home.

My initial thoughts were to drop in the 948 and leave everything else as-is. Any fabrication work would have to be bolt in without axing things up. This would allow us to drop the flat head back in at a latter date if need be. Nothing is going to happen with this thing until the fall as race season is now in full swing and there isn't enough time to keep other vehicles up and running.

It's always great to hear from you, but it was even nicer to hear that the white car has left the U.S. and gone to Japan! That makes mine a little rarer even if only in my eyes. I did speak to a guy last year who told me he had a GT that was in pieces. I was at the races and was getting strapped in the car when he came by. He was supposed to stop back later, but never did and so I didn't get any additional

information on the car or the guy. I believe he lived here in the States in Virginia. I'll keep you posted.

A final word from me: Of course - I'd forgotten that yours already has a four-link rear end - that makes all the difference! In which case, I see no problem with dropping the A-series in, if you can fit it below the bonnet/above the gearbox crossmember! I guess you could always take a mould off the bonnet and make another with a bigger bulge, if necessary...

Hope that chassis is boxed - the GT body adds quite a lot of stiffness to the chassis but a four-link suspension on an unboxed chassis sounds like it could get a bit unpredictable on the limit!

MM (pre 1963)	7" dia. x 1.25" wide
MM (post 1963)	8" dia. x 1.50" wide
Wolseley	9" dia. x 1.50" wide
Riley	9" dia. x 2.25" wide

MAGAZINE No 102 SUMMER 2005

Edlines

Capesthorne 2005

Some of the class winners - Photos: Malcolm McKay

* * * * * * L E T T E R S * * * * * *

PHASE 2 REAR SUSPENSION

100E INTO FORD TEN DOES GO

FBHVC NEWS

ROCHDALE OWNERS CLUB RULES

T O P T W E N T Y O I L FAQ s

Top Ten Frequently Asked Gear Oil Questions

Top Ten Frequently Asked Engine Oil Questions

PRE-OLYMPIC REGISTER

GTs Overseas

The Jahns Herald-chassis GT in London, shortly before its recent move to France

Takatoshi Ichikawas GT in good company in its new Tokyo home

Bill Matthews passes on the GT he'd taken to Germany to the ROC's German stalwarts, Tim and Colin Back in the US of A

Ebay GTs in UK

New GT owner

OLYMPIC REGISTRAR

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The very classy interior of Les Browns Phase 2 at Capesthorne