Indholdsfortegnelse for June 2015 i Practical Classics

Danny Hopkins Editor Yes sir, they are all for sale… especially James. Matt George Production Ed I am available for selfies, weddings and funerals. Lisamarie Johnson Art Director I’m not selling this sunvisor, instead I’ll be using it as a bat. John Simpson Chief mechanic I’ve got a sensitive pallet you know. Neil Campbell Restoration Editor You can have a cultural tour of Wood End with every set of overalls. Sam Glover Technical Ed Drink this and your classic will cure itself! James Walshe Deputy Editor Wolf nipple chips, larks tongues, otters noses… I am deeply fascinated by cars of all description, but could I love a modern? The answer is no, which means I am probably in the right job. It’s worth analysing why though. We share an office…

Beaulieu is reverberating to the sound of spare parts being unloaded, ready for the world-famous Spring Autojumble. The event on May 16-17 will see enthusiasts rummaging through thousands of automotive treasures and is expected to draw crowds of enthusiasts and restorers from across the UK, all keen to find that elusive part. Practical Classics is going to be there and will launch a new competition to win a Westfield – our sports car project that’s been a decade in the making. Emerging from the depths of the PC workshop, our two-seater is finally complete and could be ending up in your driveway! There’ll be a chance to meet the PC team, which will be doing a live engine rebuild.The Beaulieu Autojumble is also the venue for Moggy Fest – an…

Ford’s RS brand has a rich history, as does the RS Owners’ Club, having been founded 35 years ago. It’s always been about members who own RS cars; there are many who’ve been around since those early years and still own the cars they had back then, a love affair that will never die. Today, its membership totals an impressive 3500 or so. All RS models are catered for, from the Escort MkI Twin-Cams and Mexicos of the late Sixties through to current models. In its early years, the club grew quickly, establishing a network of local groups that still exists today. Through these, a large number of shows have developed throughout the country. The flagship National Day is a story of spectacular growth. Starting small, it stepped up to…

The owners Alan and wife Karen have been into Triumphs for years; in Karen’s words, ‘Alan’s a petrolhead and I’m one by osmosis.’ Aged 18, Alan tried a Midget, found it too cramped, and settled on a Spitfire. In the late Eighties, he restored a Herald for Karen to use everyday: ‘Once restored, we used it for ten years and ran it into the ground.’ The Triumph habit had taken hold. They are both very enthusiastic Triumph Sports Six Club members. Triumph Courier van, 1964 ENGINE 1147cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 39bhp@5200rpm TORQUE 65lb ft@2250rpm GEARBOX 4-speed manual 0-60MPH 23sec TOP SPEED 80mph FUEL ECONOMY 31mpg WEIGHT 865Kg PRICE NEW £530 (1962) VALUE TODAY £8000 ‘It drives like a new van, just as intended. Modern cars aren’t so involving’ Courier vans are rare:…

When I was a child my granddad had a council garage and all the ones around it were occupied with American cars, hot rods, customs and the like. I loved and adored the Yanks. Five years ago I got my first American car, a Camaro, but I really wanted a big gas-guzzling land yacht. Then I saw this Impala advertised, only 18 miles away. It was love at first drive; quiet and comfortable like a Rolls-Royce, yet with tyre squeal at roundabouts just like in an episode of Kojak. I was sold on that alone. I’ve been asked to do weddings in it, and for it to be used in a gangster film at Pinewood Studios. The best thing is, I’m only the second owner. First was a 95-year old…

Here’s my 1970 Triumph TR6. My ‘owd man’ bought this new straight off the production line and it was his pride and joy until he passed away five years ago. He was a long-time subscriber to Practical Classics , so I’ve grown up with the magazine. All I’ve done is preserve the car, and it’s only done 500 miles in the last five years. I know it’s a shame not to use it more but I want to keep it in the same condition as he left it.…

I bought this car in April 2013. I was originally looking for an FSO 125 but then I went for a holiday in Poland. While I was there I found this Polonez advertised on Polish Gumtree. I was astounded to discover it only had one previous owner who had sadly passed away three months before. He’d not used it much but had maintained it perfectly. It was love at first sight and since then I have become a real classic car fan, so much so that I’ve started an annual car show in my hometown in Tarnobrzeg, Poland. I organise it from Bristol. I really missed my car, only being able to visit it for two weeks a year, so I’ve recently moved it to the UK. So now my…

Cade’s Motors modelled I always enjoyed the articles and helpdesk from Barry Cade that the magazine used to feature. A man I feel similar to myself who has a sideways outlook on life when it comes to motoring and the joys and pleasures I think… well, most of the time anyway, but at least with classics you can normally get yourself going again if it stops, unlike today’s rubbish! Nevertheless, as a creator of scale model garages to suit 1/43rd scale die-cast vehicles, I have always had it in mind to make one similar to the page illustration of Cade’s Garage that headed Barry Cade’s articles. For a long while I have had that illustration pinned to the noticeboard of my studio and, at a loss for something to do,…

Suitably lively for a road like this, I reckon the Vauxhall Viva GT is one of Britain’s most underrated small sports saloons. Overshadowed by the later HC Viva and its sporty Magnum and Firenza incarnations, this zingy little 1969 HB GT is just the ticket for a ribbon of twisty mountain tarmac. Ads at the time claimed the Viva had ‘a long, hug-the-ground, eager-to-be-off air about it.’ They weren’t wrong: It’s like a mountain goat with a rocket strapped to its back. I reckon it’s the best-looking Viva of them all too – especially in Pinewood Green.…

It’s difficult to describe the Esprit experience without resorting to James Bond-esque cliché, so let me put it into perspective; how fast it is, or isn’t, how well it does, or doesn’t handle, is all irrelevant. Even to sit in one is incredible. When I was growing up this was how I imagined all cars would look in the future. The inexplicable fact that they didn’t makes the Esprit all the more special. You know you’re in something stunning, and so does everyone else.…

1 May 2002 Rotten as a pear... This is all that remained of the inner wing after Keil had peeled away the tacked on panels and various fillers. The rest of it was little better. 2 July 2002 The task begins. Keil painstakingly pieced the inner wing back together again. With few tools at his disposal, a garden roller and paving slabs doubled as a folder. JUST DO IT! If you don’t have professional tools, think laterally. It worked for Keil. 3 June 2003 Off with its head The 120,000 mile Honda engine was in pretty good condition, but Keil stripped it anyway. While it was out Keil completed and painted the engine bay. 4 Oct 2004 Rear quarter rebuild. With so many panels unavailable, Keil had to learn to…

In a small rural hamlet in the Essex countryside is a garden full of bushes, trees and Rootes. Rootes Group cars, that is. Scores of them from the Fifties, Sixties and Seventies; a vast collection of some 150+ vehicles gathered over several decades by the two elderly brothers who live there. These ‘Hunter-gatherers’ of the Rootes marque love their Hillmans, and Humbers, and Chryslers. Who else could have unearthed this fabulous hoard than our rust-hunting superhero Jack Brands? Giving the precise location away could lead to trouble we’re told – so once again we have to keep schtum to preserve and protect. Rootes Arrow Sunbeam Rapier A rust covered Sunbeam Rapier (Rootes Arrow range) surrounded by Gazelles in the woods. Made from 1967-76, with a 1725cc engine, the styling definitely…

We overheard a grumble in the run-up to Anglia Car Auction’s latest sale: ‘There are just too many cars.’ Which is hardly the worst moan we’ve ever heard, and the grumbler was certainly proved wrong when ACA shifted a stunning 90% of the 200-odd lots on offer at its most recent sale on April 4. The other notable statistic was that – discounting those offered at ‘no reserve’ – over 40% of the cars went for above their top estimate. The market seems to be booming again. The large bunch of project cars offered sold particularly well, led by a two-owner Triumph TR4 that had languished in a (thankfully dry) barn for the past 38 years and still bore its April 1977 tax disc. Offered at no reserve it sold…

Auction room bargains are getting ever more scarce, but it’s nice to know they do still turn up. This 1947 Lea Francis 14HP saloon had been with the same lady owner for the past 54 years, has comprehensive service history back to 1962, and for once truly matched the catalogue’s ‘timewarp’ description. A lovely old thing, it didn’t look out of order at H&H’s £7000-£8000 estimate. But LeaF fans were in short supply on the day and it sold for a mere £4746. When you consider that less than 2000 of these expensive and sporty twin-cam saloons were built, that’s got to be a steal.…

SPLASH PANEL See if there’s a step in the splash panel. If it’s smooth it’ll be a cover panel masking something nasty. BOX SECTION This box section just behind the front wheel is often riddled with rot; check for filler… … the same goes for this box section, which is located underneath the front seats. SCUTTLE Rust is common at the back of the engine bay under the master cylinders; check both sides. ENGINE Minx or Sceptre engine swaps are common. Outwardly there’s little difference but they’re less powerful. REAR DOOR Jack the car up front and rear. If the rear door gap closes up so you can’t open the door, the structure is weak, but expect 1-2mm movement of the door in its aperture. A-POST This A-post rot isn’t…

Danny says... Great show, but is it time for a rethink? I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Essen. My feet ached by the end and I still had that nagging feeling that I had missed a hall. It was great to see the big manufacturers taking their heritage duties seriously again but – and this is a big but – a major show that shunts its clubs to the periphery, squeezing them into a pokey upstairs space, has to look at itself and ask… what is the point of this event? Volkswagen marked the Polo’s 40th birthday in style at Techno Classica Essen, with a lavish exhibition featuring landmark Polos from the model’s past including production and prototype cars. The exhibit was fronted by a Polo MkI in Oceanic Blue (only available…

The Triumph Sports Six Club is holding its second TriumFest at Donington Park on July 10-12. The venue’s recently-opened Launch Pad site will play host to all things Triumph, with static displays as well as the chance for owners to drive the Heritage Loop course over both weekend days, and the main circuit on Saturday evening. But even if you don’t fancy a quick spin on the hallowed tarmac, there’s plenty of other evening entertainment on offer. Friday will see a beer festival and hog roast, while on the Saturday there’s a masked ball with live music to keep the party going. For enthusiasts looking to source those elusive spares or uprate their cherished classic, a multitude of traders will be on hand selling new bits and pieces, along with…

Triumph Spitfire MkIV Alan and Karen’s Spitfire started life as a 1970 MkIV, powered by a ‘barely adequate’ 1296cc engine. They purchased the car in 1992, having long wanted another Spitfire – a story familiar to many, of selling one’s first car and later wanting it back. Alan’s upgraded his second Spitfire to a later 1500 engine with larger twin SU carbs, giving the performance hike the MkIV always needed. Stopping power has also been given a boost, with the front disc brakes sporting Leyland Princess four-pot calipers. Apart from a stainless exhaust, everything else is standard. Unfortunately the car was written off in Holland, en route to the 1995 Dutch Spitfire Weekend. Alan recalls: ‘I stopped and the Spitfire behind didn’t, shortening my car considerably.’ He bought the wreck…

This is my daily driver. coat is now the way to go. I bought it five years ago It’s a bit of an oddball, it’s after it had been in a field an SE5 but with a ‘5A for many years, but it only chassis and engine, and took a couple of chassis an SE5 gearbox and axle. outriggers and a pair of Someone had spent a lot rear wheel cylinders to on it at some point as it get through an MoT. came with all the Since then I have renewed desirable stainless bits, a lot of the mechanical has adjustable shocks, parts but I’m not sure and a mildly tuned engine. what to do with the paint. It’s a great drive, and I like the ‘found in a…

My dad used to have one of these back in 1989, when I was just seven. My car was originally registered in Jersey where it stayed for nearly 20 years, before the owner moved to Taunton. I purchased it five years ago with a respectable 78,000 miles on the clock, a few predictable bubbles to the rear arches and car park dings, but no real rot, boy racer abuse or accident damage. This is my third example - on a previous one when I took the plastic sill covers off there was nothing behind! This taught me a lot about their pitfalls The biggest issue was a cold start/rough running problem that went on for months. It turned out to be the coolant temperature sensor and was a simple £10…

All three of my cars were barn finds, all have been restored to a high standard and now earn their keep as wedding cars. Doing weddings is a hobby to fund my other hobby of restoring the cars! The first car I restored was the TD21. I found it in a barn in Delabole, North Cornwall in 2003. Fortunately the engine and gearbox were fine but the bodywork and interior took me four years to do. I found the Triumph Vitesse in a field near Roche, Cornwall. It was in a sorry state with mice inside the interior. When my friend and I wiped the dirt off we discovered that it wasn’t rotten. The owner had done a lot of work to the body before covering the car up, initially…

I’m either slightly mad or have a lot of time on my hands, but one of my favourite things to do when preparing my Triumph Spitfire for the summer is to paint the lettering on my tyres. Obviously there are specific products on the market, but I always find that a grouting pen works best. In my mind there’s only one simple rule when doing this – all four tyres have to match. I know it’s a matter of personal opinion, but I wonder why more classic owners don’t do this? Are there any classic cars this wouldn’t suit? Jason Doughty, Isle of Wight.…

‘Often seen around here in Somerset, this Saab 96is clearly driven a lot. It’s great to see such a fine car in daily use.’ Paul Franklin, West Harptree ‘I spied this fi ne BMW Isetta in Monaco – it was more than a bit out of place there!’ Pete Clark, Cardiff ‘An Alfetta ! I was so chuffed to spot this one parked up in Turin!’ Dave Timms, London ‘I saw this Triumph TR6 on a recent trip to Canada – sitting on the street in Vancouver.’ Steven Watson, Sheffield ‘Such a glorious machine, this Rover 12 was in a car park in Gloucestershire.’ Keith Wilkins, Chester ‘How about this lovely Fiat 128 Sport , seen on our recent holiday to the Italian Riviera.’ Albert, Diano Marina Send your Spotted…

1977 Lotus Esprit Series I ENGINE 1973cc/4-cyl/DOHC POWER 160bhp@6200rpm TORQUE 140lb ft@4900rpm GEARBOX 5-speed manual 0-60MPH 8.4sec TOP SPEED 124mph FUEL ECONOMY 23mpg WEIGHT 2275lb (1033kg) PRICE WHEN NEW £8219 AGREED VALUE £20,000 The restorer Phil Leech is 50 and has worked for the BBC since leaving school. He now works as a sound engineer on television shows and specialises in covering sporting events across the world. Born in Norfolk, Lotus cars are in his blood, and he’s owned several Elise models and an Exige as daily drivers. He’s also restored a Sunbeam Lotus, and is about to begin work on his wife Maritza’s project Jensen-Healey. PHIL’S BUYING TIP Try to buy a complete car. Parts are now scarce – Lotus was a parts bin raider, but even Marina door…

Stondon Museum in Hertfordshire has decided to close its doors after over 20 years and all the vehicles are to be sold off on June 10 by Brightwells in a dedicated sale. Unless ‘one chance only’ fever takes over, there could be some bargains to be had as all 140 vehicles have to be sold and none has a reserve on it. The Stondon Collection has always been charming for its eclectic nature. There was no theme, just whatever took the owner, John Saunders’, fancy. So you’d find a Bond Minicar sitting happily alongside a ‘wedge’ Lagonda, and everything else from an Austin Cambridge to a De Tomaso Deauville via a Dennis Fire engine. Plus two AEC buses. All the vehicles have been kept under cover, but many haven’t been…

You might be familiar with that odd statistic about Brits buying more soft-top cars per capita than any other nation in Europe. It suggests two things: firstly, we are a more optimistic people than some give us credit for, and secondly, we really do love driving. That second one needs explaining. When we deliberately remove a perfectly good waterproof lid from our cars and expose ourselves to a bracing wind, it’s because we enjoy it. Nothing puts us more in touch with the joy of driving than doing it topless. The wind in your hair, the sun on your face and the smells from all around wafting their way up your nostrils: it’s a potent mix. Happily, most convertible cars tend to be small, sporty and fun to drive, thus…

Nigel says… Pinion bearing pre-load is critical and is set with either a collapsible spacer or shims. Read your workshop manual to discover which type you have, then follow our instructions. NIGEL CLARK CONTRIBUTOR YOU WILL NEED… EQUIPMENT Trolley jack and axle stands, oil pan, socket set, long breaker bar, oil seal removal tool (or screwdrivers), torque wrench, fine wet-and-dry paper, clean rags, fresh gear oil, bearing puller (optional). TIME (HRS) 4 MONEY (£)FROM 5 DIFFICULTY RATING We all know the symptoms: sticky pools on the garage floor, the underside of the car covered in dirty goo and a whiff of tomcat. It’s leaking gear oil – and it’s an annoyingly common problem that affects almost all classics. The usual culprits on rear-wheel drive classics are the pinion oil seal…

Who took part ? We sent out a huge online questionnaire to our database and that of classic insurer Footman James. We also stopped people at the Classic Motor Show last November to ask them the same questions. It was all done at random and gives an unbiased reflection of the current state of our hobby. Thanks to Footman James Insurance for the effort they put in to make it work. Three trends… modern classics are growing in popularity, we’re driving further than we were and spending a bit more. How long have you owned a classic or vintage vehicle? More than 20 years 38.3% 10-20 years 25.3% Under 12 months 3.1% 1-5 years 14.4% 5-10 years 18.9% In what year was your oldest classic built? Have you broken down…

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, MAY 16-17 HANTS: Beaulieu Spring Autojumble, SO42 7ZN (www.beaulieu.co.uk). SUNDAY, MAY 17 S WALES: South Wales Classic Car Club Show, CF11 8AZ (www.swccc.net). OXON: MGB Jubilee 40th birthday celebrations at MG Car Club HQ, Abingdon, OX14 1AS (www.mgbjubilee.com). SATURDAY-SUNDAY, MAY 23-24 GLOS: La Vie en Bleu, French weekend at Prescott Hillclimb, GL52 9RD (www.prescott-hillclimb.com). SATURDAY-MONDAY, MAY 23-25 MIDDLESEX: Enfield Pageant, EN2 9HP (www.whitewebbsmuseum.co.uk). SUNDAY, MAY 24 LANCS: Pendle Powerfest at Nelson and Colne College, BB9 7YT (www.pendlepowerfest.com). WARKS: Classic Car Day at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, CV35 0BJ (www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk). SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 24-25 HERTS: Knebworth Festival of Transport, SG1 2AX (www.classicshows.org). CHESHIRE: Capesthorne Hall Classic Car Show, SK11 9JY (www.classicshows.org). WORCS: Ragley Hall classic car show, B49 5NJ (www.transtarpromotions.co.uk). FRIDAY-SUNDAY, MAY 29-31 DORSET: Bournemouth Wheels Festival, throughout the town…

Hi Chris, it’s great to see a Brit abroad, tell us all about it. ‘It’s not just the car that’s the Brit abroad, I’m an ex-pat too. I left the UK in 1995 and have lived in Sydney for almost two years now. Before that I was based in Singapore for 11 years. Cars are extremely expensive in Singapore, which puts owning a classic out of reach for many. It was one of the deciding factors that made me want to leave Singapore if I’m honest.’ So what’s the classic scene like in Australia? ‘It’s buoyant. There are plenty of good classic cars in Australia, and a strong interest in British classics in particular so moving here was an ideal opportunity to buy one at last. I wasn’t sure what…

My MG has an unusual history. It was a Mineral Blue example built in 1969, but it wasn’t registered until 1971. University Motors bulk-bought around 141 MGCs from the factory when production ceased. This is one of only 21 to receive Downton tuning. The first owner was a major in the British Army, who traded in a 1970 Ford Capri 3000 for it. My mother-in-law was the second owner in 1976, but she didn’t like the special order Pistachio green paint, so had it sprayed orange and fitted a standard radiator grille. It had a full restoration in 2012, when it was returned back to Pistachio, although the engine bay has always been Mineral Blue. We have every bit of history including a photo of it the day it was…

I spied this Cortina on eBay UK, but missed out on it. Then a few months later I saw it at my local car show. A deal was done and I’ve owned it for eight years now, and become great friends with Richard, its old owner. I’ve tried to use it as much as possible and have clocked up many hassle-free miles around Ireland, with regular visits to Sligo, Waterford and Wexford, plus the very beautiful roads of Wicklow. In 2012, we embarked on a 3000-mile trip around France. We met up with the French Taunus club and visited Mont St Michael before heading to the D-Day landing beaches. Then it was on to Rouen then to Le Mans, a must visit for any petrolhead. We ended up in the…

I just had to write and thank you for staging yet another excellent show at the NEC. As an exhibitor (on the TR Drivers Club stand) and an avid visitor to classic car shows I have to say yours is the best, bar none. The mix of concours and works in progress as well as the sprinkling of barn finds is a perfect recipe for maintaining the interest of all classic car enthusiasts. Being able to pass on hints, tips and advice as well as glean new ideas and advice from visitors was delightful. I hope the weekend fulfilled your expectations as organisers. Well done and thanks again. Tony Parkes, TR Drivers Club…

1 September 2003 The starting point The car looked grotty after six years in a garden. Interior had suffered thanks to cracked screen. Phil dived in and got stripping straight away. 2 November 2003 Body snatcher A local garage lent Phil its ramp to remove the body to get at the blown engine. The chassis needed repair and the suspension rebuilding. 3 August 2006 Engine rebuild By now Phil was working without mains power in a single council lock up in West Yorkshire. He managed to rebuild the engine crouched on the floor in the dark sheltering from the weather. He also refitted the engine into the car in the lock up, for added hero points. DEGUNKED The engine and gearbox were completely rebuilt. 4 June 2010 Interior woe The…

Tech Specs ENGINE 1238cc/4-cyl/OHC POWER 60bhp@5500rpm TORQUE 62lb ft@3000rpm GEARBOX 2-spd semi-auto 0-60MPH 18.3sec TOP SPEED 85mph FUEL ECONOMY 32mpg WEIGHT 1675lb (760kg) PRICE WHEN NEW £2621 AGREED VALUE £6000 The restorer Keil Shepherd is 37 and lives in Coventry. For the last ten years he’s worked as a systems manager at a bank, before that, he worked for West Midlands Police. He’s a self-taught restorer who uses only basic tools, with incredible results. He now produces repair panels for 1st Generation Civic owners across the globe. He owns several project cars, mostly Hondas, as well as a Rover P6B. He is a well-known figure in the online Honda Civic community. ENGINE RESTO TIP You can’t get fuel filters for these Hondas any more, but I find that motorcycle fuel…

When did you last see a Gen One Civic? Not recently, if the attention I’m getting on the road is anything to go by. I was looking forward to having a go in a Hondamatic, as I’ve never experienced this two-speed, semiautomatic arrangement before. Simply slip the lever into Star,(D is for dummies) and lift your foot off the brake. And that’s it. You can select L (low) if you need some extra poke, but to be honest, you won’t. Keil’s Civic is an accomplished car, especially if you compare it to a contemporary BL offering. The steering is weighted pleasingly, the brakes are good; it’s one of those cars that just gives you confidence.…

MORRIS This Morris J-type could be a JB of 1957 or afterwards, with an overhead-valve B-series engine. We pity the traffic behind it if it’s the earlier type with the 1476cc side-valve. SAAB It’s amazing that the definitive Saab lasted in production from 1960 to 1980. This one is either a GT850 (called Sport in the UK) or is done up to look the part. ROOTES The new Minx of 1956 (really a Sunbeam Rapier with an extra pair of doors) evolved through Series 2, 3, 3A, 3B and 3C in the space of five years as features were altered. Day trippers come crawlinghome Nowadays, the end of a Bank Holiday weekend is signalled in north Cheshire by the clogging of the eastbound M56 with overloaded people carriers and soft-roaders…

The Alpine is the sportscar that has it all; looks, charm and affordability. It’s also not so rare that you can’t find a good one, yet compared with an MGB or Spitfire, it’s unusual enough to be different. While Alpines have crept up in value over the past few years, you can still buy a good one for the same price as a humdrum modern supermini, and although the Alpine won’t set your trousers alight when it comes to performance, the grunt on offer is on a par with its key rivals. But of course you don’t have to keep your Alpine standard; Sunbeam Classic Spares offers a 185bhp upgrade, but you could always go for something a bit less extreme.…

Weldmate T136 MIG Welder Price £199 With winter behind us, we can hear the sound of welding work commencing from workshops across the land. Wrapped up in some seriously heavy-duty casing, this SIP 05736 Weldmate T136 MIG Welder has a low 60amps to high 135amps current range and is capable of welding 0.7-5.4mm thick mild steel. Billed as a sturdy and versatile unit for trade and domestic use, this gas-gasless MIG welder has thermal overload indication and 2x output settings. FROM www.twwholesale.co.uk ZIP Wire Brush Wheels Price £9.96 This range of twist knotted steel wire brush wheels is well worth trying. The ZIP brushes attach to 100mm and 115mm electric angle grinders and are colour coded so it’s easier to identify which one you need. They’re all extremely handy…

Ed says… Test new seat foam before buying by sitting on it on a solid surface. Squeezing it by hand will tell you nothing useful. ED HUGHES TECHNICAL WRITER YOU WILL NEED... EQUIPMENT Pliers, sharp Stanley knife, wire coat hanger, contact adhesive, silicone spray. TIME (HRS) 3 MONEY (£)FROM 0 DIFFICULTY RATING Collapsed or saggy seats are often the Achilles’ heel of otherwise presentable high-mileage classics. The good news is that they’re generally very simple to fix. As-new levels of comfort can often be achieved in a few hours without spending any money. Removing the seat covers is the first step. This can require a little detective work. It’s a job best undertaken slowly and sensitively, with plenty of tea breaks if necessary. If you’re lucky, you’ll simply be able…