I have about 5K miles on the Thames now after getting her on the road a few years ago. It was at one of my first cruise-ins back then, a young local free lance writer spotted the Thames and wanted to do a story on it.
This also an opportunity to share my story with you. Without this site and your help, this project might have never progressed.
hope you like it:
https://scmotormouth.wordpress.com/2017 ... mpression/
Thames proud moment
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Brett Wilkie
- Posts: 1833
- Joined: Sun Sep 16, 2012 12:42 pm
- Location: Vancouver British Columbia Canada
Re: Thames proud moment
That's nice to have that kind of acknowledgement.
Anglia 100e modified
Prefect 100e stock
Prefect 100e stock
Re: Thames proud moment
Nice article. Gives me optimism that I could someday have my 1959 Thames (which has been off the road since at least 1970) back on the road.
Re: Thames proud moment
BigFred, Your avatar pic always reminds me of my Thames back in the 70's. Here is a pic of it after 35 years of basement storage...just as it looked in the 70's. (kinda resembles yours). Back then, the Pinto motor was just installed, drove around the yard a couple of times, and then the long hibernation began.
What are your plans? just get it running and on the road? or full paint and restoration?
Although I replaced all rotted metal and painted mine flat black, I left the body work rough (rat rod style, heck I didn't even grind the body panel welds!!). I went this route because I did not want to tie up years making a show car with custom painted murals like I wanted in the 70's...and the fact I have grown to like the unfinished look.
What are your plans? just get it running and on the road? or full paint and restoration?
Although I replaced all rotted metal and painted mine flat black, I left the body work rough (rat rod style, heck I didn't even grind the body panel welds!!). I went this route because I did not want to tie up years making a show car with custom painted murals like I wanted in the 70's...and the fact I have grown to like the unfinished look.
- enfo.jpg (228.92 KiB) Viewed 614 times
Re: Thames proud moment
[Sorry for the long delay in replying to this.]
The current plan is to just keep it completely stock, get it on the road and not worry too much about body work or paint. The chassis is in pretty good shape with only surface rust, but the lower portions of the body sides are pretty bad/gone.
So far, I've redone the cooling system and fuel system (not fully hooked up yet). I've had the engine running for a few seconds a couple of times on starting fluid. (I crank it with the hand crank about once a week.) I got all of the lights/signals working. I've been sanding and primering sections of the body, to slow down the rusting process. Still need to work on the clutch/trans/driveshaft/rear and brakes. And put the windshield and rear windows back in.
I've developed a lung disease that will slow me down a lot, but not stop me. So, the incredibly slow progress continues for now.
The current plan is to just keep it completely stock, get it on the road and not worry too much about body work or paint. The chassis is in pretty good shape with only surface rust, but the lower portions of the body sides are pretty bad/gone.
So far, I've redone the cooling system and fuel system (not fully hooked up yet). I've had the engine running for a few seconds a couple of times on starting fluid. (I crank it with the hand crank about once a week.) I got all of the lights/signals working. I've been sanding and primering sections of the body, to slow down the rusting process. Still need to work on the clutch/trans/driveshaft/rear and brakes. And put the windshield and rear windows back in.
I've developed a lung disease that will slow me down a lot, but not stop me. So, the incredibly slow progress continues for now.
Re: Thames proud moment
BigFred, you can see in my photo (on the trailer) mine was well rotted out in the areas you described: missing rockers, panel in front of rear wheel, jack supports, etc.
You mentioned hand crank... I remember using the hand crank on an Escort in the 70's. It was not licensed and we only drove it on the property and on logging roads. As a teenager, I couldn't afford a decent battery and the handcrank had to be used. That car was so finicky about starting, we would wear ourselves out cranking it by hand. That car eventually became the donor car for the Thames (doors, fenders, hood, grill, taillights, etc)
Sorry to hear to about your health issues. I know that can really slow the progress. If you were local, I sure would be willing to help. I hope you can get it on the road soon and start attending some cruise-ins. You will be amazed at how many people have never heard of or seen these cars. Most comments I get from women are "how cute!", the men will say "what is it?"
keep moving forward!
You mentioned hand crank... I remember using the hand crank on an Escort in the 70's. It was not licensed and we only drove it on the property and on logging roads. As a teenager, I couldn't afford a decent battery and the handcrank had to be used. That car was so finicky about starting, we would wear ourselves out cranking it by hand. That car eventually became the donor car for the Thames (doors, fenders, hood, grill, taillights, etc)
Sorry to hear to about your health issues. I know that can really slow the progress. If you were local, I sure would be willing to help. I hope you can get it on the road soon and start attending some cruise-ins. You will be amazed at how many people have never heard of or seen these cars. Most comments I get from women are "how cute!", the men will say "what is it?"
keep moving forward!