Spring is coming

Keeping an eye on the long range weather forecast and waiting until we are definitely clear of frosty nights before filling the car's boiler again. Even though we have heaters on frost setting  in the garage, don't want to take any chances.


Meanwhile tidying up and treating the odd bit of rust on the (non-original) Lucas side lamps so the car will look smart on Drive-It Day,  Sunday 23 April when we will be off to the Royal Oak at Bishopstone

Ready, steady go.....

This week we collected the car after  her check over by J R Goold Vintage Steam Restorations, all ready for the 2017 season. Although Stanley is MOT exempt, we feel that it is always a wise precaution to have an occasional check over by an expert. The car's steering has been tightened,  both rear band brakes relined, and an extra steam valve added for the water lifting siphon (I  connected the original dash mounted siphon valve to  a stack blower  in 2015 after a fuel vapour 'bang' whilst standing outside the garage).  All we need now is  warmer, frost free weather and we will be out and about again. Meanwhile there is paint  touching up  to be done, the car needs a good clean and the side lamps a coat of black paint.

New Year Resolutions

Car is currently tucked up in the garage for the winter, but in a couple of weeks will be taken to the Goold's workshop for a pre-season check over. Although MOT exempt, we feel that an independent check is a good idea. Meanwhile the search for a correct 1914 Stewart speedometer for the car continues.

Out and About

Its been a busy summer so far, and the Stanley had been out and about quite a bit

Drive it Day at the Royal Oak, Bishopstone, Wiltshire to start the season

Then the Dampf In Melle German Steam Car Tour

Back home again and a little outing to the Ramsbury Brewery

And to our local show and rally, where we won a prize

No news is Good News

Been neglecting the Stanley's Blog. Nothing much to report at the moment; after 2015 tours in the Cotswolds and Isle of Wight, plus a showing at the Prescott Autumn Classic in October 2015, the car has been tucked up in its garage waiting for the spring. Apart from checking over the pump packings and repacking the front bypass valve, all that is needed for the 2016 season is a little touching up of som damaged paintwork on the right hand front wheel.

Hood goes up.....Hood goes down

News from the Coach Trimmer

Phone call from David Nightingale the Coach Trimmer this morning, the new hood for the Stanley is done bar some nailing  on the front bow, and  work is proceeding on the tonneau cover. Perhaps we will be ready for the Veteran Car Club event at  Cirencester at the end of June.