Puglet1

Hi Pete. Have lifted the spring with a lifter but am struggling to align the rear vertical bolt with it. I still have rotoflex doughnuts fitted. Should the inner end of the slimed driveshaft slide freely into the U/J assembly?

I’m trying to refit the rear axle and hub assy to my mk2 vitesse . The rear wishbone is connected to the chassis and I have fitted new trunnion bushes to the outer end of it which is not connected to the vertical link. When I am trying to refit the rear drive shaft and hub assembly, I am having trouble getting the rear vertical link bolt into the spring. I have lifted the spring but the shaft/hub assembly doesn’t go inwards far enough to get the bolt through the spring. The inner U/J coupling is fitted to the splined shaft. Should the U/J assembly slide freely up and down the shaft? Any tips or hints on refitting the whole assembly back on the car would be appreciated.

Mark B. Your post on sideways has been really helpful…especially the photos 👍

Thank you for that Pete. It has stopped me from running a potentially dangerous course!

Hi Gary, the diff is currently fitted to the car so unable to do a direct comparison at the moment. I shall remove it again next Tuesday and have a good look 👍

Hi johny. Thank you for your help. That puts my proposed repair to bed. As your next post suggests……. Maybe some light fetelling with the grinder might come into action.

Hi trigolf. I will check the pin alignment next Tuesday and update this post👍

I am fitting a reconditioned diff which came complete with a mounting bracket. With the diff bolted up, there is approximately 1.mm interference between the rear edge of the front mounting bracket and the chassis. I am thinking of fitting 3mm washers between the bracket and the diff housing as shown. Will this be ok? Any other suggestions?

ALL. Thank you for your advice and photos it has been really helpful.👍 Pete.

johny and DanMi. I have checked the bore size and can confirm it’s 5/8 which has put my mind at ease. I guess the PO fitted a brake master cylinder for some unknown reason . Anyway, Thank you both for your help 👍.

I went to Stoneleigh yesterday, was looking on a stall that sold clutch master cylinders. The chap on the stall told me that my clutch master cylinder should be smaller than my brake one and should also be at an angle. The one on my car looks very similar to the brake one - same diameter filling cap and is more or less 90deg when looking at the reservoir and the seal assembly cylinder. It works fine ,so I’m a bit confused. Any ideas?

I take it that you’re no longer looking for a Vitesse then Gary?😁

You are spoilt ! Have you checked inside the garage yet to see if she’s accidentally parked a convertible in there? I’m still looking around but there’s nothing about that’s suitable for you at the moment 🤞

Hi Colin. Thank you for the tips, I’ll be able to assess which method to use tomorrow.👍

Hi Pete. Thank you for the offer but I am 2.5 hrs away from Luton (I don’t suppose you are going to the Stoneleigh show by any chance )? If not I’ll review Colins method and maybe attempt using some flat plate to make up an adapter of some sort.

Hi johny. I didn’t realise that it had to slide forward a bit- so that is really helpful to know. Based on what you have said, I’ll get someone to help control the jack. I’ll need to work out how to strap it to the jack or make some kind of cradle. I’m pretty sure that I have seen a photo of a homemade cradle on this forum but am struggling to find it. Many thanks. Pete.

I am about to fit a 3.6 diff into my Vitesse. The rear spring and suspension is already removed so I guess it’s just a case of undoing the Propshaft and the mounting bolts. I have the car on stands and a 3.5 ton jack. Is there a safe way of lowering the diff on my own or do I need an assistant?

A very smart Herald indeed! The guys on this forum are so knowledgeable and always prepared to help and advise. Roll on those summer days so that you can enjoy the real joys of your car.

Don’t give up looking. I was looking for some last year and was lucky enough to get some from Spitfire graveyard. For me, it was definitely a case of looking on internet, local shows, and club forums. Best of luck with your search. Pete.

As JohnD said, it could be the clutch rusted onto the flywheel but as he says it sounds like your master cylinder is seized. Many years ago, my boss at the time had a V12 E type which had the clutch seized onto the flywheel. I had the great pleasure of freeing it off by starting the car in gear, keeping the clutch fully depressed and stomping up and down on the throttle. It was on a secluded cobbled street in Bristol. (Near Redcliffe street). The wheels were spinning up until the clutch freed and the rev counter hit its limit……. That was great fun for a chap in his late 20’s at the time 😊. Best of all, he gave me a tip for doing it!

Mark. I’ll look out for you. I hope the show goes well for you.

Mishmosh. Pete H. I’m sorry, I didn’t think about the impact of raising our anonymity- which is weird because I am a private person to the degree that I’m not on Facebook. I’ve come up with some silly ideas in my life and I guess this one will add to my collection. Just thought it would have been an opportunity to personally say thank you to everyone for their help. Lets see what other bright ideas I can come up with 😀

There has been much discussion about the Malvern show and I intend to go. Is there any way of identifying the owners of our club cars in relation to you guys? You all probably know each other but it’s difficult to understand who’s who from our Avatars. As an example, my real name isn’t Mr Puglet1😁 Pete.

piran. I am a member of another forum, mig-welding.co.uk I placed a post on there enquiring about the possibility of weld a cast iron manifold. You may want to read my post titled. “Cast iron weld “ A lot of the guys on the forum appear to be professional engineers (as demonstrated in some of the posts you’ll see on there). One of them has made an offer to help Brad93. I don’t know him personally but he contributes to the forum regularly. You may be able to contact him directly. I hope this helps. Pete.

Hi Gary. The previous owner of my car kept the mot history up to date. I have continued to do this . It gives me a good opportunity to keep an eye on any potential problems and also good peace of mind.