Robin (UK)

Charlie has also been a great help to me. And, believe me, it would be so much harder for us guys, outside the States, if the help, advice and common sense on this Forum wasn't available to us. Thanks Charlie. Thanks everyone! Robin.

Guys, Today, ordered a cylinder head gasket and was asked whether or not I needed the early, or late style water porting. I checked, and discovered that my car, which runs a D42 motor, is fitted with the earlier cylinder head. I read a thread recently, regarding that extra water port at the front of the engine and I was amazed to see that, in my car, the block has the water port and the head doesn't. I've had the car three years and not noticed. I've also run it for thousands of miles - no problems. My guess is that someone must have capped that port on the block. I'll find out for sure when the head comes off. It's crazy, the stuff you can find on old cars!!

Joe, I believe Niel is at (206) 285-6534 Good luck. Robin.

... reminded me of one of my favorite neckties from my collection. I have a few of these pin-up ties. They are real conversation pieces, although some are quite a bit more risquee, so I have to take care of when I wear them (definitely not suitable for a parents' evening at my son's school!!!)

Puts a whole new twist on the idea of regular servicing... Sorry guys... couldn't resist that one.

Bob, I got my watch over the internet, from a dealer in Germany. It's an older reproduction, because I wanted chrome casing, rather than stainless steel (it also has the small winder knob). Stainless versions are available and other face styles, due to the design's use in the Men In Black movies. In the USA, the real expert is a guy called Rene Rondeau, in California. Hope you are enjoying your watch as much as I am enjoying mine. Happy New Year. Robin.

Hi Johnny, I got the Buick fender spears from Ebay - they are in really good condition (not quite perfect). I paid about $150 for the pair. They do get listed occasionally. Some are listed as trims, some as spears, so try searching '1941 buick chrome'. Good luck. Robin.

I got a great book, titled 'The Cobra In The Barn'. Fascinating true descriptions about discoveries of classic and rare cars in barns and unusual places. Also treated myself to a reproduction Hamilton Ventura wristwatch... Happy New Year to everyone on the Forum. Robin.

Bob, That was just very cheap florist's ribbin which I tied to the sunvisor brackets and added a simple bow to the front. That's the traditional approach in the UK. R.

Here you go, Bob. Two very rough versions. R.

Bob, Here's my car, last Summer, used as the bridal car for a friend's wedding. A lovely day. R.

Guys, I thoroughly recommend Agape Autos. I got some great reproduction skirts in steel. Attached a picture, showing them with the 41 Buick fender skirt spears which I've added. Agape are at www.skirtsandvisors.com Good luck. Robin.

David, Thank you for sharing these. I always love to see old pictures like this. Robin.

Charlie, Looks like you missed out on a good kit, there. I have one like the attached (but in a light brown metallic color) in my car. It works great, and looks correct for the period - I'm very happy with it. They come up on ebay regularly (in fact, I've taken the picture from a current listing). Happy hunting. Robin.

Yes, Bryan's coupe, on the calendar, is my ex car. He's doing some great work on it. Already the bodywork has been tidied up in a few places and Bryan has plans to tighten up the steering and replace the windshield rubbers and complete interior in 2007. I get more excited every time I see the car!!!

Allan, It's a surprise, and very flattering, to see my car on the calendar. Thank you for including it. I agree with David... you must be slightly psychic. The picture you've used for January was taken on 1st January 2005 (at a friend's wedding). Coincidence?... Or something more?... You decide!!!

It's not my ex car. The car in the video is in France. The owner comes to our Rhythm Riot festival, each year (without the Plymouth). He doesn't speak English, and my French is very limited, but we still managed to share the excitement of our P15s!!! He showed me pictures last year. It looks fabulous on the video - and sounds great. Thanks for the link. Robin.

a coffin?

Thanks Marty, That's great information. Can you recommend a supplier for that head gasket? And can anyone else add any more advice? Thanks. Robin.

vowels?

Guys, I know there was a thread recently, discussing using shorter plugs for finned ali heads. I'm getting ready to fit a Fenton head and have a question about the head gasket. I was always led to belive that a copper gasket, used with an ali head and iron block, would cause electrolitic degradation of the head, so which gaskets have you guys used? Also, do I need to consider anything else? Length of head bolts, etc? Thanks. Robin.

My five - looks like I have expensive taste... Chrysler Thunderbolt Cord 810 convertible Auburn Speedster 41 Chrysler Windsor convertible 1936 Lincoln Zephyr V12 convertible I see an Art Deco theme running though that list!

Hey Chet, Do you have a weblink to the supplier for this alternator? It certainly looks like the way to go. Especially as I spend so much time at idle in London traffic!!!

It's by The Drifters. 1954 recording. Those guys had such great voices. Around that time, the group (as all doo-wop and vocal groups) had a fluid line-up. but often featured such legends as Jackie Wilson and Clyde McPhatter, although I can't work out who's singing on this one. I'll never tire of hearing songs like that.

Guys, This is a great cartoon (to a great song). Happy Christmas to all of you. Robin. http://badaboo.free.fr/merryxmas.swf