Right. Well....
It's been a while since I've been on here. I got the Pembleton finished (http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/166979/pembleton-wheeler-update-30-03?page=5) and it became obvious that it was time for a change because:
1) I wanted MotoGuzzi power (double that of the 2cv engine but the same weight)
2) I wanted something which I could go on long trips with. The noise and wind had finally got to me and I was getting fed up.
The sensible(ish) option would be to fit a Guzzi motor and the car to give a comfortable cockpit. I even sat Chloe – suffering and quite tall wife – in the driver’s seat while I made measurements for a roof and screen. The problem was that I just couldn’t bring myself to starting cutting up a car I’d spent ages building (and painting!). The decision was made to sell and, using the funds, build my idea of the ‘ultimate’ Pembleton.
I put the car up for sale and got a decent first offer from ‘Box Fast Classics’ in Knaresborough, near Harrogate. A little haggling later and we settled on a price which I was happy with and reflected the fact that I wouldn’t have to worry about any come back. The guy I dealt with was excellent and a day after agreeing a price, the money was in my bank and a low loader was waiting to collect her/him/it. I could recommend them as a happy customer. I had expected to be more upset to be honest, but I think knowing that a new build was to come made it much easier…
A few months previous I had seen an article in ‘MOG’ magazine. It was a Morgan 3 Wheeler utility (van) concept, drawn by Jon Wells – who I believe is head of design at Morgan. I loved the design and somehow the idea was formed to make my own, Pembleton version, of his design with a few of my own ideas thrown in for good luck.
Art isn't my strong point but you get the idea....
With the money from the sale burning a hole in my pocket (and keen to spend some to stop it going on a new bathroom), I set about looking for a donor engine and car. Someone on the Pembleton forum had previously offered me a Guzzi, and a quick call confirmed it was still available. Not only this, but he had the remains of a – pretty grotty - 2CV which would work as a donor. A deal was struck and the seller agreed to deliver it to Yorkshire – lucky really as he lives in the South West.
Did I mention that the donor was rough?!
The bike was better but had been stood for a long time.
Next is was a chassis. I had planned to order a new one from Pembleton, but as luck would have it another forum member in Scotland got in touch. He had built his own frame, using a Pembleton ‘original’ as a template. This meant the original was now available to be sold. Perfect timing, except that I had a car and bike to dismantle quickly in my little single garage.
Anyway, I got the bike stripped and the parts sold for decent money....
So now I had the basis for a Pembleton built from the far reaches of the country - Running gear from the South Coast and a Chassis from Scotland. I just needed something from the middle, so another plan was hatched…
One downside of my cheap donor was that I was in a bit of a state. I knew this and had planned to clean everything up and then fit new bearings etc. Not really my favourite job and the reason why I got fed up with old cars – cleaning rust and dealing with bolts which hadn’t been worked on for decades does not do it for me. After searching eBay I found a complete front end; steering box, arms and hubs, which had been refurbished to use as a kit but when not used. A lot of haggling down the line and I was leaving work early to get to Oxford on a rainy Tuesday afternoon.
I had to swap the arms as the Pembleton ones are modified due to the car sitting lower than on a standard 2CV. With that done I just needed to paint all the other bits and bobs.
One of the big problems with the last build was the handling. This time I was going to do it properly and have invested in adjustable dampers and 100% uprated springs all round. Again the old springs were grotty anyway so it was no loss.
Also managed to pick up a decent rear arm. Although 2cv parts prices are a funny thing – second hand parts from specialists can be strong money, but there isn't much of a second hand market otherwise - the result being you spend good money buying parts but nobody wants the leftovers when you sell. I bought a whole rear axle for £150. Took a single arm from it and I couldn't sell the remainder at 99p! Can make it tough going sometimes.
The Pembleton lot are a good bunch. One friend I've made lives about an hour away and works with Zinc. The result being amazing skills and a full workshop with specialist tools to hand. He even opens it up to fellow builders once a year at no cost.
He was offering this to the forum in November and I needed to make the floor. It looks simple but once the template is cut, it needs a lip forming on the long curved edge – almost impossible to do without the right tools. With it being on the curve it also needed the shrinking machine after to give a decent finish. Here's the floor cut out ready to bend:
And here it is sat in..
I even had chance to make the front bulkhead using MDF formers he had ready. One day up at his workshop must have saved me a good week at home.
Back home with bonnet sat on:
So here we are today – floor is out while I sort the suspension and tracking etc.
The front end is all refurbed and all bearings etc. are new. Anyone into 2CV's will see that I've replaced the old fashioned track rod design for a modern ball joint type - much more control and easy to replace when needed.
Some parts from the donor were actually salvageable , like this steering column, but most were junk. The garage is currently just a store of 2cv/guzzi bits.
Guzzi engine yet to be tackled:
Sorry it's so long – I think this covers from about August! Have a great New Year all...
Phil
