"The Elk"

Part 3 (Return to Genesis!)

I have now done most of the wiring, although the lights have yet to be fitted, and the relevant parts of the wiring tested. I think I did it right! However the starter now turns the engine over (the right way!) and the refurbished hooter, hoots. I don't think this is original, but it is quite old, and looks it. What is not original is the fusebox, under the passenger seat. Common sense says I deviate here, but it is not easily seen. It did however mean that most wires go to and from the front of the car twice, and made the loom a lot more complicated and time consuming to make. I strongly suggest that if you are restoring a car, and a professional loom is available, you buy it. I must have spend 15 hours on the task, most of which I spent lying on my back, under the car.

The magneto turns out to be an autojumble special of ML bits in a Lucas cam ring. However the timing and adjustment is about right, but I must buy some cigarette paper to finally check it. The contacts essentially break a short circuit (magneto primary) so I cannot easily measure the change. Cigarette paper is very thin, and will show a very small opening of the points.

A small amount of alteration was needed, as the fitting of a ML adjuster was not done properly. However, I can still fit the right bits without problem, and will do so eventually as the cam ring is not wholly satisfactory.

The oil catch tank has been made (see left of engine) and is a one litre Waxoyl tin with air holes, a crude home made condenser and a tap for drain purposes. The reason for the use of this size was MSA regulations and nothing else as the engine only has about two egg cups full of oil at any time, being total loss oiling. Consumption is about 1000mpg, with a driver adjustable regulator. The Waxoyl really was bought for the tin and the contents at present reside in an old whisky bottle (I did not however empty that specially!).

The scene in the garage on 3rd May 2004, just before tidying up, and after the batteries in my camera went flat! The wings have proven a delay being meant for body mounting, and not chassis mounting. The former is correct for the age of car, but the latter is a better idea as the should be less vibration stress. As the wings are originals (but perhaps not to that car) and have been extensively repaired, I'm chassis mounting. A method has been dreamed up involving stepped mounts, but of course the idea occurred to me too late to buy suitable steel. In any event, I've got to remake part of the rear brake mechanism as I've now found what I have to be fouling the chassis tie rod (just fitted).

The rear number plate lamp is on, the aero screens (job for a contortionist), mirror, tax disc holder (getting optimistic) the radiator fitted and hoses made and fitted.

Update 1 July 2004
I have been very busy. Trailed car to get exhasts made. Very long day, looked like being a failure but in the end the chaps at Longlife exhasts in Carshalton pulled it off. Very shortly after my return home, the engine was filled with water (and a little central heating corrosion inhibitor) given some 3 year old petrol and burst into life. Run for a bit, chains fitted and could not release the clutch. It had for want of a better word, eaten the pressure plate! Some very long hours put in and parts donated by a fellow MTWC member it was working, and could disengauge the cluch with the engine running.

MOTed, and taxed, it is sitting in my driveway having its battery charged, having had the latest bits to drop off replaced. This section will be revamped in due course, but at the moment, I'm playing with the car and terrorising the neighbourhood.

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