Autumn Maintenance
Updated: 3 days ago
The big show is only weeks away
Autumn has arrived, but for mid-October the temperatures have still been unusually fair.
The cover is off, and the Rover is clean as a whistle, and thankfully it's not even damp on this chilly morning. It’s the perfect time to be driving my classic P5B: sun shining and cool air, the perfect combination.
It’s also the time of year when you start thinking about the jobs that need doing before next year's big shows and events.
I’ve noticed some small but unsightly issues under my rear wing indicator lenses. The two small drill holes that mount the indicator body to the rear wing have let moisture get under the paint. It’s the same on both sides, so it’s a weak point to watch if you’re an owner.
The inhibitor switch could use replacing too, as it’s getting a bit temperamental. That will mean dismantling the centre console over the gearbox tunnel.
I feel like my leather central armrest is letting the inside down. The leather is now thin, worn, and cracked. I’ve done my own repairs in the past, but I use it a lot as I shift in and out of the car. I’ll remove it altogether and find a suitable upholsterer to replace the leather and restore it to its beautiful, soft Mulberry finish.
I have a new boot seal to fit. I say new! I’ve had it over a year and still haven’t got round to fitting it. I believe the one on the car is the original. I will get it done.
Oil, plugs, and air filter will also be replaced, and I’d like to replace the oil sump seal too. I’m curious to see what the oil pickup strainer looks like and what mess sits at the bottom of the sump. It’s quite a job, involving removing or splitting the steering arm/track rod ends and exhaust brackets.
Like most enthusiasts, we hate having our cars off the road for any length of time, so good planning can limit this. My car unfortunately sits outside, which also means weather limits most jobs.
Speaking of planning, it’s also time to get all the Rascals together to celebrate Christmas and the year’s events. It’s been a great year, thanks to a record-breaking summer.
In a few weeks, the Birmingham NEC hosts the Classic Car Show (13th to 15th November). It’s a three-day event that draws thousands of enthusiasts, ideal for finding odd car parts or simply admiring the huge volume of classics on display: club cars, traders, and an auction for those looking for something rare or a little different. It will be nice to catch up with Mike Brewer once again. He informed me I’m now the longest owner of a Wheeler Dealers car, 10-plus years and counting. I’ll fill you in on my day at the NEC soon.
Looking back on the year so far, a couple of cars stand out.
This two-door 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is all that I love about the American classic car scene. Its beautiful colour combination and pristine chrome are what we all strive for. This is not a concours car. It’s used and shown regularly by its proud owner, and the crowds love it. We Brits have plenty that could sit right beside it, but the 50s charm adds to its appeal. It also gave me the idea for my song “Oh Candy”.
Another was the amazing Pantera GT5-S. You can read all about it in a previous blog (Breakfast at the Fox & Pheasant): a one-owner car with an amazing history.
It’s been a super year for me and my 3½ litre. With autumn now upon us, and the clocks changing soon to make the days even shorter, we will do our best to bring you some interesting stories.
Oh Candy (Dedicated to the classic car Chevy Bel Air Lyrics by Philip (The Rascal) Music: SSG Productions
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