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I eventually got the dash to fit, after much last minute modding and re-drilling holes etc. The dash was slightly sticking out a wee bit more than before, which had a knock-on effect, (doesn't it ALWAYS?) of making the steering boss foul the dash front.
I stripped the boss off and hacked about 20mm off and re-profiled it, which took longer than I'd planned, but now it fits perfectly and is satisfactory.
It even looks better, the shape it is now, which does not show in the following pics.
I have laboured long and hard to get to the point where I could actually take these three pics!
The next job is to put the new windscreen and rubber in place, then the doors on, and perhaps an Mot, given good weather.
Looks fantastic Scottie, you must be well chuffed with the result of all the graft on that dash. Good luck for the MOT.
I know what you mean about not being bored, the main problem is the lack of daylight hours and having to waste time sleeping as there is always another extra task or two to do.
Yes it will Danny, but I can't put them in until I've got the windscreen glass in, or I'll be treading all over them, nor can I put the doors on until the screens in either, 'cos they get in the way, so its a set sequence I have to follow.
Today I got the boot lid back on and fitted the lock.
It now opens from the hidden pull behind the seat and locks as it should.
I did some more mopping which I really enjoy for some reason!
I'll have to be careful not to get carried away and mop through the paint.
Generally, the paintwork is not too bad, but there are lots of small imperfections where the paint has reacted, where insects have sat in it, one or two tiny bubbles that I have missed, and so on, but from 10 feet away, it looks okay.
It certainly has a good shine on it, imperfections or not, and I suppose that's the main thing.
I came under a lot of pressure today from friends and family to put the final wheels on the car, so I gave in and did it.
The results were quite amazing, so I took some pictures.
I have always believed that the wheels "make the car" and in this case that is very true, it seems to have transformed it, and it now looks very much like I wanted it to.
I would have got the screen in today but my "help" let me down and did not arrive, and I don't want to tackle the job alone in case I damage the bodywork.
So its screen, doors, seats, belts and one or two smally jobs, (if we don't count making a roof) and its about there.
Here are the pics I took today with the wheels on:
I agree with you Gaz, all the XKSS's were made from short-nose D Types, and all looked a but "pug nosed" but Chris made the A352 from a long-nose D Type, so when I first saw his shell, I could see the potential to create a real one-off XKSS that would be more to my taste.
Just wait until all the seats and belts are in and the doors are on....!!
Thanks, IanA, Gaz, y cymro, WCA and Thurcroft flyer!
I am on a roller coaster of emotions right now as each new crisis looms up to put a stop to me getting on the road, let me explain:
yesterday the water temp gauge stopped working, and I banged my knuckles on the dash, as the wheel was too close.
These two things really got me down and depressed me.
However this morning I went out and after much fiddling with mirrors, effing and blinding etc, I managed to put back on the rear of the gauge the connection that I had knocked off with fitting hassle.
I then went upside down in the drivers foot-well, and again, after much of the aforementioned, got the steering column extended to the right length.
So far so good, then as I went to drive the car outside, on depressing the clutch pedal, I noticed it went down about an inch or two before I felt any pressure, and had to push it to the metal to get the clutch to operate correctly.
This really pissed me off, and laid me low, so my question to the experts who know all about Triumphs is: do I need a new master cylinder?
I kind of half expect I do, but would like an expert opinion, and I know a lot of you out there WILL know!
So please give me your thoughts, as I am still not ready for the elusive Mot yet! And the new work just keeps on coming......
... on depressing the clutch pedal, I noticed it went down about an inch or two before I felt any pressure, and had to push it to the metal to get the clutch to operate correctly....
Look for any leaks first.
Try bleeding the clutch circuit next.
If it persists- replace the clutch master cylinder seals- cheapest first option.
Then replace the clutch slave cylinder.
Then replace the clutch master cylinder.
If none of that works, I'll take the car off your hands for a few dozen Curly Wurlies.
Forgot- is there any scope on the Triumph for the clutch release arm not to engage with the release bearing properly?
The car looks stunning Scottie. good luck with the clutch are you sure it's not the slave cylinder? also the pivots on the leaver arm thrust bearing can seize up giving reduced travel?
Even a tiny tiny leak will let enough air in to make you lose your pedal, so don't pay any attention to the apparent full level in the master cylinder.
If it pumps up it's definitely a leak. Luckily, unlike the brakes , there are only four possibilities. Past the seal on either cylinder; peel rubbers back and check, or from the union at each end of the hose; wipe with finger underneath.
Good Luck.
p.s. My internetting is now performed to the sound of this You Tube clip played over and over through surround sound and sub-woofer
In my experience oldish hyraulics don't like being left unused for even a few weeks.
Any suspended solids sink to the lowest point and gum up the seals.
I would buy 5 litres of brake fluid and give the brakes and clutch a really good bleed.
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, there are only four possibilities. Past the seal on either cylinder; peel rubbers back and check, or from the union at each end of the hose; wipe with finger underneath.