Whitehead’s Classic Cars

Whitehead’s Classic Cars A page to follow the work and activities inside my garage workshop, running & restoring my collection

Page Update 20-04-2023It’s difficult to believe that over 18 months have passed since I last updated this page!A lot has...
20/04/2023

Page Update 20-04-2023

It’s difficult to believe that over 18 months have passed since I last updated this page!

A lot has happened in this time, and I look forward to updating the page soon with going’s on with my minis along with photos/updates of various events planned in the coming months.

I will update the status of each car soon and detail the plans for each moving forward.

For now, here’s a photo of my 67 Cooper above the Worth Valley, it’s first outing this year.

Happy motoring!

Shaun

Garage update 29-10-2021Sorry it’s been a bit quiet lately on here, though now the shorter and colder days are fast appr...
29/10/2021

Garage update 29-10-2021

Sorry it’s been a bit quiet lately on here, though now the shorter and colder days are fast approaching, more time will be spent in the garage working on the cars as opposed to driving them.

Having stored my Mayfair last month at a friends garage for winter, I visited it this week to give it a quick check-over and engine run. Luckily, it’s warm stored and trickle charged so should manage nicely over the winter months.

Back at home, I’ve spent considerable time re-organising the garage workshop now that I’ve been able to move garden tools into a new shed I built in late summer. This means that the Van is now back inside where I can resume it’s restoration.

Finally, having had the Cooper since June, it’s been plagued with poor running. Working through the systems has identified that the jets in the carbs are sticking which is causing issues when the car is cold and the choke is needed. I decided it was easier to take these off and give the carbs a full clean out before returning to the car next week. Hopefully a full carb clean helps this issue 🤞🏻

More posts will appear on the page in the coming weeks as the winter nights close in and work continues on the cars 🙂

Workshop update 09-07-2021I’m pleased to report that after fighting with the intricacies of bolt positions on classic mi...
09/07/2021

Workshop update 09-07-2021

I’m pleased to report that after fighting with the intricacies of bolt positions on classic minis (made worse in an SPi engine bay 😂), the Mayfair is now back together with a quick run down the street to ensure everything is aligned correctly. Already I can see and feel a major improvement in the ride quality!

The work included changing both front rubber suspension cones, hi-lows, knuckle joints and shock absorbers. Hopefully this work should ensure a swift pass through the MOT in the near future. Now where’s my beer 😂😁

Workshop Update 08-07-21As promised, here’s an update on the classics. As the list of jobs got longer for the Mayfair, I...
08/07/2021

Workshop Update 08-07-21

As promised, here’s an update on the classics. As the list of jobs got longer for the Mayfair, I thought I’d tackle as many as I could before the MOT due at the end of July.

The first job was to remove the back wheels and replace both tyres (one was close to the legal limit). As I’ve changed the pair, the new wheels will now go on the front and the front to rear to even out the wear.

Whilst the front wheels are off, I’ve started tackling the suspension as it was apparent that the rubber cone springs were well beyond their life (as the attached picture shows 😅). I’ve also decided to replace the hi-low cones at this stage too, along with the knuckle joint and shock absorbers. Unfortunately, whilst checking over the upper arm, I noticed the shock absorber bolt was showing signs of wear on the thread and the dust cover gaskets for the bearings were perishing. I’ve now changed the shock bolt but awaiting delivery on the seals before I can re-assemble it all. Once back together, I will then tackle the drivers side too. I plan on doing the same sort of task over winter on the rear of the car too once I’ve finished driving him for the year 😁

More updates on this job to follow 😊

Update 07-07-2021 Normally I’m featuring my classic minis on this page (of which a lot of work is currently ongoing whic...
08/07/2021

Update 07-07-2021

Normally I’m featuring my classic minis on this page (of which a lot of work is currently ongoing which I’ll share separately), though this time it’s my MINI Cooper S in the spotlight. Today’s task was to replace the front brake disks and pads which were definitely due for renewal. Thanks to Steve Ruddock of Steve Ruddock Cars for changing these out for me 😁

Workshop Update 28-06-21Today’s activities were mostly centred around further stripping the van with most components now...
29/06/2021

Workshop Update 28-06-21

Today’s activities were mostly centred around further stripping the van with most components now removed and boxed away. The van has been on the back burner recently due to other commitments however planning & research has been continuing in the background. The next major job is to get the engine removed and then send the body off to be soda blasted so I can clearly identify the areas needing attention over winter.

I also gave the Mayfair a wash & wax, ready to attend the Lytham Hall Mini Show this Sunday 4th July. I’m very much looking forward to attending my first car show as an exhibitor for the first time since 2019!

Last week, I had the Mayfair at SH Restorations for a bit of paint touch-up. The guys have done a fantastic job as the g...
20/06/2021

Last week, I had the Mayfair at SH Restorations for a bit of paint touch-up. The guys have done a fantastic job as the glean in the paint finish shows 😁

14-05-2021 - The Mayfair has been away from home the last week at Acespeed Historic Motorsport in Shipley to diagnose a ...
14/05/2021

14-05-2021 - The Mayfair has been away from home the last week at Acespeed Historic Motorsport in Shipley to diagnose a constant high idle and over-revving issue. Having attempted numerous fixes myself to no avail including changing the majority of the vacuum system and sensors, Andy was able to diagnose it to being a faulty stepper motor and injector cap which have been duly replaced.

Having picked him up and given him a good run over the Yorkshire Dales this afternoon, it feels like a totally different motor for all the right reasons. Hopefully my fuel bills will be a little less now 😅😂

10-05-2021 - With shocking weather outside today, I cracked on with removing the front & rear doors in preparation for r...
10/05/2021

10-05-2021 - With shocking weather outside today, I cracked on with removing the front & rear doors in preparation for rebuilding. The intention is to strip the van fully to a rolling shell to ascertain the required work on the body.

Address

Unit D3 Airedale Trading Estate
Keighley
BD20 7DS

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