EMAIL OF THE MONTH
Classic emails,letters,tweets,posts & threads
‘Experts make our lives better!’
I read with interest the article by Nick Larkin (PC, November 23) in which he laments the skills that are vanishing as the older generation cease to be with us. Unfortunately, this is only too true and so many expertly skilled people are leaving a huge hole in our collective abilities.
Not far from where I love is a gearbox specialist called Stephenson’s Transmissions, which opened in 1973. Five years ago I lost reverse gear on my Humber Sceptre, so I removed the 'box and took it there. As soon as old Mr Stephenson clapped eyes on it, he asked: ‘Rapier or Sceptre?’ He explained how a special tool was required to strip these gearboxes and sure enough, he reached to a dusty high shelf and retrieved it! Next day, I was told that the detent on the selector for reverse had worn and was not locating into the reverse hub. The part has been obsolete for decades, so in the space of a few days, he made one from some aircraft grade stainless steel. He has sadly gone now – a great loss.
FIXED UP
I was absolutely delighted recently to receive an email informing me that I was the first winner of the Fixing Up competition. This is a truly terrific prize. I’d like to thank all concerned and also Kelly and Gabriella at Bauer Media for their help with delivery. I’m planning a major service to my BMW before a road trip into Bavaria and Austria early next year when the car will be 25 years-old, so these items have arrived at the perfect time.
Classic central
Practical Classics inspires me when tinkering with my four classics – a 1981 XR3 (six-year resto), W126 420SE (in bits), E36 323i Cabrio and Rover 420GSI Touring. They seem to inspire other locals who stop and chat. I’m hoping our little village near Leeds will soon be the most classic friendly of all villages – there are quite a lot of classics around!
