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Marlin Sportster, Cabrio, Berlinetta and Roadster builds Enthused or Confused about your vintage Marlin build? Ask away here or show off your build. |
23rd September 2021, 12:32
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Join Date: Feb 2012
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That's engine Porn
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4th October 2021, 22:44
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I second that!
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13th October 2021, 18:12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mick O'Malley
However, this morning, serendipitously, a little gem appeared for sale in one of my FB groups at a very attractive price. I PM'd the Bristol based vendor with my 'phone number and struck a deal. It turned out that we'd met at 'Gloucester Goes Retro' in '18 & '19 where we were both exhibiting our cars. Small world!
It's from a 928cc Talbot Sunbeam, and what really appealed to me was its clear Coventry Climax heritage. I've often dreamt of having one powering a car of mine, but my lottery tickets refuse to co-operate . I've never transplanted an engine and box before (unless I count the MG1100 one I dropped in my Minivan 'Traveller', fitting Imp wheels on the front to correct the gearing) so it adds interest to the project. I'm getting the cross member as well so it shouldn't be too difficult - famous last words!
Regards, Mick
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Hi Mick
Have you made any progress checking if it will fit OK? I am now quite keen to go this root myself - should I ever be able to find a suitable engine and gearbox...
Cheers, Robin
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14th October 2021, 08:16
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You want how much!
Hi Robin
I've not even collected it yet, so no progress. I'm still trying to sort out the gearchange problem on the Monaco.
This appeared on Ebay, somewhat optimistic methinks, or I was incredibly lucky!
Regards, Mick
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14th October 2021, 09:26
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Good spot. I have been searching Ebay with no result. I must revise my search criteria.
But as you say. Rather optimistically priced especially as the condition is unknown. Would you mind sharing what you paid? PM me if you don't want to make it public. It would be good to have as a negotiation point....
Cheers, Robin
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17th October 2021, 15:03
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mick O'Malley
Agreed. All that shiny aluminium in a dark coloured engine bay will look so good. As for sound, if it's half as shiver inducing as the Fraser Imps I used to watch at Brands Hatch in the 60s I'll be well pleased. Tuning? I'm tracking twin 1.25" Strombergs and an Imp Sport cam...
Regards, Mick
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Don't forget Imp engines were fitted on a slant. You may find the carbs are at the wrong angle if on an upright engine.
Cheers Robin
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19th October 2021, 09:58
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As I am a bit of an anorak I bought a copy of the Haynes manual for the Talbot Sunbeam - just to find out a little more about the engine and drive train. I discovered a couple of interesting facts.
1. It uses an early form of electronic ignition for which you need the little electronic module that goes with the distributor. Not a disaster but just as well to be aware of it.
2. The axle ratio is 4.1 or something close. Don't remember exactly and the manual isn't to hand. Not suprising considering the small CC of the engine. The problem is that the 1.8 Marina uses 3.7ish. I am using larger, 15", wheels so unless I change the diff ratio this delightful engine is going to be no good for me. Back to the old B series it seems.
Cheers, Robin
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19th October 2021, 11:11
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20th October 2021, 11:27
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Small Steps
On Monday my no. three son kindly drove me to Bristle (krek spelling) to collect the aforementioned engine and 'box. The vendor threw in (not literally) the rack, cross member, steering column, radiator and a few other related bits and pieces from the deceased Talbot Sunbeam.
The newness of my ratchet straps is very evident. Their predecessors, which had lasted almost 20 years, went away securing a Vespa I sold to a guy who brought a van to collect it, but only bungees for tying it down ...
Quote:
Originally Posted by peterux
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Thanks for that Peter, I shall go for it, hopefully before the Classic Trials fraternity spot it!
Regards, Mick
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21st October 2021, 16:12
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That's a standard Marina 1.3 axle , the 10cwt van is the preferred choice for trialing , but now rare as rocking horse p--
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22nd October 2021, 09:35
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AlanHogg
That's a standard Marina 1.3 axle , the 10cwt van is the preferred choice for trialing , but now rare as rocking horse p--
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An internet search revealed that, as the housing is rusty and therefore steel, it has the 4.11. Lower ratio (so higher geared) diffs have alloy housings. I've bought it, with a hefty 'postage' fee, so time will tell. It's scheduled to arrive next Thursday.
Regards, Mick
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30th January 2022, 15:08
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Happy New Year - at last!
Ever since my 4.1 axle arrived, I've been nagging my offspring to move their stuff out of the cave, so that I could move the Marlin in from the landing strip. At long last my daughter and her partner got weaving a few days ago and took a full car load to the tip. Hooray! They left the cave untidier than before, but today I was able to rearrange and condense the remaining stuff (and my son's single bed, which one of these years he might do something about) into a compact area, releasing enough space for the car .
I'd promised the 1800cc B Series engine to my long standing Westfield XI owning friend for his MGA - a straight swap for its 1600cc lump, so I decided to lug the crane from my shed into the cave first. I then charged the Marlin's battery (which, amazingly, had kept plenty over the three months since disconnection) so that I could pump up its tyres to facilitate pushing to its new home. As soon as my pal down the road has time, this will be done and work can commence.
I've missed project work to the extent that I've actually done some gardening (AKA jungle clearance) in the interim. Amazing!
Updates may well now resume...
Regards, Mick
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7th February 2022, 09:19
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A small step...
Last week, in the newly negotiable cave, I applied myself to taking out the B lump. Carbs and manifold off; exhaust manifold unbolted and tied out of the way; rocker box cover off and lifting lugs bolted on; starter motor off; bell housing supported with loop of furry rope and unbolted and, finally, engine mounting brackets unbolted. Hooray! Time to start cranking my Machine Mart crane, whose jib, even on its last extension hole, is never quite long enough. I think its designer only thought in terms of transverse FWD installations . Anyway, after lots of angle of engine dangle adjustments and raising and lowering of gearbox I was almost there, except for the thermostat housing snagging on the nose cone. Off with that (no thermostat fitted!) and with about a millimetre to spare at each end the lump swung free
I wheeled the now much lighter car back and positioned my trusty 20+ year old Machine Mart trolley under the mill and lowered away to loud splintering noises. Oops, I should have stored it in the dry! I found an old length of kitchen worktop, sawed it to size, screwed on the stepped sump support block and transferred the castors. No splintering this time. Ratchet strap, wheel to the back of the cave, stow folded crane alongside and push car back.
I'm so pleased to have actually done something positive towards the project, that I wandered down there in the rain a few times over the weekend for a smugathon. Happy days!
Regards, Mick
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7th February 2022, 09:38
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The B series is a heavy old lump. I found it easier to drop the engine out underneath lifting the car to clear it. The B series engine must make up a large percentage of the Marlin's overall weight. Without it, and the wheels, I could lift up the front by hand. Your lightweight climax engine should make it fly!
Cheers, Robin
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7th February 2022, 14:20
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Good shout Robin!
This morning I set about removing the exhaust and gearbox. I first craned the front end up and put axle stands under the frame rails The exhaust took little time or effort, the 'box a couple of hours and plenty of head scratching. Taking the overdrive gear stick out needed the carpet fitted over the tunnel peeling back, the gaiter turning inside out, the bayonet retaining cup releasing, and the overdrive wires disconnecting. I passed a loop of rope through the hole in the tunnel around the overdrive unit, stuck a screwdriver through it and took off the rear rubber mounting from below. I then lowered the bell housing to the floor, moved the car back the few necessary inches for the UJ to clear the cross member and gently lowered the back end. I could then roll the crane/car combination back sufficiently to lift out the 'box. Job done.
I shall advertise the overdrive unit unless anyone on here is interested.
Regards, Mick
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8th February 2022, 17:33
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Gearbox and exhaust
Hi Mick
Is it a standard MGB overdrive box? I only ask because the pundits on the Marlin Owners forum seemed to think that wouldn't fit as the tunnel is too narrrow.
And I would be interested in seeing a picture of the exhaust if possible. Mainly the bit from the manifold down. Mine was so rusted therough it wasn't even worth keeping as a template...
Cheers, Robin
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10th February 2022, 08:37
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Hi Robin
The gearbox is from a Dolomite 1850, the overdrive bolted to it is slim, I'll take a picture later and note the manufacturer's details.
Here's a picture of the exhaust, nearside mounted. The guy I bought the car from told me it's from a Westfield. It weighs a ton!
I'm taking a short break from the Marlin whilst I build a sparrow hotel, where I hope they'll nest instead of in my swift boxes.
Regards, Mick
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10th February 2022, 09:46
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Hi Robin
I couldn't find a manufacturer's name anywhere. The adaptor is clearly BL. That's about it.
Regards, Mick
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12th February 2022, 08:57
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Hi Mick
Thanks for the pictures. Have you any idea as to the condition of the gearbox? (I guess the answer is no....) And how much were you thinking of asking for it?
Cheers, Robin
PS - Good luck with the bird boxes. I have never had any luck persuading anything at all to nest in mine. However they do seem to like my neighbours ugly Leylandi hedge!
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14th February 2022, 07:51
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Hi Robin
The gearbox internals are all in a box, this is how it came. If you're interested in it c/w o/d make me an offer in a PM please. It would be collect from Gloucester.
Regards, Mick
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