Taking A Ride.

We took FINNIE for weekend drives along The Esplande, Mount Pleasant, along Canning River, just before sending it in for restoration.

Mechanical:

The 2195cc Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injected Inline six is running on five cylinders and needs a complete overhaul. It seems as if it's a 1.8L underpowered engine pushing a 2 tonne load. Suspension is soft and seems to have a comfortable ride, although when there is a heavy load in the rear, the wheels seem to cut into the fenders when turning. Steering is a challenge since there is no power steering. Steering wheel lock works with ignition. Indicator stalk is working. Brake and acceleration pedals are working fine. Automatic transmission column gear shifter is very stiff and needs care to move it. The transmission indicator reads "P R 0 4 3 2". 0 is neutral. Handbrake is working well. Windshield wipers are 2 speed. They work fairly well, but are stiff. The ivory coloured plastics are cracking. The horn still sounds 1962. 

Interior:

Seats are upholstered in red vinyl (MB-Tex vinyl I believe) and are quite comfortable. Some of the seats may have lost its structural support and need to be reupholstered. Front seats are reclinable with forward/backward adjustment. Seatbelts for the driver and the front passenger have been retrofitted by the previous owner and we plan to have them removed. Floorpan has been carpeted, but not in good condition. Padded dashboard is sagging in some areas and has a crack around the central loudspeaker grille. Sunshades are losing their shape and the mirror on the passenger side is cloudy and rusting. All windows wind up and down properly, only until recently the driver's side rear passenger window got jammed. Door handles (round) are working with all locks. Centrally mounted mirror has day/night switch, works properly. Ashtrays are all intact, but they all need cleaning out! All chrome needs re-chroming and reconditioning.

Electrics:

Radio/Cassette player is not stock, but works properly. Two speakers fitted works with the radio. Centrally mounted loudspeaker does not work. The electric clock does not work. Instrument cluster lights are dim, even with adjustment of the control knob. Light switch works perfectly. All lights except reverse lights are working as normal. The reverse lights seem to only work when the gearshift is in the right position. Heating & ventilation system is working, although is a little bit noisy during operation. There is a rear Denso refrigeration system (I believe it has been retrofitted) with four ugly plastic vents that stick out in the parcel shelf and the refrigeration unit in the boot takes up space.

Beautiful day for a weekend drive. Not too hot, not too cold. Most of all, it wasn't raining a single bit.

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