Interloper Garage "out of my depth"

[ducklooker]

Somewhere in the depths of my garage exists a partially stripped Mk1 Escort Estate. This has been known as "The Interloper" in the past for it's tendency to annoy classic car peeps by being satin black and unwashed. 
Then the name started to get extended out to where it lays and now it's a place.



To the right there. That section is in the process of being cleared. Eventually I will put living space of some sort behind the garage, fence where I am removing the trees and that will be my patio/parking area. 

What will you park I hear nobody ask....
This is my current favourite.



There's an ongoing thread somewhere. It cost very little and seems to need very little spent to keep it going. This frees time and money for other stuff.
Like this.Quick back story.
Son has girlfriend . Girlfriend given car to learn how to drive. Car sits for 4 years. House where it sit is sold. I got asked to collect it. Brought it home. Got it running. New battery, wheels, tyres, service. All as asked by son/ girlfriend.
Bill for bits presented and .......trouble.
They are annoyed. Her family seem to think one thing. I keep receipts cos I have met people before.....
Car still sitting here. No idea what happens now. I'm going to get it tested just because.

First time meeting these clips. Handy wee things compared to a jubilee clip.










The mounts are either missing or broken for the airbox lid.



Big fat 17" look soooo much better than the wee replacements.



Said cheap replacements.



Roller skate wheels (sigh).






Thermostat out as it's overheating.
I'm hoping it's that and not the pump.
Thanks for reading this far.

[ducklooker]

PS.
I need a tool to refit that stainless steel inlet clamp.
But I don't know what they are called??




Fat tyres and said clips

[ducklooker]

Went to the market today (bank holiday weekend here) but nobody has the tool I need.

Neighbour died and left these hanging about






His brother asked me to dispose of them so I removed the steering columns as Escort type people use them in emmmm..... Escorts 

Recycler on the way for them this week (edit : hey are late and SWMBO is "amused")

[ducklooker]

I also got this.
I liked the way the engine had acorn nuts holding down the head.
Then
I picked up a couple of these "chopper" style bikes.
Plan is to modify the bicycle to the point it is comfortable because they really are not in current form, then fit the wee engine. I intend to find a second to complete the V- twin illusion 😆😆

[ducklooker]

The Suzuki is my daily.
Engine has failed and it's proving to be hard to get a replacement one.
So I am stripping it to see if it's rebuild able at all.
It needs rear hard brake lines as well so I've ordered a flaring tool and bending tool

The MiTo is the wife's.
Very reliable except when it's tested as they seem to break it every time. This time it's electrical gremlins in the rear (ooh err missus)

Newest rescue is called BELLA

















I think I should resolder all those and shrink wrap them??



Advice would be appreciated. Electricity is not my strong suit.

[ducklooker]

Last time the Mini was used was for driving lessons, with a lot of idle, stopping and starting.
I thought it got very hot even though the temp gauge never went up. So today I popped a new thermostat in.
While doing that I noticed the car had gotten manky over winter so I broke out the wife's new Hyundai pressure washer. Piece of dung but suffice to say it's made the car cleaner.
Next up is clay bar, cut, polish and buff. All of which I have never done before. YouTube will be consulted.
In other news the alarm on the escort decided to start working. But sadly, not turn off!!
So it was soundly scolded and driven to my local auto electrician for clipping.....
Be ready Monday he thinks.




Eeugh!!








After a bit of foam, brush and pressure.

[ducklooker]

Exceptional beauty in the dusk today.

[ducklooker]

Apologies for the double post.




I'm trying to get in contact with the owner of an escort.
This is parked there. A genuine Jensen Interceptor. Best named car ever IMO 
I looked in and the air cleaner is gone and the engine is full of water. So sad 
Ignominious end to a superb car.

[ducklooker]

1



2



3



Poof!!
Another problem gone!

[ducklooker]

I run a small Swapmeet.
Started digging out, tarting up and making new, signs for it today.



These will get arrows painted on. I need 10 more than last time. More roundabouts here now 


And for convenience I use a "lil red wagon".
However the handle has gone AWOL
I found a modern replacement and knocked up a bracket to fit it.
Remarkable how handy these wagons are.


















Thanks for looking. 

[ducklooker]

I started finishing the Swapmeet signs. My artistic ability shines out.....ahem



At home we needed a gate to separate the area the dog is allowed in from emmm where she's not....
SWMBO asked for a Triquertra shaped swinging (saloon hinge) gate.
That's the first side finished, drilled and painted.



And in Sanctuary news we had training on Friday while kids were on midterm.














I cleaned out owl, eagle, hawk, ferret, kestrel,etc etc enclosures and learned enough to build an enclosure for Carlos. Carlos is a 2ft tall owl with orange eyes. Stunning.
I also was asked to make (gotta research it first) a nesting box for Golden Eagles as the platform they used this year is a bit exposed and making them nervous of the staff
Busy weekend.
Thanks for reading.

[drive]

A man-woman who is good to animals, is good to people too! Wonderful "zoo" you got there !

[ducklooker]

Thanks 👍 👍 👍
Not all my animals but shared between two Sanctuaries. One is dying as a result of policy, politics and retirement while the other is just starting up so I handyman and help out as and when.









I hung mesh and sheeting, rat proofed (as best as can) hung nest boxes,perches etc. Next I'm fitting and plumbing an animal food preparation sink.

[drive]

Nice job ! On the "swapmeet" signs as well. I go to a local (i live in Belgium) fleamarket-swapmeet too, every sunday morning,for over 30 years now. In the summer months i go really early, like 5-6 am,before i go to the racetrack or a carshow. When your swapmeet is on,would you take a few pictures,just to get a feel for the "vibe"? I would very much like to see those.

[ducklooker]

Yes of course.
It's on 16th March next.

[ducklooker]

The unit near the Sanctuary has some interesting?? cars ..

[dapser]

Hello ducklooker.

img.retro-rides.org/i/v/ducklooker/a6dfd697dd25.jpg

I predict those 15" wheels you've fitted will become rather collectable in the future.

They are by far the lightest factory mini wheels you can fit and have a marked effect on the unsprung weight at each corner.

dapser.

[ducklooker]

Right.
Been busy.
Son moved from an apartment into an older house so lots of packing, moving and driving back n forth happened.
And the Swapmeet happened.
It rained.
Then it rained more.
It was miserable, which sadly kept numbers low.
Still a good day and few quid donated.
Photos incl a good selection of the cars that ventured out.
Sadly no RR members made it.