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Can cover fitted back this afternoon

No food pics from me, just some silly little cars. great at turn out today, thanks for organizing Julie and Glen. i did 120 miles round trip and had a good clear run both ways.

Making the most of a soggy Friday:

Stop the Press..... Breaking news Today ! The TangoMan is nothing more than a fraud seeking to undermine the soft drinks and fast car industries, you can blame the Russians or Brexit it doesn't matter, the outcome will be dire if left unchallenged ! Fanta Sprog (a founding member of the Group ' I'll Inherit That One Day Grandpa ') has launched a Sugar Free Copyright Challenge in the Court of Cuddles & Giggles, he's seeking previously unheard of sums in compensation for theses acts, indeed nothing less than vast sums of the often spoken about but seldom photographed 'cake' will settle this issue. As soon as he's got a full set of teeth he'll listen to your settlement offers, you have been warned...... Nem......

Another great run, thanks @Julie Hall - Peak District AO and some great pics above. Here's a few I took today from the back.

Your welcome @Paul Hurdsfield, great photo's and thanks for filming the run, look forward to seeing that too, even though we were at the front and are not on it. Briefly meeting at Sainsburys were 8 Westfields and a Crossfire driven by Michael. The only Duratec we see in the Peak District was driven by Martin, Dave in the only Sigma we see, Andrew in the V8, Ian in the Honda, leaving Paul, Chris, Andy and Sue and us in the Zetecs, making an interesting selection of cars. I didn't even get out of my car so these are the only photos that I have. Breakfast commenced with 2 takers for the 'Sir Joseph' or the 'Prince Albert' if you are called Ian 😁 Dave Andrew The black pudding was kindly donated to me by Andrew to accompany my first Eggy Bread experience Breakfast at The Whitworth Centre Soon we/I started playing 'hide the steering wheel' or 'lock it in a display cabinet' as it was today, only I did a rubbish job and Ian caught me red handed. Made a fun photo though, Dave was my lookout man and he had a very mischievous grin on his face as he saw Ian return early and didn't tell me. Parked at The Whitworth Centre, all smooth tarmac with no kerbs, just sayin'. Next up, we drove along my carefully planned route (via Chatsworth House - saw the deer, bonus) until we met a Running Race and a lady advised us not to drive that way. It is a steep and twisty road with blind bends on, so I took her welcomed advice and took a slight detour, missing the Curbar Gap and Owler Bar. The roads were still good and the views were in abundance (Paul's brakes worked too, bonus) and we soon arrived at The Smithy in Monyash for lots of gooey cake, yum, yum. The Smithy The best bit, lemon cake with creammmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm It wasn't just me though was it? Phew, we were about full after all that and just needed to work up a thirst. The high roads over towards Leek are just brill, quiet, twisty and scenic, they lead straight to the pub too. Puddles? there were puddles and Ian tried one on for size, it just fit his face perfectly. Sat outside The Lazy Trout, with views over The Roaches rock formations, which do photograph better when highlighted by the sunshine, but never mind. Ian had a glass of water, deciding to drink the water rather than wear it this time. The last few of us headed home by driving up The Bank, making for excellent driving and Ian is just sooohhh fast, it makes me squeal when this pink thing comes flying towards my rear view mirror and my foot is flat to the floor. It's been a ball, thank you to everyone for driving all those miles to join us. Planning my next route is an easy one, we will do the Curbar Gap and Owler Bar.

TangoMan is getting nesh in his old age:

A for your “Q plate” question - it kind of works on a points system. So to get a new plate you have to show that all parts are brand new (with receipts) except for ONE major component (like the engine or gearbox - not both) that can be “refurbished to as new standard”. You can get an “age related” plate if you have “major” components from a single donor vehicle (along with the donor vehicle id) - so engine and gearbox, or transmission and engine for example. That’s how many Single Donor Vehicle builds end up with a “P” or “S” reg (again - for example) If you can’t do either of the above, you get a Q. But - in the world of kit cars, a Q is not only acceptable, but often desirable due to the advantages that a Q can give a car come MOT time. Plus - those of us that have kit cars and buy them really do not give a flying fart what letter you have on your reg plate! We buy on condition, build quality and component specification above all other considerations. Hope this helps!

Thanks Julie for letting join in today. 260 miles total for me. Big skies today which I didn't notice whilst driving And nice empty roads too !

Here's a clip of a run over the same cattle grid we crossed today from 3 years ago!

Lovely photo's there Ian, I love it when the rear car takes piccies. Here are a few more photo's from me, static ones though. Parking at The Smithy Parked at The Lazy Trout, squint to see The Roaches in the background Finally, my contribution to the Illuminations in Matlock on the way home, with my lights on my heated gloves

Well here’s my breakfast! What was yours like? I’m guessing yours will will be a few more calories!! Unfortunately no nice car pics! Hope you all had a great day, Andy and Becky

So you really are a Leprechaun?

I have just tried these heated cycle gloves for driving my Westfield today. They have a 2 year warranty. It is easy to toggle between power modes by simply pressing the red button. They came with 2 rechargeable batteries that are 7.2V 200mAh Li-polymer batteries that provide 5-6 hours run time. On max power they heat to 50-55 degreesC for 2-2.5hrs. Primaloft Gold insulation provides the thermal insulation and breathability while being thin enough to maintain the dexterity for driving (or cycling too). The batteries are charged through a USB cable, a full charge taking 6 hours and sit neatly in a pocket on your wrist, weighing 70g each.The gloves are waterproof. It has been 13 degrees ambient temperature today, not the coldest of days, so I have started off on level 3 and turned them off as I got hot. Can't wait to try them when it gets really cold, so far I am impressed. They were purchased from Cotswold Outdoor in Bakewell where the sales manager emailed me a receipt to back up the paper one, saying 'just bring them back within 3 years if you have any problem and we will replace them' (the box says SEALSKINZ 2 year guarantee). They replaced my broken compass last year without delay, so I will give them a top rating for customer service. Showing the battery attachment Charging the batteries They come in a box, when did anyone last buy gloves that come in a box

I should also mention, my travel buddy is into proper photography, rather than the stuff I've posted so far which is all taken on my phone. His Instagram is here: https://instagram.com/chrisramsayphoto?igshid=587ni1crcw2u He's generally a few weeks behind in posting things on this, particularly while travelling as he needs to find the time to go through and edit photos etc. but stuff since I arrived should be appearing on there shortly. Also, if anyone is interested in seeing the Norway and Arctic circle leg of the trip that I missed by being too slow building my car, you can have a look on there now!

I like to start my build threads with a little bit of background and history and although this cars history started all the way back in 1968 my knowledge and involvement with it began much later than that. Those of you that have seen my other posts and build thread will know that my involvement in single seaters and specifically Johnny Walker's F4 cars began in around 2014 when I bought my first JW4 Formula four car, one of the first 1966 250cc Mk2 chassis. Walker only made 56 cars of which only 12 were Mk2's and search to find original parts to rebuild my particular car lead me on an unexpected journey which culminated in me obtaining much of the original factory records, drawings and tooling for the JW4. One car that had always intrigued me during my research was the very last car that Johnny Walker made; the Costin Walker. This car was something quite different to any of his previous F4 chassis and for which Walker had employed the talent's of Aerodynamist Frank Costin to design the chassis and bodywork who was famed for his early work with Lotus cars then later Marcos. More used to working with a wooden monocoque for his chassis construction on previous projects, for this commission his 18th car Frank Costin chose to adopt a space-frame construction and in his words to "carry it to its logical ultimate". Costin set out to design what was to become one of the stiffest space-frames ever produced for its weight and this very car went on to be displayed at the 1969 Racing Car Show at Olympia. I will continue the full history in later posts but, the history of the prototype was short lived when in 1971 during an F4 race at Lydden, the car spun striking the bank which caused damage to the front suspension upright and steering rack. Rather than rebuilding the car a disillusioned and financially strained Walker sought to sell the car, but it was not to be run again by any of the subsequent owners. The last recorded information I had of the car was a magazine cutting from 1991 where then then owner of the remains was seeking information about it's past. This article was the first breadcrumb in my search to find the whereabouts of the car as I wanted to learn of it's fate. As luck would have it the owners name in the article was quite unusual and after a session of googling I was able to find somebody with the same name but promisingly working in the motorsports industry. An enquiring email was sent and luck was again on my side as I had not only found the right person but also they were still the owner of the car having by then had it for nearly 40 years. I would add that at this time I had no intent in buying the car as my interest was in the researching the history of the marque. I arranged to meet the owner Denis and I was grateful that he was also willing to show me the car and fill in a few blanks about its history and whereabouts over the preceding years. Denis had bought the car in 1976, 5 years after its Lydden accident. back then it was in a sorry state having languished in a damp and draughty barn for 5 years and it's original 85bhp imp engine and jack knight gearbox had long since gone. After a period of storage Denis had set out to restore the car and at the time I first saw it in 2016 the car was still in pieces and the only part which had then been restored was painting of the chassis. A pleasant afternoon was spent kicking tyres and talking cars then I went on my way back home. A few more emails were exchanged between us over the next few weeks as I found out more about the cars history and we shared information and then that was it.

Good evening chaps 😁 Yesterday i picked up this part built 1996 chassis and a list of parts. All New The chassis was built for a Zetec, so ideally i want to go down that road. Luckily it has a LSD fitted, all body parts unused albeit a few different colours but i plan on having them sprayed eventually. It came with a gearbox - unfortunate it was a type 9 4x4 ... no ideas on what the chap had planned for that.. Im on the lookout for a type 9 gearbox...and a Zetec 2.0 Blacktop... My question is .. if i buy a new engine (crated) does that mean when i eventually IVA the car will i get it on a new reg plate rather than a Q plate ? Thank you.

Decided my engine bay needed a bit of a tidy up. Had a local company dip the cam cover. https://www.hydragraphics.co.uk/ Really pleased with the result. May not be to everyone's taste but I like it. I'll add some more photos at the weekend after I've fitted it back on.

The rebirth of the Newark Kit Car Show. Book it in your diaries!!

Meet briefly at Sainsbury's Matlock, DE4 3SP at 10am for a quick gather together before taking a whole 2 mile drive for breakfast. From there we will go a run around the Peak District chasing slices of cake. The current forecast is good, so fingers crossed I will not have to cancel this one. Who is coming? MENU IS BELOW HAVE A SIR JOSEPH IF YOU DARE

You’re not kidding about it being a bit rough in places! Crickey - there were a few brown trousers moments when I realised why the car I had just overtaken has slowed down! But equally, in other sections it was a corker! We were really lucky getting a totally clean run from St Mary’s Loch down to Moffat - last time I was there it was rammed with camper vans and cyclists. Also had a huge bird of prey feeding on roadkill just in front of me at one point.

Was a fair trek in one day and mostly dry - the new £20 hood helped though

Sorry couldn’t spend the day playing out, but what a fantastic start to the day, some great roads to and from the meet, good brekkie and great friends! Thanks for organising, Julie.

But you didn't. Hope all is well?

It's not my bag. I just don't see the exitment / value / talent at all.

Damn, wish I’d thought of that first.

Drove the red car over to the new place last night, it’s spent it’s first night tucked up in a garage since I had it. Hope it doesn’t get comfy in there, that spots reserved for Mr Blue! (With moving, the blue car has had nothing done since August, and won’t before November ) Leaving in ten...

Oh sod it im awake! I'm on my way😀 See you soon👍

I can do red and white. 😋

You'll forgive me Steve, Is my understanding correct that the Scots want to keep us in, then have an independence referendum? That would leave an England and Wales in which the vast majority of constituencies voted leave, stuck in! Seems daft, why all this talk of an independence referendum when you don't know what you would be getting independent from. If the Scots think Brexit is daft , as 130,000 Scottish jobs depend on the EU, why would you then leave the UK , upon which 560,000 Scottish jobs depend. How would anything you make get to the EU without crossing two borders? Some people think Brexit is daft, Scottish Independence is madness on a whole new scale, 300 years to undo: A currency union with the rest of the UK would leave fiscal policy in the hands of the Bank of England - not independent, Adoption of the Euro will leave Scotland's budget being subject to approval by the EU - not independent (Public spending in Scotland is about £1,600 per person higher than in the UK as a whole, while tax revenues are around £300 per person lower- the EU would simply not allow this) An independent Scotland would need to apply to join the EU, The UN, NATO, The WTO An independent Scotland would need to establish (and fund, set up IT and other systems for) 200 new public bodies to perform functions that UK bodies currently perform. I am truly stunned that it is even spoken of.

As mentioned earlier, at this stage I'm just sourcing parts and doing a small amount of trial assembly to check the fit of parts and ease of assembly, although I have some photos and a few of the factory drawings for this car, being a prototype I have a lot less detail and info compared to the JW4's that I'd built before. One problem I needed to resolve was the uprights both front and rear. During its development the car ran with two different types of front uprights. Initially Costin at the request of Johnny Walker design the car to use the JW4 magnesium uprights and front drum brakes, which were paired with 10" front wheels. Frank Costin had commented that these weren't perfect but initially worked ok, later on in the development the car was passed to Tony Hilder of Piper Cars to try and tame the handling and he adopted 13" front wheels in lieu of the 10's fitted by Costin and also fitted front disc brakes. When the car suffered its accident at Lydden in 1971 the Hilder front upright was broken beyond repair. Unbelievably I still have that damage upright amongst the boxes of parts. Not being able to source an identical replacement I was left with the option of either reverting back to the JW4 upright with drum brakes or sourcing a suitable alternative. Frank Costin in his design for the chassis had considered several different race series including F4, F3, F5000 and Formula Ford and designed the chassis to be able to accept engines for each of these and the suspension parts as series regulations dictated. For Formula Ford the Alford Alder or Triumph upright as its better known was used so this seemed a sensible option as parts are easily available, disc brakes could be fitted and it would fit with 13" wheels. Once I'd settled on the front suspension the next search would be for suitable wheels. The downside of the using the triumph upright is that the hubs have a PCD or 3-3/4" compared to the Hillman Imp hubs on the rear which are 4" PCD so I'd have to run a miss match front to rear. All the photos and articles I have of the car are are in it's earlier years where it ran JA Pearce Magna wheels so the hunt was on for yet another set. Well i didn't have to wait too long until just what I needed appeared on eBay from the same seller who I'd bought the uprights from a month or two before.

The gearbox had faired slightly better, and despite looking like it had spent some time sat outside or in a damp barn, the damage initially appeared limited to an inspection cover which had rusted in a hole but the inside still had a good layer of oil protecting everything and gear selection felt smooth. As I intend to build this car to be raced, the gearbox was duly despatched for a thorough inspection and rebuild to ensure all was working and in good order. As I worked to finish JW4 which I'm pleased to say is now complete and soon to be on its way to join the home of two of its sister cars in Belgium I only had time for a few small jobs on the Costin Walker, which mainly involved sourcing a few much need parts for the rebuild and for now that almost brings us up to date. Realising that the engine was not in a salvageable state I made the decision to strip it for all the parts that were unique to its install in the Costin chassis and then to seek out a replacement. The Costin runs the engine in a near vertical orientation at an angle of approximately 20degrees whereas in the Imp its laid near to flat, this means that all the inlet manifold, exhaust and also the cooling set-up are unique and needed to be swapped over. An adaptor flange is also mounted between the engine and gearbox to accommodate the different orientation of the engine but also because the box is run inverted in the Costin.