FranksVitesse

I had a Fiesta back in the day which was ziebarted,WTL333W.It is still on the dvla data base but not taxed since the early 90s.

Thanks for your replies, I will certainly look into the suggestions.

Our dog is happy to ride on the back seat of our vitesse with the hood up but now the weather is warmer I like it down. This question has probably been covered before but how do you safely secure a dog on the back seat with the top down? ,,

Just an update, I ended up removing the gearbox as well. The overdrive was rebuilt by Overdrive Repair Services in Sheffield (I can thoroughly recommend them) the friction material had totally disintegrated.I replaced the front gearbox bearings and counter shaft whilst I was waiting and also a new 3 piece clutch whilst I was at it.....All working again! Thanks for all the advice it was a big help.

Thanks for all the info.

Me again! The overdrive has gone for reconditioning, the friction material was none existant. I have removed the gearbox to replace the clutch and inside the bell housing has a light covering of a black greasy deposit which I suspect is a mixture of dust from the clutch (just started to polish the rivets) and oil. The cluch plate is not contaminated. My question is this normal over a long period of time or should I be thinking of replacing oil seals in the front of the gearbox and rear of the engine block ? if so is it possible to change the rear engine seal with the engine in situ? Thanks for any advice.

Thanks Pete, will try just the unit at first just to get it off. From what you say it might be a better idea to take the gearbox off to refit though. Frank

Just an update. I have checked inside the filter housing and have found debris looking a bit like friction material.Not what I was hoping for! Looks like a recon unit will be required. Does anyone know if its possible to remove the overdrive unit on its own or does the gearbox need to come out? Thanks.

Thanks Pete, I checked the valve/jet and made sure it was clear but still no better. I will do some further checks in the next few weeks and update when I hopefully find the fault.

Thanks for the info. I removed the gearbox tunnel and removed side plate to the solenoid, solenoid is working, Ive checked the adjustment with a 3/16" pin and all was ok. Is it possible the solenoid could have developed an internal fault and not operating correctly? Just wondering as it suddenly stopped working without any warning or symptoms.

Thanks for the responces,I will give it a try.

I took the vitesse out for a run the other day and the overdrive was working normally.I switched out at one point and when I tried to switch back in again nothing happened. It has always worked fine but suddenly stopped working. I can hear the solenoid click when the switch is operated and I have checked the gearbox oil level which is fine. I would appreciate any ideas as to where to start looking before I go any further in the next few weeks.(Dont want to do anything too drastic yet as I need it for the next month or so) Thanks Frank

Many thanks for your help,I think I will follow your advice and have a go myself.

Many thanks for your help,I think I will follow your advice and have a go myself.

Thanks,might be worth a try although I think they will need a fair bit of elbow grease to achieve the look of yours which look nice .

Hi, the bumpers on the vitesse are scruffy and really need stripping and re anodising. I am in Lincolnshire and was wondering if anyone has any recommendations.