VHGMC Forums: Howard Bantam with Villiers Mk15 HS

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   Hi Darren if you look on each of the 3 boxes you will see a little flat head screw, these are the level plugs, simply fill till the oil just starts to dribble out when the bantam is level.

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series1gem Forum Member Joined: 10 Oct 2009 Online Status: Offline Posts: 5183	Posted: 24 May 2013 at 6:50pm
	Hi Darren if you look on each of the 3 boxes you will see a little flat head screw, these are the level plugs, simply fill till the oil just starts to dribble out when the bantam is level.
	If it isnt orange it isnt a rotavator
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Darmic1 Forum Member Joined: 26 Nov 2010 Online Status: Offline Posts: 531	Posted: 24 May 2013 at 7:28pm
	Oooops! Its a tiny bit over filled then........ cheers Gareth!
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Darmic1 Forum Member Joined: 26 Nov 2010 Online Status: Offline Posts: 531	Posted: 24 May 2013 at 10:12pm
	Its a good job I didn't do too much with the Bantam as I've just drained 1.2 litres of excess oil from the 3 gearboxes......... ooops! Note to self, must get Owners manual for this machine!!! Its a pity the drained oil was a bit black, not cheap this stuff.....
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howardhoe Forum Member Joined: 24 Apr 2013 Online Status: Offline Posts: 86	Posted: 24 May 2013 at 11:27pm
	Don't worry, i bought some expensive oil for my bullfinch and filled it up only to find a very big puddle on the floor the next day!
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series1gem Forum Member Joined: 10 Oct 2009 Online Status: Offline Posts: 5183	Posted: 25 May 2013 at 12:01am
	*Originally posted by Darmic1* Its a good job I didn't do too much with the Bantam as I've just drained 1.2 litres of excess oil from the 3 gearboxes......... ooops! Note to self, must get Owners manual for this machine!!! Its a pity the drained oil was a bit black, not cheap this stuff..... [IMG]http://www.tractorbox.co.uk/forum/uploads/20130524_221141_110.jpg" height="816" width="612" /> I will get it copied for you, hope to get new printer set up on weekend, also got workshop manual on the villiers to do as well.
	If it isnt orange it isnt a rotavator
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Darmic1 Forum Member Joined: 26 Nov 2010 Online Status: Offline Posts: 531	Posted: 29 May 2013 at 9:19pm
	Collected the rear cover from the powder coaters for the second time, Even managed to fit it with no mishaps...... Here are the pictures of the finished Bantam!
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Darmic1 Forum Member Joined: 26 Nov 2010 Online Status: Offline Posts: 531	Posted: 29 May 2013 at 9:24pm
	I have also replaced the 2 decals which were obvious when I first got this machine........
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Darmic1 Forum Member Joined: 26 Nov 2010 Online Status: Offline Posts: 531	Posted: 29 May 2013 at 9:34pm
	Now I need some advice, Im still undecided as to which decals and locations are correct for this machine. I have placed the various decals where I believe they would have been placed and taken some photo's. I would like your opinions please??? First the fuel tank........
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Darmic1 Forum Member Joined: 26 Nov 2010 Online Status: Offline Posts: 531	Posted: 29 May 2013 at 9:41pm
	And now the rotor covers........
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Darmic1 Forum Member Joined: 26 Nov 2010 Online Status: Offline Posts: 531	Posted: 30 May 2013 at 3:04pm
	Im going to with the Howard Clifford set to match the fuel tank. Anyone able to confirm the correct placement of the decals, before I stick them in the wrong place!
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series1gem Forum Member Joined: 10 Oct 2009 Online Status: Offline Posts: 5183	Posted: 30 May 2013 at 6:40pm
	Most were as top left photo,however have also seen some as bottom pic. I'd allmost be inclinde to place them as you feel looks best, whatever you decide you will allways get some smart a**e comming up to you saying youve got it wrong.
	If it isnt orange it isnt a rotavator
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Darmic1 Forum Member Joined: 26 Nov 2010 Online Status: Offline Posts: 531	Posted: 30 May 2013 at 7:36pm
	Right, top left it is then, Thanks Gareth! Having never seen one fully restored before, was unsure, as you say 'some smart a##e'............
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Darmic1 Forum Member Joined: 26 Nov 2010 Online Status: Offline Posts: 531	Posted: 30 May 2013 at 8:27pm
	I just realised....... This project, its been 59 days from start to finish. Thats not working on it everyday either....... must slow down!
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Darmic1 Forum Member Joined: 26 Nov 2010 Online Status: Offline Posts: 531	Posted: 31 May 2013 at 11:07pm
	Decals now applied, hope they are as near to factory as possible.....
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Darmic1 Forum Member Joined: 26 Nov 2010 Online Status: Offline Posts: 531	Posted: 31 May 2013 at 11:18pm
	And here's a few more
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howardhoe Forum Member Joined: 24 Apr 2013 Online Status: Offline Posts: 86	Posted: 31 May 2013 at 11:47pm
	That is stunning. I am glad to see one with an air filter set up like that as mine is the same, well would have been! I will have to keep looking at photo's of yours when i do mine so i can see what i am meant to be doing! I have bought many of the little engine parts i need for mine and just need a few more machine parts and i should be able to get mine restored. I am thinking next winter for mine all going well.
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TITCH Forum Member Joined: 18 Sep 2010 Online Status: Offline Posts: 648	Posted: 01 Jun 2013 at 5:50am
	Yep, Darren Strikes again, a thoughtful & stunning restoration!! Titch
	Restorations Final Touch!
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series1gem Forum Member Joined: 10 Oct 2009 Online Status: Offline Posts: 5183	Posted: 01 Jun 2013 at 8:52am
	To be fair its one of the best Bantams Ive ever seen. A bit of Britains and Howards history preserved probably for ever. I'm not suprised youve changed your mind about working it,I'd keep it for "Best" too.
	If it isnt orange it isnt a rotavator
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coastie Forum Member Joined: 05 May 2013 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 21	Posted: 01 Jun 2013 at 2:32pm
	It looks really good. I'm envious and aware that once my 350 is working I wont be in a position to bring it anywhere near this standard.
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bigend Forum Member Joined: 14 Nov 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 12	Posted: 01 Jun 2013 at 4:35pm
	credit where credit is due, it looks stunning and titch's decals are the icing on the cake,
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Darmic1 Forum Member Joined: 26 Nov 2010 Online Status: Offline Posts: 531	Posted: 03 Jun 2013 at 9:00am
	Thanks for the compliments guys, makes all the effort worthwhile! Here are a few photo's of the Bantam, with its Bigger Brother......
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TITCH Forum Member Joined: 18 Sep 2010 Online Status: Offline Posts: 648	Posted: 03 Jun 2013 at 6:27pm
	Titch Is Speechless............
	Restorations Final Touch!
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pmackellow Forum Member Joined: 30 Jun 2009 Online Status: Offline Posts: 7648	Posted: 03 Jun 2013 at 7:40pm
	A couple of superb restorations there, very well done !
	Collector of Tarpen, Wheelhorse, International Cub Cadet, Landmaster, Cooper Stewart, Farmfitters, Jobber, Jalo, Ro-lo, Sisis and literature
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series1gem Forum Member Joined: 10 Oct 2009 Online Status: Offline Posts: 5183	Posted: 03 Jun 2013 at 10:37pm
	The contrast in size is awesome, two very,very nice machines.
	If it isnt orange it isnt a rotavator
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series V Ash New Member Joined: 07 May 2012 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 6	Posted: 06 Jun 2013 at 12:44am
	they look smashing darren there a credit to you ashley
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will_haggle Forum Member Joined: 06 Apr 2008 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 3913	Posted: 06 Jun 2013 at 9:44am
	Superb job, Darren, where are you showing them?
	6 months ago I couldn't even spell engineer - now I are one Calne, North Wiltshire...
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Darmic1 Forum Member Joined: 26 Nov 2010 Online Status: Offline Posts: 531	Posted: 06 Jun 2013 at 3:41pm
	Not too sure yet, its a combination of transport problems and work thats preventing showing at the moment. I am trying to sort the transport, looking at trailers now so we shall see. Work..... well unless they can magic 10 extra officers from thin air, who knows?
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Darmic1 Forum Member Joined: 26 Nov 2010 Online Status: Offline Posts: 531	Posted: 13 Aug 2013 at 12:30am
	Well, having been to one or two shows this year as a spectator, I've decided that next year will be show year for me. Will need to check the rosta and see which ones I can attend........ In the meantime........ I have made a new starting handle and fitted a new rope too.
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simar kid Forum Member Joined: 28 Jan 2011 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2061	Posted: 17 Aug 2013 at 5:21pm
	got to hand it to you that's one @ell of a restoration,and also when the two are side by side it looks like a showroom from the distant passed. great x 1000
	Not sure whats wrong. i think we will let it develop
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Darmic1 Forum Member Joined: 26 Nov 2010 Online Status: Offline Posts: 531	Posted: 17 Aug 2013 at 9:52pm
	Thankyou John. Your restorations ain't too shabby either!!! Hows the Lister??? Been thinking about a stationary engine next, something similar to yours...... Would love a little grey fergie, but dont have the room. Even looked at a couple of vintage bikes......
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simar kid Forum Member Joined: 28 Jan 2011 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2061	Posted: 18 Aug 2013 at 6:22pm
	although I have come from farming stock,i to have no real space to keep a tractor. the first one which I used on a farm way back was a fordson dexta. this would be my choice if the lottery came good. engine wise things are okay. have found a flat belt so now the cake crusher is getting a once over.
	Not sure whats wrong. i think we will let it develop
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