Vanden Plas Princess Mk2, page 2. Continued from July 2008

19.07.2008    The car has had a few days rest since the acquisition of my Daimler (see 'Daily Drives'). The new battery allows the car to fire up more readily and today sees the first day of the Ackworth Steam event near Pontefract. This is a nice show, but the Saturday provides few steam engines - mostly miniatures. A good show of commercials, tractors, jumble and not least of all cars offsets this disappointment.
20.07.2008    Another show, this time the best of the year so far at Newby Hall near Ripon. An early start, a drive of 54 miles gave no problems. At the entrance to the grounds the temperature gauge starts to rise however, and by the time I am parked up the needle is at the top of the gauge. I wonder if it would reasonable to fit an extra fan as the same problem occurs on leaving - slow moving traffic and a warm day obviously make matters worse than they should. Picking up speed allows more air flow and the temperature subsequently falls back to normal. As previously mentioned, the show itself was excellent (were there really over 2000 entries?), the NECPWA should be congratulated for their sterling efforts - not forgetting the exhibitors who turned up to show their vehicles.
26.07.2008    I find the cooling system to be low on fluid which is probably the reason for the car overheating. Topped up the system with 4Life (available from Holdens). It will be evident tomorrow if this really is the problem as I will attend a show at Cawthorne near Barnsley.
27.07.2008    A very hot day for Barnsley Rotary Club's car show at Cannon Hall, Cawthorne. The Princess' temperature gauge is still above normal, but I think it is due to the weather rather than the car. A good show but, perhaps, too many 'modern' classics.
08.08.2008    Issue 936, August 7th, page 4 of 'Classic Car Weekly' features a photograph of the Princess advertising the Traditional Car Clubs event on 17th August in association with the Rotary Club of Doncaster St George. Made arrangements for a pre-MOT check (especially for the handbrake which is operating unevenly). The MOT and Tax is due at the end of this month.
10.08.2008    There are a few squeaks on the rear suspension during a drive to the Driffield Steam Rally. A few showers did not detract from the usual good standard of the show.
20.08.2008    The car has passed this year's MOT at 70,882 miles with no problems. Prior to this, it was waxoyled with lubrication to the rear suspension to eliminate the squeaks (found to be quite dry). The handbrake was adjusted and the suspension height was checked and was okay. All pretty satisfactory then and ready for the next show at Crich Tramway Museum on Sunday.
24.08.2008    Excellent weather apart from one light shower led me on a drive totalling 117 miles via the Crich Tramway Museum where their Transport Extravaganza was being held. An average show but enjoyable nonetheless. On the return journey there were traffic jams on the motorway and the car's temperature gauge again began to rise. Further investigation is, therefore, required as it probably won't go away.
07.09.2008    The car has not been used for 2 weeks and, on initial starting, sounds as though it is not firing on all cylinders. This, however, settles down after a few minutes. A short trip to the YTCC's Wilton Park event in Batley follows where a prize as runner up in class was awarded despite the car's unclean condition. A rare, warm day caught most people out as the turnout was lower than expected.
21.09.2008    A touch of summer at last! It's off to Epworth in North Lincs for the Festival of the Plough. I thought it would be a small village show, but discover a very well attended event with many attractions. The only downside was the dusty ground and the lengthy stubble in the field where I was parked. The car will need to be thoroughly cleaned and checked over. It coped well with the trip and, as I was a little late setting off, was touching 70mph on the motorway for the first time.
10.10.2008    Changed no.2 & no.3 spark plugs which cured the misfire mentioned 7th Sept. They appeared somewhat 'gunged' up.
12.10.2008    A long drive to Bolton Abbey Station proved uneventful. This was for a 'bus running day' by the Aire Valley Transport Group. Somewhat cloudy to begin with but later brightened up to a fine day and a good show of buses, commercials and cars with the added attraction of the Embsay & Bolton Abbey railway. This is the 2nd of two consecutive weekends known as 'The White Rose Gathering'. The 1st is for cars and this, the 2nd, is for buses, commercials & cars. Last week I attended with the Daimler. Both events are informal, no plaques or prizes, and no entry forms are required.
19.10.2008    A road run from the Aircraft Museum, Doncaster ended at Sandtoft Trolleybus Museum where the St Leger Rally was held. Despite the very windy weather, the event was very well attended featuring the 'Cambridge and Oxford Owners Club'.

22.01.2009    The engine has been 'turned over' a few times since it's last proper use without any great problems. I am surprised the battery has coped so well considering the recent adverse weather. It is now time for a complete respray to match up the different shades of green and, to facilitate this, the hub caps, overriders and grille have been removed. It is intended to flush and change the oil and have a further investigation of the rattle under the car (suspension/exhaust?).
27.01.2008    Car is sent for painting and, on 19th February, the door cappings are sent for re-lacquering as the old lacquer was lifting due to water or condensation ingress as shown. The chrome was cleaned, showing left the rear bumper and number plate light assembly. I find the grille has a few marks and, therefore, the badge bar was removed.
06.03.2009    The car celebrates it's 40th birthday today.

03.04.2009    Final chrome cleaning - the hubcaps & rim embellishers (before & after).

04.04.2009    The car returns home wearing its new coat. The respray (in Sherwood Green) and renovation of the underseal and wax protection, the oil flush - filter & oil change was carried out by D&S Motors of Mapplewell, Barnsley, a 2 man concern who have done a very good job. As I await the photographic record of the work done, below are the first few photos since completion (click to enlarge). The door cappings have been re-lacquered by Autocraft of Mexborough. Although the rear right door capping is disappointing due to lifting of the veneer, the overall finish is quite good.

Click here for photos taken during the respray

19.04.2009    The first outing of the 'show season' presents no problem as I go to Elsecar Heritage Centre where it fitted in nicely with some of the better cars on display.
02.05.2009    I attempt to start the car in readiness for another show, but, for some reason, the engine will not turn over. The ignition light is on, the car is in neutral, but not a flicker from the engine. The Daimler has to attend the Ackworth & Thoresby Park events.
03.05.2009    After discussion with club colleagues, I decide to clean all terminals, replace the distributor cap, rotor arm, spark plugs and fuse box - still nothing. Time for an auto-electrician, I think.
05.05.2009    Marsden's Auto Electricians of Barnsley discover the solenoid needs replacement. The car starts after some 'jiggling'.
07.07.2009    The new solenoid, from Vehicle Wiring Products of Ilkeston (pictured right with the old one), is fitted - car starts first time and sounds much sweeter. It is earthed by the bracket being against the bodywork.
On hot idling the temperature gauge zooms to the top of the scale, but is cured by topping up the radiator with a little fluid in the expansion tank.
10.05.2009    The weekend offers a couple of shows, first at the St Leger Horse Park near Doncaster and the other at Beningborough Hall near York. The car behaves impeccably until I get home and find the rear right tyre is flat. There is a tear on the inner wall probably due to old age. Purchased new 145/12 from Malcolm's of Barnsley. A visual inspection of the others suggests some cracking between the tread of the left rear.
 

24.05.2009    Off to Thornton le Dale near Pickering and I encounter traffic jams near York, so the car crawls to the show for some miles. Finally turn up to this delightful North Yorkshire village where I find the weather and show is more than satisfactory. Decide to choose a different route home to avoid the traffic - got lost! The following day its off to Sherburn in Elmet where the Aero Club hosts their annual bank holiday event - another good show - my forearms are getting sunburnt!
31.05.2009    Wollaton Hall, Nottingham is the next outing, another excellent but tiring day. The Vanden Plas has coped extremely well with the miles it has had to cover but it is getting somewhat dusty and needs a good polish.

     
In front of the house at Beningborough, on the field at Thornton, Sherburn & Wollaton

14.06.2009    An excellent day at Locke Park, Barnsley (picture, right) where many kind comments were passed about the car. Fine weather, plenty to see, just that I forgot the suncream!This was the Yorkshire Thoroughbred Club's concours event.
The rubber surround of the radiator is very much past it's best and needs replacement before it becomes totally ineffective. It is also time to check the CV & ball joints, as they too may be past their best.
21.06.2009  Another fine event at Brodsworth Hall (below left) with many kind words, plenty of sun, flora & cars.
25.06.2009    An invitation to take the car to Ivanhoe Junior & Infant School at Conisbrough near Doncaster by their headmaster was accepted and a sunny afternoon was spent explaining the virtues of the older car. It was most pleasing to see the enthusiasm shown by the children and the 'Princess' was a surprising hit with them as, indeed, were the other cars - an Armstrong Siddeley, Standard Flying 10, Austin 12, Rover 3.5 P6, Singer Chamois and a Ford Prefect.
28.06.2009    Graves Park in Sheffield saw a dull and cloudy start to the day but was later hot and sunny. Probably more 'new' classics than the norm. The car is squeaking, creaking and rattling a bit, so it seems a little lubrication is required. The interior is looking decidedly shabby and needs attention.

01.07.2009    A little WD40 around the suspension cures the 'squeaks & creaks', the rattles are for curing later.
05.07.2009    A weekend of shows brings varied experiences. An evening show at Thornes Park, Wakefield was reasonable. Earlier adverse weather meant a late start and diminished numbers attending.
The following day, I should have enjoyed the International Air Show at RAF Waddington - setting off in good time and having a trouble free run until I reach Newark when steam emanates from under the hood. The culprit? Me, I had forgotten to tighten the radiator cap after a top up and water and steam were billowing from under it. The temperature gauge is at its extreme, but I have to get to a garage. Fortunately, this was only about half a mile. This, however, made me late and I ended up in a queue for over 2 hours. On arrival, I was not allowed through the crowds and had to park away from the show area. Thoroughly exasperated, I stayed only an hour or so before deciding to leave for home in order to avoid further queues. A total of 168 unnecessary miles and 4 to 4½ hours on the road!
Off to Wortley Hall near Sheffield and what a contrast - a leisurely day spent, good weather and a good show - I'm calm again!
12.07.2009    The Traditional Car Club's concourse event is held at the College for the Deaf in Doncaster - reasonable weather, well attended. The car's radiator needs a small 'top-up' again. I cannot see that there is a leak.
19.07.2009    The show most enthusiasts in the north look forward to is held today at Newby Hall, Ripon. Once again it did not disappoint with about 1500 vehicles of all shapes, sizes & condition putting on a fine exhibition. A remarkable surprise for me was an award of 3rd prize in class!! A very satisfying end to the day.
24.07.2007    The fluid loss from the radiator continues and I attempt, once again, to search for the cause. After several hours of bad language, removing various items and replacing them, I was about to give up when I noticed a bubbling from a hole in the water pump. It now becomes evident the seal in the pump is no longer viable and needs replacing.
26.07.2009    I decide not to risk taking the car to Ripon Old Cars show at Ripon Racecourse, taking the Daimler instead. Just as well - very wet. I was fortunate enough to pick up a new water pump at the autojumble for a reasonable price.
27.07.2009    As I was unsuccessful in removing the bottom radiator hose previously (there's no drain plug!), I take the Princess to D&S Motors for fitting of the new water pump. I decide to take the radiator to Wakefield Radiator Services in order to install a drain plug or tap. A new cylinder head to water pump corrugated hose was purchased.
29.07.2009    The new water pump has made an enormous difference to the sound of the engine - no more rattles & scraping noises! The old one was obviously way past it's best. The radiator has a new drain tap and the side re-soldered. Leak testing is successful. The cooling system is refilled with '4Life' (lasts about 10 years) purchased from the MG Owners Club spares department (a couple of quid cheaper than from Holdens). A short 'run' ends uneventfully.
01.08.2009    Visited Tockwith Show near York and got wet! Mud, rain and road spray could not prevent the car gaining a creditable 2nd place in class on the day.
02.08.2009    A very early start for a long drive to Peterborough for the BMC/BL Rally at Ferry Meadows. An average show, excellent weather. Considering the advertised major autojumble, I found it somewhat disappointing. 65 mph on the A1 for a round trip of 233 miles. A bit too far methinks!
09.08.2009    No problems to report as I make the short journey to YTCC's Locke Park show in Barnsley. Glorious weather and around 250 vehicles make for a good event. I notice a small paint chip on the front edge of the bonnet which is touched up using 'left-over' paint.
16.08.2009    A nice day at Driffield Steam Rally - the car is fine, but my clothes are covered in soot!

Variety at Driffield; Steam cycle, classic cars, heavy steam vehicles, light & heavy commercials and a '100 ton tractor pull'.

22.08.2009    Kirkstall Abbey today, a fine day in Leeds. The engine is sounding quite rough on starting, misfiring, but this settles down after a minute or so. I notice coolant leaking from the head gasket. As the engine oil is clear, I decide to take a chance and attend the Whitby Regatta the following day as I had planned. Considering the steep hills (up and down) in North Yorkshire, the car coped very well with, perhaps, a negligible loss of power or perhaps that was due to the hills of Blue Bank and Saltergate Bank on the A169. An appointment is made for a head gasket change. As this is not for a little while I continue to use the car, visiting Crich Tramway Museum, Harewood Family Steam Day and Wentworth Castle Gardens.
07.09.2009    The head gasket is finally changed and was found to be faulty between No.2 & 3 cylinders & the top of cylinder 3 is a little 'gungy'. The plugs were cleaned & re-gapped as the misfiring was probably  due to coolant fouling them. The engine is once again running smoothly.
12.09.2009    On the way home from Darley Dale Festival of Transport near Matlock, the engine falters again - sounding 'tappety'.
13.09.2009    At Otley Vehicle Extravaganza I find the exhaust manifold gasket is leaking after discussion with Tradclub members. On reaching home, the first manifold stud is stripped and later the manifold 'face' needs filing. As the manifold is getting thin at it's facing to the cylinder head, it looks like a replacement will be needed soon. The manifold is attended to - and the engine is now fine.
20.09.2009    The car wins it's first trophy at the Sheffield Transport Rally held at Meadowhall as best in class, although I am unsure how many were entered! The day was further enhanced by the excellent weather & a good attendance of vehicles. The model buses on the parcel shelf are an acknowledgement to the South Yorkshire Transport Museum who organised the event.
27.09.2009    Another run out, this time to York Racecourse for an HCVS event. Breezy & cool but plenty to see. The car has now had a good run and seems okay, it may, however, be the last show the car will attend this year.

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