The heart of things

The engine bay, showing the Ford Zephyr 2553cc engine derived from the 4 cylinder 1703cc Consul.

The motor in this Mk3 is undoubtably the original. No obvious works have been carried out, yet it starts first turn every time ( so long as the battery is strong enough) A slight tappet noise is the only detraction - an easy fix that will be attended to when it goes for a tune up after everything else is sorted.

Note the "T" on the vacuum pipe for the trailer vacuum pipe mentioned earlier. This is one of the few parts to be replaced to return the car to original. There is still an intermitant vacuum leak some where though...

It is tempting to get in and clean, renew, polish and paint all the tired parts in here. That won't happen while I own it. Ralph will be preserved as is for future generations. Easy I guess. Easier than countless hours of cleaning and repainting, etc. Still there are many dilemnas. Do I, for example, change to a spin on oil filter conversion?

The radiator hoses are in poor condition. I have 2 new sets, so I will replace them - pointless preserving the car if you seize the motor by ignoring basic maintenance and then have to change a heap of parts.

The spark plugs have been replaced and the leads and distributor cap will also need renewing. I will, however, keep the perished rubber caps.

Ford Zephyr mk3 motor

The horns on the right were full of wasps nests and don't work. Does anyone have a couple of spares for sale? A set of tacky air horns will have to suffice for now.

Power to the Zephyr!

Since deciding to keep the Mk3 Zephyr authentic and as original as practical and the battery was getting weak (from jump starting too many friends and neighbours!) it was time to visit the guys at Ariel batteries. Located in Clifton Hill, this place really is a time warp. Etablished in 1947, you have no problem believing the truth of this - most of the equipment still in use is from 1947! Not much has changed in 65 years. The best part, though, is real service from an age gone by. Finding an old style 12 inch rubber case (brand new) was not a problem and my battery was ready in a few days.

The battery even looks alot like the one shown in the original manual.

This sure kicks the motor into life quickly.

 A battery clamp had been made from scrap lying around and it didn't look too bad. As the chances of finding the correct clamp seemed unlikely I had spent a bit of time making it look good. However, the right one did happen along, and after selling a lung to fund it, I have the perfect way to hold the period battery in place. Detracters might say it's a bit rusty, but painting it will only make the rest of the engine bay look even worse! As it is the clamp fits in like it has always been there. I can't ask for more than that.

 Due to a return trip to NZ for a holiday and then getting a really bad flu from my daughter (sharing is caring, right?) I have fairly well written off July. August has started strongly, though. Another Globe mag wheel is now polished and will be painted black as soon as the weather improves.