Dick Twitchen

I was fortunate to be the Commanding Officer of HMS GLASGOW and as Royal Yacht escort for the State visit to Russia (St Petersburg) in October 1994. It was revelation to be so close to HM, and Prince Philip, for days of high ceremonial when they retained a sense of humour and putting people at their ease with a kindly word for all. It was doubly amazing that she recalled meeting me when presented with my CBE, perhaps because her husband had, with smile, exclaimed in a very loud voice "He's got a beard, they've (officers with me) all got bloody beards"! Dick

Had a long chat with Julian at Duxford and he is well aware of the disquiet. Suggested he keeps a weather eye on this thread on the Forum to stay abreast of thoughts and issues but, quite correctly, these things take time with a new man in the seat. Pete's comment on rising prices is very apposite as it is something that is challenging Julian on almost every item he is dealing with. Dick

A Jowett Jupiter from the early 1950's Dick

Excellent gathering yesterday with over 300 cars of all shapes, sizes and ages. Counted 31 Triumphs and most of us were all together in pride of place by the entrance as the landlord of the Queens Head, over the road, has one. Years since I had seen a delightful Honda S800 and hopefully I persuaded the lady with the exquisite blue GT6 Mk1, that she does all the work on herself, that a run to Duxford next weekend would be well appreciated. Dick

Probably a better idea than giving Angie the illustrated outfit!

I use an oil can with a decent length flexible spout (perhaps Machine Mart, and works on the diff as well.

I would get a new filter and make sure it is fitted so the arrow is pointing in the direction the fuel should be flowing.

Depending on exactly where you are I would suggest getting along to a local TSSC gathering ('Areas' on the front page of the Website). Bound to be people there with experience of 'old' Triumphs who can take a look, and hopefully save some money and provide help/instruction/tolls at the same time. Enjoy yourself in a welcoming community. Dick

I would echo Colin's comments over many years/miles of Mk1 ownership. This is one of those 'facts' that get out of control and become a set in stone/everybody knows thing. What is certainly correct is that no matter how much effort you put into it the Mk1 cabin will always be a period piece with poor ventilation and plenty heat; I paraphrase a comment from Colin decades ago that you can tell a Mk1 driver as they are in shorts with a damp patch on the back of their T-Shirt in December. Dick

I'm afraid it's a GT6 Mk1 and was commented on when new, as was cabin heat. I do journeys like that regularly; just turn the Cream/Free CD up, but there again after 40 years at sea, 30 of them as a gunnery officer, I probably have mitigation! Dick

Given the many and varied comments that fly around this Forum about suppliers there appears no consensus and the choice would no doubt be the 'wrong' one in some peoples eyes.

Club Downloads: https://www.tssc.org.uk/tssc/uploaded_files/TSSCTaxDisc2022.pdf

John, Not in the era when our engines were developed, late 60's iirc when Ford started with the Kent engine. I have a powder extinguisher, but also have a roll cage to strap it to and from my Naval time have received fire fighting training. I believe the fire issue boils down to size/where/what/chance of success and your determination for want of a better word. Last time my extinguisher was used was at Classic Le Mans campsite several years ago when I and another retired Naval Officer sorted out a blazing stove (incorrectly assembled then started) in among tents whilst others retreated. Dick

Yes he is and had a good long chat with him at Classic Le Mans. Mike's phone details are in the back of The Courier, under Parts For Sale iirc. Dick

John, I have a very old (grubby) one and do indeed find it useful, not just for part numbers but also when trying to decipher some of the photos in the WSM. Dick

And background lighting for mood.....

The teaching at the time was 'slow in, fast out'.

Tim, Great to meet you and the car and thanks for posting; not something many of the group do. We also had another likely addition with somebody riding shotgun in a TR6 (formerly owned formerly by a current GT6 Mk2 owner) who is restoring a GT6 Mk1. Dick

Thanks to Clive's tip on this a while back that is where I sourced one from and all well on my GT6. Checking the bolts tightness once in place is easily done. Dick

Pate, I had exactly the same ones and also recently sold mine on. Excellent for what they were designed for but, as you say they are HEAVY and storage needs thinking about. Dick

The airbag 'sticker' is a first rate one for classic owners, and in a GT6 may just keep the overly interested away from the rear of the car. Just need to find somewhere to make one up.

Try giving SpitBitz a ring, and not too far from you: http://www.spitbitz.co.uk/html/used_parts.html

Five years restoring the GT6, home to the MOT (1/2 mile), fuel up (5 miles), ferry port (10 miles) and down to Classic Le Mans. All was fine except for wire wheel wobbles and they went shortly after I got home. Would i do it again that way, err.....

Alex, Try giving 'SpitBitz' a ring. http://www.spitbitz.co.uk/

Pete, Had a sudden flashback of being a Midshipman in HMS BULWARK 50 years and doing the clean inside an Admiralty Three Drum boiler, wore blue overalls not white but as for any other kit. "That will remind the young gentlemen...."! Dick