W/E 23rd June 2017

Wow, sometime since I updated the blog – where has the time gone?

Well the good news is that I’ve been doing quite a bit of riding this last month 🙂

There’s been some work in the garage but the focus has been on making good use of the very hot weather. The above photo shows that I have sprayed up a few RGA parts – used the ‘silk black’ and must say it’s going to need updating with a coat of gloss. The silk is too dull and also because the finish is flat it shows up any imperfections. The parts have been shot-blasted but the rust damage is still visible. I suppose the perfectionist would get the filler out and start fresh but that ain’t gonna happen…

In addition to paint I’ve also been a bit distracted by a polishing mop on the Dremmel. I’ve only given the rocker brief attention but the results show that with more work I can get rid of the road salt damage. Of course all a distration from the real issue which is to sort out the bloody engine which just needs the valve shims sorting!

The Atlas has been giving good service – we’ve gone to France and entered the National Rally all while racking up 500 miles per week just to get to work.

I’ve got to replace the chain and sprockets – I put on a fresh chain for France but because I ran it on part worn sprockets that’s knackered. An interim measure has been to change the front sprocket and use a secondhand chain off Atlas #3 (which is sitting idle). After I get back from holidays in August I plan all new sprockets + a non O ring chain. Given the fragile nature of the mainshaft I think the lighter chain is the way to go – it will wear quicker but be kinder on the splines.

I also have to go back in to the clutch to see if I can finally sort out the slip. I got some Silkolene Classic 20/50 for motorcycles and this has gone some way to helping the clutch. I’m going to see if replacing the oil a second time round will have flushed the clutch plates of the previous oil which was designed for classic cars. I see however that the return spring is beginning to get baggy so it might be wise to take off the primary case and have a look around. Whatever having ridden my daughter’s Ducati with a fully functioning clutch has convinced me that I’m really spoiling my enjoyment riding round this clutch slip issue.

So I said I’ve been doing some riding and you’ll see in the Trips section of the blog a write up of the LCF Rally – there’s a link at the end to pictures which helps bring it alive. Next week I will have the National Rally report ready.

1933 Rolls Royce

Finally congratulations to my daughter Jenny who married Tim – health and happiness to you both

Nick 🙂