So, for once I’m not talking about my girlfriend; although she does also verily rock.
Today’s been a bit of a struggle; having seen my mum yesterday we got to bed not late, but later than normal (we went to see a bollywood film in Sloughs amazing deserted cinema, more on that later), I got up this morning and had – how shall we put this – well, let’s say I felt a bit unwell. Several visits to the bathroom later and I was feeling better, but less than perfect. My stomach still isn’t sure about the whole food concept and I keep running alternately hot and cold, but hey. Being ill never stopped me before. So I ordered the new ADSL, I spent some time freaking about trying to work out costs from electricity suppliers (Argh!), and I rang up about getting my beloved mog up to the restoration place.
JLH Minors are well known in Moggie circles, and after a friendly chat with John a day was agreed. Then I explained that Rebecca’s not been started for a year. He wished me luck and said he’d see me on the day – and if I could ring before I head up that’d be great. So, plan is book tickets for my return journey and then start making my way up early in the AM.
However, I knew Rebecca needed a new battery, I’ve borrowed hers a few times to start brick, and it won’t really hold a good charge. It’ll do enough for a few goes (about 3, shortish attempts) before the starting attempts start to sound tired. With that in mind I checked the spec of the old battery, decided what bits I needed for the globe taps (I hope) and tromped over to B&Q, and then wandered over there. I can’t say as I feel great, but having got there I sorted out the bits I needed, spent some time evaluating shed-locking-options and then headed down to Halfords.
At halfords I made a sound somewhat like a suckling pig. My last battery was about 30 quid… they’re now, well, start at just shy of 60 quid. Having stared at them a bit, I made my way somewhat further to Jagdev. I can’t say as Jagdev autos brings a smile to my face, nor is their customer service anything to rival millards (nor do they have the fun 1960’s asthetic of millards), but all the same they are cheaper. And 50 quid (for what I think’d’ve cost me nearly 70 at Halfords) later I wandered (slowly, car batteries are not light) back to the house.
Now, you have to respect this: I turned over Rebecca by hand a few times, just to make sure nothing had siezed and to try and slide some oil over all the surfaces; and then with some trepidation stuck the battery in. I can’t say that after her year off she started first time (and to be fair she’s got a mechanical, not an electric fuel pump, so had to pump fuel though the lines to fill the carb while turning over); I can say however that she gave it a go and coughed a few times sufficiently to disengage the starter. I can however say that second try, after a year of sitting, she fired up and ran. Not particularly well; but the engine *is* due to go for a rebuild. The idle was somewhat uneven, one of the cylinders was clearly somewhat less enthusiastic than the others. But she kept running, and I am more than impressed; I am stunned. I was expecting to be getting new plugs, cleaning distributor caps and rotor arms, and getting the easy start out. But no need, for Rebecca is a car of many virtues.
So, wish her luck next week, for it is a long journey.
