John Bonnett
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Posts posted by John Bonnett
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I'm glad you got to Pegasus Bridge Roger and able to soak up the atmosphere. The cafe is something really special.
The weather here is not too bad so it won't be too much of a shock when you land.
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An epic trip Roger and you're still rolling. I'm glad you enjoyed CLM despite the renowned French organisation. Do hope you have a good day today. So much to see and so much atmosphere particularly at Pegasus Bridge if you get there. Safe journey home and remember we drive on the LEFT.
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For anyone whose car is suffering from fuel vaporisation problems this might be of interest. Last year when we went to France Jerry had problems with the GT6 in slow moving traffic when idling and when stationary. His car is fitted with the original mechanical fan and also an electric on on the front of the radiator. His car would be fine when driving at normal speeds but very soon after he stopped in traffic the engine would be difficult to keep running and eventually it stopped. One of the main culprits we suspected was a plastic fuel filter near the front carburettor which was heated directly from the exhaust manifold. Removing this and replacing it with a rubber pipe improved things but did not cure the problem. Next the fuel pipe was insulated back to the pump. He had no more trouble while we were in France bu the problem reappeared when in the line waiting to board the ferry to France this year.
The smart money is on the fuel in the pump boiling. So the next step has been to arrange for forced cooling in that area using a motor cycle radiator cooling fan. I built the fan into an enclosure made from sheet aluminium. The car had no problems yesterday when leaving Powderham which was quite a good test. Another and possibly more severe test will be at Silverstone at the end of the month.
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Jerry, Lindsay and i together with our respective wives have just returned from the Powderham Show and what a superb event it was; well over forty Triumphs on the Stand.. Overall a terrific mix of vehicles, a great atmosphere and weather to match.
On behalf of our little band I would like to say a very big thank you to Sue Franklin our own AO who organised the stand and I would also like to say how lucky we are to have her. She works so hard, always has a smiling welcome for everyone and above all remembers the names of people that perhaps she hasn't seen in a blue moon. Sue you do a fantastic job which is really appreciated. thank you.
k you. Sue and John were there with their freshly restored Herald and what a fantastic job they have made too. Really really niceIt was interesting that quite a number of cars were being troubled by fuel vaporisation I guess probably as a result of the ever increasing amounts of Ethanol being added to the fuels.
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Well ole pf weeks should have it ready !!!!!
keep taking the pills
pete
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Pete that's very kind of you. I'd love to have a read. I too had an Imp; new in 1967. Like you i really enjoyed it. Such a willing little engine.
Darren, when I said "Car" perhaps that was a bit strong. Boxes of bits might have been a bit more accurate. it is in Nottingham so a bit of a logistical nightmare to get it but I do have a plan. A few photos attached which show no shortage of engines and heads. Always good to have a few spares
The current owner has had the car for twenty five years, bought in pieces and still in pieces. as far as i know the main bits are there but even the owner cannot guarantee that nothing is missing. As soon as he has the new updated V5C I'll go up for it.
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Thank you Darren. I didn't like to mention it myself but I have to say that Paul Wager has produced a very well written article and included some very flattering pictures of the car. True there were a few mistakes in what he said but he worked totally from memory.
For those of you who don't know and might be interested, despite what it says in the article, the car will not be up for sale in the Autumn. Paul was quite right in stating exactly what I told him at the time but since then we have been to France where quite a degree of bonding took place between me and the car. I aimed for Caterham level of handling and it has absolutely delivered everything I asked for. No body roll, sharp turn in and corners as if on rails. Biggest surprise has been the engine which is flexible and provides so much power right up through the rev range. The overall lightness of the car coupled with the power of the engine makes it an absolute delight to drive on twisty roads. Just to put the performance into context it has a better power to weight ratio than a Lancia Delta Integrale, Lotus Elise and Fiesta ST185; impressive for a N/A forty year old design 1500.
But I do need an new project. To avoid having to sell the Triumph I have ditched the Elan idea in favour of a Ginetta G15 which is much more affordable. Many of you will know that the G15 is Hillman Imp powered but utilises Spitfire front suspension and steering rack. I have a car in mind but haven't collected it yet.
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On my GT6 I used graphite grease between each leaf and wrapped the spring with Denso tape which kept the grease in and the water out. It worked really well.
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Hello Minions
I feel like the New Messiah or the Pied piper
Long drive to day, feel violated by the paege system (€44+ to go through a 8 mile tunnel! Bl*****y Frogs)plus all the other charges on route!!!!!!!
No pockets in shrouds Roger
A great blog.Well done. Look forward to hearing about CLM on the other side.
John
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wow this is an excellent trip, only just picked it up
Aaron
It really is an extraordinary trip Aaron. I shall miss the daily updates.
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I think you went on holiday just in the nick of time Roger because hopefully you bought your Euros at a rather better rate than you can get them today. I think we got ours at 1.27 and the last time I looked it was 1.19. But whatever the price you have paid you've certainly found some lovely places to stay and to eat. Not to mention the amazing scenery.
It looks like you've got another hot and sunny day ahead of you tomorrow; mid thirties so keep the factor 50 going.
Take care and best wishes to you both
John
540 views now. You are going viral!
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I can see trouble ahead Roger. From five star living to a tent. You certainly know how to give a girl a good time
I could have given you a lovely B & B in Arnage. Lovely couple into classic cars as well.You'll have to explain to me how at every hotel you manage to arrange these intimate breakfasts on your own private veranda with views to die for. The poor old Spitty looks a bit lonely down there in the park.
I hope the clutch master cylinder hangs on because if you do decide to fit new seals I don't think you can bleed it without taking the tunnel out. Unless of course you have done the fiendish mod of a remote bleed nipple.
I guess tomorrow night will be your last post before you hit Le Mans. Look forward to it.
John
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Hello John and secret followers
A few of tonight's meal (just to wind you up!) And cellar enterance
Roger
Ps I think my clutch master cylinder is starting to leak! (my Blue sueade shoes have stains on them!) But I think I have a set of seals in the boot will put some fluid in tomorrow!
ow can you do this to us Roger?
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Have you noticed Roger there have been over four hundred viewers monitoring our private conversations
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I'm going to miss your daily posts Roger once you lose WIFI. I come in at teatime and first thing is to check for an update. Another good day and more superb pictures. It has to be said that the Italian car designers have got real flair and in my opinion lead the world; such pretty cars, all of them.
I should imagine you will miss Italy when you cross the border. As a reader of your reports it seems to me that you have really enjoyed your time and experiences there and the accommodation, exceptional not even counting the bargain prices..
So, safe onward journey tomorrow and my best regards to you and Mrs Roger.
John
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Hello John
I am glad you like the meanderings of and old B****r
I am just trying to encourage others to try the same (perhaps not so exstream)
But don,t get old before your time!
This town we booked into on a whim is great (we changed our route back when we saw the so called motorways around Pisa etc.
The plot is not correct I will try and work it out
I think we hit about 2300 miles on Gladlys2 our sat nav (Speedo broken)
Here are a few more photo to encourage you (still like the Spaniards more!)
More lovely photos Roger. What an album you'll have. I'm sure the actual route I plotted was not right but it does give an idea of the distance you have covered.
As for age, I guess you and I are in the same bracket but hey, it's only a number.
Have a good day
John
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Just to put this trip into perspective, Roger had already driven 1000 miles to get to the point where I have started plotting his progress.and look how far South he has gone. Google Maps got fed up in the end and wouldn't take any more points.
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Hello John and anybody else
Yes the wife lasting very well and 47 years of nurturing (looking afer) has paid off?
And spitty is doing well as well (No bits fell off today and some of the roads are (what can I say to be polite? (S**t)
We climbed to 5000 feet today but no views as it was Forrest!!!!!!!!
We are in Certaldo tonight and going on the tram thing up the hill later to the old town for dinner and I noticed they were setting up a stage in the town square so could be singing and dancing later after the fizzy wine!
Off to Pavullo Onel Frignano tomorrow via the mountains (again)
Then it will be a bit of a slog for 2 days to get to Classic Le Mans but worth it
Roger
Ps the breakfast photo only shows half of the spread (and that is what I am doing?)
Well said Roger,This has to be an epic holiday that you will stay with you forever; the stunning scenery, the driving roads and that little car that has done so well. Absolutely marvellous and I really appreciate you taking the time to share it all with us. The words and the fantastic photos. It makes our recent foray into France look like a trip to Tescos. You've really sold me on Italy- the mountains, the ancient towns, the rich history, and the incredible value you've found with the B & Bs.
Right onto Streetview now for an update.
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My heart bleeds for you both having to suffer so much ice cream to cool yourselves under the sun and blue skies. Bet you cannot wait to get back home
Sounds like the old girl is behaving herself then Roger; a credit to careful preparation and maintenance.
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Roger, you are a tease. I was a bit worried for you for a moment until I read on. Good thing you've got the SatNav. We find it very useful to be able to display Km/hr and Kms; much easier than trying to read the speedometer. Interesting how distances on signs in Kms seem to diminish so quickly.
Another lovely batch of pictures all set under an azure sky. I suppose you could be finding the direct sun a bit hot with the roof down, not that we'd know anything about that here on Dartmoor. But the rain does settle the dust.
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Hello John
Spitty,s tickover has gone right down but I think it is the fuel? Lead free and 95 but not sure how much E in it? It does not say on pumps in Italy!
But she runs ok but then I do run Megajolt with vacuum and temperature compensation!
Off to to Narni tomorrow only about 80 miles but taking the scenic route (No autostrada)
Looking forward to going to Civita following day and Bolsena on the Lava di Bolsena lake
Roger
Ps start planing and consider Spain? Up to now enjoyed it more (people seem more friendly?)
But all good in a TRIUMPH,s of all types not euroboxes! They are for shopping and OLD people
Forgot to say we saw a Ford Capri Mk2 in Matera not sure of size as behind us
Now I like the idea of still in the back garden for home consumption of course?
Ah I'll have to get back onto Streetview Roger and monitor the next stage. The still? Where on earth do you find these things? Unbelievable. I really like your comment about Euroboxes for shopping and Old people. My sentiments entirely.
Not sure I followed the bit about planning for Spain. Are you saying that you have found the Spanish more friendly than the Italians? I always thought the Italians were more into their cars and would therefore be more forthcoming.
Some years ago I went to Italy with a small group among which was a new Alfa Romeo SZ and this car was revered everywhere it went in Italy and especially by the Police who would stop traffic to let it through. All that came to an end when on arriving at Calais for the ferry home the owner was brutally brought down to earth by the loader who shouted Put the cheese wedge over .'ere mate!
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Hi Roger, another great day. I've just been following some of your route on Streetview and what incredible landscapes and countryside you are passing through. You've whetted my appetite for Italy with your fantastic tour so perhaps I'll spend the Winter learning a bit of Italian in preparation for a foray there next year. You mention climbing up to 5000ft and I was wondering if your car was running a bit rich at that altitude? I had real problems in my Riley 1.5 on the '92 Marathon when the air became a bit thin. It was like running with the choke out. Come to think of it the car wasn't the only one; I felt a bit light headed myself when I got out of the car.
Have another good day tomorrow.
Best wishes
John
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Hi
I know John was concert that no one else was entering this thread so Just to let you know I am also an avid reader so thank you for this inspiring blog. My wife has now suggested we do similar, but we will probably just try a France trip first Currently holidaying in Somerset with the GT6 and am jealous of the weather you are having!!!
Aidan
You're not far away Aidan. Please do come and see us if you can.
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No we just booked accomadation and formed a very rough plan and went for it as is our usual style!
We are not travelling in the third world there are all ways hotels available if it goes pear shaped (I was going to say t*ts up but thats rude?)
Life is to short to worry about all that can go wrong (and I do worry but the wine helps!)
Roger
I know exactly what you mean Roger particularly when you think of components that if they fail then it's game over. In my case it was petrol pump and Aldon Ignitor electronic ignition. And once these are in your mind it seems to be always there. As you say these feelings do dull with the odd glass of wine and the sheer enjoyment of a wonderful holiday. We went as three couples and there is a lot of security in numbers knowing that if one car had a problem help is to hand.
This is an excellent account of your holiday and each day I go straight to it for the update.
regards
John
GT6 Mk3 Rear Load Area Panels
in Bodywork & Fittings
Posted
Newton Commercial list it.