Good to hear from another Bellel owner- I'll pm you direct.
This car has caused me big probs from the very beginning -and there seems little chance its going to stop now.
Here it is, safely arrived in Chatham, Uk, this January. Only took a year.....
What the pic doesnt tell is that the Bellel curse had struck again -with the loom in the towcar having just self destructed! Towtruck(s) for both home & the Legnum has now been scrapped.
Anyway, I'm waiting for Spring to crack on (-as its stored outside)
However, the starter motor was off (along with the manifold) so I guessed that this may have been the original reason it came off the road. It has now been rebuilt by a specialist -and is awaiting collection. The engine spins freely, by hand.
A spare fuel tank has come with it -so I'm guessing issues here. It'll get cleaned out & painted before replacing the incumbent -just in case.
The brakes were completely borked, but a pair of new m/cylinders were adapted from similar era Datsuns. A lot of new brake pipe (& diesel injector) pipe has been run, and all the wheel cylinders are now away for stainless resleeving. Curious single leading witrh the rear as large as the front. Brake shoes have all been relined and new springs made.
I've sourced longer wheel studs (10 so far until I confirm they are correct) and some nice rims to fit -hopefully.
The interior was a rough Californian recover -so all the seats & door trims are away for a retrim. The rear of the front bench was close to original -so thats the style we intend to copy -or as close as is practicable.
Two small patches are needed on the floor (when the weather improves) but no other welding that I can see.
Most of the rubber is ruined by their heat (fat chance here) so small samples have been removed for scrapper searches in the warmer future.
Paint stays as is -for now. I'm aiming for roadlegal this summer- with a view being taken for bodywork next winter. But we'll see.
Initial impressions is that its a huge old beast- way to big for the 1500 diesel it retains. Its about 40% bigger than the Bellett.
Ill health & numerous other projects means it'll get occasional furious activity -when sufficient parts are here and wellness materialises.
Hope that helps?
