News
‘AVA COOLER!
Sep 5th
Management of the temperatures within the engine and gearbox are key to the performance and efficiency and AVA provides workshops with the Clever Choice for their replacement parts needs.
Oil coolers are an often overlooked part of the cooling system, but keeping the engine’s oil at a stable, defined temperature is as important as managing the temperature of the engine and gearbox, as consistent internal lubrication is critical.
AVA oil coolers are now available as complete assemblies, including both housing and oil filters. This plug-and-play solution simplifies installation, making it easier, faster, and less risky. Each component, as well as the entire assembly, undergoes rigorous testing to ensure optimal More >
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Aug 29th
When working on high-end, show-quality classic vehicles or automotive displays, the fit and finish of the fasteners are just as important as the paint and bodywork. For example, chrome-plated fasteners can be damaged easily, especially when using standard metal spanners and sockets. That’s why Laser Tools has introduced this specialist non-marring imperial (AF) Socket/Wrench Insert Set (part number 8468).
With top-class classic or show vehicles, fasteners can be plated, anodised, chemically passivated or even painted. Lots of care and attention have been put into building and preparing these vehicles, so extra care and attention are also required when working on them. More >
SAFETY FIRST
Aug 29th
Classic cars and kitcars are easier to steal than mainstream ones. There is such a worldwide market for parts, that they are also easier for thieves to dispose of and most parts are virtually untraceable.
We can make it more difficult for thieves. Complex security alarms are not suitable.
The nature and use patterns of classic and kit cars make them problematic, with flat batteries and then starting problems.
If we discount those, then we are left with the two most important features: deterrents and immobilisation. This simple and easy-to-install system consists of a high-quality, two-pole, miniature security switch. It closes one circuit while opening the other. This means that it More >
THAT’S ‘QUICK’
Aug 29th
Burton Power is now offering an extra heavy-duty 2.4 ratio steering rack for the Ford Escort Mk1 and 2 as well as kitcars that use those parts.
The quickrack has been manufactured in the UK for Burton Power by steering specialist Kiley Clinton and features a brand-new cast alloy housing with a thick tube casing, HD bronze bushes and heavy-duty tie rods. New rack clamps, new rack rubbers and tie rod locking nuts are also included.
This is the ideal rack for rally or race use and is more than capable of coping with the arduous conditions involved in rallying.
The quick rack will fit directly to More >
THAT’S HANDY
Aug 29th
It might sound excessive (obsessive more like – Carol!) but I do like to use a range of tools that are bespoke to a particular job.
These new Interior Hand Pads from Autoglym will change your life when cleaning your car’s interior. Nicely pliable and dare I say, plush, they are firmer than a soft sponge. That reminds me of a trackday I attended once where the dubious burger wagon on site was using a filthy old sponge to wipe down his food preparation surfaces.
The Autoglym Hand Pad enables you to get into the tightest nook and cranny meaning that it More >
MINI PIPES
Aug 29th
Mini Spares is constantly introducing parts to replace Mini items where the originals are no longer available.
The latest introduction is a range of steel pre-formed brake pipes that faithfully reproduce the originals.
The brake pipes are ideal for the perfectionist who wants to restore a Mini to the factory specification but doesn’t want the hassle of trying to bend new pipes to the original shapes.
Several pipes are already available from the Mini Spares website with more planned for introduction soon.
Prices start from as little as £10.80 each inc VAT.
For more details contact Mini Spares on 01707 607 700 or visit www.minispares.com ENDS.
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CLEAN FUEL NO PRESSURE!
Aug 29th
Feeding your engine clean fuel is a great thing. Doing so with a fuel filter that causes a drop in pressure is not. Fortunately, Russell’s Pro-Filter II Fuel Filters are engineered for optimum filtration without the fuel pressure loss seen in other designs.
Compatible with petrol and ethanol-blend fuels including E85, the filters feature a billet aluminium housing and a choice of replaceable 10-, 40-, and 100-micron stainless steel mesh filter elements.
Russell Pro-Filter II Fuel Filters are available in two versions: • 75 Series, 6.25 inches long with -06, -08 or -10 AN inlets and outlets • 76 Series, 9.75 inches long with More >
DUTTON UPDATES
Aug 22nd
New Polish manufacturer for former Dutton amphibie have a new English website
In 2023 Tim Dutton sold his amphibious car business (he made 282 of them) to a Polish company and the Reef and Syrf are now back in production and you can find out more by visiting https://kama-amfibie.pl/en/amphibious-vehicles//
Tim Dutton and his Phaeton S5 sadly won’t be at Newark but as you can see work continues apace on his new kit
Tim also told me this week: “Unfortunately we have been beaten by time and will not be exhibiting at Newark next month.” Fore more information visit https://www.timdutton.com/phaeton-s5/index.html ENDS.
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TRACE-LESS GLASS CLEANER
Aug 22nd
I have tested out more than a few glass cleaners over the years and like to think I know what a good one is. I certainly know a bad one when I see it!
Just when I thought that I really had found the very best along comes a new kid on the block to knock it off its perch. What is it?
Bilt Hamber’s Trace-Less is described as a ‘super wetting glass cleaner’. I’ve been putting it through its paces this week both on my car windows plus a few domestic applications like the outside of my oven door and my More >
TINY TITAN PACKS A PORTABLE PUNCH
Aug 22nd
Handheld pressure washers are nothing new, of course. We are big fans of the Worx Hydrashot, particularly the brushless motor version. Truly excellent.
When Screwfix asked if we’d like to try one of their new Titan TT185 models, I was interested but I wondered if it could better the Hydrashot as it was a high bar that had been set.
Also, someone had sent me a very nasty Far Eastern device to test once and that was truly horrible.
Titan is actually a sub-brand of Screwfix and my first impressions are very good. A quality package with with everything packed nicely within. I More >
