Darren Sharp

Dear Buttercup Dont worry there’s no serious off roading (unless you want to get a picture) but the routemeister general (señor Mick ) does find some great roads that you would never find on your own . There will be plenty of Spifires including Mr Charlton . Look out for a very yellow Dolomite (Me and Wendy) running in convoy with a couple of gorgeous Red Spitfires ( a Mk 3 and a Mk 4 ) a beautiful Mk1 2000 saloon and a lovely TR 4A we may also have another yellow Dolomite in tow if we are joined by the great couple from the last run .

Considering a change of vehicle for the 2023 event . What do you reckon …. Give the flying log now known as Marmite a go at No 6 or Olaf his 4th go round ?

I’ll try and get some scenic pictures of Olaf and Marmite over the weekend …. No point in getting them both wet !

Our cars are not renowned for being particularly waterproof so as it was chucking it down today preventing polishing or external fettling I’ve spent the one day off for the car testing it’s weatherproofness ( is that a word?) . All seems well after a drive out ( filled it to the brim to check the new petrol sender - all good) . Wipers, washers, blower, heater all working perfectly. Heated rear window …. Nah but you can’t have everything can you , most importantly it’s dry inside with no leaks from the replacement screen rubbers and drain holes are clear . I’d forgotten how easy the Dolomite is to drive with excellent rack and pinion and its multi link suspension that was ahead of its time back when Ford were using Burman Worm and gear steering . Sticky throttle banished by fitting a powerful return spring linked onto an exhaust bracket ala Spitfire 1500 . No longer have to lift the throttle after every manoeuvre. Very chuffed with how Marmite has turned out .

Of Course Mike it is still a Triumph after all !

Weekend trials taking place in Lincolnshire for Marmite … a clean bill of health will see a Border’s Debut . Not as much room for tools in a Dolomite as there is in Olaf!

So looking forward to this years event (as always) . It is likely to be the debut of ‘ Marmite ‘ my 1500 HL Dolomite resplendent in its new coat ( with rather a lot of new steel beneath it ) . I’m disappointed that Wendy and I couldn’t get a room at the last hotel as it’s a fair journey home for us on Sunday evening but I do have the Monday off to recover .

Pop off the fuel line make sure it’s got fuel by turning the starter ( should spurt as engine turns over) . If that’s ok check your spark by taking one plug out reconnecting the lead with the plug head touching the engine block and turn the starter . You should get a spark .

When there is a gap in the summer schedule Wendy and I are hoping to have the big fit up on Mabel . Sitting ready are two new complete driveshafts , a prop shaft , a j type O/D gearbox , matching clutch a pair of fully rebuilt HS2 carbs on the correct inlet manifold and still to be sourced is a Mk2 spitfire manifold . These are available new so if we can’t find one there may need to be an early Christmas lol . Mabel is already transformed with the alternator conversion which has made starting and night running a whole lot easier . Before we embark on all these upgrades there will be a pause during which Mabel will be visiting the welders for a proper inspection of her chassis after investigating the drive shaft noises revealed some sub standard previous repairs . It is hoped that Mabel will then be suitable for longer trips and provide reliable transport for Wendy whenever required . This car generates huge smiles per mile from anyone who sees her and will remain in her patinated state .

Check out that vinyl !

Well Marmite (AKA The flying Log) is back home dripping Waxoyl on my drive ! I’ve got two door trims and a sill trim to fit plus the headlights , front valence , egg box grilles, drip rail trims , rear screen surround , vents and the very shiny new front bumper .

Ooh , couple of pictures of the vinyl roof going on … had a call earlier today from the fitter , he really didn’t want to fit this cover as it’s been in the box for two years and was creased . Top tip if you buy one unpack it and keep the creases out of it . He has done a top job though . Ps … I have his number if anyone needs it !

Hi everyone, I’m looking for a set of good door cards in Chestnut brown for Marmite ( aka the flying Log) the current set are much the worse for wear . Also need a flat hardboard boot board as mine looks like the Alps ! Contact Darren and have your parts featured in the Mag … no not those parts .? Lol

Thank you it’s getting there . Door rubbers and more trims back on this evening