Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Peter_L · Posted: Thu Jul 04, 2013 6:32 pm Post subject: Did you ever invent something ?

Readng the BBC news, I came across this article.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-23179103

My inventing is somewhat limited, but over the years I have likely made all range of things to do a specific task.

1960's. Rewired the Mini with two flasher units, so I could have "Hazard Flashers" I ignored the out of sequence detail.

1960's. I cut approx 1/2 inch long pieces of rubber tube, removed the brake adjuster screws on the mini and refitted them via the piece of lubricated tube. They never seized again.

1960 - 70's Fastened strips of 1" wide elastic to the wall of the garage, with loops that would hold spanners, scewdrivers etc.

1970's used some large (5") scrap ball bearing assemblies (Thanks to the National Coal Board) to build 4 dollies that allowed me to push my cars sideways in the garage.

1960's. Tapped off some 1/4" copper pipe from the Mini's heater hose to warm the plastic washer bottle. It worked great in the summer !!

peter scott · Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 7215 Location: Edinburgh

I have a couple of patents:

http://pminer.org/patent.do?m=viewPatent&id=3543588

http://pminer.org/patent.do?m=viewPatent&id=1386538

I never made any money from them but my employer did.

Peter Sad

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https://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

Peter_L · Posted: Thu Jul 04, 2013 7:35 pm Post subject:

roverdriver · Posted: Fri Jul 05, 2013 11:06 am Post subject:

'Invent' is probably not the term that I would use, but I am frequently problem solving in less than conventional fashion. I have previously posted a couple of my solutions- a modified clutch-shaft bearing on a Rover P4, making a replacement lamp for a 50+ year old movie projector. Yesterday, as an example, I needed a 8mm socket fitted to an electric drill in order to screw down corrugated roofing material. It is too far for me to run to the nearest hardware to buy the correct adapter, and anyway it was just for one job. I had a suitable socket with ¼" drive, so took an old ¼" drive screwdriver, sawed it in half and held the bottom end in the drill's chuck with the socket on the end. It worked perfectly. One day I will find a use for the handle end of that screwdriver!
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Dane- roverdriver but not a Viking.

D4B · Joined: 28 Dec 2010 Posts: 2083 Location: Hampshire UK

Yesterday I made a trolley jack adaptor for removing the 354cc engine
from my Honda pickup from a piece of plywood and an old file handle,
worked a treat Cool

Peter_L · Posted: Fri Jul 05, 2013 2:23 pm Post subject:

Rover Driver: "One day I will find a use for the handle end of that screwdriver!"

A short screwdriver ? Smile

kevin2306 · Posted: Fri Jul 05, 2013 2:26 pm Post subject:

My wife reakons i invent loads in my head! Not sure what she means tho ;0)

Peter_L · Posted: Fri Jul 05, 2013 3:23 pm Post subject:

Penman · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4859 Location: Swindon, Wilts.

Hi
I remember making my own clutch alignment tool for a Sceptre using a dowel and loads of butterfly brown paper sticky tape.
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Bristols should always come in pairs.

Any 2 from:-
Straight 6
V8 V10

V8 Nutter · Joined: 27 Aug 2012 Posts: 601

Not an invention, but a suggestion. I was an apprentice at a company that made huge hydraulic machines for forming steel car bumpers. The company had a suggestion scheme where employees could win £25 for good suggestions. In the mid sixties Buick introduced plastic bumpers, I suggested to company looked into making moulding machines, because what Detroit does today others do tomorrow. I was told don't be stupid plastic bumpers will never catch on