I modified my Isetta, I fitted a windscreen washer.
It was left hand drive and the gear lever positions were reversed, right and back for first and left and forward for fourth.
The engine was a 300cc single cylinder 4 stroke whereas the Heinkel, Trojan and Messerschmitt bubble cars only had 200cc 2 stroke engines.
I have seen some drivers use hand signals now and then these days too ... well finger signals ....although I have not been able to find what they mean in the Highway Code
Quote: Originally posted by Bernie47 on 15/8/2018
I modified my Isetta, I fitted a windscreen washer.
It was left hand drive and the gear lever positions were reversed, right and back for first and left and forward for fourth.
The engine was a 300cc single cylinder 4 stroke whereas the Heinkel, Trojan and Messerschmitt bubble cars only had 200cc 2 stroke engines.
Very true. Two other differences between the Isetta and the Heinkel/Trojan were that the steering wheel stayed where it was on the heinkel when the door was opened, whereas it was attached to the door on the Isetta. And the gears weren't in an H pattern on the Heinkel, they were in a straight line. Shifting up or down was an acquired knack, as you could easily miss a gear out if you didn't move the gear lever very gently.
I was a learner when I had the Isetta. Mine was definitely right hand drive because I clearly remember my older brother sitting in the left hand seat and opening the door before I had quite stopped. The steering wheel was whipped out of my hands but I did manage to stop
And here was me thinking this was about brake fluid.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Quote: Originally posted by ST1100 on 15/8/2018
Mike and Bob ... did the indicators work on BMW's back in those days?
No mate. BMW have done extensive research into this very subject, and have never progressed the development of indicators due to the fact that BMW drivers never feel the need to use them. Cost saving. 😀
Quote: Originally posted by blueexpo97 on 16/8/2018
And here was me thinking this was about brake fluid.
It looks like this topic has come to a grinding holt due to fading interest, things were getting a little spongy anyway. The brakes have definitely been put on this subject.
6 pages have been gleaned out of a topic on brake fluid...that can't be bad.
I think the opinion was that it is a good idea to change the brake fluid now and then otherwise it can boil if you keep your foot on the brake going downhill.
People who have no mechanical aptitude at all wouldn't be able to change it and probably don't even know where the brake fluid is, so unless the garage changes it, and some garages do and some garages need to be asked and charge you extra, it doesn't get changed, which is highly dangerous if you are in the habit of holding your foot on the brake going down hill...I think it's called 'hotfooting it'.
Quote: Originally posted by Bob61 on 16/8/2018
6 pages have been gleaned out of a topic on brake fluid...that can't be bad.
I think the opinion was that it is a good idea to change the brake fluid now and then otherwise it can boil if you keep your foot on the brake going downhill.
People who have no mechanical aptitude at all wouldn't be able to change it and probably don't even know where the brake fluid is, so unless the garage changes it, and some garages do and some garages need to be asked and charge you extra, it doesn't get changed, which is highly dangerous if you are in the habit of holding your foot on the brake going down hill...I think it's called 'hotfooting it'.
I'm changing the brake fluid in my car in the next few weeks as I've recently bought a one man bleed kit from Halfords at a cost of £5.99. All you need is a jack, a pair of axle stands, a combination ring spanner for the bleed nipple and a new bottle of brake fluid to the spec of your vehicle which mine is DOT 4. I have done it many times before so have the experience of knowing how to proceed, however, they used to advise to do the brake furthest away from the master cylinder first and the next nearest in that order but according to the Volvo Haynes manual it states to do the front right first (nearest the master cylinder) and then the front left and then the rear ones which I believe was the same procedure on the Ford Escort MKII (Haynes manual) if I remember right.
Anybody with any expert knowledge know why there is a specific order to follow as I can't really see that it makes any difference which you do first?
Quote: Originally posted by Bob61 on 16/8/2018
6 pages have been gleaned out of a topic on brake fluid...that can't be bad.
I think the opinion was that it is a good idea to change the brake fluid now and then otherwise it can boil if you keep your foot on the brake going downhill.
People who have no mechanical aptitude at all wouldn't be able to change it and probably don't even know where the brake fluid is, so unless the garage changes it, and some garages do and some garages need to be asked and charge you extra, it doesn't get changed, which is highly dangerous if you are in the habit of holding your foot on the brake going down hill...I think it's called 'hotfooting it'.
I'm changing the brake fluid in my car in the next few weeks as I've recently bought a one man bleed kit from Halfords at a cost of £5.99. All you need is a jack, a pair of axle stands, a combination ring spanner for the bleed nipple and a new bottle of brake fluid to the spec of your vehicle which mine is DOT 4. I have done it many times before so have the experience of knowing how to proceed, however, they used to advise to do the brake furthest away from the master cylinder first and the next nearest in that order but according to the Volvo Haynes manual it states to do the front right first (nearest the master cylinder) and then the front left and then the rear ones which I believe was the same procedure on the Ford Escort MKII (Haynes manual) if I remember right.
Anybody with any expert knowledge know why there is a specific order to follow as I can't really see that it makes any difference which you do first?
I can see how a non return valve can make it easier to do single handed but how do you top up the fluid and pump the brake pedal at the same time?
Quote: Originally posted by Bob61 on 16/8/2018
6 pages have been gleaned out of a topic on brake fluid...that can't be bad.
I think the opinion was that it is a good idea to change the brake fluid now and then otherwise it can boil if you keep your foot on the brake going downhill.
People who have no mechanical aptitude at all wouldn't be able to change it and probably don't even know where the brake fluid is, so unless the garage changes it, and some garages do and some garages need to be asked and charge you extra, it doesn't get changed, which is highly dangerous if you are in the habit of holding your foot on the brake going down hill...I think it's called 'hotfooting it'.
I'm changing the brake fluid in my car in the next few weeks as I've recently bought a one man bleed kit from Halfords at a cost of £5.99. All you need is a jack, a pair of axle stands, a combination ring spanner for the bleed nipple and a new bottle of brake fluid to the spec of your vehicle which mine is DOT 4. I have done it many times before so have the experience of knowing how to proceed, however, they used to advise to do the brake furthest away from the master cylinder first and the next nearest in that order but according to the Volvo Haynes manual it states to do the front right first (nearest the master cylinder) and then the front left and then the rear ones which I believe was the same procedure on the Ford Escort MKII (Haynes manual) if I remember right.
Anybody with any expert knowledge know why there is a specific order to follow as I can't really see that it makes any difference which you do first?
I can see how a non return valve can make it easier to do single handed but how do you top up the fluid and pump the brake pedal at the same time?
It's impossible do it at the same time so the only way to proceed is to pause after the brake pedal has been depressed a few times then replenish the master cylinder with fresh fluid. When the colour of the old fluid has been flushed out and no air bubbles visible you tighten the bleed screw then move onto the next brake to be bled.
Easibleed kits are good,you connect the bottle filled with fluid to the master cylinder via a replacement lid then connect kit to spare tyre.
This pressurises the system then you go round opening each bleed valve in turn letting fluid into a jar till no air is present!
I have also see kits that you connect to valve which create a vacuum to pull out air.Ed China used one on Wheeler Dealers.Still need to check level and top up!
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
Quote: Originally posted by 664DaveS on 17/8/2018
Easibleed kits are good,you connect the bottle filled with fluid to the master cylinder via a replacement lid then connect kit to spare tyre.
This pressurises the system then you go round opening each bleed valve in turn letting fluid into a jar till no air is present!
I have also see kits that you connect to valve which create a vacuum to pull out air.Ed China used one on Wheeler Dealers.Still need to check level and top up!
Yes, Ed China knows his stuff when it comes automobiles and I have learned a few tips from his mechanical skills as well. I didn't know that you could surface skim the brake discs with a portable lathe whilst still attached to the vehicle but the tools he uses are not cheap by any means and sometimes hires them out due to the cost.
Used to like watching that to see Ed at work .. could not stand Mike though.
My dad used to skim brake discs for a friend of his that owned a garage ...and also made a brake disc for a motorbike from an old iron circular drain cover
Your brakes will work fine without changing the fluid for years, then when you need them the most, after heavy use and the brakes are extremely hot the moisture in the fluid will turn to steam and the brake peddle will just go to floor with no effect amazingly when the fluid cools down the steam is absorbed back into the fluid and your brakes return to there normal efficiency.
If you are lucky and don't die or kill someone else, after a change of pants, you will change the fluid.
I speak from experience.
------------- As I've told my psychiatrist, you can't have too many tents.