…… yes I missed my 19 April, Super Trax Day target and with the entries open for the 9 May, Kyalami event we are still sweating it out on the brakes …… Having tendinitis in my arm is not helping either, can say that it seems to be improving until I do something stupid …..

The three pricey master cylinders acquired from Norbrake have diameters too large to suit Fossa’s brakes. Annoying as they were told what brakes were used. This from a place that maintain another historic racing Ford Anglia’s brakes, scary! The shaft mentioned in our previous post is eventually resized by buying our own “micro” lathe. So easy.

Had to modify our Anglia’s old brake masters to suit the pedalbox and remote reservoirs. After several fitting and removing of the pedal box, making new pipes, the brakes feel good on the pedal but the clutch is still quite hard, will only know once we test drive.

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2 May 2015. After what feels like a million other challenges, the 40 DCOE Webers are fitted and we had our first start. As it was quite late in the evening, we will only do the setting of ignition timing and the 40’s today with the pre entry into the Kyalami, 9 May in the back of my mind ……

Brake and clutch test also on the to do list today, ……. cheers 😉

Early April with my own set “target” in mind, 19 April, Super Trax Day ……

Engine: Our Anglia’s engine has finally been assembled. Once again I will call it an experimental using our AX block as the base. We had to do a lot of repairs on the block due to engine mount and engine to gearbox points stripped and broken because some people should not be allowed to touch tools. An interesting observation, the oil pump fits over a space that has one less hole than our other blocks, it does not have the hole to accommodate excess oil back to the sump. Point to remember on future builds. Stripping Gary’s old engine has provided more questions and some of the lessons learned and spares from that engine have been used. Not to be criticized, these will be kept a secret until and if success can be proven. We have opted for the “unlucky” HPHV oil pump due to the “experimental” side of the decision.

Carburettors: As previously stated we decided to implement the 40 DCOE Weber carbs given to us by Philip Pritchard. Due to mismatched jets and chokes research leads me to Johan Coetzee, a historical Escort legend in his own rights. A few days and bucks later we collect our carbs. Another point of controversy, the inlet manifold to be used. Make one from exhaust pipe, used a short one, use a long one ……. Well done to those that said, use the long one! The long manifold allows for fitment to our Anglia without body modifications. Either choice however needs changes to the braking system.

Brakes: This is currently our challenge at hand. Initially we looked at moving the master cylinders of the brakes and clutch to the front of the engine bay. Firstly, this would mean air flow obstruction to the carbs and secondly it would hamper access to the distributor. A visit to a brake shop had us acquire three master cylinders, step one to our bias based home built pedal box. Due to their obvious strength and look I will be using the original pedals. With the old “pedal box” removed and stripped I compile a parts list. A piece of sheet metal, a new shaft and some spacers. The sheet metal, arranged and never arrives. The shaft and spacers, handed to an engineering company finding the owner on the job of making the shaft at collection time. It is very obvious he has no clue how to setup a piece in the lathe or how to set up the lathe. I stand there struggling not to shake my head. Being desperate I leave without any spacers and a tapered and stepped undersized shaft with a surface finish to destroy the brass bushes in the pedals.  At home I manage to polish the surface to some level of acceptability and start reaming out nuts to be used as spacers …….. Later today, now 03:00am, I plan to attempt the box using some aluminium sheeting we have in stock.

Baby steps …….              Cheers

Only one day to go before the next “available” race and our Anglia is still standing with her engine stripped.

A few factors leading to this. The company I work for had their annual stock take, That included a Saturday and a Sunday morning. That was exceptionally taxing on all that took part. And our washing machine decided to conk out, …. The decided replacement required some new piping, what a project. Solder the pipes, turn on the water, spray, close, fix that spray, turn on the water, another spray …… eventually got that sorted to really acceptable levels after about 12 hours labour on my haunches and a nice burn wound. (A little damp and a drop every three minutes in another spot).

The combination of above left us low on power and on bucks. The entry fee at Kyalami also made the decision to not rush assembly. After Kyalami the 7th, the following event is at Dezzi’s 11 April, highly desirable but very far, Kyalami 9 May and then Zwartkops 6 June.

My provisional target is 19 Apr 2015, Super Trax Day at Zwartkops Raceway to enable testing and adjustments.

Coming Saturday we will be track side armed with our camera’s. It is NOT going to be easy not being on the track, brings tears to the eyes.

During our absence we want to make the required changes to facilitate the 40 Weber’s. Can only wonder what that will do in terms of power and performance. And then we also plan to accommodate the promised oil cooler. And all of this on our repaired AX block with some additional goodies. Currently searching for suitable 40″ big end bearings. Litts, no go – Midas, does not even bother to assist – Auto Zone, can get in a few days – Beras, no go – Kotwals, awaiting reply – Alert, awaiting reply …..

Till next time, cheers.