Tricks that old racers get up to after retirement

[jackiewilson]

Jackie, I saw the boat at Bristol with the original motor but not in its present display form. Did you make the Replica DFV it does look the part.

No, it’s a genuine COSWORTH replicated dummy display unit—- cost about £9:99 as opposed to twenty five thousand for a fresh built DFV in 1978 !

[jackiewilson]

Well, when you have four kids—— 12 grandkids——13 great grandkids———— you would have thought that at least one of ‘em could have taken time out to give you a call christmas morning—— or even Boxing Day ! Not complaining—— simple fact of life, like an old jacket hung up behind the door, when you go out - you put it on, it keeps you warm, dry and comfortable. You come home, put it back behind the door, comfortable in the knowledge that it’ll be there whenever you need it —- year in, year out, never goes out of fashion—- low maintenance—-reliable.
Its there for all seasons—— “just in case”—— its a feeling thing——- you know where it is—- even if it’s not used much these days. Been out of fashion for years, too good to throw out just yet, but not fashionable enough to go to town in ! When was the last time you gave it a brush down or had that missing button sewn back on ? Nah—- its just an old jacket that you don’t have much use for —- but you don’t have the heart to discard just yet ?????
Maybe next year !!!

Was just thinking back to a time when a call to Australia or America was a £1 a minute—— but Christmas morning calls to friends and relations were sacrosanct—- you just did it—- mum couldn’t get on with the Christmas dinner because it seemed every one in the world wanted to say “Merry Christmas”. But that was then. Today you can call anywhere in the world for free, all it takes is a little time———- something that nobody has anymore!

[jackiewilson]

Dismantled the lathe completely——- started with the bed—— then the tail stock ——tool post , and went mad from there.
No doubt about it the 9” South Bend Lathe is a beautiful , well made device. Very little wear anywhere . I’ve seen new ones in schools and colleges that after a years misuse were not up to this standard.
Makes me question the wisdom of buying a 13” when this thing will do everything I want.
Might just as well start from scratch with the electrics——— give it a full refit.
Havent touched the latest roller for a couple of weeks——- it just sits there looking resplendent!
Think it might just surprise most of the old farts—— even I think it’s “ Quite Acceptable”.
Might just wander across to Ford and the car boot sale in the morning——- don’t need a damn thing—— but I’m getting withdrawal symptoms and need a change from roast turkey and plum duff !

[jackiewilson]

When I said the electrics left a lot to be desired—— I wasn’t kidding!

[jackiewilson]

Finally got the whole shebang stitched together——- bed is nailed to the tray—— and then bolted onto the legs———- steady as a rock —— hand turns like a SWISS watch . Now for fitting the motor and upgrading the electrics . With a bit of luck and a fair wind, I should have it up and running over the weekend.
Who says Christmas is a total waste of time?

[jackiewilson]

Simply had to do something about the drive train powering the South Bend—— it was attached to a sky hook behind the device ???
decided it deserved better and drew out a couple of routes, now we have a motor anchored to the framework ——- running straight and true—— silently——- might even get it fired up tomorrow!

[jackiewilson]

Simply had to do something about the drive train powering the South Bend—— it was attached to a sky hook behind the device ???
decided it deserved better and drew out a couple of routes, now we have a motor anchored to the framework ——- running straight and true—— silently——- might even get it fired up tomorrow!

Just wish I’d taken more notice of what my geometry master was telling me——- forgot about the angle of dangle—— that’s where you hang the motor in animated suspension with a peripheral perception of where the airborne pulleys and the lathes static roundels should communicate and form the perfect union, ‘CEPT they didn’t !!!
Have all the drive train dismantled once again, in the hope I can outwit the crafty bastard and bring him to heel.

[jackiewilson]

Two days ago I was an hour away from being up and running—— I’m now about three hours from throwing the switch and right back at square one !
Knew exactly what I was doing didn’t I ? ‘ Cept it didn’t work——- but it will—- ihave high hopes and ambition!

[FUJIMO]

[jackiewilson]

Many a true word spoken in jest—— putting this damn lathe together has made me realise just how wore out this old frame of mine really is.
Come lunchtime all I want to do is rest my legs because lifting and bending has made every muscle I once had come back from the dead!
Things I could do with my eyes shut, I now need specs for.
Job I could do in an hour, now takes two days!
Task that I could whistle through and finish but left a little to be desired, won’t cut it any more. It has to be right ( in case it’s the last time ).
Not to worry, I have the twelve gauge loaded and ready just in case that hooded old bastard carrying the scythe shows his face ???

[jackiewilson]

No, it was not me—— I haven’t been to Texas for many a long year——- it was another JACK WILSON that shot the gunman in the church—— not me!

[jackiewilson]

There are such things as “MIRACLES”——- Father Christmas sent me my best Christmas present in years——- Cheers Billy—— Happy New Year to you and Lynne and all the rest of the “ Seebold Clan”

You and I both know that Lynne knows absolutely nothing about this—— Right, I wont tell her if you don’t! LUVSYA BILLY.

[jackiewilson]

Hey, Pilgrim—- my daughter and son in law are in Singapore tonight for the fireworks staying at the “ Fanella ???? Something or other hotel——- it begins with F anyway.
Tomorrow they have booked in at RAFFLES for dinner——— surname is CAPLIN —— SAm and Clive—— if you’re around call in and see em——— it’ll be ok——- they talk to anyone!
Just remembered—— it’s the Fullerton !

[jackiewilson]

Only gone and bloody done it —— overcame all adversity—— the South Bend is up and running.
Straight as a gunbarrel——- drive train absolutely in line. Did a couple of test turnings—— absolutely no “WAGGLEMENT” whatsoever!
Final problem was the fact that the overall width was two inches wider than the original a bit of “SQUIDGING” was required.
Renewed my faith in myself —— took me a lot longer than anticipated, but I’m pleased with the diligence and perseverance I was able to call on which resulted in a successful conclusion!
Piccies tomorrow!

[jackiewilson]

Happy New Year Everyone!
​Health Wealth and Happiness To You All !