T16 restoration starts in earnest

horsa · #1 09-07-12, 19:58

Updated shots look great and it appears the front fender skirts came out nicer than you'd led on. Good job

I didn't know your carrier had one of the handles welded on in front of the driver spot where the face crash pad is located. I've seen this on a handful of T-16s but hadn't been able to determine if it was a British add-on or a modification done by the Swiss. Since yours never saw Swiss service, it would seem it has to be a British feature. My carrier (Swiss return) and the one we found in the UK within 100 serial numbers of mine that never saw Swiss service don't have the handle.

Ron Pier · #2 09-07-12, 21:42

Nice one Andrew. Probably you're not bothered but a simple letter to DVLA could get rid of the V plate. I just did it with an A plate (1963) on my latest Enfield, which was first registered in 42. Although mine did show the date of first registration in the V5, otherwise a dating letter might be required from MVT. It's clearly not an 80's vehicle....or whenever that V relates to. Ron

andrew honychurch · #3 09-07-12, 21:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by horsa

Updated shots look great and it appears the front fender skirts came out nicer than you'd led on. Good job

I didn't know your carrier had one of the handles welded on in front of the driver spot where the face crash pad is located. I've seen this on a handful of T-16s but hadn't been able to determine if it was a British add-on or a modification done by the Swiss. Since yours never saw Swiss service, it would seem it has to be a British feature. My carrier (Swiss return) and the one we found in the UK within 100 serial numbers of mine that never saw Swiss service don't have the handle.

Thanks David, yes the front fenders looked a lot better once they were painted and the problems I had seemed to diminsh once fitted. Interesting about that handle, I had not realised that they were not fitted by the factory as standard. I think, that it is there to encourage the driver to take his hands off the sticks.

Talking of steering, I still have an issue that I am not sure the oil is circulating through the rear axle oil cooler. Its all plumbed in ok, but the feed pipes that drop oil onto the brake bands dont seem to have had any oil in them. The oil cooler is getting warm, but the rear axle is very hot after my run. I know there is a thermostat in the cooler, but dont know whether this stops ALL flow if it is stuck shut. Any one have any experience of this? I dont want to have to disturb it really as its a hell of a job getting the oil cooler out now!

Thanks Ron, glad you like it. I think you may well be right on the registration as it was not registered as HISTORIC and so I had to go to the local DVLA office to get them to tax it for zero. They took the registration documents away and said that they will ammend it. My guess is they may send me a new registratoin mark. Hope not as I just made my plates up! It was first registered out of Pounds in 1980, so you are right with your date guess.

Hanno Spoelstra · #4 09-07-12, 22:55

Looking excellent, Andrew!

Hanno

horsa · #5 09-07-12, 23:20

You could open the lines at the exit side of the rear end's oil cooler and then rig something up to catch the fluid as is pumps out during a short test run. That would tell you if it is actually circulating via the pump or not. That would be fairly accessible. Other option would be the line outside where the oil is pumped back into the rear end. That would probably actually be better since it would confirm if the entire loop is clear and that the pump is moving fluid.

eddy8men · #6 09-07-12, 23:46

looking good andrew. watching your progress makes me want to start mine.
my t16 also has the handle in front of the driver.

RichardT10829 · #7 10-07-12, 07:55

awesome stuff, what a transformation !

andrew honychurch · #8 10-07-12, 09:37

Thanks Guys, it has taken longer than I thought it would. but thats mainly due to the desire to get all the right bits in there. It would have been impossible without David Gordons help. I have been able to fabricate stuff that I would have had to travel all over the UK to measure up. Thanks David.

Rick, er... you seem to have a lot of work there! Is this one of the ex Kevin Wheatcroft T16s?

Anyway, when you need some bits let me know , I have found some parts and may even know of a crated T16 engine. The man has two, and was thinking of acquiring one for a spare. Hes a bit funny about the idea of selling them not sure why, but can always try for you. Catch me at W and P if you want to chat.

How is your Uni coming on Richard?