Post by dave1800 on Oct 13, 2013 2:01:42 GMT
I've just returned after a 800+ mile round trip to view a Mk1 Austin 1800; it's been a long time tracking down what I believe is 1 of just three here in Thailand.
Unfortunately the trip was only partly successful as the seller had a family bereavement the day before I arrived and was holding a three day wake with family and visitors having to pass through the drive where the car was parked. Not an ideal situation and it was very kind of him to let me view the car under the sad circumstances.
The car originated from the UK, and according to the chassis number would appear to probably be a "Mk1.5" with a high ratio rack. It is like the Curate's Egg, good in parts but with rust in areas I have never seen corrosion but sound where I would have expected problems. The rear windshield rubber had disintegrated to such an extent that the glass had popped out. I have a few poor quality photos I will post later, the lighting was difficult and the camera setting shifted (excuses!).
Below is a summary (which I will no doubt add to)and use to do some costing before I arrange a second trip making sure the owner gets the engine running. I will be asking some questions on the forum about these topics, so now my time to be helped please
thanks
David
Summary
Electrical: 100% re-wiring required. Bulkhead feed through and fuse box removed. Random relays bolted
to inner wing. No fuses fitted!
Brakes: Different brake master cylinder fitted, leaking fluid empty.
Handbrake disconnected
Servo too small wrong position
Calipers /wheel cylinders not able to test
Clutch: Master cylinder full but seals failed so not operating slave cylinder
Engine: No battery, not able to start. Missing ignition HT components, looks oil tight
Engine mountings: large mounting modified unsatisfactory, other mountings need replacing
Gearbox: Engaged all gears at rest but not able to test, cables damp with oil (usual)
Radiator: Original but moved inwards. Fan removed, electric fan fitted in wheel arch
Suspension: Car sits at right height no rear end sag . Bounce test normal no unusual noises
Carb: Replacement non SU, but original available, no air cleaner
Ignition: Rusty non original electronic unit
Oil cooler: MGB style oil cooler fitted to reduce overheating, but leaking
Body: Odd mixture of good and bad.
Rear windshield seal failed catastrophically, screen popped out. Metal surround in
reasonably good condition
Doors: possibly from Maxi, similar to Mk11 trim, handles. Reasonable condition
Front valance and member :OK
Tubular cross member: surface rust but appears reasonably soundish
Floor pan drivers side severe rusting front large holes, general repairs needed
Boot floor, minor holes, rusty surface
Under rear seat pan, rusty surface, minor holes (? Structural)
Boot lid needs adjusting, condition OK
Wheels: Standard x 5, spare wheel carrier missing, tyres worn 175/70 x 13 (too small?)
Wrong wheel trims, original missing
Trim: Seats replaced, but generally good
Fascia central console missing. Dashboard: very rusty – I have never seen
this before, cause unknown
Bumpers: good condition, over riders available
Sills, Outers hidden covered by full length chrome strip which extended front and rear a wheel arch
trims. Inner sill bracing drivers side corroded first 2 feet or so.
Front wings: some filling obvious near headlamps and lower edge next to sill
Unfortunately the trip was only partly successful as the seller had a family bereavement the day before I arrived and was holding a three day wake with family and visitors having to pass through the drive where the car was parked. Not an ideal situation and it was very kind of him to let me view the car under the sad circumstances.
The car originated from the UK, and according to the chassis number would appear to probably be a "Mk1.5" with a high ratio rack. It is like the Curate's Egg, good in parts but with rust in areas I have never seen corrosion but sound where I would have expected problems. The rear windshield rubber had disintegrated to such an extent that the glass had popped out. I have a few poor quality photos I will post later, the lighting was difficult and the camera setting shifted (excuses!).
Below is a summary (which I will no doubt add to)and use to do some costing before I arrange a second trip making sure the owner gets the engine running. I will be asking some questions on the forum about these topics, so now my time to be helped please
thanks
David
Summary
Electrical: 100% re-wiring required. Bulkhead feed through and fuse box removed. Random relays bolted
to inner wing. No fuses fitted!
Brakes: Different brake master cylinder fitted, leaking fluid empty.
Handbrake disconnected
Servo too small wrong position
Calipers /wheel cylinders not able to test
Clutch: Master cylinder full but seals failed so not operating slave cylinder
Engine: No battery, not able to start. Missing ignition HT components, looks oil tight
Engine mountings: large mounting modified unsatisfactory, other mountings need replacing
Gearbox: Engaged all gears at rest but not able to test, cables damp with oil (usual)
Radiator: Original but moved inwards. Fan removed, electric fan fitted in wheel arch
Suspension: Car sits at right height no rear end sag . Bounce test normal no unusual noises
Carb: Replacement non SU, but original available, no air cleaner
Ignition: Rusty non original electronic unit
Oil cooler: MGB style oil cooler fitted to reduce overheating, but leaking
Body: Odd mixture of good and bad.
Rear windshield seal failed catastrophically, screen popped out. Metal surround in
reasonably good condition
Doors: possibly from Maxi, similar to Mk11 trim, handles. Reasonable condition
Front valance and member :OK
Tubular cross member: surface rust but appears reasonably soundish
Floor pan drivers side severe rusting front large holes, general repairs needed
Boot floor, minor holes, rusty surface
Under rear seat pan, rusty surface, minor holes (? Structural)
Boot lid needs adjusting, condition OK
Wheels: Standard x 5, spare wheel carrier missing, tyres worn 175/70 x 13 (too small?)
Wrong wheel trims, original missing
Trim: Seats replaced, but generally good
Fascia central console missing. Dashboard: very rusty – I have never seen
this before, cause unknown
Bumpers: good condition, over riders available
Sills, Outers hidden covered by full length chrome strip which extended front and rear a wheel arch
trims. Inner sill bracing drivers side corroded first 2 feet or so.
Front wings: some filling obvious near headlamps and lower edge next to sill