Refurbishment of a 1956 Vauxhall Velox

[Xulfiqar]

Now that I am back from 4x4 Offroading from Jalalpur Sharif, I shall be posting the interior photos. The leather seats were cleaned with a 3M solution, and what a job it did.

not to burst your bubble but for leather anything other than leatherique products is a waste of money - even 3M. The amount of cleaning and conditioning the 3M cleaner does can he had for cheap with a dove soap bar, some microfiber towels and some water.

You get very clean and soft hands as bonus too.

[msabbasi]

Yes. We have had several cigar sessions with Asim, since the last post. Had a meeting with the interior guy and was decided that it should be done once the Vauxhall is road worthy again.

Concentrating on the mechanical aspect before doing the cosmetic work is the right approach. I would add that you should also do the repaint BEFORE the poshish work.

Now that I am back from 4x4 Offroading from Jalalpur Sharif, I shall be posting the interior photos. The leather seats were cleaned with a 3M solution, and what a job it did.

Hope you had a great trip with no misadventures. I couldn't agree more with Zulfiqar about Leatherique. I have used it for many years and I would say that it is arguably the best stuff out there. However, getting that in Pakistan is another story. In the absence of Leatherique here I use Meguire's stuff. I have never used 3M products so I am not in a position to say which is better (Meguire's or 3M). Looking forward to seeing pics of the interior.

I am still not being able to post pictures from my iPad somehow. Keep getting help from Asim. I have over hundred pictures of the restoration work on this 1953,Vauxhall Velox. The roof material is in very bad shape and the side trims. The seats are in still very good shape. We are planning a Classic Cars road trip to Pattoki next Sunday, to see these cars road handling capabilities

I am not a fan of the i-phone or the i-pad. Having used both, I have come to the conclusion that i-products are really quite limited in what they can do. All my Apple toys have been passed on the my wife and daughter. There is no alternative to the good old laptop or desktop. If you have access to either, posting pictures will be a breeze and you will no longer need the services of Asim Sb for this purpose.

Regarding the interior, I don't think it should be said to retain as much of the original materials as possible. Original is original. I really envy you and Asim Sb. for being in Lahore. The level of expertise if the artisans is outstanding.

Just a word of advice about taking these old beauties on long trips; in my limited experience, the things that may let you down are rubber items - belt, hoses, tires, seals, and any other rubber item. As you know, rubber is time dependant, older means brittle. The other thing that could go wrong is the rotor; they have a habbit of cracking. Cooling is another thing that could cause issues - though not in this weather. Considering that this car has spent much time in Multan it is safe to say that the pervious owner has been using tap water in the cooling system and furthermore it would not be wrong to assume that the thermostat has been removed years ago. Both actions are to the detriment of the cooling system. Beyond that I think you should be good to go.

Cheers.

[VEEeight]

I think Agha jee shud mention that the Vauxhall , now affectionately known as "vixie" bec of its endearing 'personality', went out for a little walk today

[AQRaza]

Asim Sb drove the Vauxhall today for the first time on the street, which he has affectionately calls "Vixie". It drove quite well. The rear brakes were a bit hard, the steering wheel is tough ( one has to start going to the gym soon). The gears worked fine, except when we got back to the workshop it would not get to neutral ( bush got broken). There is a lot of torque, even in 3rd gear. Tires are a bit hard, which would need replacement soon, but not immediately. The temp gage and the speedometer worked fine, but do need checking for proper speed indication. Asim Sb really enjoyed the drive, which made my day. This car is older then him.

[AQRaza]

I have taken ur advice. We have replaced all rubber hoses, fan belt, and put in an electronic distributor and a new generator, which will properly charge the battery. The external heater hose will be operational tomorrow inshallah. The dashboard was being put together. The carb is functioning well, the engine sound is also good. Minor tweaks are being taken care of. All chrome pieces are back in, and look decent. I have still not flushed the radiator with radiator flush, but will do so as advised by you. Not sure about the thermostat, shall check tomorrow inshallah.

[msabbasi]

I think Agha jee shud mention that the Vauxhall , now affectionately known as "vixie" bec of its endearing 'personality', went out for a little walk today

Asim Sb drove the Vauxhall today for the first time on the street, which he has affectionately calls "Vixie". It drove quite well. The rear brakes were a bit hard, the steering wheel is tough ( one has to start going to the gym soon). The gears worked fine, except when we got back to the workshop it would not get to neutral ( bush got broken). There is a lot of torque, even in 3rd gear. Tires are a bit hard, which would need replacement soon, but not immediately. The temp gage and the speedometer worked fine, but do need checking for proper speed indication. Asim Sb really enjoyed the drive, which made my day. This car is older then him.

There seems to be a huge amount of work done so far. But alas no photo documentation posted for the likes of us (starved for pics) folks :(. Before the big drive to Patoki, perhaps a drive to Thokar Niaz and then right from there down on Raiwind road for ten - fifteen kilometres as a shake down trip might prove prudent to see if any other weak items need attention. Perhaps a modern car/jeep to follow to play the role of (God forbid) of a recovery vehicle. Once an intermediate length trip is done, Vixie and her master will feel more confidant to go for longer walks.

Regarding the steering, no car can have a harder steering than my Jaguar. I can only assume that people back in the 40's and 50's were a stronger breed.

[msabbasi]

I have taken ur advice. We have replaced all rubber hoses, fan belt, and put in an electronic distributor and a new generator, which will properly charge the battery. The external heater hose will be operational tomorrow inshallah. The dashboard was being put together. The carb is functioning well, the engine sound is also good. Minor tweaks are being taken care of. All chrome pieces are back in, and look decent. I have still not flushed the radiator with radiator flush, but will do so as advised by you. Not sure about the thermostat, shall check tomorrow inshallah.

Good to hear that Vixie is being ralley prepped:). I am very intrigued by the conversion to electronic distributor :o. You have to share the details with me. If feasible, I may think about doing the same to my car. Trying to find CB points and rotors is getting very hard these days. When the time comes for the radiator flush, if I were in your place, I'd use the Liqui Moly product. However, do not use the Liqui Moly coolant. That has been diluted and packed in Pakistan. Who knows that they did to it in the process of dilution. For coolant I trust the one from Caltex. It is 100% full strength. You will have to dilute it to 50/50 water/coolant yourself. For the water there is no substitute for bottled drinking variety.

I am a bit concerned about the tires. Have a VERY close look at the side walls of the tires. Specifically have a look for cracks as shown in the picture below. Such cracks lead to separation of the tread from the tire at speed.

Not forgetting to check the often forgotten spare tire.

[AQRaza]

Tires are a bit hard, but at the moment I am going to take a risk for this rally. Shall replace them afterwards. There is no end to changing and improving things. I believe if I drive at a fair speed, plus being winter, I might be able to pull it off inshallah. Still needs a few improvements. We have a good list of Classics for this run, including a 1948 Humber, 1963 Austin Mini, a Cadillac, Morris Oxford, 1964 chev Impala, 1974 VW, 1969 VW, and a VW Synchro. Will keep u posted.

[msabbasi]

Tires are a bit hard, but at the moment I am going to take a risk for this rally. Shall replace them afterwards. There is no end to changing and improving things. I believe if I drive at a fair speed, plus being winter, I might be able to pull it off inshallah. Still needs a few improvements. We have a good list of Classics for this run, including a 1948 Humber, 1963 Austin Mini, a Cadillac, Morris Oxford, 1964 chev Impala, 1974 VW, 1969 VW, and a VW Synchro. Will keep u posted.

The 1948 Humber Pullman originally belonged to my grandfather. There are only two such Humber Pullman limousins in Pakistan. Grandfather had both. Its sister car was in the family until just a few years ago. It had a minor head gasket issue scared the owner so he sold it off. I am not sure if the 64 Impala was also my grandfather's or not. Most probably not. Hope you have a safe trip and uneventful trip.

[qwertypoiu]

The 1948 Humber Pullman originally belonged to my grandfather. There are only two such Humber Pullman limousins in Pakistan. Grandfather had both. Its sister car was in the family until just a few years ago. It had a minor head gasket issue scared the owner so he sold it off. I am not sure if the 64 Impala was also my grandfather's or not. Most probably not. Hope you have a safe trip and uneventful trip.

I inspected the humber at one of the shows what a magnificent car, the way it started on first try at half self was mind blowing.

IMG_9592-80 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[AQRaza]

This 1948 Humber led the Classic car rally from Lahore to Pattoki where Asim Mohydin had arranged a delicious lunch. There were a total of 12 cars, including my 1953 Vauxhall Velox. What a fun event it was

[AQRaza]

Your comments are always a source of encouragements for me. I have implemented most of your views. The rest will also be followed when we get the restoration to that stage. Please keep your views and comments coming

[msabbasi]

This 1948 Humber led the Classic car rally from Lahore to Pattoki where Asim Mohydin had arranged a delicious lunch. There were a total of 12 cars, including my 1953 Vauxhall Velox. What a fun event it was

I am certain if Asim sb. had anything to do with the lunch, it would have been memorable. I truly envy you gents having all the fun by yourselves:(. Great to hear Vixie didn't miss a beat on the trip. Good going. You need to post some of the resto pics here for all interested in older vehicles to enjoy and appreciate.

[msabbasi]

I have the pleasure of uploading a couple of pictures of the Velox's engine compartment. The first one is before any work was done and the second is after much application of elbow grease. A great deal of work has been done to the car. pictures will be put up.

BEFORE

AFTER

[AQRaza]

Even though I have been following the progress on my 'Vixie', but the before and after pictures of the engine, makes one realize that some progress has been made. I was not too keen about the different colors in the engine, but when I saw the honest desire of Mudassar, my mechanic, I did not have the heart to say NO. Hence, the result, which is not too bad. I had told him very categorically, not to chrome the tappet cover, but he did it in spite of it, and I liked it.

[msabbasi]

Another view of engine bay from the left side showing off the inlet & exhaust manifold to good effect.

[AQRaza]

One more thing that restorers should consider is a Vinyl with foam lined covers which are placed on the body where work is being done. In spite of your best efforts the mechanics continue to place tools and other items on the car body. This cover will protect the body from scratches, dents and dings. It is also not very expensive, but will prevent lots of headaches. It is sort of visible on the last photo on the car left side

[AQRaza]

Am having trouble of posting refurbishing pictures of the Vauxhall. Have just gotten back from Cholistan Desert Jeep trip. Shall start posting pics and review soon.

[fouadar]

at DC

[fouadar]