Look what happened ...............

by Skid Tue 23 May 2017, 10:49 pm

.............. last Saturday.

On my way into the village, just before setting off to look at the Hillman, I spotted a 1950 2.5 litre Riley in the layby just about 500 meters from my house. The bonnet was up and the old guy looked like he was having problems. ten minutes later, on the way back he was still there so I pulled in to see if I could help. He said he could hear a sort of 'rumbling' noise but couldn't work out what it was. He was on his way to a classic motor show but didn't want to drive any further until the problem was identified.

I suggested he drive into our courtyard and we could use my trolley jack to jack up the car to see if we could sort it out. Well we did the front end, wheels rotated freely and no bearing play, so we moved on to the rear. Rear right was OK, but lo and behold, the left rear wheel nuts were loose. Tightened them up and made he and his wife some tea and had a lovely chat.

Turns out it took him 20 years to restore the car which is now in absolute concourse condition, beautiful but a bit too over restored for my taste. (probably better than when it left the factory) Anyway, they set off again and I followed for a mile or two. When he pulled in, he confirmed that the noise was now completely gone and they went on their way.

This is the car: