The Car Part 2

Now that the chassis had been painted work could now begin on the mechanics. I decided to start by removing the engine & gearbox as the weather was becoming more inclement and removing it lessened the weight on the chassis. I started by supporting the engine & gearbox underneath and then removed the bolts securing the two. The front and rear mountings were undone and both units removed from the vehicle
The gearbox was checked for excessive play and wear on the main shaft as far as possible and then given a coat of engine lacquer. The head was removed along with valves,collars & springs keeping each bagged & marked with cylinder numbers. The sump was removed & the tolerances on white metal bearings inspected. These were within reason so the sump was replaced. The block was then thoroughly cleaned after removal of the starter. It was decided to replace all the valves due to wear and after many hours of grinding in a new head gasket fitted & head replaced. The clutch was removed from the engine and a replacement friction plate & graphite release arm installed.

The front King Pins had wear on the nearside and renewal as a pair was needed. Replacement ones were requested but on breaking the joints down these proved to be the later type so had to be changed. Not having access to a power press the hub the new sleeves were taken to a local garage who kindly installed and reamed these free of charge as the owner used to work as an apprentice on the Eights.
The handbrake had been made operative earlier but the hydraulics' needed fully overhauling as they were seized solid. The master cylinder on removal was found to have a hole in its bottom and so a new cylinder and set of rubbers installed. The copper brake pipes were found to be OK but were flushed with spirit to clean. The three flexible brake pipes were renewed as the external casing showed signs of cracking. The four wheel cylinders were removed and after long soaking in releasing agent the pistons were removed The bores were OK so were honed and new rubbers & crown washers fitted. After filling the system with fluid and bleeding full braking was achieved.
Lastly all eight spring hangers were inspected and good second hand replacement shackles were fitted on the two rearmost springs.