Social Scene 311
Thames Valley Group – Social Scene Traction 311
David Goswell writes:
As the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness turns into winter, with very cold and snowy conditions expected, many of us wonder why we didn't do those major jobs in the summer. Of course we didn't because the call of the open road with the roof down, was too strong, and helped mask the clunks, squeaks and rattles. Now it's time to enter the cold garage, or roadside for some, and experience frozen oily fingers. Unless of course you are Mervyn whose garage puts the McLaren team's one in the shade.
I'm going to be fitting those uprated drive shafts, purchased at the International back in summer, on to my TR6 to try and stop the clunks. The diff may also have to go back to Hardy's for another re work. Will the backlash in the drivetrain ever go away, will I be able stop squeezing the clutch every time I change gear ? I live in hope. During one of my winter restorations, I hired a spot welder, rewired the garage to make it work, and to make things worse it snowed, see photo. Winter Joy !
But I'm not alone; Geoff is contemplating an engine rebuild on his TR4. The amount of work Geoff has put into his TR4, has at times felt like painting the Severn Bridge.
Gareth, a new member, has so far spent some serious time upgrading his recently purchased TR6. Time has come to remove the Wolfrace wheels and fit some original steels.
Richard, a very new member, came to a recent meeting clutching wiring diagrams as he had experienced the uniqueness of old TRs. Driving round a corner, in the dark, trying to brake, change gear and dip the lights. Yes you run out of feet, unless you've modified your TR using the relay and diode approach as designed by Robin Powell.
Talking of Robin, he and TVG owe a huge debt of thanks to Pat Powell, whose quick action, and quick driving in her CRV has ensured Robin will continue driving his TR's and operating his radios. Keep well Robin.
Winter meets in the Surrey Oaks have become cosy lunches, as near to the fire as possible, with less of the stalwarts bringing their TR's. But there is always a show outside along with our flag fighting against the wind, showing the trees how it's done, resplendent on its new trusty flag pole.
By the time we all receive this copy of TR Action all the festivities will be over, the decorations back in their boxes, and our blood pressures back to normal. We can then attend our annual lunch in January, just in case we hadn't eaten enough in December.
Happy New Year and all the best for 2019
Our regular meetings are: The Abinger Hatch on the second Wednesday of each month from 20:00, with the main meeting from 12:00 at The Surrey Oaks on the last Sunday. We're a friendly bunch and new members are always welcome. Please see TR Register website for more information www.tr-register.co.uk/thamesvalley.