Yes, I know this site is LONG overdue for an update/remake, but I really haven't had time lately due to my university studies. A completely new version of this site is (slowly) being made, so stay tuned and keep visiting!
So, what's changed with my '66? To be honest, not a lot really! I've just been attending local shows in Bournemouth (I'm usually at the "Classic Cars On The Prom" event every Sunday along Bournemouth sea front in the summer), and general driving around. The car has been ultra-reliable and gets driven everywhere. The mileage is now around 47,837 (7th Jan '03).
The only major thing to have happened was the engine, which unfortunately seized up back in August 2002 and had to be rebuilt. As the mileage when I got the car was only 35,940, I think the engine had suffered somewhat due to all the "cold starting" in the morning and had taken it's toll on the bearings. Thankfully, the original engine case was fine, so I can keep the original engine number (F0723187) with the car. Kombi Klassics did the rebuild for me, which consisted of having the original crank reground, all new bearings, one new conrod (the one that seized), new barrels and pistons and a new clutch assembly. There's other minor things too, but I've forgotten!
While the engine was being rebuilt, it was also found that the thermostat flaps had seized solid inside the fanhousing! The thermostat had stopped working (probably a couple of decades ago due to lack of use), and the flaps were stuck in "cold" position! That probably goes some way to explaining why the engine sometimes got a little hot... No other surprises were found, and of course a new thermostat was fitted.
Meanwhile, here are some of the latest pictures of my car, GLJ651D!
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My favourite picture of my '66! Taken the day we moved house. |
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A drive in the countryside! |
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The engine case stripped out prior to the rebuild... |
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...and again afterwards! I repainted the heat-exchangers in the original grey, and their "mud guards" in black. The rest of the tinware polished up a treat, and is totally unrestored and original! |
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The interior still looks fantastic. Usually hiding under seatcovers. |
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Repainted the front suspension and reundersealed the car. Looks great! |
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On the car ferry across Poole harbour. The green Ford Anglia is a 1966 and belongs to my friend Jason. |
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©1998-2002,
Howard Rose.
All images and text in this website belong to the website owner and must not be copied without permission. If you wish to link to this site, you are welcome to! All trademarks are acknowledged. VW and Volkswagen are registered trademarks of the Volkswagen Car Group and are not affiliated with this site in any way. |