Starting to look really good, its going to be a long time before mine gets to that stage, a bargin too!

After reassembly turned all the shafts just to make sure they rotate freely. Discovered a possible problem with the shaft on which 1st,2nd and 3rd gears are mounted. The Air Cleaner mount sits over the bearing on which this group of gears sits. Once the mount is refitted the bearing goes tight. If you slacken the 3 mounting bolts it becomes free again? The bolts are the correct length and do not foul the bearing. I have noticed the bearing sits slightly proud of the housing. This is the original bearing as it is in good condition, The gears themselves are the originals, I only changed the diff drive gear. But that is identical to the original. I've taken it apart and reassembled 3 times now but the problem still persists! The solution I've come up with is to make 2 extra gaskets, and place them between the air cleaner mount and the gearbox case. Thus giving me the 1mm clearance needed.

Gearbox now ready for bits to be bolted on

The Wheels..... These are going to be fitted to move the machine, I dont fancy running the Steel wheels over the block drive!

For those Howard lovers who are restoring their machines. The colour is BS592 for the paint and RAL2OO1 for the powder coating. This picture shows both powder coat(frame) and paint(handlebar pivot), the colour match is spot on! It appears slightly lighter under the camera flash, but in daylight, there is no difference.

Hi Andrew, I get this paint from Automotive Paint Supplies. They do have other branches in the south, not sure how far up north they have stores? Most other car paint places should be able to do these, just ask? Its not the cheapest stuff, but it is very good. The cans are labelled Pro XL, they have an adjustable fan on the nozzle too so you can control the amount and width of spray pattern.

Collected the new Key steel for the drive hubs today, was a bit annoyed that the actual cost was 3x the quote! Still needs must.....

Where do you get your nuts and bolts from? I can only find places that ask me for mortgage details.
I would love to build a good stock of N & Bs.

Phil

Hi simar kid, thankyou for the comment! If its worth doing, its worth doing right! Thats my motto. This one doesnt really have a budget. It wont be going back in the dirt either......... well maybe once!
Hi Phil, we have a Unimaster nearby, I get all nuts, bolts, clips and hoses from them. Usually have most sizes metric and imperial in stock too!

Ahhhhhhhhh, thats better. Weird, very weird???

Thanks for that! Was relieved when Gareth managed to resurrect the post!!! I have thought about what to do next.... project wise. Always fancied a grey fergie......
Will be taking a break next week. I will be taking a heavily modified 1984 mini mayfair across Europe starting on Saturday evening. Mark, my brother and myself are taking this trip as a tribute to our brother Craig, who sadly and suddenly died from a massive heart attack last August. The boys did the trip last May raising money for a charity who've supported our mum. She suffers with Menieres disease which affects balance and usually results in deafnesss. Unfortunately the previous engine broke in spectacular fashion, snapping the crankshaft and breaking the main bearing journal! The guys were only 300 miles from home, having driven 2000+ miles in 4 1/2 days, through France, Switzerland, Italy to Monaco and Belgium on the return...... Camping on the journey. We will be doing the same this year except its just for fun!

Picked up the last of the powder coating today. Filed the new hub keys to a snug fit and refitted the hubs.

Refitted the clutch assembly.....

Also finished fitting the handlebar lock and gear and difflock control rods.....

Does the mask say "Safe for isocyanates" because i bought a pack from ebay a year or so ago and it said in the listing it was safe for iso paint and it clearly said on the filter NOT FOR ISO PAINT USE!

the gem is looking top of the range though!!

Ive allways been told that the only correct mask to use with 2 pack is a positive pressure airfed mask, however i doubt with the small amount of the stuff that you are using that any real harm will be done. It has to be remembered though that 2 pack is a sensitiser i.e the more you are exposed to it the less your body is able to tolerate it, just ask some old sprayers.

thomas i hope that you are aware that there is cianide in the two pack formula,and a mask like gareth is recomending is the only way to go. if you feel unwell go and get medical help asap and tell them about your painting  etc.