RUMCars Forum
General Category => Invalid Carriages & other related conveyances => Topic started by: HubNut on November 05, 2017, 05:40:55 PM
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I haven't managed to get it back home yet, but I do now own a very early Model 70.
(https://classichub.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/invacars-2-e1509728932884.jpg)
I also own the M-reg one in the background, so I guess that's right on the 10"/12" wheel changeover?
Anyway, here's an interior shot of the K-plater, which is an Invacar.
(https://classichub.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/invacars-3-e1509728948233.jpg)
Cannot wait to get started, but we've got the logistical challenge of getting them back to Wales to overcome first. Plans are being worked on. Thought I'd get this thread started though, as I'm bound to be asking a lot of questions!
As a bit of background, I've owned Citroen 2CVs since I was 18 (21 years ago...) and have always had a thing for small, unusual cars. I've attended a couple of NMCRs - one at Huntingdon in Cambs, where I got to drive a BMW Isetta and a Scootacar, and one at Malvern, where I just admired the mix of cars. I was always fascinated by the Invacars when I was a child, yet it wasn't until very recently that I discovered the mechanical spec of the Model 70 - an aircooled flat twin!
Anyway, plan is to carry out a gentle restoration on the early car, and if I haven't robbed too many bits from it, look to restore the second one as well.
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Really looking forward to following how your restoration progresses, Ian. It got me thinking that I really ought to post my restoration too but fear I'd not be able to keep up with a pro journalist/restoration past master (!).
I was at the farm today and took away one of the ACs :-) The seller wasn't best pleased with me to start with and he accused me of of being a dealer which made me laugh (but he didn't think it was so funny!) as it couldn't be further from the truth... I've never sold a single model 70 related item.
I was also hoping to get to look at the condition of your chassis today but ran out of time - unfortunately mine appear to have floors that are rotten straight through so hope yours are better than mine. Oh well, at least I have a couple of Barry's good chassis to build up with a jigsaw puzzle of decent body parts from the farm and might hopefully also have a few spares to help other owners out as and when.
I hope the removals plan back to Wales comes together for you but do shout if not - you never know there might be a way 'round it if all else fails.
What do you know about the flat twin - I'd imagine good power to weight ratio, especially if you get one of the illusive 600cc engines!
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Thanks. I know very little about the Steyr-Puch units. They're quite different to the Citroen ones, as they seem to have a distributor for a start. They should be well balanced though, and a lot smoother than the straight-twin fitted to Fiat 500s.
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Right. When it comes to registering these, am I likely to hit any problems? I'm planning to get the V62 in for the older one ASAP.
I'm collecting both of mine next Tuesday.
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V62 sent off. The Invacars are now home too!
Here's the early one in the truck.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DPLE9O6WsAA7TPt.jpg)
I stopped for a brew on the way home. Here's the spares car. The body is very poor, pretty much everywhere. Both cars have 12" wheels.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DPPNWB0X0AE4FrD.jpg)
Not actually sure how they're coming out of the truck yet. We'll worry about that minor detail tomorrow...
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They're home!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeJCsce_AAc
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Well done Ian! Great video and no probs with the wheel. Let me have it back one day. Although 10", the rolling circumference should be the same. You have quite a following there and as for sponsorship - brilliant! Can't get me any can you and we'll have a race!
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Thanks.
I've sent off for a V5, but oddly, the chassis number on the chassis itself (starting H) does not match the chassis number on the plaque inside the car.
In other news, the Ebay key arrived, and has allowed me to get into the engine bay. I couldn't turn the crank pulley by hand, but I removed the plugs, squeezed some oil into the bores and gently turned it with a handle. I can't quite get a full turn, but it is free up to a point. I wonder if a valve is stuck? Might need to get the rocker covers off. The engine in the spares car turns very easily by hand, so that's good to know.
I have found the fire extinguisher and oil pouring jug inside the car, which is nice. I've now cleaned the broken glass out of it as well and I think it'll clean up nicely. Any tips on seat removal? I'd like to remove the rear cover so I can inspect the belt drive. The seat belt buckle is currently blocking the seat from sliding too far to the left.
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Try removing two of the four bolts connecting the back of the seat to the seat base cushion (the two corner ones, and loosen the other two). That should allow the back of the seat to tilt forward enough to remove the passenger compartment engine cover.
With the seatbelt receiver, it should hinge down sufficiently to clear the seat's sideways travel but I found the seat base/its rear rollers removal from the car to be a pita..... there must be an easier way - possibly by dismantling the seat base posts first. I wouldn't do this again unless there was a need to take the floor up or do some other major repair/nut and bolt rebuild.....
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Thanks. I'll give that a go. In the meantime, new tyres have arrived, but I had a bit of an accident trying to get the wheels off...
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DPydBVIW0AUxI5z.jpg)
I've a lot to learn about weight distribution as even when trying to jack as far back as I could, it ended up tipping off my stands. Thankfully, only a very slight bit of damage to the bodywork on the offside, but I'll be more careful fitting the wheels...
Incidentally, turns out this one was also wearing a mix of 12" and 10" wheels, so I'll have to rob a 12" from the spares car.
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TWC is now on new tyres, at the rear. The front holds air, so that'll do for now. Some way from getting her on the road. Now need to free off one of the rear wheels so she'll roll. Maybe I can even get her indoors.
Quick question - will an AC rear window fit the Invacar shell?
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Your videos sprung up on my YouTube account, so saw the first at the farm and second transporting home.
Hopefully to see some more as time goes on.
I remember these from my child years and recall seeing a batch parked up, I was told it was a garage for repairs.
I seen the earlier metal AC metal bodied at the Hamond collection.
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Thanks. More videos to come! The major news today is that my wife and I managed to drag TWC into my garage, so my aircooled, flat-twin pair are together!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQDT6hbWAAA9WS_.jpg)
The offside rear wheel was seized, so we skidded it along some damp planks. Worked a treat!
Then jacked it up and removed (eventually!) the offside rear drum, but even with it off, that hub wasn't keen to turn. Jacked up the otherside, and then it was better, though still fairly stiff both sides. I'm wondering if it is actually in neutral? It has the gear selector down the right-side of the seat, but it doesn't seem to move very far. It's pointing up, which is where I assume neutral should be?
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Your wife is very understanding, Ian! Shouldn’t you be doing up the second car for her?
Your understanding of the gear lever is mine too although it isn’t always precisely vertical for neutral in my experience but in the natural notch between forward and reverse. Even in gear through I have been able to rotate the rear wheels. If you do end up removing the drive belt as part of a process of elimination then don’t be too worried about saving it - I have a massive stock of such things and happy to assist if needed.
I don’t know what else to suggest - could it be the semi-seized engine you mentioned? the drum type clutch locked up? I’m assuming you have backed off the handbrake adjuster and it’s running free?
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Progress!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DQPDAVgXUAAAD_0.jpg)
I'm really busy with work at the moment, but got some time yesterday evening to tinker. First up, I sprayed more penetrating oil into the bores, then tried cranking it again. Back and forth, back and forth and then, yes, it turned! So now the engine turns all the way.
Then I connected up a battery and slowly but surely, the electrics crept into life. It was a bit odd, as at first, nothing worked at all, but then the headlamps came on, then one rear sidelight, then the wiper was working, then another rear sidelight and the fronts! Indicators don't work yet, but that's trivial at this stage.
I then, with the plugs out, bravely tried the Dynastart. It clicked, but no action. So, off with the top engine cover, gave the Dynastart a few 'love taps' with a hammer, and bingo! It is now turning the engine. That was at just after 10pm last night, so for the sake of the neighbours, I downed tools. Hoping to get a chance to try and get her running today!
Not sure what to do with the spares car yet. One thing at a time!
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Nice update!
The lights coming on one at a time is so sweet - as if TWC is just waking up ever-so-slowly after a 14 year deep sleep :-)
Have you plans to repaint?
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Hubnut,
I got caught up watching some of your videos since you first posted.
They are quite entertaining!
If you don't mind me asking, how and why does Hagerty support you?
I think that just a bit cleaned up and professionally directed you could find yourself more successfully occupied as a low budget grass roots "Wheeler Dealer" alternative. Sort of a survivalist record of your excursions into the high risk abyss of bargain hunting relying on but a single simple carry on tool box and your wits to make it home, and even profitable in a short term.
No need or want to get slowed down by elaborate fixes, as that will make for greater efficiency of entertainment production, and that segment has already been played out by others at much greater expense of time and money.
Then you'd have more time and budget to do the things that you most like doing, and I'd have something more interesting to watch on the tv.
Could be you've stumbled upon an interesting and rewarding career, rather than just an exciting pass time.
It depends on what you make of it.
Now to your post.
Interesting that one can benefit from love taps on a Dynastarter, and that the other electrics slowly came to life on their own.
Do you think that you knocked the brushes loose, and that electrons build up pressure until they jump a gap of sorts? I haven't ever heard that electrons do this, but would appreciate knowing why it seems that they do.
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I'm thinking that, rather than electrons (getting bored and) jumping gaps, perhaps when the current was first applied, there was resistance somewhere (probably at the bulb contacts) from dirt or corrosion. This would have caused the bulbs to light very dimly (perhaps imperceptibly), but caused heat at the point of poor contact. The contacts would then slightly expand/move, producing a better contact? Perhaps ...
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I suspect it's actually more to do with something in the fusebox, as I lost electrics entirely again yesterday. Poking around under the dash got things working again but annoyingly, I'm not sure which wire/fuse that got jiggled made things work again. It was very odd - complete loss of electrics. Nothing worked at all, despite proven battery voltage.
I have so very nearly got this running. A few coughs, a few impressive backfires through the carb but she's not quite getting there. Will check through the fuel system tomorrow. I've fitted an ignition amplifier which has got me as far as some actual spark.
The Hagerty thing is a deal just to sponsor my videos, which will follow the rebuild of this car through to attending Hagerty's Festival of the Unexceptional event next summer. I have no plans to repaint the car.
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It runs!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DRBH-62X4AAdWoQ.jpg)
Powerspark ignition booster and fresh fuel and she's away. Fuel pump works, but isn't drawing from the tank, so I rigged up a fuel can. Exhaust blew apart almost immediately, which isn't exactly surprising.
So, I really need to get on and find some parts. Service items, drive belts for the Dynastart and an exhaust seem like the priorities, but I'll also need to go through the brakes before I try going for a drive.
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One filled-up with modern two star, the rubber joining the fuel line to the tank (and either side of the fuel filter) will disintegrate. I thought my tank had rusted through but it happened on three of my cars. Exhaust system from Mark possibly.
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You're spot on I reckon Barry. I did pour a little fuel into the tank, and that now seems to be on my garage floor. Sadly, as the garage is part of the house, the whole house stank of petrol this morning! I may be in the bad books...
But, here's a video update.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipP6nnD7Wcg&feature=youtu.be
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HubNut,
Loved your video because it's heartening to see someone else going through all the unanticipated machinations required to get a long neglected micro car back in the running. Especially to be seeing it performed in conditions so similar to what I might be dealing with if it were not for the temperate clime that I am lucky to enjoy at this time of year.
Very similar to what I just went through getting my Goggo TS 400 sunroofless saloon going after a 17 year slumber in the desert sun last summer. Not to mention the even greater interval preceeding that since it had travelled under it's own power.
Also similar goings on when my Seab Flipper reluctantly allowed me to gradually stir it's electrics and engine back to life the year before. When it was first hooked up to a good battery, only a left turn signal would come on, but not blink- nothing else electrical in the entire car worked until attended to. So you have been a bit luckier than I in that department.
May I suggest a carb disassembly and clean out of it's jets after you have replaced the fuel lines, and washed out the tank? Seeing as your rig actually has a fuel pump, might as well through in a low restriction fuel filter while your at it in case something shakes loose in the tank when you hit the road with it.
I'm looking forward to seeing your first drive video.
A bit worried about that metallic clunking I heard a few times before the engine got fully running on both cylinders. Hope it's not a rod bearing or something similarly serious. Some new oil and a good bit of luck may be in order here.
Barring the preceding worry, a couple of hours with a rotary wire brush followed by your proprietary black rust paint on the rusted ferrous bits, and some of the finest grade steel wool on the aluminum pieces in the engine compartment should make the under bonnet view much more inviting, and inspire you to get it all dialed in just that much better.
Happy motoring!
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Looks like you Mark and I can go and watch a football match soon!
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Ha! Brilliant.
Yes, the engine noise was a bit odd. It sounded bellhousing end though, so I wonder if it's the usual thing of the clutch surface breaking up. I'm pinning my hopes on that anyway, and hoping it doesn't prevent me going for a drive when time allows.
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It drives, though only tested with wheels raised so far.
Which brings me to the next challenge. Brakes. I have wheel cylinder part numbers - Girling GWC1110 or 64673251 if you need to know. So, I should be able to find rebuild kits or just replace the cylinders. Anyone got the part number for the master cylinder itself?
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Master cylinder says Girling 625, so I'll get one of those ordered as well.
Replaced the fuel lines today. Line had rotted on the tank connector. No filter to be found anywhere. All-new lines, apart from the last bit of plastic in the engine bay, which still seemed in good order. Included a large in-line filter on the pipe run.
Also discovered that the indicator relay is missing, on both cars annoyingly. The AC is also missing half the carburettor, though I had the engine spinning on the Dynastart earlier.
Invacar has had half an engine service, but the oil filter is the earlier cartridge type, and the new filter came with no seals. The old ones are not oiltight, so while I await new seals and brake parts, progress has slowed somewhat.
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One step closer to road legality - apparently it is no longer scrapped on the DVLA system. I hope that means a logbook is imminent...
Had it moving (not very far) under its own power today!
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Haven't been keeping this up to date, because I'm not convinced anyone is actually reading it, but some important developments.
I broke the distributor trying to get it out, so have had to remove the engine. The brake hydraulics have been replaced, and all is well. A V5C has been received. The spares car's engine has been started and is likely to be used in the Invacar I'm restoring.
Some of that has made it to my latest video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_efycr8uhg&feature=youtu.be
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I am reading. Keep up the good work and keep reporting please.
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Usually when anyone posts anything on this forum, there are at least 20 - 30 people who take a look to see what it is. We don't have a "like" button, and the forum is a lot quieter than it was back in its heyday 5-6 years ago, but I think the value of posting here can be judged by the fact that things posted on here appear shortly afterwards on Facebook even when the source isn't credited. The purpose of this forum is simply to share our knowledge and enthusiam for microcars, invalid carriages & other related conveyances and it still manages to do that thanks to postings like yours.
Cheers!
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Thanks folks! I'll try and keep going then.
Split the engine and gearbox today.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DUuPij6WAAA9DZt.jpg)
I think I'm going to try and pull just the engine from my parts car, as where it's perched isn't ideal for trying to extract the entire running gear from below.
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Spare engine is out. Bit of a game, as we decided to remove just the engine, which meant getting it out from above. Had to remove the casing as the engine is full of mouse detritus! Requires removal of a simply staggering number of bolts and screws.
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I've taken to watching all of your Microcar related videos, and a few others to boot.
I like your style and find your presentations to be humbly if not brutally entertaining, as they so accurately portray the many dramas required by performing even the most simple seeming mechanical tasks.
Your wife deserves honorable mention as best supporting actress in your Invacar engine lift that looked too much like a precursor to a crusifixion.
Perhaps the application of a really good penetrating oil, like Aerokroil for a few days in advance of the really difficult extraction of your original engine's distributor, along with some prudent tapping and application of the principle that something round that needs to come out must be made to rotate before pulling axially, would have prevented the application of violence that ruined that engine.
We must be especially gentle but persistent to get these types of jobs done on these little wonders, as they are more delicate, and there is a dwindling supply of spares.
Looking forward to seeing more of your honest and interesting videos, including a drive in your Invacar quite shortly.
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Thanks!
Second engine's dizzy has had many applications of penetrating oil, and I tried heat the other night. It really isn't interested in shifting, so I'm just going to leave it. I believe the ignition timing to be near enough ok. I will fit new points, as the ones fitted are suspect, so hopefully I can control the timing that way if necessary (albeit only slightly by altering the gap).
Engine parts not in particularly short supply, as so much is shared with the Steyr-Puch Haflinger. That's a major bonus, as the engine needs new lower plates, as they have rotted away on both engines. Haflinger Technik have been a great help.
Gearbox is back in. Hoping to get the engine in tomorrow morning, then plumb everything back in and hope for the best...
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Was trying to get the new engine in today, but sadly a transmission mount broke up.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVGtQevX4AAc1uE.jpg)
I'm hoping this is a fairly standard part. Any idea where I might find one?
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And here's the mount.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVHH4w8XkAA58vg.jpg)
Put the part number into Google and only one company came up. They had three on the shelf, so I've ordered two of them.
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Put the part number into Google and only one company came up. They had three on the shelf, so I've ordered two of them.
::) Oh, if only microcar parts were always like that ...
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Great!
Secret to success with getting the distributer to rotate is to have the right product, and then some patience.
Try ordering the Aerokroil ("the oil that creeps into spaces literally one millionth of an inch wide").
Then put a few drops on the interface with about one minute of non destructive tapping as if trying to get the piece to ring, every time you walk by it for several days.
Also give it a good tugging, or better yet tapping in both directions of rotation, just shy of the point of creating any destructive effect, at least once a day.
I'll bet you get it turning within a week of the above.
It's worked for me on a 4 barrel carburetor spindle left after being degreased inside of it's close fitting carburetor body for 30 years. I had beat on the spindle tab for hours, to the point that I became worried that I wouldn't be able to reshape the tab correctly if I continued.
3 days of Aerokroil, with a ringing like fast tapping for about a minute each time, and on the fourth day I thought that I was hallucinating that it budged.
Five minutes more of tapping and turning restored it to it's design parameter of ease of rotational motion with zero slop. Mission successful!
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Thanks for that. I may well give it a try.
In the meantime, the replacement transmission mounts have arrived. Check out the label!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVW-YcLXUAAaETT.jpg)
They have one left in stock. The second one didn't have the cool label.
https://www.johnrichardssurplus.co.uk/dunlop-metalastick-rubber-mounting-sty327.html
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Well, it's been a while coming, but I've finally had my first, terrifying drive!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DVv3NuVX0AAT8h2.jpg)
Had a blockage in the carb to deal with, but she's now running pretty well.
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Remember.............. just after you put your right hoof through the floor, the brakes are actually applied by pushing down on the handlebars. In an emergency this is not always to first reaction. ;D
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Ha! Funny you should say that. I was recording video of the first drive and caught myself going for the brake pedal. This is going to take some getting used to. Thankfully, I have a decent bit of driveway to practice on.
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And the full video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eJ2czKlRYI&feature=youtu.be
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Great stuff! Good to see the updates again.
Hope the manual was helpful.
Didnt see any mention on the vids (might have missed it) but did you renew the clutch? I probably need a new one in my car so would welcome any pointers where to get one!
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No, clutch seems to be working a treat, and now I know the knack, getting the engine out isn't much bother. It isn't a traditional clutch but three 'shoes' like in a brake system. I understand brake specialists may be able to get them relined.
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Another video update for your amusement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sL2JrgQHi0&feature=youtu.be
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No link for the video update showing yet..
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My fault! Got the link wrong. Now sorted.
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You must be the only person to have driven one in the snow for 20 years!
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No, clutch seems to be working a treat, and now I know the knack, getting the engine out isn't much bother. It isn't a traditional clutch but three 'shoes' like in a brake system. I understand brake specialists may be able to get them relined.
https://www.facebook.com/tuningblog.eu/videos/976237342543380/
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You must be the only person to have driven one in the snow for 20 years!
It really wasn't very much snow. Raining again today!
Key question is, can I bless this thing with an MOT before the month is out? So far, I've been trying to fix the doorhandles. Might be using 2CV ones for now.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DXYih4TWsAEWc9G.jpg)
I do want to re-instate the proper handles, but I don't seem to have a working pair, and time is running out.
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Oh we're getting close now!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQxiIzDlGFw&feature=youtu.be
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Superb work.
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Thank!. Decided to chuck it around a bit today before heading out on the road on Friday for the MOT... Not actually quite as dramatic as the camera makes out...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPA0xmnNHUs
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MOT day! Great excitement, quite a lot of nervousness too. A 12-mile drive to the MOT station...
I have managed to cover four miles on my driveway, which is quite impressive. 20mph the fastest I've achieved.
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Well that has been a VERY exciting day! Legality achieved!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DYbB_SlWsAA5FjQ.jpg)
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Well done! Great to have another back on the road!
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Thanks. May have got a bit carried away today...
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DYvtnGMWkAADfZY.jpg)
But, how many people have seen this sort of view from an Invacar?
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DYv3iB0XkAEvicV.jpg)
Still have some running issues, but she seems to be improving with use. 55 miles covered now.
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Interesting that the snow atop the surface of the black top, which is the most heat absorbent color is the last to melt, even though it's gotten churned up to boot.j
Also interesting that neither the cleared path to the right or left of the road center looks as wide as a typical English vehicle.
Does everyone there drive down the center of the road?
What did that feel like with your Invacar's central steered wheel bashing through the central slush pile like a Russian ice breaker through an Arctic sea?
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Dear Steve
Snow is very common in Wales. Unlike some parts of California.
They also have big tractors that use the country roads, along with their trucks and Land Rovers.
The snow on the roads gets compacted into ice, which takes longer to thaw than the un-compacted snow in the fields. Also in the shadow of the trees and hedges the sun does not fall on the snow to help it melt so quickly.
Life is one long learning experience.
Chris Thomas
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Yes, it's the fluffier cold version of the wet stuff, that makes the mud flow in the burn areas, that except for the last few days we so rarely see here.
Judging by the lesser amount of it seen beyond the stand of trees, it seems that our trusty editor has solved the mystery of it's prolonged predominance on your roadway.
But am I correct in inferring that the usual traveller on this road directs his vehicle to straddle the mid line of it's long axis when encountering the white peril, or not being challenged into a game of chicken by an oncoming driver?
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On a narrow country road, most vehicles do indeed "head down the middle", until an oncoming vehicle is encountered. Snow or no snow!
It makes steering and vision easier.
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Indeed. It's a single-track road. Which made it fun when I met a tractor...
Sorry for radio silence. Not a lot to report really. Have been battling oil leaks and now the brake master cylinder seems to be leaking. This is why I wanted plenty of time to give it a shakedown before trying to drive it 170 miles in July...
Cannot get it to run completely cleanly. It'll run well, then I'll ease off the throttle, and then it won't want to give full throttle again. Feels like fuel starvation, so I think I'm going to have to have the carburettor off for a proper look.
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I think I'm getting somewhere...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uJyJp8Iamg
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Great performance, although I would not recommend you trying out the 82 m.p.h. top speed.
That one bump you encountered at less than half that speed seemed upsetting enough for the single front wherled trike.
Why does the exhaust manifold blend into the intake manifold?
Is there some sort of preheat going on there?
Makes it appear a bit confusing, as I have seen 4 cylinder Stehr Puchs with a flat layout.
Some go up to near the maximum Microcar limit of 700cc and at 675 cc are definitely of a sporty bent in the rear engine Fiat (500-600cc) platform.
To make things more complex, some of the Fiat engines in the 500 series were two and some were four cylinder also.
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Yes, carb pre-heat. Bit odd really.
The Steyr-Puch engine was only flat four I thought. Haflingers are 643cc and still twin - it's those engines that allow 82mph. A terrifying prospect.
Main difficulty in the Invacar is how direct the steering is. You daren't sneezed at 60! I imagine a 'Schmitt might be similar. Can't say I've had the pleasure.
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Haflinger is the same engine just bigger cc. Higher compression. Bigger carb. Some of these engines ended up in model 50's. I have been told that they had a restricted plate across the inlet at the carb joint. Easy to remove. Also Invacars timing was often set at TDC to reduce power.
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That would be taking a Tiger by it's tail!
How many h.p. could they achieve by eliminating the intended restrictions?
Too bad the TG's used the already antiquated 20 h.p. garden tractor motors that they did.
This engine in it's 4 wheeled lighter chassis would have made for a more startling and competent super micro.
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I think the standard 500 cc model 70 engine is about 19bhp. The 650 Haflinger is about 38bhp. That would be quite useful.
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Interesting. I've had the carburettor off and didn't spot any restrictor. Maybe I'll have another look.
Getting the carb off allowed me to clean out the jets and passageways, and it's a different machine now. I've turned up the idle a bit and it sounds so much better. Now driving it as often as I can and it feels better with every drive. Gets plenty of attention too!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Db4ZOYUX4AA13bU.jpg)
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Had an attempt at a 0-60mph test. Well, two attempts...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOex8a6VJ4A
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If you take an Invacar to Two Hoots Tea Room in Devil's Bridge, mid-Wales, I can confirm that the welcome is quite good, as is the parking.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DdjY2G-XUAAaSEK.jpg)
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Love your photos of TWC roaming around Rhayader and Devil's Bridge areas of Wales. In the 1990s that was the holiday area that I used to take my Mum. A lovely area to just ride around in my car to see all the lovely views. As I live in Polegate, East Sussex it took hours to get to the holiday bungalow.
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Thanks. It's a gorgeous part of the world, and the weather has been stunning for two weeks!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DdzvkF9UQAAa_Mr.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ddk1sQvXcAAVkCz.jpg)
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Well, I've been a bit lax on here, but it's been a busy year!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eM7q3uYkxnI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sAbPD4c_Js
Sadly, the transmission doesn't seem very happy. Seriously struggles on hills and there's now a horrible bearing noise coming from the rear end. I'll check it isn't a wheel bearing first, but it's not great...
Hopefully many more adventures to come, and TWC the Invacar will be at the NEC this November, in Hall 1.
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TWC the Invacar went down an absolute storm at the NEC! She spent the whole weekend lowering the tone in Hall 1 - sadly well away from the other microcars.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wo4ovRe0m8w