Mattyboy Posted February 17, 2010 Share Posted February 17, 2010 Greetings all thought I'd just say hello I'm Matt Foster I like anything mechanical esp if it's knackered and rusty. Own A AEC Matador 0853 3479 which I purchased in 97 at 18 years old, heavily stripped and very rough; just a chassis, rear axle, winch, transfer box and a rotten cab really. Anyway took 10 years to restore, still got a fair bit to do. Couple of pictures, first as I found it, the next at its first rally and the last doing a recovery of a broken down steam wagon. Can post more pictures if anyone is interested. Am no expert on matador's or MV, but picked up a bit a few ideas and knowledge along the way (normally the hard way) I am involved in CNC machining for a living, aerospace F1 etc all dull, but handy for machining up bits and bobs. I'm lucky because the Girlfriend loves Matador's too and I have two pet ducks and love donkeys. I can't spell very well so apologies for all my future posts! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gritineye Posted February 17, 2010 Share Posted February 17, 2010 Hi Matt, nice Matador you've built there, well done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willyslancs Posted February 17, 2010 Share Posted February 17, 2010 welcome mate , nice motor ........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abn deuce Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 We all like Photo's so post more when you can . Your Matador looks really good , You Have really done well to save it from a fate it did not deserve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antarmike Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 (edited) Ex Fensom's Friars wash, Timber Hauliers then Foster at Billericay. Was H4489669 then 99 YY 24. Has it been re-registered 3479 was TBH 330E? Albert Fensom tried to sell me the (very bent) jib of that one! Picture of it in Matador Gallery. Edited February 18, 2010 by antarmike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattyboy Posted February 18, 2010 Author Share Posted February 18, 2010 Hi Mike, All that sounds about right, I brought it of Albert in 1997 and am very greatfull for all those bits you sold me many years ago. Was interested to see your picture of the matador you broke for spares, as that is where my engine, springs, hubs and many other bits and bobs ccame from. Did use to have the TBH 330E plate on the front, but history tells us that it might have worn a few different identities. Didn't see the picture of it in the matador gallery, must look harder.. anyway would be interested if anyone else had any more history on it. regards Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snapper Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 Great to have you with us Matt. Love the Matador. Great job. Have fun with HMVF and hopefully you'll find the mechanical brains on the Friendly Forum to be very useful. Cheers, Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antarmike Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 (edited) Hi Mike,All that sounds about right, I brought it of Albert in 1997 and am very greatfull for all those bits you sold me many years ago. Was interested to see your picture of the matador you broke for spares, as that is where my engine, springs, hubs and many other bits and bobs ccame from. Did use to have the TBH 330E plate on the front, but history tells us that it might have worn a few different identities. Didn't see the picture of it in the matador gallery, must look harder.. anyway would be interested if anyone else had any more history on it. regards Matt Here she is! I thought she was a scrapper when I saw her, but She is looking good now though Edited February 18, 2010 by antarmike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianthesnail96 Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 Welcome- you've done a stunning job of that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Batchelor Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 Good job done indeed. Has it still got a jib on it? I should think it struggles a bit with that low loader (unless its running something more potent under the bonnet!), do you take it out and about with that lot on the back? Regards Ed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattyboy Posted February 18, 2010 Author Share Posted February 18, 2010 Good job done indeed. Has it still got a jib on it? I should think it struggles a bit with that low loader (unless its running something more potent under the bonnet!), do you take it out and about with that lot on the back?Regards Ed didn't struggle at all it came to about 25 tons, so we thought we'd put a bit more weight on it..... another Matador, pushed and pulled at the same time. Amazing what these old things can do. The load is not mine, just a bit of fun at a rally one afternoon Thanks for everyones kind words, shall at some point put some pictures and words together in the restoration section. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyFowler Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 She looks a beauty now mate , real credit to you for seeing the job through to the finish ! Looking forward to the restoration blog !:-D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Stanley Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 I have see Matt restore this old motor over severel years, his worked his tits off getting it to the state its in which is a real credit to him. Many a time he left the yard shouting and swearing when things had goen wrong but he always came back the next day or weekend and sorted it. ( Dont be fooled by the earlier pictures as Just to make him feel good I "pretended" my sentinel had broken down and asked him to tow me back to our yard). Well done Matt, nice done. Jim S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albion WD/HD Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 very nice Matador, nice to know you bought yours young aswell as im 17 and i bought my Matador last year when i was 16. Gideon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattyboy Posted February 24, 2011 Author Share Posted February 24, 2011 Congratulaions, if you need and help/ advice parts etc please message me or ring me. A good friend of mine who is Mr Matador lives not far from you and is very helpfull. You'd better but some pictures up! regards Matt 07779003635 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zero-Five-Two Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Hiya and welcome aboard Matt, fine job you've done there. Can't wait to see some more pictures of the restoration as it progressed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holte999 Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Welcome, you have done a grand job.:-D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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