bankman

Most commercials had LH thread studs on the nearside until spigot mounted wheels became the 'norm' in the late eighties. My LDV van still has them. Pete.

Looks like a Bedford gearbox, those four speed boxes were fitted right across the range of trucks etc from the fifties on. Pete.

Yesterday I attended Harthill Carnival, on the Derbyshire/South Yorkshire border, as a stationary engine exhibitor and walking around noticed a few implement's on show plus some tractors that may be of interest. A nice sunny day and well attended as usual, the second year that I have exhibited there and both times the weather has been warm and dry, must be my influence! Pete. Anyway, a few pics!

I like the older Briggs engines, so far I have restored a Model A with kickstart and remote fuel supply (no holes drilled for tank brackets) and a Model B which has been fitted with a flywheel and runs lovely and smooth. I also had a Model I but sold that last year, I also sold my A because a chap kept pestering me for it until I gave in, however he only kept it a week or two and sold it on for a profit! Wish that I had kept it myself now, you live and learn! I know of a ZZ with a generator, not sure about taking that on yet though. You are making a good job of your one, it will look great when finished. Pete.

I have, I haven't sold much but it is like selling your children! Everytime I do it I regret it as soon as it vanishes from sight. It is the same with spare parts, you aquire stuff that you don't REALLY need then much later pass it on to sombody else. Sods law then decrees that shortly after you will be offered an engine or machine that is missing the very part you disposed of but then there is only so much space available to store stuff for most of us. Pete.

I have used it many times with no problems, in fact I treat all my tank's with POR. Ideally use the Marine Clean and ensure the tank is thouroughly dry, I put mine upside down on a radiator for a day or two but a hairdrier blowing through would do the job. You only need a small tin, seal the tap outlet etc, pour it all in and rotate the tank for several minutes ensuring it gets in all the corners then drain the excess back into the tin and reseal it as you can use the remainder if it stays airtight. Wipe the base of the tin as it will stick solid to any surface! Make sure all the tap threads etc are clear of sealer as it sets rock hard overnight! Also remove any that gets on the outside of the tank as paint doesn't adhere well to it either. Leave for about a week before putting fuel in. When starting a restoration I normally do the tank first, then paint it so that it has the maximum time to harden while the mechanical work takes place. Pete.

Planning to be exhibiting there again, I missed 2014 due to family issues, but it wont be with a horticultral exhibit. I will have a look around you all though! Last time I was there I tried to have a chat with the 'Simar Kid' but you had more chance of getting an audience with the Queen, he certainly had either an extensive fan club or 'rent a crowd' haha. Pete.