Dave H

If you move the handbrake where does the take-away bag hang from?

Hi Zetec, I don't think it would lower the seat postion (if that is what you are after) as the seat rails are mounted on the chassis on the older cars. On mine to get a lower seating postion I build a new drivers seat which doesn't have rails. If you are at Dunsfold tomorrow you are welcome to take a look,

I purchased a tool somewhat similar to David M's from James Whiting - though that was a good numberof years ago now.

Hi Steve, I'm trying to sort out enough space in the garage for this before I express an interest, just in case someone is about to need it. For me it is a "nice to have" now, though I will have a use for it in the future. If things go to plan!

Hi techbod, My '86 chassis has a replacement harness and I used a "tophat" type spacer that allows the harness some movement, but the 5/16th bolt holds the spacer solid. I think they came from Redline. Dave H

On the old Xflow I used the standard approach my Father used when he was in the motor trade for torquing up when I didn't have a specific value - "Finger tight and half a turn". When I was reinstalling my Xflow after it's rebuild (now replaced with a zetec) I had the same issue with te steering column. Slacken off the steering rack bolts and rotate it to move the column up or down. Do not tighten any bolts up until they are all in place, then do them up slowly in turn to pull everything into place (I find it works for me!) Dave H

You have the older style under dash handbrake chassis - not specific to an Academy chassis. Try talking to Redline, they deal with the older models. The other option is to find someone near you with an older model and use their carpet as a pattern and make your own. It isn't difficult, I managed it on mine using the original carpet as the pattern, just ignored the wear holes 😳 Dave H

When someone drove into the back of my Seven I took it to TSK in Erith - rear panel replaced, but no chassis damage. They did a great job and Tony is a pleasure to deal with. Worth giving him a call, Dave H

I'm in the remove the bulkhead party...but... I have 2 scuttles (with bulkheads). One had Brooklands fitted, the other a full screen, with the wiper system attached to the bulkhead, so I can swap screens in less than 20 minutes, and don't have to carry the wiper motors around if I don't need them (help keep the weight down The fusebox has been moved to the chassis where the wiper motor used to be. Dave H

It could be the bearing moving on the half shaft. Once it has started to move it will progress quickly as the car acts like a giant slide hammer every time you corner. It's been discussed on here, but not for a while here Dave H

Hi Nigel, I have a 1986 Live Axle chassis with an 1800 Zetec fitted. It is mated to the 4 speed Escort sport box rather than the 5 speed. The engine will drop in, but the gearbox needs to be moved back - disconnect the prop shaft from the diff, remove the gearbox maounting bolts and it should slide back about 4 inches. It is just enough to get the engine in. It is also possible with the gearbox mated to the engine and slide them both in togther. I've done both, and can't say which is better - they are both tight and knuckle skinning! Good luck, Dave H

Multilple bulb/light failures are often associated with an earth failure. Check your earth contacts. The one near the rear wing is particularly prone to corrosion and would take out the fog light and the rear light block. Dave H

I replaced my last one about 10 years ago, so probably due to be done again soon - purchased it from Redline...I'd be surprised if they don't have some in stock! Dave H

Hi Jon, Car is in West Sussex (Haywards Heath). Starter motor has failed so he's willing to take an offer as he can't afford to spend any more money on it now, but needs to free up the funds to get it's replacement on the road. Dave H

updated price. If interested then he will take an offer iro £800

My son is selling his Land Rover Series 3 to "upgrade" to some Japanese replacement. As there are a few LR afficionado's on here I thought I'd give you the opportunity to purchase this interesting motor. Its a 1983 Series 3 SWB 2 1/4 petrol. 2 seats. Fully roofed. 3 door. MoT & tax until Octoberish Mostly red, just over 100,000 miles on the clock. The original engine was replaced earlier this year, the replacement is from a later (mid '80's) Defender, so a nice mix of metric and imperial tools required to work on it (just like my Seven) He was asking £1600 but is open to offers from £800 having been p***ed about and the fact it's let him down (again). If you are interested either BM me of give him a a call on 07455 082669 Dave H Edited by - Dave H on 3 Jul 2013 15:01:52 Edited by - Dave H on 3 Jul 2013 15:05:06 Edited by - Dave H on 3 Jul 2013 15:06:19

I had a similar issue when I used to use mine as the daily drive. Then I realised how many roundabouts there were on my route to and from work. Do you drive a regular route? Dave H

Hi Nigel, I have an 1800 Zetec fitted to a 1986 chassis. Drops in without too many issues. I seem to recall it was easier with the gearbox attached (4 speed), though it has been a few years since it last came out. I can take some pictures when I get home if you require them, Dave H

I still have slight steering wheel shake as I accelerate gently through from a speedo indicated 48mph to about 55mph. That sounds like the tracking could be out... Dave H

A good indication of valve wear is if the tappet gaps increase. You can check them just by taking the rocker cover off. if you are running the car on 4* then the lead build up on the valve seats will prevent valve seat wear. Dave H

Your new wheels will be for a Ford hub, the old Live Axle wheels will probably be Marina Ital/Triumph fitting, so they won't go on. Dave H

Roger, YHM Dave H

Sticky float on one of the carbs? Dave H

My zetec fitted OK in a, '86 live axle chassis OK Dave H

I seem to remember the instructions I had (from James Whiting) when I installed my Zetec went along the lines of:- The electric fuel pump needs to sit as low and far back as possible as it is designed to push the fuel up rather than the old mechanical unit on the xflow which sucked the fuel up. So I installed mine low down next to the fuel tank, so it couldl push the fuel forwards (and up). Dave H