May part with some of my projects/parts
Since starting this blog I have had many emails enquiring about spares, etc. … At the same time I have realized just how much work and comittment is needed just to get one project completed to a good standard. … This has in turn caused me to evaluate what I`ve got around me with a view to rationalising the collection.
As a result of this pondering I have advertised a 1933 Monaco that was “waiting in the wings” for my attention. … I had thoughts of building a Brooklands replica at some future date. … Anyway, the advertisment reads as follows:-
1933 Riley Nine Monaco For Sale |
£9,750 ono (approx. €10,741 or $14,540) |
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| 1933 Riley 9 Monaco. Good mechanical condition, patinated body and interior. Could be MOT`d and used as it is. Plenty of room for improvement to body, trim, etc. … I bought this car with the intention of using it as a basis for a Brooklands replica, but have had a change of plan. A strong running engine, rebuilt 5000 miles ago, with twin SU`s and reprofiled cams, (twin exhaust profiles). Gearbox, axles, brakes and wheels all good. (Rebuilt powder coated wheels). … Body is fairly scruffy but has had some recent new timbers and all doors close as they should without sagging. …. Lovely Rotax head & sidelamps in great condition. This car was taxed & MOT`d in 2008. A former owner was an official of the Riley Register.
I may also part with a fully rebuilt 12/4 engine and pre select gearbox. However, I would be looking for about £6,500 for this. …… Alternatively a shortened 9 chassis with rebuilt magneto engine and silent third gearbox. Chassis restored and painted, torque tube shortened, etc. Also about £6,500
I hope to post something soon about the continuing work on the Riley special.
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getting on with the riley
In the early planning stages of this project I decided that I wanted a tubular, tuned, competition exhaust system, but didn`t want the pipes protruding through the bonnet sides and running down the outside of the car. … It looks wonderfully evocative and “of the period” but represents danger to youngsters tempted to touch the shiny bits!
A good tuned exhaust system makes a huge difference to the way the car “breaths” and gives a very worthwhile improvement in performance. … Particularly when matched to a good pair of SU carbs and cams with hotter than standard profiles.
The manifold is a beatifully made, 4 into 2, into 1 system that curves downwards quickly enough to sit inside the bonnet. … I got it from a craftsman well known for his skills, but also well known for having a very long waiting list of customers. I ordered it early in proceedings so as not to be waiting when everything else was done. Expensive but worth the wait! … I also have had made some special stainless steel manifold nuts. These are 5/16″ BSF threads, but with 1/4 bsf spanner flats to enable fitting into the tight space next to the tubes of the manifold. They are also much longer than standard nuts. And new gaskets, of course.
You will see from the photos I have also coated the bodyframe with black, oil based paint to prevent the timbers absorbing moisture. … I notice a lot of vintage car bodyframes are left unprotected and wonder why?
beautifully made manifold with gaskets and nuts
Fits nicely under the bonnet
Tuned 4 into 2, into 1 exhaust manifold
Bodyframe coated with oil based paint
Almost ready for aluminium skin
Back to the Riley, (at last).
For the last week or so I have managed to get back to working on the Riley. I have been concentrating on getting the basic body frame finished so that I can commence with making and fitting the aluminium panels. …. I decided a few months back that I would go for a period style of body with a slab tank and spare wheel at the back, rather than the “Bugatti style” boat tail that the Riley Ulster imps carried. Lovely as they look I feel that a lot of chassis space is wasted with a tail that only carries the petrol tank with no room for luggage, side screens, tools, etc. The slab tank rear has enabled me to create a space behind the seats for such items.
The body is made up of high grade marine ply and a few ash timbers. The ply has immense strength, is water resistant, and easy to work. The body has enough curvature to not look “slab sided”, but very few compound curves that would make the aluminium panels difficult to produce. … The pictures show the bodyframe shape but still needing lots of sanding down and finishing off. I have remade the firewall bulkead that sits behind the engine, (not satisfied with the first attempt), and intend making a battery box to fix between this bulkhead and the scuttle bulkhead that carries the rear edge of the bonnet.
The basic frame ready for sanding and aluminium skinning
body frame taking shape
About the Author
Phil Smith is a vintage car enthusiast with many years experience of owning, restoring and using vintage, PVT and classic cars. A longstanding member of The Vintage Sports Car Club (VSCC), The Riley register and The MG Car Club. Makes he has owned include Alvis, Bentley, Lagonda, MG, Talbot and Riley, of course. Now retired, Phil satisfies his 'old motor urges' by competing in the MGCC Luffield Speed series in MG Midgets from the 60's and 70's. This blog will chart his return to vintage/PVT cars.
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E-mail: philsmith432[at]hotmail[dot]com