Update # 5.
My last update was way back on August 11th, (damn this year has gone quickly), and with the words, 'my next update will be from Leyburn Sprints'. Unfortunately my Leyburn Sprints adventure was cancelled due to the weather, it went ahead without the Bearcat. But, since then the Bearcat has attended many cars shows getting lots of attention.
Thanks to to Mike at Black Top Photography for the video. https://www.facebook.com/blacktop68
My numerous trips have helped me get used to his idiosyncrasies and handling. After I had the king pin bushes replaced and adjusted the steering box sector shaft he handles a LOT better. I have extended the distance driven pretty well each car show. My latest was around 100 ks, a lot of it highway driving. He easily skips along at 100 ks on the freeway, and I was pleasantly surprised by getting 12 - 13 miles per gallon, (about 22 lt / 100 k). When this engine was in the 1961 GMC 7000 Series truck it only got 3 miles/gal. (about 94 lt / 100 k)!
The only modification I've made to him so far is the addition of an Expansion Tank on the radiator. The original set up had the overflow tube ending just above the front axel, and quite often spat coolant on the ground when I pulled up at a show, usually from sitting in traffic. This obviously upset the youngn's as they often pointed out, in a concerned voice, 'you're losing coolant mate'. To which I explained. 'this is what old cars did'. So to allay their fears I installed a expansion tank to stop the Bearcat marking his territory ;-)
Future planned upgrades are getting the seats reupholstered in leather and relocating the spare wheel. The current vinyl on the seats has seen better days, and with the increased use is deteriorating pretty quickly. While the spare wheel position looks good it has to be unbolted and folded out to access the storage area, it's a struggle. When on the ground wheel is too heavy for me to lift onto it's hold down bolts; about a meter up. If I did have a flat tyre while by myself I would have the leave it by the side of the road or get a helper.
The leather has been ordered and the upholsterer booked. The spare wheel relocation can wait a while, there is a fair bit of work in that. I can see why old Nev Morris put it where it is. Oh, and relocating it will give me space to put a trunk on the rear deck, storage space is at a premium at present.
Maurice, (the Bearcat's nic name), has recently got new spark plugs and ignition coils, with new plug leads, dizzy caps, rotors, points and condensers being fitted soon. He's already running better just with the new plugs and coils.
We are off to Harrigan's Annual Car Show on Sunday, at Jacobs Well, (between Brisbane and the Gold Coast). This will be the Bearcat's longest drive, about 120 k. Hopefully the weather holds. https://www.harrigansrodandcustomshow.com/
Well that's about all the news, catch ya next time.