Mettlen

Hi All, I want to replace all the hydraulic (and the fuel pipes are also rigid) pipes on the Saracen I'm restoring. Anybody know where I can by high quality tubing, the ferrules, nuts and equipment to manufacture the ends remembering it is all imperial. This is not just a case of flaring the ends by the looks of things. Has anybody done this already? Or has anybody replaced the lot with flexibles? The tube bending is not a problem. Cheers:cheesy:

Sorry Chaps he has already declined. It could be because I need it to be pulled on and off the trailer as the engine is not working yet. I need someone who is willing to do a bit more than turn up, drive on the vehicle and do the opposite at the other end!

Hi, I looking to move an Alvis Saracen from St Albans to Cardiff. Can anyone recommend a haulage company along that route. Many Thanks

Hi All, I would like to remove the rear doors of my saracen to do some welding. I was wondering what the technique is? Can I assume these are interference fit pins that require heat to remove? Thanks in advance:nut:

Hi All, I'm pushing on with the restoration of my Saracen and I've got to the side escape hatches today (see photos). As anticipated when I took the mudguard off several of the studs sheared. On closer inspection, I can't tell if the studs are screwed into the armour plate or welded on the top. Has anyone had any experience of replacing these studs (look like 3/8 UNF)? Cheers

Thanks all, Marcus Glenn seems to come highly recommended although a bit more expensive. Reading some of the other threads some have paint gloss as an undercoat followed by a satin coat. The idea sounds nice, I do wonder about the longevity of satin on gloss!!! Cheers

Hi, I'm on the verge of buying NATO Green paint (satin) for my Saracen and was wondering what experiences you good people had had with suppliers and the quality of paints. Additionally, what should I be looking for in the make up of the paint i.e. oil based etc. Clostermanns paint seems to be very expensive (twice the price), is it better? I'm thinking of Aesops paint at present. Sensible views and comments would be most welcome! Cheers

Hi All, There seems to have been lots of debate about what can't be done, so, what can be done? - What are the suitable alternatives that are readily available in terms of 11x20 and 12x20 tyres for Ferrets, Saracen's, Saladins etc. - Would Simex sell the moulds/rights?, not sure what the commercial risk would be with 50 years of on/off-road heritage behind them. Could they be EU approved using grandfather rights..... - What about fitting a set of austin mini wheels and tyres....LOL I currently have 11x20 fitted to my Saracen, would 12x20 also fit the same wheel? Thanks in advance

Hi, I have eventually removed the Fuel pump from my saracen and I'm in the process of replacing the inards. The difficulty I'm having is that I need a special tool to to hold the shaft in order to remove the diaphram. I very much doubt I will be able to buy this tool so I was wondering if I could borrow one from someone or if someone could send me the dimensions in order that I can make one or is there an alternative non-special tool method? Many Thanks in advance

Thanks Richard, I was hoping that wouldn't be the answer as it is completely corroded in that area as well including the seat i.e. most of the bolt heads are pile rust. I guess on a positive note they were going to have to come out anyway. Getting another seat and floor in this area is yet another bridge I will have to cross...... I think I'm going to have to post some photos of just how badly corroded this vehicle is!! Why did the previous owner leave the front hatch open for all that time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Paulob1, I've got the manual but just looking for hands on experience. As you say my concern is about dropping bits into the bore. A spare cylinder head is a contignency, just in case! I'd be interested if you are selling one. Thanks Todd

Hi Guys, thanks for the resposnes; I've got to agree with the last one in particular! Just answer some of the other questions. The engine turns over fine, in fact the oil looks very clean (in fact all the fluids are very clean) so I agree with Richard's assertion that this vehicle has not been used very much since the engine fitting. The big problem is the amount of corrosion and sand everywhere. Anybody know how to get to the fuel pump without removing the engine?!!! Is there anything special that I should be careful of when removing the cylinder head??? Many Thanks Todd

Hi All, I think I may have just hit a Major problem in the restoration of my Saracen MkII. I've just really started to take a look in the engine compartment of the Saracen and I thought I would take the plugs out to have a look at their condition and colour. Unfornately because this Saracen has been left outside for 10 years near the sea. The first 2 spark plugs completely disintegrated as I tried to undo them leaving the core in the cylinder head. Potentially this will happen with the reamining 6 plugs as well. So what I thought was going to straight forward job of cleaning or replacing the plugs has now potentially become big job. I'm particularly concerned that if a cylinder head gets damaged during the removal of the plug then the potential to get a replacement is unlikely. At the moment I see this as a decision point as to whether to go forward with the rest of the restoration because without a working engine there is no working saracen............... Now to my question; Are there any Rolls Royce B80 specialists out there? I'm not aware B80 Cylinder heads can be obtained anymore? Any other advice would be gratefully received but ultimately I don't want to throw good money after bad...... Thanks in advance

Thanks guys - I've ordered the adaptor. At this moment in time I'm only doing a hydraulic system check for the brakes/steering. I'll also try starting the engine if I know I have brakes. Once I've done this the accumulators will come out for a full overhaul!! Once again thanks!

Hi All, I want to charge the accumulators (piston type x3) on my Saracen, instead of a charging bottle and because I don't want to rely on getting bottles charged, I've bought a bought an air gun charging stirrup pump (3000psi capability). It has a microbore hose with a 1/8 bsp female coupling. The fitting on the end of the accumulator appears to be a schrader valve (can anybody confirm this?). So effectively I'm looking for a 1/8 bsp male to female schader valve adaptor. Has anyone come across one or know of a workshop set up to make one? Alternatively, what equipment/methods (without spending hundreds of pounds) do you use to charge the accumulators???? (P.S. I recognise that the use of nitrogen is best practice) Thanks in anticipation

Hi All, I'm looking through my Saracen IPC and in paticular the frame and suspension (J) at the begining that some parts are 'From vehicle no.22MS02'. How can I tell if my is pre or post this number. There doesn't seem to be anything vaguely similar on the log card (attached). Oh yes, what is the difference between pre and post suspension? Thanks in advance!!

Hi All, Does anyone know of a Saracen that is being broken for spares as I'm after rear doors and a left step from a Mk2 in good condition? thanks in advance

Great, thanks for your help!!!

Guys, I have a Saracen which is now road registered, taxed (free) and insured. However, I've seen a number of videos with these ex-army Saracens with Amber rotating beacons when on the road. Is this the law? Thanks in adavance

Hi All, Can anyone help, I'm after the Saracen Service Manual, Army Code No.14250 (D/DME(A)123/11/13)? I've tried all the usual commercial outfits without success!!!! I'm quite happy to pay costs. It seems to be the holy grail of of Saracen literature!!!! Thanks in Advance

Hi All, I enquired with Carole Nash about getting insurance for my Saracen. When I stated that it had 12 seats they wouldn't provide a quote. They said anything over 7 seats would be an issue. Has anyone else had similar problems and what was the solution. Granted I've only called one company at present, so I want to get my story straight before I approach anymore. Thanks in advance

Hi All, I've just bought this Saracen but there were no batteries in it. I know there are 2 x 12V 60amp/hr batteries but what I don't know is the physical size. Can anyone help with stockists and part numbers, so that I can go buy a couple! P.S. Is there anything I should watch out for in terms of Saracen batteries? Thanks in anticipation.

Hi All, I've begun the process of getting my Saracen registered for road use. The DVLA have sent numerous documents but the main 2 seem to be; V765 -Application to register a vehicle under its original registration number V55/5 - Application for a first tax disc and registration of a used motor vehicle. I've sent off the relevant information to IMPS in order to support my V765 application but I was wondering if there are any other hints, tips or pitfalls that you good folks could highlight when going through this process?? Thanks in advance

Hi Handler, is this a separate club?

Hi John, That would be great, I'll send you a private message, Thanks

Hi All, Thanks for the warm welcome and the pointers. A little more about the Saracen I've bought is 96 BA 69. I found the record card on this forum, posted by Richard Farrant. I understand it was bought by a person who won the lottery and who has just gone bankrupt and needed to sell all their assets. Their loss, my gain! It seems that it was kept by the sea because it is covered in sand and there is quite a lot of surface corrosion!!!! I'm guessing it hasn't been run for a while and it doesn't look like it has been looked after particularly well. However, it appears to be complete and I'm looking forward to getting my teeth into it!! I have so many questions I don't know where to start:cool2: but as requested please see attached photo. Is there anyone in the South of England or South Wales who has a running Saracen I could come and have a look at? Many Thanks