A Shed Downunder.

[HOTFR8]

Talk about organised with the painting. I could say something about women being organised but that may just get me in trouble.

As for the Solar Hot Water it is a single element set as back up only. Company plans to send a Tech out now to investigate and with the unit out of warranty that is impressive. These units are used in the Artic so they have to be good but what is going on I do not know.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Talk about organised with the painting. I could say something about women being organised but that may just get me in trouble.

As for the Solar Hot Water it is a single element set as back up only. Company plans to send a Tech out now to investigate and with the unit out of warranty that is impressive. These units are used in the Artic so they have to be good but what is going on I do not know.

HOTFR8, great news.

 

[drivesitfar]

1/2: i see some PATINA on some of those paint rollers. not only do you and Mrs. 1/2 have organization skills you also clean up and get the stuff ready to use another day so you don't have to carry on the THROW AWAY SOCIETY THEME that the world has adopted.

i could write a book about all the electronics gadgets i've had to buy and then throw away or replace because they went obsolete or quit working. Maybe that's part of the reason i like old tools and cabinets built from an age where we could pass them on to our kids, grandkids and they'd last 100 of years later. i like that you have the same love for old stuff too even though you have a high tech engine on your workbench.

cheers and looks like the WEST WING is really shaping up.

 

[1/2 Cup]

drives patina is right.

We don't throw things away just because they are done with. I would much rather give an item away to be reused as I just hate tossing stuff. Much of the West Wings old but serviceable electrical fittings were sold within a day of posting an Ad on Gumtree ( CL ).

Much of what you see in the picture has been around for twenty years with the exception of one tray and a cut in brush. We gave a fair bit of our painting gear to our eldest when he was renovating his home last year.

Make your initial purchase the right one for the job, look after it and it will last a long time.

Old an new can go hand in hand, even in our home the old and new work well together whether that be a functional or purely decorative piece. Same in the shed. I still have all my basic hand tools that were given to me when I started my electrical apprenticeship.

I am certainly a huge fan of Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle.

Thank you for dropping by and have a great day...

 

[dlcwent]

I'd like to think that I'm on board with the NOT PART OF THE THROW AWAY SOCIETY but probably the truth be told, I'm just cheap. I hate spending money on something new if I can patch it up and keep it going.

And as mentioned, the older tools and such have a quality that goes far beyond the **** they seem to want us to buy nowadays. Even tools from China that were made in the seventies are better than some of the tools made today. I have wrenches I bought back in the day(all that I could afford back then) that are still used daily.

I'm with you Drives on the electronic stuff. It's apparently made to be replaced and not repaired.

 

[shortykorte]

Ha my wife's idea of a paint station is me holding a brush and a bucket of paint.

What is the yellow thing with casters that is under the table?

 

[Lyndon]

Steve

I think Mrs 1/2's organisation is perfectly normal.... But I have daughters that completely destroy one's faith in organisation.......

And I must put my hand up here. If I can't use a paint roller up in a week, I throw it out. I just find they are never the same later...... Maybe I just don't buy good enough at the start, but I can't bring myself to use one after being stored for a week......

Lyndon
Liking the organisation.

 

[1/2 Cup]

I'd like to think that I'm on board with the NOT PART OF THE THROW AWAY SOCIETY but probably the truth be told, I'm just cheap. I hate spending money on something new if I can patch it up and keep it going.

And as mentioned, the older tools and such have a quality that goes far beyond the **** they seem to want us to buy nowadays. Even tools from China that were made in the seventies are better than some of the tools made today. I have wrenches I bought back in the day(all that I could afford back then) that are still used daily.

I'm with you Drives on the electronic stuff. It's apparently made to be replaced and not repaired.

Dan, no I don't think you could call yourself cheap. Wise would be more appropriate.

My Dad always said in regard to tools "spend wisely and your investment will pay of in the long run"

I still have and use daily my Minimax SAE and Metric combination spanners and 1/2 drive socket sets that I brought 40 years ago. They cost me a fortune way back then but worth every penny.

You are right some stuff is just not repairable nowadays.

Ha my wife's idea of a paint station is me holding a brush and a bucket of paint.

What is the yellow thing with casters that is under the table?

shorty, good one.

Mrs 1/2 Cup is really getting into the swing of painting, she is on to her third room now.

The yellow thing is a roller tray with wheels that she brought. Funnily enough she hasn't used it yet preferring the old and smaller paint tray.

Steve

I think Mrs 1/2's organisation is perfectly normal.... But I have daughters that completely destroy one's faith in organisation.......

And I must put my hand up here. If I can't use a paint roller up in a week, I throw it out. I just find they are never the same later...... Maybe I just don't buy good enough at the start, but I can't bring myself to use one after being stored for a week......

Lyndon
Liking the organisation.

Lyndon, Mrs 1/2 Cup takes organisation to the next level.

Our two boys went through a phase like your daughters and I can reassure you that is turns around when they reach their thirties.

Generally we buy new roller covers for a new painting project and like anything you pay for what you get now a days. I just hate the little bits of lint that the cheap covers and bristles from a cheap brush leave behind, it does my head in. Grrrrrrrrrrr.

All,

Our new washing machine should arrive this morning. I took the opportunity to reseal the slate floor in the laundry during the week so we are good to go.

Andrew is running the MG F over at Winton Motor Raceway on Sunday. This will be his last event before a two month break in the season.

http://wintonraceway.com.au/

The car will be dyno tuned before the old engine comes out, this will give us a bench mark for his new engine. Speaking of which I need to get my self into gear and start the build.

The nature of these Rover K series engines means you have to do a complete pre assembly just to check the crank shaft clearances as they are a five piece sandwich construction, head, head gasket, block, crank cradle and oil rail with long stretch bolts that hold it all together.
I will be using another head core, head gasket and stretch bolts to do the pre assembly work , disassemble again, then when the clearances are checked the final assembly can take place.

It is a time consuming process and this being my first K Series build I need to get it spot on.

Anyway, thank you all for dropping by and have a great weekend.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Heaven and bliss.

Quality Shed Time

​

View media item 61813
Preassembly of the K Series done, all bearing clearances spot on 0.050 mm ( Just under two thou.) .

The engine had to be disassembled to check the clearances, so now its on to the cleaning yet again then start the reassembly all over again for the final time.

Have a good one, I know I am and made Andrew one happy son.

 

[HOTFR8]

Now that looks like you have been busy. Will be nice to get it back in the car.

 

[1/2 Cup]

HOTFR8, really enjoying the build for a change.

Yep it will be nice to have my benches back as well.

Regards

 

[HOTFR8]

I can see it is something you set your mind to and enjoy. Patiently waiting to see it in the car now.

 

[1/2 Cup]

I can see it is something you set your mind to and enjoy. Patiently waiting to see it in the car now.

HOTFR8, So is Andrew

 

[ajohno]

Nice work 1/2 Cup.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Nice work 1/2 Cup.

Aaron thank you, appreciated.

Regards

 

[dlcwent]

If I'm saying it right. It looks a treat 1/2 cup.

 

[1/2 Cup]

If I'm saying it right. It looks a treat 1/2 cup.

Done well Dan.

 

[dlcwent]

Are the draws and benchtop stainless in your shop? And the organization is superb.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Are the draws and benchtop stainless in your shop? And the organization is superb.

Dan, thank you what you see is the Shed Downunder.

View media item 55337
If you have half a day check out my albums at some point as they paint the picture.

Thanks again for dropping by and have a great weekend.

 

[jon72vega]

Heaven and bliss.

Quality Shed Time

​

View media item 61813
Preassembly of the K Series done, all bearing clearances spot on 0.050 mm ( Just under two thou.) .

The engine had to be disassembled to check the clearances, so now its on to the cleaning yet again then start the reassembly all over again for the final time.

Have a good one, I know I am and made Andrew one happy son.

1/2 Cup,
Good work!
Also your shed is cool!

 

[Bears Fan]

View media item 55337

Great looking shed and organizational skills, Glad to see some pictures from inside your shop, Keep posting

 

[Grumblebum]

Indeed it has come up a treat

I don't envy the double assembly bit though, it sounds like an odd method the engineers came up with there

Cheers GB.

 

[1/2 Cup]

1/2 Cup,
Good work!
Also your shed is cool!

Jon04 thank you very much.

Down the track I would certainly like to paint the inside of the workshop area and add a bit of colour to it.

The office and Model A area has been painted but could do with a highlight Ford Blue stripe and some floor coverings, perhaps Racedeck.

Here is an older picture of it.

View media item 27585

Great looking shed and organizational skills, Glad to see some pictures from inside your shop, Keep posting

BF thank you also.

Most of the inspiration for what you see has come from the GJ.

Working on the engine was a real pleasure yesterday, as it is the first time since I put the under bench draws in and decluttered the peg board that I have put it to the test so to speak.

Every thing was easy to access and in its place and I was able to put back the tools easily as I finished with them and keep the bench clutter to a minimum. My eldest ( Andrew ) worked with me on the engine for a while yesterday and he even commented on just how workable the shop is, I am pleased to see that what I have done is stating to be replicated in his shop.

Indeed it has come up a treat

I don't envy the double assembly bit though, it sounds like an odd method the engineers came up with there

Cheers GB.

Thank you GB

Unfortunately that's the nature of the beast, we spent about 5 hours on the assembly, disassembly, measure, re-clean and stated the process all over again.

I also found a thread in the crank cradle on its way to being stripped. Although it was only a surface to surface mating bolt ( one of 10 ) that was not under a lot of tension we took the opportunity to repair it. So down to Repco to pick up a thread repair kit that worked really well. The kit came with every thing we needed, the correct sized drill bit, tap M10 1.25mm, inserts and insert tool. Done and dusted in 1/2 an hour and a little piece of mind.

Thanks again for dropping by and have a great day...

 

[1/2 Cup]

More Quality Shed Time today.​

And on the agenda for the engine build:

. Allocate each liner to its new home and number accordingly.
. Gap the ring sets to each liner.
. Check final piston clearances.
. Fit the pistons to the rods.

View media item 57160
I am also going to refit the core head we used in the clearance check later today and leave the assembly under tension, letting things bed in until next week end, as I will not be that far advanced by the end of today to fully complete it.


Have a good one and thanks for dropping by.

 

[Denwood]

Andrew is indeed a lucky son. Let's hope he takes as much care racing the engine as you are taking building it! That steel table is one of my favourites on the planet. Loving it.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Andrew is indeed a lucky son. Let's hope he takes as much care racing the engine as you are taking building it! That steel table is one of my favourites on the planet. Loving it.

Dennis, thank you, appreciated.


Andrew drives the car well and from his in car footage he never hurts the engine by over taxing it.

He treats it like a baby..

Thank you again for dropping by.

 

[rmalkow2]

More Quality Shed Time today.​

And on the agenda for the engine build:

. Allocate each liner to its new home and number accordingly.
. Gap the ring sets to each liner.
. Check final piston clearances.
. Fit the pistons to the rods.

View media item 57160
I am also going to refit the core head we used in the clearance check later today and leave the assembly under tension, letting things bed in until next week end, as I will not be that far advanced by the end of today to fully complete it.


Have a good one and thanks for dropping by.

It's almost a shame that such beautiful jewelry will be hidden from view after assembly.

 

[1/2 Cup]

It's almost a shame that such beautiful jewelry will be hidden from view after assembly.

rmalkow I am hearing you and trust me I am taking heaps of pics to remember them by....

Regards

 

[shortykorte]

Nice office area. Sure hope the Model A is next on the list when the West Wing is done and dusted.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Shorty, Thank you.

The Model A is first cab off the rank let me tell you. Over the last few years it seems that I have less and less free time, be it work, other projects and family.

I will get there eventually.

Have a great day and thank you for dropping by...

 

[bolensboneyard]

It all looks just like an operating room to me; befitting of the finest of surgeons I'm sure! Keep them running 1/2 Cup. Bobby

 

[jbmatth]

That engine looks great, if I were your son I'd be over the moon to see such a thing go together by my father. Also congrats on getting most of the new house up to your standards, I'm sure it has been a long battle and one you are pleased will be behind you shortly.
JB

 

[drivesitfar]

1/2: while it is sad to see all that cool shiny stuff hidden inside that engine i'm happy to see you are almost done with it. i bet Andrew will be SOOOOOO HAPPY when it's in his car.

any chance you have a before and after picture of the engine to post up because when you got that greasy old engine i thought your skills might be really tested. you did an AMAZING JOB.

WELL DONE SIR!!!

also sounds like the WEST WING is on the final stretch so hoping your tenant is a great neighbor.

cheers

 

[Bob Heine]

Steve, it has been less than a year since you posted this but it's 104 pages back (before the half-way point) in post 1941.

Look what appeared in the Shed Downunder this morning, my eldest dropped of one of two spare MG F K series engines he recently brought for his race car.
I knew they were on their way but wasn't quite expecting them here for some time any way it looks like I will have something to occupy my spare Quality Shed Time for next little while as he would like to have it ready by November.


View media item 52715
It will be a top to bottom rebuild and hopefully i can extract a few more horse power and stop those typically British engine oil leaks for the lad.

Have a great week end guys..

In my world it would be pushing it to have the engine done in the last November of the decade.

1/2: while it is sad to see all that cool shiny stuff hidden inside that engine i'm happy to see you are almost done with it. i bet Andrew will be SOOOOOO HAPPY when it's in his car.

any chance you have a before and after picture of the engine to post up because when you got that greasy old engine i thought your skills might be really tested. you did an AMAZING JOB.

WELL DONE SIR!!!

also sounds like the WEST WING is on the final stretch so hoping your tenant is a great neighbor.

cheers

Drives, as requested, a picture of the engine when Steve's son dropped it off but it wasn't what I'd call greasy or for that matter even old. Remember, 1/2 Cup has an 86-year-old 4-cylinder flathead in his Model A. That engine was 14 when I was born... and I'm OLD!

 

[1/2 Cup]

That engine looks great, if I were your son I'd be over the moon to see such a thing go together by my father. Also congrats on getting most of the new house up to your standards, I'm sure it has been a long battle and one you are pleased will be behind you shortly.
JB

JB thank you

I get the feeling he is pretty pleased with engine as well as you should see the pics and comments he has posted on FB.
A nice feeling to be able to help him out with some thing he loves doing.

Getting there with the West Wing, we still have the lounge, hallway, kitchen and back room to paint. Window coverings are ordered and floor coverings after we have finished painting.

1/2: while it is sad to see all that cool shiny stuff hidden inside that engine i'm happy to see you are almost done with it. i bet Andrew will be SOOOOOO HAPPY when it's in his car.

any chance you have a before and after picture of the engine to post up because when you got that greasy old engine i thought your skills might be really tested. you did an AMAZING JOB.

WELL DONE SIR!!!

also sounds like the WEST WING is on the final stretch so hoping your tenant is a great neighbor.

cheers

drives I must say I am pretty happy with how the engine has come up. It has been a bit of a steep learning curve for me.

Andrew is one happy son let me tell you.

It may look ok but the proof will come when we test it out on the Dyno.

It looks like Bob has been kind enough to dig up the picture of when the engine arrived.

Steve, it has been less than a year since you posted this but it's 104 pages back (before the half-way point) in post 1941.

In my world it would be pushing it to have the engine done in the last November of the decade.

Drives, as requested, a picture of the engine when Steve's son dropped it off but it wasn't what I'd call greasy or for that matter even old. Remember, 1/2 Cup has an 86-year-old 4-cylinder flathead in his Model A. That engine was 14 when I was born... and I'm OLD!

Thank you Bob, appreciated.

It has been here a while but that said there has been a lot of water go under the bridge in that time as I look back on the posts from then

As for a greasy engine or parts I do have a rule in the Shed Downunder and that is "don't bother bringing it here if it is not clean" Andrew knows that only to well.

Old, never Bob that's an urban myth so they tell me lets say young at heart and with age comes wisdom.

Thank you one and all and have a great day...

 

[1/2 Cup]

It all looks just like an operating room to me; befitting of the finest of surgeons I'm sure! Keep them running 1/2 Cup. Bobby

Bobby, no where near an operating room let me tell you but it works well.

I will be glad to see it running well and the project finished for Andrew I must say it has been an enjoyable distraction

Regards

 

[dlcwent]

Let me tell you 1/2 cup. Bobby is calling it like it is. That is the cleanest work area that I've seen. But let me add to that. An old guy(younger than I am now) once told me, " A dirty shop makes a dirty job." And the job you've done is as clean as your shop. Well done.

Now I need to go clean up a little..................That's me running off to do that right now.

 

[jbmatth]

... Remember, 1/2 Cup has an 86-year-old 4-cylinder flathead in his Model A. That engine was 14 when I was born... and I'm OLD!

Bob,
Back in college when I waited tables I would automatically put the senior citizen discount on peoples orders when I was pretty sure they would ask for it. If they asked what age qualified for the discount I would always say 45 just to be on the safe side. The other response to questions about them looking like a senior citizen I would simply state they looked experienced so I gave them the experience discount and offered to remove it if they wanted to pay more. I never had anyone take me up on that offer.

Now that I've derailed this thread once again back to the engine and
JB

 

[1/2 Cup]

Let me tell you 1/2 cup. Bobby is calling it like it is. That is the cleanest work area that I've seen. But let me add to that. An old guy(younger than I am now) once told me, " A dirty shop makes a dirty job." And the job you've done is as clean as your shop. Well done.

Now I need to go clean up a little..................That's me running off to do that right now.

Dan, it more than likely it is my OCD kicking in really.

Having the shop clean with every thing in its place gives me a sense of pride. That said I still do have a couple of Ugly Areas that need attention.

All the best with your clean up...

Bob,
Back in college when I waited tables I would automatically put the senior citizen discount on peoples orders when I was pretty sure they would ask for it. If they asked what age qualified for the discount I would always say 45 just to be on the safe side. The other response to questions about them looking like a senior citizen I would simply state they looked experienced so I gave them the experience discount and offered to remove it if they wanted to pay more. I never had anyone take me up on that offer.

Now that I've derailed this thread once again back to the engine and
JB

JB, not derailed at all I tip my hat to you for being that considerate..

Thank you one and all for dropping by, have a good one.

 

[1/2 Cup]

My OCD got he better of me, yet again.

A Rover K Series engine is a sandwich plate type construction meaning the cam shaft cradle, head, block, main bearing cradle and the oil rail need to be all squashed together as one with the cylinder liners in place and head gasket by the 18 inch long stretch bolts to get the correct main bearing tolerances.

Having gone through the assembly twice on the week end even though the crankshaft clearance check was satisfactory using plasi gauge.

( removing the stretch bolts upsets the load on the cradle )

Not refitting the stretch bolts and doing the process all over again and relying on the plasti gauge and micrometer measurements some thing still told me it was time to check and check again.

So last night I started the process all over again, if nothing more than to just tick the boxes.

The result were spot on and the crank spun like a top, so I am one happy chappy .

Next up, partial disassembly removing the core head, core head gasket. old stretch bolts and oil rail, fit the new liners, pistons and rods.

Thank you one and all for dropping by and have a good one.