A new bit of bling!

Decided to change the Mercedes header tank on the Stag for two reasons, firstly it has developed a leak along one of its seams, and also because I've always been a bit concerned about access to the spark plugs on that side of the engine. Both problems were not insurmountable, a better location nearer the fusebox would have worked and I could probably have applied some appropriate gunge to the tank to seal it.

In the end I decided to go the route that many Stag owners have followed and fit the Stagweber  aluminium tank that has been designed for the Stag. 

This in itself has shown up a slight installation problem, my alternator is located on the upper nearside of the engine which leaves very little clearance between the bottom of the tank and the alternator fan blades - about 5mm. This is I think a result of using a belt of the same length as the power steering, looking closely at it would suggest a slightly shorter belt will alleviate the problem.

The Tank is now fitted and seems to work well, all I need to do now is fit a low level warning light as the tank has a level switch. I will probably utilise the seat belt warning light which no longer works as I have non standard seat belts fitted.

Where did the last year go?

I guess the title days it all, just been into my blog, didn't realise I hadn't updated it for nearly a year, last time was all about RBRR preparation, and here we are now, this years 10CR has been completed, not by me unfortunately as my wife and I were cruising around the Bosphorus, Dardenelles and Aegean whilst people were enjoying what sounds like an excellent 10CR this year. Roll on 2015, my entry is planned!

Rather belatedly I can report the Stag performed almost impeccably on last years RBRR, with just a driveline vibration at the legal limit which has now been sorted thanks to a rear suspension rebuild and new diff extension bearing. My Stag activities have been curtailed a bit over the last year, largely due to the birth of two new grandchildren (time wasters!) and my part time job as a Wedding Celebrant/Registrar has kept me busy at weekends, although the Stag was often used to transport me to some nice wedding venues. 

I did manage a few runs though, to the TSSC South Eastern Meet at Leatherhead, my local TSSC Drive it Day run to Hawkinge Air Museum and a Sunday run out to a lovely classic car meet at a local pub, The Dering Arms, Pluckley where there were some very nice cars, including a lovely Austin Atlantic.

The Stag is now sorned for a few months and stored away in my garage, surrounded by lots of cardboard boxes as my Daughter and her family have moved in with us (husband, a 3 year old and an eight week old) while they refurbish their newly purchased house nearby.


Plans for this winter are to get the seats sorted in the Stag, I'm getting fed up with the crumbly foam, and the front suspension needs rebushing.

Anyway here are a few pictures of the Stag and grandson Harry, Born October last year and grand daughter Lola, born 8 weeks ago