Saving Old Seagulls

Oyster 49 wrote:The more I think about it, I doubt that gearbox is repairable. Just my opinion for what it is worth. If welding did not work, is there enough metal to be able to machine out to take a bush with the internal left hand thread, and then make a new end cap? Extreme difficulty!

Could be time to cast new gearbox casings, if it has been made before it can be made again.

It can be repaired, if you look what they are doing in the states, it is possible,

Could be time for you to to buy a lathe Oyster.

I personally would mend it with melted down Land Rover, just to add to the iconic status.

I must try casting Birmabright, it was all the rage in the thirties, they even made boats out of it.
Do I need an early OA to restore ?

H-A

There will be another one along in a bit...they are like slow busses showing up ...

I can see temptation there

Could be time for you to to buy a lathe Oyster

Yes, but I need to clear out my garage to make some space, this stupid great thing is in the way. I really don't know why I bought it! Mrs Oyster recently said the same, her words "Thought you were going to put a lathe there?"

Clearout currently underway!

Oyster 49 wrote:I can see temptation there

How many OAs does one need ?

H-A

I would like 1 only, and perhaps a OB too. That said we are not allowed to talk about such things.

Horsley-Anarak wrote: if you look what they are doing in the states, it is possible,

Depends how much time and money you want to spend.

H-A

Excellent stuff! That's the repair I was thinking off I'd like to see some decent pics of a OA gearbox with the end cap off, as I have no experience of them. As you say, anything can be done, with time, experience and some money.

Plain silly to have more than one...also a lot of money but then maybe your rich...I certainly am not...so one would be fine for me

That's very similar to the repair the Register is planning to undertake to the 5 OA lower units we have been asked to fix. Not including C.I's & this one.

We have the drawings finished & my next task is pattern making for the sleeves & end caps before we have them sand cast in Birmabright, then I will have to make a fixture to hold the lower units so that they can be bored, after remanufacturing & replacing the prop shaft bearings, as this is a labour of love with only one other member of the register offering assistance, all this will have to wait until I've got a spare month & some disposable cash to invest in this quest.

H-A I spoke to the foundry I use (they cast the BAFTA awards & vintage Buggetti wheel rims with integral brake drums) & they expressed concern about the high risk of casting flaws in the lower unit due to the complexity of the design & that I would have to pay for all the ones they cast, useable or not.
This doesn't include the cost of any drawings required or the cost of a four piece pattern & 6 core moulds.

It would be far easier & cheaper to remanufacture cylinders!

All this effectively put the cost of a new machined lower unit casing at above the cost of any Marston sold on Ebay to date.

A no brainer!

Yes, nobody should underestimate the costs of repairing or re manufacturing parts for these old motors! Buy if you like but it is not a quick money maker!

Oyster 49 wrote:Yes, nobody should underestimate the costs of repairing or re manufacturing parts for these old motors! Buy if you like but it is not a quick money maker!

Well, money Making may not be what is what.................Personally, I just Spend.



B

I'm the same. That said my collection has reached critical mass, as I have bought another Mallard

Oyster 49 wrote:I'm the same. That said my collection has reached critical mass, as I have bought another Mallard

Was that the one with red paint on it? I did ask if they would pack for courier, and they said no.

If it was that one it looked very good.

H-A

Yes that's the one, half an hour from me It's complete and turns, so an easy strip and clean up! All for £13!

I was lucky with my last Mallard, which I still have. That also came up a treat. I never been able to suss out why it keeps cutting out though. Starts, runs nicely for 5-6 seconds then just cuts out dead.

I wanted that one, some you win.

I will stick to the more local stuff as fuel prices are high.

That was a too far, if they had wrapped it in cardboard and tape I would have given them £75 for it.

H-A