GFL

Johny I may well have an original stashed away with some spares I still have in the garage loft, I need to have a look. Presumably the central circular part and the two clamps are solid cast steel and the 4 set screws are rubber bushed, is that correct? Gary

Pete I don't know if the one fitted on my car is an original or a repro original type till I remove it? Is it Chris Witter that does the Polybush's to suit. Regards Gary

It's definitely the UJ, when you turn the steering wheel there's quite a bit of movement before it turns the wheels. I got a mate to turn the steering wheel and I could see play in the joint/coupling The top column bush is good, no up and down movement at all. The car was rebuilt around 2009 and may well have been fitted with a reproduction original style coupling/joint, I've read the rubber can deteriorate quite quickly? Reading up on the replacement type UJ's it seems they catch on the suspension towers if fitted to certain Steering rack pinions, that doesn't sound good!

Colin The play is side to side when turning the steering wheel, the steering rack is mounted on the original type rubber bushes, will it still transmit road noise with one of the solid UJ's and rubber rack mounting bushes? I've read bad reports on the repro original style, hence I was thinking of the new type, I've no idea if the one fitted is an original or not. Gary

I've noticed a bit of play in the lower steering UJ of my new purchase and want to replace it. There seems to be conflicting stories on the quality of some of the replacements, is it best to change to one of the original type or are the replacements sold by James Paddock as per the link below better quality, part number FAM1718? https://www.jamespaddock.co.uk/steering-column-joint-alternative-2 Also is there any easy way to swop them, the car is a Vitesse. Thanks Gary

Paul I take it you can still wind the window up and down ok with it fitted in that position? Also, can you remember were you purchased the mirror from. Gary

Any Photo's Paul? I presume it clamps on with a couple of Allen Screws. Gary

I've noticed on my new purchase that I don't have any Wing or Door mirrors fitted. I'm thinking it will probably be wise to fit some additional mirrors besides the usual one, as rear vision is restricted with the roof up. I don't really want to drill the wings or doors for mirrors, so I was thinking of getting some of the type that clamp onto the Quarter-lights Does anyone have any experience of these type, are round or oblong types better and do they work well and stay secure. Regards Gary

That looks great, I've got the original wheel with my car (It's currently fitted with a 14" Motolita wood rimed wheel). Maybe a job for the winter. Gary

Colin I took some pictures but unfortunately no clips are fitted on my new car? I know they were on my Old Vitesse, about 4 or 5 per side, I think more for neatness than anything and I don't think the material was pulled too tight. Regards Gary

They don't seem as loud as some I've heard and are fitted well (Not too low). They still might have to go though, far too boy racer for me 😁😁 The verdicts still open on the Chrome Wires🤔 Gary

Pete I thought you took the last two letter YK, which I believe was a London Registration? Gary

Mark Yes, I've had problems in the past with hoods either being too narrow or too wide! I have no idea who manufactured or fitted the hood. I will be using a small towel to protect the rear window and quarter lights when I fold the hood away, because as you mention the Quarter lights can be damaged by the Stainless finisher edges or screw when folding away. I need to give the car a good check over, although whoever restored it would appear to have made a great job, the Panel fit is one of the best I've viewed. Regards Gary

Colin I'm sure mine was simply pulled taught and then folded up and over the panel you mention, then held in place with a few of the U section Trim clips. I believe this is correct, I'll have a look at my latest acquisition later today and see if that's been done the same? Gary

Yes, the hood wrinkles on the Quarterlight windows are a common thing with replacement hoods and a tad annoying. I know when the cars where new, the hoods fitted correctly with no wrinkles, I'll live with it for now but would eventually like a Mohair hood and I would probably get it fitted professionally I've not been out in it as yet, but will be doing a few local shows to get used to it. The verdicts still open on the Wires and the Twin exhausts, I may change them for a set of Alloys (Cosmic Mk2 or Revolution 4 Spoke Alloys) and also put a standard single Silence back on it. No doubt I'll find other things to do to, the steering wheels does have an annoying squeak, I think it just needs adjusting slightly though. I was hoping someone may know a bit of history about the car? Gary

After searching for the right car for well over a year, enquiring about 41 cars, viewing 11 and making offers on 3 I've finally got another Vitesse in my Garage😊 Does anyone know any history regarding who restored this car, I was told it was a home restoration done around 2009 and was previously sold by TRGB and possibly a Classic car dealer called Minchin's I believe near Chichester. A few photos Gary

Dave That's the way I fitted mine. Regards Gary

I fitted reconditioned ones off TD Fitchett's when I first restored my old Vitesse, the ride was fine although the mounting bolts did work loose and need a really good tighten up after the initial running in period? After a few years I converted to Koni 80-1717 type Telescopic dampers with the top extension brackets, this required a few modifications but they work very well (Do a search on here on how I converted to them). I've been told by the current owner of my old Vitesse that the car is the best riding Vitesse he's ever owned which is good to know😊 The Lever arm type give a slightly softer ride I reckon, it all depends what you want and what your budget is, it's far cheaper to just get some reconditioned Lever Arm dampers, I reckon it would be £300 to £400 in parts alone these days to convert to Telescopic dampers, half the price for Lever arms. Regards Gary

Pete I like the balancing tube at the front, I wonder if that helps increase the airflow? Gary

The reproduction header rail seals are held in place by squeezing them into the metal channel section fixed along the header rail, I think I squeezed it in one side then used a blunt old screwdriver to ease them into position on the other side of the channel. I've read the original seal profile was similar to the door channel seals were they fit in the channel section, more like an upside down 'T' Section if that makes sense. I suppose you could use glue (Evo stick) as well to hold them in place too if you want extra security. Regards Gary

That's great thanks for posting and measuring. It seems the standard sizes for the Aquatic type hoses suggested by some people is either 32mm or 38mm Inside diameter, so the 32mm is too small and the 38mm slightly to large. Rimmer's and Paddocks list the correct hose so I will probably get it from one of those two suppliers. can I ask what the length is of each pipe, I guess a 1 Metre Length will do both? Gary

Dave That's not the header rail seal, its the door glass seal to the Hood frame channels? This is what you need for the Header Rail:- https://coh-baines.co.uk/products/black-epdm-u-channel-16mm-wide-x-15mm-high-srs155 Regards Gary

I've just had a Quote off them for £146 for an A1+ Condition Vitesse. Why don't you call them an see what they can do? From my past experience with Insurance companies (Lancaster) they put the premium up every year as a matter of course, but when you actually talk to them you can get the renewal for a similar value to the previous year. Gary

That's a very neat and tidy job😊

I think at last I'm finally sorted😊 Watch this space for more updates next week hopefully. Gary