Bobtaylor

Normal service resumed, I replaced the originals. I am amazed how much difference there was.

I just had a spare pair, I checked the old ones and they seemed very flimsy so I changed them!!! I will change them back tomorrow, I must stop tinkering and try to adopt the “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” approach.

Yes I was careful to ensure the lugs were in position, I did dismantle to check! Could the slightly stiffer rubber make any difference?

Hi, I have just replaced the diaphrams on my twin strombergs without touching anything else. when I restarted the engine it’s characteristics are completely different eg it started fine but wouldn’t tick over until I adjusted the throttle screws. It feels completely different and not as smooth as before! can anyone suggest what might have happened. the new diaphrams are stiffer than the old ones, does this account for the changes, if so I assume the carbs will need setting up and balancing ?

Does your short flexible hose have any clamps or clips where joins the metal pipe or is it just a push fit?

Clive, where are the connecting houses you mention. I can see the hose going from the top of the tank, it runs down behind the tank and goes through the floor. I can’t find any diagrams of the layout. can anyone suggest where best to buy the hose/pipe, is this an actual part or is it a case of buying a length and cutting to fit?

Sorry if this has already been covered. When I open my boot there is a feint smell of petrol. I have checked my workshop manual and can’t find anything about the fuel tank. Am i right in thinking the pipe that goes in to the top of the tank is the feed to the carb, ie it is sucked out of the top of the tank? Can this pipe degrade thus causing the smell in the boot? If so what is involved in replacing the pipe in light of recent changes in petrol? I have also noticed the the pipe going on to the top of the pipe is just a push fit on to the male metal pipe on top of the tank, should this have a jubilee clip or some other type of fitting? Lastly is there anything else that might be the cause of a slight petrol smell in the boot? Thanks in anticipation, all suggestions gratefully received.

I have just renewed my membership by DD , another reason to stick with it!

If and when I decide to sell I will try the classifieds, but I am in no rush at the moment Pete. I used to be indecisive but now I’m not so sure. Bob

I must admit when I started this thread I did not anticipate it going in this direction! on a more serious note I am considering selling my Vitesse now, if you know of anyone who might be interested please get in touch by personal message. meanwhile keep on reminiscing while you still can !! Bob

Thanks for the replies, looks like drilling through is the way to go. Just need to get the old one out!

The rear idea innner bolt that secures the runner to the floor is loose. It turns in both directions but does not tighten or undo! Am I right in thinking that the two rear bolts go in to a captive nut? if so it seems the captive nut is no longer captive but still attached to the bolt. The two front fixings can be seen under the floor but there is nothing to be seen under the floor where the rear fixings are. The only solution I can see is to try and cut the bolt in an attempt to remove it, them drill through the floor and put a longer bolt all the way through and a nut outside under the floor. Does anyone have a better idea?

I have tried to delete all website history etc in privacy but it just reloads each time.

I accept you get what you pay for, but a set of Koni dampers is out of my budget. it is only for general running around and would be happy to restore to original factory spec. I see Rimmers do a set of 4 dampers and 2 front springs for £119. I guess these are unbranded though.

Hi I am running Safari, I have done as you suggested but it has not made any difference.?

Hi, I am planning to replace the rear and front shock absorbers om my Mk1 vitesse, I thought I would replace the front springs at the same time. My plan is to use standard parts. Due to their age I think the car would benefit from a fresh set. Any advice on best supplier for quality and problems I may encounter would be appreciated. Bob

Hi, I can open and read the forum on my I phone and I pad but not on my desktop pc. I have an apple pc which has been fine for ages but will not now allow me to read the forum, the format is all muddled and unreadable! Any advice? Bob

Has anyone ever fitted Cobra seats in their Vitesse? Or can anyone suggest any other manufacturer of seats that would fit a Vitesse? Bob

Hi, I have been given a present of 4 mesh headlamp protectors. Each has 3 clips with a pre drilled hole. Has anyone experience if fitting them. They are supposed to fit the screws on the lamp retainer but I can’t see how!!!!! anyone have any pics or advice? Happy New Year Bob

Synchro on 1st is non existent and and changing up and down into 2nd requires care to avoid crunching if you don’t double declutch. 3rd and 4th are fine and it is quiet. I also stick mostly to 3rd and top once on the move and as you say with so much torque it is not a big problem. I am not too enthusiastic with quick changes or harsh acceleration so I wonder should I wait until it gets worse?!!! But I wonder if it would be more pleasant to drive with a working synchro on 1st and 2nd? has anyone had a mk1 2lit box rebuilt and if so what would expect to pay? Bob

Hello, I have a 1968 Mk1 Vitesse. I have been reading some road tests from when the car was new stating that it has full syncro. I was under the impression that there was not any syncro on 1st..is that right. The syncro on 2nd in my car is quite weak..is it possible to cure this problem without rebuilding the whole gearbox...and is it a DIY job? I am no mechanical wizard but can use a spanner and follow instructions!! Bob

Job done!!! A plastic syringe a a piece of tube...so easy!!

Thanks all

I remember reading a useful guide on oiling the trunnions in a fairly recent issue of the Courier. It described how to use a syringe and piping etc. I want to do the trunnions on my Vitesse but can't find the article, can any help? Bob

I was told by the seller it was cactus green. Never having seen a cactus green before I knew no different. I have just found a touch up pot that came with the car. It is from a company called Master Chroma and is code CG6390 Green.