Back from the garage

Well, good news and bad news. The Jensen isn't a complete rotter....but only just!

The easy stuff first, the oil leak is from the pump. New oil pump purchased. The "redish stuff" was, as expected, from the power steering rack. New rack purchased and decided to replace the power steering pump at the same time. At least this gives me something to do over xmas.

The general check over by Kev at Appleyards revealed that the gearbox mount had perished and had resulted in the gearbox dropping onto the cross member which had in turn snapped. The bracket was cleaned and welded and the mount replaced.

It was also discovered that the fantastic stainless exhaust had not been fitted properly and the back box was resting on the axel. The pipe was cut to the correct length and refitted.

Now the more difficult items.

A hole in the driver side floor pan and serious rust along the floor to sill section.

The rear leaf springs are starting to separate due to age and the front suspension needs a refurb.

Oh, and the gearbox is shot. The oil that came out of it was completely black and the gear changes are not exactly smooth and it doesn't pull as good as it should.

The carb either needs a rebuild or replacing (probably go for a shiny new one)

The underside is completely covered in oil from the oil pump so hours of cleaning ahead once the pump is fixed. This isn't a problem other than it is a horrible job and one I will probably put off.

The body was seen in new light when you can look from new angles. See the picture below

It looks like its going to have to go for lower body surgery at some point! Oh, and the wrong sills were fitted during the refurb it had in the 80's. Mk111 ones appear to have been fitted.

Minor items were the exhaust mounts having perished, not an expensive job but tricky without a ramp.

I can't complain too much as I knew there was going to be a lot of work to do and the purchase price reflected that. Also, this is all part of the fun in owning a classic, isn't it? Well I still had that grin on my face as I drove it back from Appleyards so it must be.

Anyway, lots to do over xmas and I'll post updates as I work on the steering and oil pump.

Further ahead a refurbished gearbox will be fitted ahead of Spring 2012 ready for a long summer on the road....maybe a drive to the Ukraine and back?

Oil leak

On Saturday the interceptor went into Appleyards for a service and a good check over. I took the opportunity to take it for a good spin first and it's safe to say the grin factor is still there! However, having dropped it off and returned home I found a worrying pool of oil in my garage and an even more worrying pool of "redish stuff" where the Interceptor had been parked for the last few weeks. So, oil leak to find and fix and potential power steering rack change. I'll have a proper look under the car while it's up on the ramp at Appleyards next weekend to see if I can see what is wrong. The job list gets longer....

Purchase and first steps

I have had the Interceptor for around 4 weeks. It was originally listed on eBay but with the help of a Jensen specialist I managed to negotiate a deal direct with the owner. When going to view and purchase the car I took a Jensen specialist with me, I would recommend this course of action to any potential Jensen owner who does not know these vehicles inside out. I am lucky and live very close to Appleyards who are very highly regarded in Jensen circles. Andy (Appleyards owner) is extremely knowledgeable and will talk Jensens to anyone for as long as you will listen! He also makes a decent brew if you are nearby and drop in.

So, the viewing day arrived and Andy and I headed off to South Wales to view the Jensen. Andy gave it a thorough inspection and gave it the thumbs up. It won't win any prizes (yet), but it was exactly as described and had an MOT with no apparent major body problems. 

I parted with the cash and then drove it, grinning all the way, back the Midlands! What a journey! The engine sound from the V8 was the only soundtrack required. There were plenty of other drivers slowing down to take a look. It's a real headturner if only because it is so unique looking.

Since the purchase I have taken it out for a few Sunday drives but now is the time to start work on it. 

First task, back to Appleyards for it to go up on the ramp for a winter service and a full inspection so a jobs list can be created.