PeteB

Tonight is my lads school prom, I did my best to get the hot rod running in time but, alas, it was not to be. So he and his mate from next door got delivered in the GreenMech tow tug Isuzu Rodeo towing a QuadChip! Someone said that it was a brilliant entrance, better than all the pink Hummer limousines and the Lincoln town cars. It was good to see all the kids going into the next phase of their lives and moving up a school. I did not recognise half of them in their finery. Shame it rained for most of the arrivals. What did make me laugh was the flash Mercedes car that bumped into the back of the pink limo when the Mum's foot slipped of the clutch! Doh! I did prevent myself from giving the lads some wicked chat lines tho!

Too a degree you are correct. Clutch wear could be a problem, many road cars are high geared, slow speed manoeuvres can be a drag. Hill starts can be fun too. The clutch in the FreeLander got fried in 25k miles, although the circumstances were a tad extreme. The clutch was replaced in the Isuzu at 180k more because the box was out than through wear. The main reasons for considering a softroader are; comfort, mpg, no taco hassles and ability over a standard reps car.

I've still got a Bedford MK lodged in the brambles in a mates yard. ! Cracking truck, hope it brings you lots of fun!

The more I think about it, the more attractive the softroader cars become. With a crewcab, if I tow a QuadChip, I am bound by tacho rules. Which does seem an awful lot of admin for a light load. With a softroader, I can tow about 2000kgs without any hassles from the VOSA people yet have the comfort of a more car like ride better fuel consumptionetc. However, I've to see the Amorak yet.

To be honest Pete, I would have a Defender but, I would still have to fit a tacho and wood it do over 40k a year?

Mazda B2500!?! Do they still exist?

I need to be able to tow about 2600kgs occasionally with regular bouts of say 1500kgs. I have to say that using a tacho (honestly) is a pain, but then so is BIK values for non-commercial vehicles (I object to paying the state for a tool). A Passat type deal would not be good for a lot of towing and softroaders (Skoda Yeti for example) do seem an attractive alternative but then the inconvenience of vehicle swaps for the larger load is tiresome too. I like the look and spec of the Amorak but have they fitted a tacho yet and availability might be a problem. The Isuzu has been superb, but, would the next one be as good. She has done over 110k on a set of BFG's, clutch lasted 180k, 27-24mpg and relatively cheap to service.

I used toi live next door to some mature (professional) students who regularly got back from te pub and played King Crimson at deafening levels. After several attempts to reason with them, I got rather irate and wound up the Alsation and sent him in. The next time it happened, I took the dog again and they went quiet quick!

When you've fixed that, come and look at my V8, I cannot even get it to misfire!

My GreenMech tow tug, an Isuzu Rodeo is due for a change at 250+k miles and 5+ years old. What shall I get next? Anyone got an Amorak?, can you fit a tacho in them, should I have another Isuzu? .Nissan Navarra? How about a crossover/softroader and not have the towing capacity bit but not having to use a tacho? Your thoughts please ladies and gentlemen.

Nah!, a pinto has the wrong number of tubes. A grumbly does the job and it would even enhance a Cabstar!

I echo the responses of others - please carry on.

Hey, that's QUALITY! Yo Awd Bugger Ian. When your fettling your car, do you have to keep looking thro the window to see if all is well? Can you start it from the engine bay while your checking things? Ordinarily, a louvered stainless panel covers the brake assist-er and the second dash and starting button.

There you go Bob. 1938 Austin 16 ("Sweet 16"). All steel (and filler) body, original chassis which has been boxed and strengthened. Narrowed Transit "I" beam front with Ford discs and Volvo shocks on slipper springs. Rear is Jaguar Mark 10 IRS with "quick change" cover, running 295 width tyres. Rover V8 with tubular stainless manifolds and exhausts, Offenhauser 360 inlet with Holley 390cfm carb with a street cam which should give about 220hp(in my dreams!) - fire by Mallory power. Original wheel arches have had the lip lowered to suit tyres and rears have been extended by 4". Fuel filler cap moved from wheel arch to body centre above boot opening. Interior was based around original but last owner let it go rotten leaving it outside. 1st owner was Austin who lent to the USAAF until 1948, then sold to a chap in Liverpool. Purchased in 1974 by Keith and Barb Marshal who built this version and it did win a car show in the early 80's but since then has been abused by 3-4 owners until I got it! Last photo shows a knackered bank which will lead to a knackered bank balance!

Anyone going to make a bid? They would be worth it and they would also include the ex too.

Well down the list is that - in fact I doubt it'll even get run this year!

I've been trying to save up to take the kids on holiday. Single man, big mortgage syndrome. Recently had to replace the computer, oven, dishwasher. Then the engine in the Hot Rod needs changing, then school trips need paying for. Got up this morning and the fridge/freezer has gone hot and cooked the contents overnight! I think that the gods are conspiring together to prevent the kids and me from having a holiday this year! Anyone got a villa available to rent!

What are you making now Dave? Can I come and see?

Be right once it has bedded in! Sweet Dreams!

Is that adjustable spanner the metric one or imperial version? I know what you mean about the socks thing - my feet stink enough to keep me awake too.

No serial number? That's a bit of a worry! A call to Vermeer should be able to tell you where the number is hidden and what they know of the history. Good luck and I hope it goes well for you.

My immediate response is to get real. Even if you have foolproof evidence, taking the law or even thinking off.......is not the civilised way of doing things. C The wedding day might have been a tad stilted but to grease someone without cast iron proof ain't right.

I do remember that some years ago at an AA show at Highclere, Tony Lane stopped Lucy Dalrymple from making bacon butties for some other exhibitors as she did not a food hygiene ticket. We provided the stuff and Lucy knocked them up. Good luck with the show, can anyone go?

Sacrilege! Some things have more intrinsic value or historic value than scrap. Is the crane going too?

Erm:blushing: I set off a load last year at a party. But I did check with the host and other guests, checked the weather, windage etc and we discussed it through before doing it. They went up and away very gently and we enjoyed the spectacle and the children (and the grown ups) though that it was brilliant. However, I do take onboard peoples views about the wire being non-biodegradable and if used improperly, they are a fire hazard. Possibly even a danger to aircraft.