Horace

I found that my late Mk3 had 2 sets of holes and captives - one fitted the original mk3 runners and the others fitted some later runners and seats that I fitted for RBRR purposes (recliners) Bob

Yes, well done to all concerned. Let's hope the forum now becomes a well frequented informative place like it once was. Bob

I have a very late, very original,mk3 which came with original seats and runners.  I swapped these for 1500 seats as i wanted recliners for the RBRR (new runners needed).  To my surprise there were sets of holes already in the floor pans for both types of runners!  No drilling required. Bob

Is the password for the members pages the same as for the forum and the member centre.  if so, doesnt seem to work - page just freezes.  However i can see that my cars and their full details are on register.  Maybe cos im using an ipad?   Bob

Driving on a1 near Newark today and motorway signs said something about the a1 being closed Friday night from the A46 (or could be A47) shot past sign and didn't see another so not 100% certain.  I was heading south so presume shut on south side.  No time, just said Friday -  can't find any details on web - anyone else know of this? Bob

Being a local, I think Thirsk (a168 is dual carriage way from Dishforth) Northallerton then skirt round the outskirts of Darlington is a good bet.  The A167 is a reasonable driving road but I imagine it will be a bit busy with the A1 shut.  I am just concerned that if you aim for Scotch Corner (ie head towards Leyburn from Bedale and then make for Richmond (via Patrick Brompton I think) then Scotch Corner may be a mess if resurfacing.   Bob

That's not the same set of roadworks!!  its an ealrier stretch - hope thats not right!  I think its a generalisation to say there could be closures throughtout the upgraded stretch - pretty useless info from the official website!   bob

ive just tried to see exactly what is closed, but apart from press releases, there is nothing of any use on any official website that I can see.  Not even clear if you can get back on the A1 at scotch corner- its  bit of  mess there already.  I note one of the press releases say they are resurfacing the slip roads at Scotch Corner during the closure which may mean you cant get back on.......who knows!? I live in the area and night closures have been pretty frequent and often choas on the surrounding roads. bob

I was at the drivers' meeting today.  Good job done.  Big improvement on last year (partly due to the charity rep keeping it short and sweet!)  Anyway, there was a discussion re petrol stations in the Q&A that was useful.  Clearly some detailed knowledge on offer - a lot of which I couldnt get down.  Would it be possible for those in the know to list the late night garages etc in Scotland and Wales? Bob

Having a bit of a ding dong with an ebay seller at the moment re a combined rear lamp/brake lamp on a mk3 spit.  Basically he said it was new old stock but completely different internals to my original 1970 lamp (later admitted that he'd got them 20 years ago from someone who'd recast them from an original casting) It worked fine when not screwed to the body but as soon as it was the brake lights didn't work and the cables got hot. It seems it was earthing through the body rather than the earth cable and effectively shorting out before lighting the brake filament of the lamp.  The other lamp definitely does not earth through the body and there seems to be insulating bits of plastic in the original and not in the replacement that ensure this does not happen.  It does work as a rear lamp, its just the brake circuit that shorts out as soon as attached to the body (the screws effectively earth it).  I'd welcome anyone who's had similar experiences and also just let others know there is another on ebay at the moment! Bob

Check the earths from battery to chassis and strap from engine to chassis. Had similar issue. If you turn on your headlamps pre startiing do they dim when you try to start car? If so bad earth is likely. Poor engine earthing causes all sorts of problems and it seems to be the last thing anyone checks!!   Bob

Yes, I think a spacer would have made it about right but spacers were used on 1500s (and I think later mk4s) not Mk3s. Problem is that the studs don't look long enough if a spacer was used on a Mk3. Bob

Hi All Thought I'd post this as may be of help to others.  I have just tried to fit a fuel pump from Paddocks to a Mk3 spit.  The pump didn't work, the reason being that when fitted the arm was pressed hard against the cam and there was no movement possible. On measuring the old vs the new, the distance from the end of the arm to the mounting face of the pump was identical to the old one (though the arm does look to be a slightly different shape).  However, the old pump had a about 10mm of free movement before it actually started pumping and this was the key difference.  After being a bit sceptical at first, Paddocks checked their stock and it seems that the pumps at the back of the bin had this free movement but the recent stock does not.   If you have bought a pump from anyone and not yet fitted it, may be worth checking if you have the same issue before fitting. I note in other threads people have given up on mechanical pumps for found they have scored the camshaft badly etc. Just thought this experience may be of help to others. Paddocks are sending me a replacement so I'll see if it solves the issue.  Happy with Paddock's approach by the by. Finally, I am thinking of rebuilding the old pump but it appears that the valves can't be dismantled as there are no screws holding them in (as shown on some diagrams of "early" pumps). My car is a 1970 mk3 - how early does the pump have to be to be serviceable - I'd assumed "later" meant mk4 or 1500 but presumably not. Regards Bob

Just thought smaller meetings may be cheaper - only need a small village hall surely? Gaydon must cost a bomb! Also I think it would mean newbies would be more integrated etc . The organisers made a point of introducing themselves and that was welcome but I didn't talk to any other people - other than a couple of other newbies I knew from home. Very British but I didn't want to but in to conversations of the old stagers who all new each other! No one was unfriendly, it's just in big crowds you are less likely to speak than in a small gathering. My Cost comment was more to do with fuel/time etc in getting to a central event Bob

I don't think the criticisms are that major really. All they boil down to is a bit more info at the drivers meeting for newbies who are not quite sure what to expect.  Sure you can say the criticisms are only from newbies and they will learn by doing the event but that makes the drivers meeting pointless. There was a lot of pressure to attend and no doubt that increased expectation that it was going to provide all the details needed.  I think perhaps people have taken minor criticisms too much to heart. Regardless, it is a great event and i thoroughly enjoyed it.  I think the newbies are simply trying to make it better for newbies next time round - speaking from experience in organising other events its all to easy to keep doing the same thing until someone with fresh eyes spots a problem.  But i say again the points are pretty minor and could be dealt with in 5 mins in a meeting. Finally all big events need a debriefing and it is impossible to run an event that is 100% perfect for everybody. Youve just got to evaluate the points decide whether to change it next time or not. However, no matter how sorely tempted you may be never dismiss criticism because they are new types and the old stagers know whats what- that just closes the club off to new blood and creates a them and us feeling.  Also, i act as an unpaid volunteer and expect to be criticised sometimes.  As shown by those organising this event, just because you are an unpaid volunteer, doesn't mean you aren't thoroughly professional. If you are professional you expect to be judged as such- good or bad! To save time and cost and perhaps to create better integration of old and new, had it ever been suggested that there are 3 or 4 smaller regional meetings rather than one big one?

Colin - went up the A10 etc per the route book.  On the whole its usually more fun on A roads but it was the first few miles that were a pain. After that ok.  At certain times, the traffic in the south east is just daft and presumably its only going to get worse. I think focussing on a motoring themed venue is a red herring, Apart from us and the RBRR what qualifies the Plough in this regard?   It starts there because of tradition and that's why people like it. A new venue would soon become popular if it was the right one. Surely its the people and the cars who make it.  When I explained the run to anyone, the first thing they forgot was where it started - they just remembered the John o Groats/ Lands End thing.  A lot of people from other parts of the country aren't quite sure where Enfield is!   Having said that aren't there a few pubs that are famous as motorsport meeting places? Bob

The food thing seems to have been blown out of proportion. In reality it comes down to it not being clear at the meeting from the perspective of one who hadn't done it previously. I am in agreement with the op that the meeting could have been better but once you have done it, it all becomes clear. Sure you can work it out and we are all adults but if that's the logic, why bother with the meeting? It's not a big deal either way and it's a minor point in a great event. I felt there were clearly cliques but that's how it is. No one was unfriendly and as the event went into day two, I felt there was more chat and sense of cameraderie. Not sure where behind the times crit came from, must have missed that. I think it's a good programme of events. My perception of the club is that it south east based but maybe I need to get in touch with the Yorkshire element. Is there a thriving branch up here?  Like many I've got family work etc commitments but the RBRR gave me a taste for other event- assuming of course that pies are laid on......

I'm all for tradition - and this was my first time in the event so what do I know, but the slog out to the a1 was dire and the m40 on the way back brought a sense of anti climax to the final stage. After sitting in traffic for what seemedike a couple of hours we weren't really up to a bit of banter in the bar after.   Overall still a brilliant event but it did take the shine off the last bit.  I know suggestions say there needs to be a motoring theme but surely any good pub with a large carpark would do- all meeting there and eventually it becoming a legendary venue like the Plough will create the right atmosphere wherever. I note the comment re London as part of the event. However for those of us oop north it adds to the expense and time off work 'cos you really feel you need to either set off early Friday or stay Thursday night as well as Sunday. This may well put off a few from my neck of the woods.  All to the good perhaps!! Still want to reiterate will do it again from the plough or wherever! Bob

All that I recall said at the drivers meeting was don't eat two pies at morrisons! The rest was a bit vague in my view. However next time I'll think more about when and where to eat in between the breakfasts. Scotland doesn't seem to be overflowing with places to eat by the road side! No ones going to starve I agree and but it was one area that was unclear to me. Re the money, you've got to spend it one way or another and it pales behind the cost of fuel. Bob

Yes, appreciate its a charitable event - like virtually every other sponsored event I have ever participated in and volunteered to help with myself on other occasions. However as a newbie i wasn't really sure what to expect re food and this didn't help.  Happy to pay a bit extra if needed but more about knowing what to expect. With all respect, deflecting constructive criticism on the basis it's done by volunteers is not helpful. Events continue to be successful because they improve over time and carefully consider any comments from the entrants. Regards Bob

Already stated elsewhere had a fantastic first time on this event but i think Richard made some pertinent observations. Its nice to get together pre event but if your travelling  any distance (like from n yorks) it takes up a whole day. I liked the rep but she went on far too long.  I'm sure the committee wont let that happen again- they were shifting on their seats too!   Agree re checkpoints - would be easy enough to message revised closing times, surely. Finally, i found food stops a little vague. Breakfasts fine - i know we had to wait at lands end but food was good and they did get going eventually.  However, a bit more nosh at the other stops would be welcome - conscious that could have done with another pie at morrisons, how many sarnies at conan bridge? Only a few digestives at bude?  Perhaps i'm just a greedy bastard....cant complain about pimperne welcome though!

This was my first time on the RBRR and it really does live up to the hype!  Fantastic event.  Highlights for me were the A68 and then down through Wales - those Welsh roads are exceptional. We were in a group of 4 - a red TR6 in front, a white spitfire next (crew 48  - kept coming across them - what a fantastic car, well driven at a cracking pace -my favourite out of many possible contenders), us ,crew 84, green TR4, and then a blue spitfire bringing up the rear. That section will live with me for a long time. My co driver also had a brilliant time - he's 78 and enjoyed every minute and loved the cars.  Thank you to everyone concerned.  I'll be back. Already persuading like minded friends to buy a triumph now to be ready for the next one! Regards Bob Horner