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gresham flyer
Joined: 06 Sep 2008 Posts: 1435
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Posted: Sat Aug 14, 2010 11:21 am Post subject: MOT (pass) and first drive in Hillman Minx Californian 1956. |
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[IMG]http://i369.[/IMGIMG].jpgIMG]
Hillman Minx Californian 1956 as found in a warehouse in South East London.It had been off the road for many years.But was all intact and the engine was not seized.
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After much work which involved fabricating new inner and outer sills,inner and outer rear arches,splash panel repairs etc.This was only due to bodged previous repairs ,the bodywork is in very good original condition. The original paint was under the arches,it had not been coated in bitumen etc.
[img][/img]
I have refitted brightwork etc,prior to topcoating,making sure everything fits perfectly.The engine and gearbox works fine,60 psi oil pressure,after a good grease up the steering and suspension was perfect.All lights and ancillaries worked on initial inspection.A new exhaust and other parts had been fitted prior to lay up.
[img][/img]
Glass,trim,brightwork etc is all present and intact and useable,where would you find a replacement rear screen
[[img][/img]
The interior seats and trim was filthy,but after a lot of elbow grease cleaned up very well.All switches and dials work fine.
New carpets are all that is required.
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That lovely 1950`s dashboard. People love to sit in it and reminisce about when their parents had similar cars.
On Friday 13th August, (yesterday) I drove her to the MOT station and she passed without any problem.She drives really well,after getting used to a column gearchange (4 speed).
Now all that is required is to give her a nice topcoat of paint in her original colours.
It was supplied by J. Henry Roberts. Plas Garage Llangefni Anglesey in May 1956. 3 previous owners.
P.S. I would like to find better Hubcaps,Bumpers,Doorhandles and Grill if possible.Any help appreciated.
Gresham. |
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Phil - Nottingham
Joined: 01 Jan 2008 Posts: 1252 Location: Nottingham
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Posted: Sat Aug 14, 2010 5:42 pm Post subject: |
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A very neat car quite rare when new and even rarer now _________________ Rover P2
Rover P4
Rover P5 & P5B
Land Rover S2 & S3
Morris Mini Traveller Mk2 |
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gresham flyer
Joined: 06 Sep 2008 Posts: 1435
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Posted: Sat Aug 14, 2010 6:23 pm Post subject: |
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It would be interesting to know how many were built,and how many survive.
The Hillman club will tell you nothing unless you are a member,i found the person I spoke to very unhelpful.
I am a member of enough clubs as it is.
Any other contacts please.
Gresham |
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Rick Site Admin
Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22477 Location: UK
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56cal
Joined: 16 Aug 2010 Posts: 1
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Posted: Mon Aug 16, 2010 9:03 pm Post subject: |
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Hi great looking car, it looks better in primer than mine in top coat, just a couple of points the steering wheel is from a mk 3/4 minx ,the mark 8 should have a white wheel with just two solid "arms" and a chrome horn ring and the heater and the white knob on the side are also not standard |
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lowdrag
Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 1586 Location: Le Mans
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Posted: Sat Aug 28, 2010 7:48 am Post subject: |
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gresham flyer wrote: | The Hillman club will tell you nothing unless you are a member,i found the person I spoke to very unhelpful.
I am a member of enough clubs as it is.
Any other contacts please.
Gresham |
Totally agree. In the classic car world we are there to help each other, and you are far more likely to become a member if you are warmly received rather than being given the cold shoulder. Anyway, a lovely find and nice restoration. Many happy miles! |
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vintageman
Joined: 21 Mar 2011 Posts: 12
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Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2012 11:05 pm Post subject: |
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Congratulations - it looks very nice
I've just sold my Mark VIII saloon today as I've bought a Sunbeam Rapier coupe which is really a later californian.
Make sure you insert the gearbox dip stick in the right way round or it will rub against the gear cluster |
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gresham flyer
Joined: 06 Sep 2008 Posts: 1435
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Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2012 9:56 pm Post subject: |
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So have I...brought a Sunbeam Rapier 1965 MK V1.
Similar styling to the Californian the Rapier....but more of these around than the former.
Work so far on the Rapier.....
Just fitted a new carpet set from Coverdale carpets.
Scrubbed and cleaned the interior.
Cut back and machine buffed the paintwork.
Fitted new number plates.
Removed and polished the door treadplates.
Mot for 12 months.
Serviced the car from top to bottom.
Etc Etc
Now she looks like a new pin.!!!
Gresham Flyer |
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vintageman
Joined: 21 Mar 2011 Posts: 12
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Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2012 10:42 pm Post subject: |
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Our rapiers are twins! Mine is 1964
Drove it back to the South Coast from Birmingham last week - a lovely drive
Current task is fitting retractor seat belts and a high level brake light, then wire in the clock and revcounter currently not working after a polarity change by the previous owner. oh! and fit carpet in the boot to protect the original rubber mats
The wheels fitted are wire but I have the originals and will be refurbishing them to return the car to normal spec.
Also need a radio!
Our first major outing will be Coventry festival of transport |
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vintageman
Joined: 21 Mar 2011 Posts: 12
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Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2012 10:57 pm Post subject: |
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Gresham
You will find it difficult,if not impossible to find a radiator grille. I do know somebody who got one from New Zealand but that was probably the last in captivity. The grilles all have poor chrome as the Canadian nickel miners went on a prolonged strike in 1955 and all Rootes chroming from that time was poor quality |
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gresham flyer
Joined: 06 Sep 2008 Posts: 1435
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Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2012 9:53 pm Post subject: |
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The K.L heater was an aftermarket fitment at the time.
I also have one fitted in our Austin A30 from 1955.
I have seen them in many mid fifties cars...they needed to keep warm,even in those tough old days.
Gresham flyer |
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gresham flyer
Joined: 06 Sep 2008 Posts: 1435
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Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2012 9:56 pm Post subject: |
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Would anybody have the correct steering wheel.?
Gresham Flyer |
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welshrover
Joined: 09 Aug 2011 Posts: 326
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Posted: Fri Sep 28, 2012 6:05 pm Post subject: |
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lowdrag wrote: | gresham flyer wrote: | The Hillman club will tell you nothing unless you are a member,i found the person I spoke to very unhelpful.
I am a member of enough clubs as it is.
Any other contacts please.
Gresham |
Totally agree. In the classic car world we are there to help each other, and you are far more likely to become a member if you are warmly received rather than being given the cold shoulder. Anyway, a lovely find and nice restoration. Many happy miles! |
im in the hillman owners club and dont find them very helpfull to be honest .dont think ill be rejoining next year. |
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