Thursday, April 27, 2006

STAB - a grand day out!

As promised, we all trundled off to Brooklands on "Drive-it Day", and a jolly good time was had by all. I set off in the Transit at the crack of dawn to reach Brooklands by 7:30am. By the time I got there it was raining, and that only got worse by the time the Triumph drivers started to arrive. Nevertheless, arrive they did, in their hundreds! I don't know how many were counted through the gates, but the turnout was excellent. With some long established Triumph shows now in decline, it was really exciting to see a new event flourish. Every space seemed to be filled with Triumphs, even much of the famous banked circuit.

Back to reality with a bump though, MOT time on the Acclaim. Time spent rebuilding the headlight flasher switch was well worthwhile, as was that spent tuning the engine. The carbs were set-up from first principles, and the timing was found to be about 20 degrees advanced! Everything now works well, however I still left the garage with a fail sheet. The back edges of both sills holed with a gentle tap, and a vibration I was feeling from the front turned out to be a badly bulged tyre, rather than the lost weight I had assumed. Both faults annoying as I could (and should) have spotted and fixed them first....never assume anything!
Rather than bring the car home, I left it for the garage to sort out - it's less hassle, and at least I don't have to pay for the re-test that way. I was also advised on the condition of my headlamp reflectors, both a bit dull. I've just found out that these are the same as those on a Bedford Rascal, so there shouldn't be any problem finding good ones.
Cheers,
Bill.