tankdiver Posted January 18, 2020 Posted January 18, 2020 Some time ago I purchased an Austin Champ for spares. After a full inspection the floors,lower panels, arches were needing a total reconstruction .The chassis was in good condition and the engine ran so I decided to repair it as a last project , to take 2or 3 years. I am in the second year and have completed the floors in heavy 16 gauge steel mad new body panels in 18 gauge steel rather than the thinner 20 gauge steel. I have been surprised several times on the condition of the mechanics as the body was extremely poor and the vehicle looked a dog. The fuel tank was like new suspension , steering etc were good and easy to restore only requiring rubber gaiters The rear axle I replaced the crown wheel and pinion with a modern one having a better grade steel . At present the underbody suspensions, diffs, steering , new brake shoe and cylinders have been done . A new brake master cylinder and brake pipes are to be fitted then internal work electrics and body work to be completed. I will attach more picture and updates as it progresses 6 Quote
ruxy Posted January 18, 2020 Posted January 18, 2020 Regardless of statements in House of Parliament , IMHO probably the greatest 4x4 of all time. Quote
tankdiver Posted January 18, 2020 Author Posted January 18, 2020 some more pictures of the build .The engine and gearbox is now out ready to be overhauled and the engine bay is resprayed 3 Quote
tankdiver Posted August 26 Author Posted August 26 Gloss coated tub and wings X 3 ,flat with wet/dry paper between coats final coat will be applied when it is warmer all seams and washers on the wings are seam seal SYSTEM November 2020 18 hrs The vehicle has no brakes Brake pipes corroded, master cylinder seized, shoes needing relined all cylinders seized , and brake hoses perished. Front brake cylinders replaced with new ones, 4 front cylinders rear cylinder rubbers . replaced rear cylinders with new ones later in the year , all new hoses ,2 drums replaced with the best good used ones. Reconditioned brake shoes fitted brakes adjusted. Backplate adjuster is welded.Remove, repair hand brake lever and linkage . Repair hand brake and free ratchet by releasing lever paint and refit. Clean spirit wash brackets holding the brake hoses Fit reconditioned master cylinder brackets, replace master cylinder with a factory re -sleeved unit from Dave Lock. clean brake fluid reservoir. Fit brake and clutch pedals.Make and manufacture all brake pipes and bleed systems. Buy and fit a hydraulic brake switch and locate it in the hydraulic system. Solder small holes in the hydraulic reservoir [ this proved inadequate so replaced with a plastic one]. Bleeding brakes is a problem at present air must be locked in system this will probably release itself later and bleeding will continue after a few weeks .Good brake now as self bleed MASTER CYLINDER LEAK 8/10/2023 -5/11/2023 This has been removed several times and brake bled many times [ Pig sick of these brakes ] PROBLEMS 1 bleed brakes normal little result 2 Master cylinder keeps sticking at bottom of stroke, remove and move cylinder piston, refit and try again . [ no better] 3 suck out air using long tube [old method ] some improvement 4 clamp each flexible hose and bleed unclamped brake drum Remove M/C again fit 2nd spring {same result] Pressure test system. Small leak on nut at rear of M/C remove and fit washer from another M/C 5 Pressure test still leaking. 6 Ring Dave Lock for advice on the master cylinder Dave has said that they can have problems and to use Locktite on threads 7 Ordered Loctite and a 40mm copper washer .So far there has been 4 liters of brake fluid used This has been a whole week on brakes and they are still to be finished BRAKES ONGOING Loctite nut anneal copper washer and fit to nut [ NO leak ] After replacing brake fluid bleeding brakes there was little progress. Used an old method by sucking fluid out of each brake drum,[some progress] Clamp each flexible hose to find air . Dave has said start at the n/s front to bleed. There is a reasonable pedal. Front brakes are difficult to adjust [ this maybe due to new shoes and they need to be bedded in ] I will leave the brakes unadjusted and run until they have been used for a while to bed the shoes in…………….Drive vehicle with brakes on to bed shoes Rear cylinder leak on new rubbers . Replace with new cylinders bleed all brakes GOOD PEDAL at last ……… 1 Quote
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