Chris Rooke's book

[1954Etype]

Pete,

Hutsons can provide softer door seals.

Angus

[PETE V]

Angus

Many thanks, just ordered some

Regards

[1954Etype]

Pete,

let us all know how you get on with them.

Angus

[PETE V]

Of course

regards

[frogeater]

Hello Chris,
I've bought your book yesterday and I'm reading it carefully. Thank you for that. I'have some books about e type but this one is different (more detailled and precise than the "e type restoration practical classic" bought some years ago).
Congratulation about the work you made!
i like also the personnal view you give.
At the beginning of your book, you mention your hesitation beetween a serie 2 and 1, at the same dealer, and seem to have a regret about the shape of the serie 1; today, what your opinion about that?
:bye:

[PETE V]

Have fitted the door seals supplied by Hutsons and they have made a very slight improvement. I have spent hours on this including trying to adapt the Barratts supplied items.
Both doors now shut fairly well with the Hutsons seals fitted, I am now going to try to modify these.
I will let you know

Regards

[1954Etype]

Have fitted the door seals supplied by Hutsons and they have made a very slight improvement. I have spent hours on this including trying to adapt the Barratts supplied items.
Both doors now shut fairly well with the Hutsons seals fitted, I am now going to try to modify these.
I will let you know

Regards

Good stuff. Thanks for letting us know.

[chris Rooke]

Hi there.
Just to let you know that when I bought my door seals I obtained some from Martin Robey's as I was told that they used a softer compound. I remember that they were indeed softer than the ones I had. However, that was some years ago and this situation may well have changed subsequently.

Regarding my thoughts on my purchase of a Series II car rather than a Series I they're much the same as before. I think that the Series I is a purer car with cleaner, uncluttered lines outside and toggle switches inside. The Series II suffers in the looks department from open headlights, much thicker bumpers, heavy side and rear lights and a larger air intake on the bonnet whist the interior has rocker switches and knobs for the heater controls. Under the bonnet the engine sports ribbed cam covers rather than polished alloy. As a result I think the Series I is a clear winner in the aesthetics stakes.

On the mechanical/practical side the Series II has much more efficient cooling system, more comfortable seats, headlights that are far better than Series Is, an electronic Rev counter, a better windscreen wiper motor, ribbed cam covers that don't leak oil, optional power steering, head restraints and perforated leather seats and air conditioning (Left hand drive only). If you compare the Series II to earlier Series Is (3.8s) then the list of mechanical advantages is even longer (especially the brakes and the gearbox and legroom).

However, as I said in the book, most, if not all of the mechanical disadvantages possessed by Series Is can be overcome with modern upgrades so the practical advantages offered by the Seies II in the 60s are now largely irrelevant.

If I had the choice again I feel I therefore have to say that I would buy a 4.2 Series I car rather than a Series II. Having said that I'm really happy that I've got a Series II rather than a Series I. Why? Because it's that bit different. Whilst there are many stunningly rebuilt Series Is out there there aren't that many Series IIs that have been fully restored and that makes mine a bit different. Ultimately though if I could have my car as either a Series I or a Series II it'd be Series I every time.

Sorry to be predictable but that's my opinion. Once again I hasten to reiterate that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and some people prefer the Series IIIs to either the Is or IIs, some prefer roadsters etc etc. For my money it's the 4.2 Series I FHCs. Still love my car though.

Enough ranting for now.
Chris

[frogeater]

Hello Chris,
Thank you for your answer!
This time I've finished all your book and I think it's a very sympathetic and very useful one!
Needless to say that I will open it in the future, many times.
Your car is beautiful! I understand your lesson and the way you follow, even If, I have choose another one: http://etypeuk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1367
:bye:

[Springer]

sorry for asking a stupid question but how do I get hold of this book?

[Heuer]

Click on the icon on the top right of the main Forum page and it will take you to the E Type Club, scroll to the bottom of the page and there should be a link to buy Chris's book on the right hand side under Porter Press International.

[Springer]

Thanks. Done.

[PeterJG]

I have just bought a 1967 DHC in pieces for restoration . I'd heard about Chris Rooke's book so i bought it and I'm almost finished reading it. I'm in AWE of the patience, persistence, patience, perseverance, and...patience of Mr Rooke!! I wish I'd read it before I bought the car...because I wouldn't have bought it! There is no way I have that degree of patience.

[DWW]

You are in for much more than patience my friend, ask me how I know

[Gfhug]

Don’t worry Peter, there are a couple of well respected Australian restorers on the Forum, Bill and Andrew. You won’t need patience, just loads of money

Geoff

[PeterJG]

Thanks Geoff....I don't think I have enough of either!

How can I contact Bill and Andrew?

[mgcjag]

Hi Peter...If you dont have the time and skills for this project which by looking at your parts on the trailer above is as difficult as it gets with a car restoration and a big budget then you should consider moveing it on...dont under estimate what's needed....Steve

[Gfhug]

Peter, look for “Angelw” and “abowie” for Bill and Andrew respectively.
If nothing else, go and talk with both, they can indicate what your task will be and help advise what you can easily tackle and where their professional skills will come in.
Also, look on here for the Australian members of the forum. Maybe one will be close to you to advise.
And click on your user name, top right, and add your name, car type and location to your signature. It all helps people respond appropriately.

Any E Type project is a lot of work, but it can be done more easily if broken down into segments. Have each as a project on its own, then you can see progress and then tackle the next segment.
It’ll ease the cash flow and allow you to properly hand appropriate work to professionals (e.g. painting) leaving you to get on with the rest.

Geoff

[PeterJG]

Thanks Steve. I have the time and I'm ok with the mechanical aspects but no good with body or trim. And after reading Chris's book I've seen just how much work is involved in the whole project. So I'm thinking along the lines you suggest of moving it on before it breaks me!!

[PeterJG]

Thanks Geoff. I'll follow that up. I've loved E types since I was about 12 and have a few scale models. I thought a restoration might be an affordable way to get one. Obviously I was totally wrong!!