Reliant engined Ulster build

[merlinart]

I don't like being called a smug bastard.
I have never commented on your posts and shall not open any of them in future.

You weren't called a smug bastard, I did not refer to any particular person. The word bastard might be seen by some to be inappropriate, it is not a foul word, it is in public parlance and found within all dictionaries, I will withdraw the word, and I apologise for its useage, however, the unfriendly approach by some about building an Ulster special is astounding.

I repeat, my aluminium body recently purchased from Rod Yates is No 174, a plaques denotes this, therefore there are another 173 people building or who have built similar vehicles and all of us despite the fact that some of you might dislike these builds, ought to be respected.

Finally, if you don't wish to open my posts, don't, you don't have to, and you certainly don't have to respond if you don't see the need. I post when I seek knowledge from some members more knowledgeable than me, and accept their technical responses for which I am most grateful.

What I do not like is the ridiculous responses I have witnessed here from those who a) think it is wrong to build a special, b) it is wrong to build an Ulster type, c) it is wrong to consider using a Reliant engine, d) it is wrong to upgrade anything else mechanically, e) it is wrong to spend money on a project that might not be recovered financially.

I have a very simple right to do a)-e) as I wish, surely, likewise, I must have the right (for every right of course, there are consequent duties and responsibilities)
to spend my money with the many specialists within the Austin Seven fraternity, and I must have a right to post on this forum about building an Ulster Special, inviting comments/advice from those who are about to or have done likewise.

I don't feel the necessity to answer many or most posts/threads particularly if they do not currently interest me or are about models that I have no knowledge, I don't possess or on a subject that I have not yet reached in restoration/build.

I am embarking on a build up which is likely to cost me around £14K, I do not care if I spend more than it is worth, that is totally irrelevant to me and all of you, what matters precisely is the fact that I am entitled to spend as much as I like in a similar vein to how others have done.

I expected to have encountered some purists amongst you, and of course, I respect your right to own and restore cars to your taste and if required to concours level. I do not comment on the work of others except to say if I like it...if indeed I do. I respect unrestored vehicles as well as those fully restored.

I expect to ruffle a few feathers of course, I expect to find certain attitudes that I disagree with. I am happy to say that I have met some very good responses on this forum, some very helpful people, some who have emailed privately, and some doing somewhat similar, but I have also come across some who it appears totally dislike what I am doing and for some reason best known to themselves wish to offer disdainful disparaging remarks in disagreement. Why, I do not know.

I don't like "knee-jerk" responses anywhere, and sometimes things are best not said...by all of us.

I rather liked the response from someone, apologies to whoever it was (I will look it up) when they said and implied that why is it necessary to respond to posts that clearly are not of interest or clearly do not involve some people.

My post/this thread, clearly cannot be of interest to some of you, but clearly is of interest to some, ie those building or have built Ulsters (the 173 and more!), so why have some people replied in a non informative fashion, and some with silly suggestions...the chap who suggested the 125cc motor....though I found it funny!

I guess that some of you simply don't like the idea of there being more "Ulsters" now than there were Ulsters/EA Sports back in the 1930s. This is of no concern to me at all, but what appeals to me in building one is that I like the shape and I like the spirit of being able to build one.

I don't care if some of you have formed a shallow understanding of me to date, I really don't, but how about just being friendly to someone who has discovered a new found hobby.

Incidentally, whilst some might not like the idea of "scrapping" a Ruby that is/was beyond economic repair, I will be buying next year a nice Ruby that I wish to enjoy...I shall then be welcome then ...will I?

Arthur

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I don't recall seeing any foul language on this forum over the past three or so years of my membership.
It is inappropriate and completely unnecessary. If members cannot exchange views without it the value of opinions and experience is devalued in my humble opinion
I have built one and am working on my second special. I have accepted that they may not be to everyone's taste and when I have asked for help and advice I have always taken from it what I felt to be relevant and discarded the rest.
Offensive language has no place here.

Hi Duncan

I have already apologised for using the word bastard. I don't regard it as foul, but I'll leave it there, it was used in anger.

I appreciate your comments about specials and not being to everyone's taste, plus discarding unwanted comments, but why oh why, do some people feel the need to express their feelings about specials and how much any of us spend on them...it is simply beyond my simple understanding I'm afraid.

You are right, offensive language including mine is not required here.

Let us simply be instructive, constructive and friendly.

I like your new mudguards by the way, I wish had your tooling and your skills.

Arthur

[Reckless Rat]

O wad some Pow'r the giftie gie us
To see oursels as ithers see us!
It wad frae mony a blunder free us,
An' foolish notion:

Robert Burns

[merlinart]

From two months ago........


"01-10-2017, 11:00 AM


It may have something to do with the ethics nowadays of using a complete car to build a special.

I for one am waiting for the sparks to start flying!"


Well, I got that one right!!!!

Arthur

To address a few of your points, not all.

Over the last few years the building of specials has become a slightly contentious issue, Mainly because quite a lot of original cars are still being broken up in the pursuit of a 1950's dream. This, Im sure you can understand, is not overly popular with enthusiasts for the mark. Im not suggesting you are doing this this, but merely trying to explain the background. The fitting of Reliant engine has often resulted in irreparable damage being done to Austin Seven chassis components, which unlike the 1950's we now recognise are in finite supply!

Many of the people who have commented on your post have been around A7s for decades, and more than one have built MANY specials over those decades. Whilst you may not see their comments as helpful the opinions expressed are base upon real experience, with A7s, not other choppers or outlandish specials. My comment about building a Reliant special was intended as a cautionary tale, which you decided to take exception to... Its your money, your time, your problem.

If you have asked how to get 40bhp from an Austin engine to go in your Ulsteroid Im sure you would have gained a far more positive response!

Anyway, you have now fallen out with half the people who  might have helped you if you had taken a slightly less gun-ho attitude. I dont expect you will like this comment either, but there we go. Good luck and please dont destroy another car or chassis!

Stuart

Hi Stuart

I agree and disagree with you over some points.

I am sure that some people do disagree with using a Reliant engine, and curiously enough, I haven't entirely decided yet anyway (!) however, I noticed the other day, that someone was also suggesting using a Coventry Climax FWM engine. I googled this as I had no knowledge of this engine, yet I know of the FWA and FWE engines, in fact a chap in my local pub has one of each in a Lotus Elite and a Turner. The FWM looks interesting and I found that some have actually used them in Austin Sevens, so I see a similarity here in obtaining more power at little extra cost, yet I haven't yet noticed anyone here on the forum shouting down the idea of using the FWM in the same vein as some of you have over the Reliant? Is there a snobbish element about the Reliant, due to a well known (not by me) Yellow one on TV?!

If damage has been done, I will have to respect your knowledge on this, I would like to see it of course, but there are many who have or are using the Reliant, and Rod yates himself recommends it, though I'm certain that he doesn't recommend it above the original, just as an alternative to spending lots of money to obtain more power, so, does that really matter.

Well, once again, as you say, it is my money, my problem....why oh why do you need to couch a comment so...yes it is my money, yes it is my choice, and yes I have seen some "Ulsteroids" sell for well over £20K, not that this is my motive whatsoever.

I'm 62, I don't expect to sell this vehicle or any of my vehicles unless I can no longer get in them in 10-15 years time or more.

I did dislike your original comment, and why should I not say so, why draw attention to the number of hours going into it...surely, that is my concern and mine only, so what is the point of such a comment?

I didn't ask how to get 40BHP out of an Austin engine....within reason I know, quite a lot of money, and I don't wish to do it, it is that simple.

Those who have, so it appears, taken exception to me, are not those who seem to be showing interest in building an Ulster special...they seem to have the need to disparage, and I don't know why?

No, I am not "gung ho"....shall I repeat myself again if I may....I am building a Rod Yates body up on a Ruby chassis and I am considering using a Reliant 850 engine, and possibly upgrading to hydraulic brakes...sorry if some of you don't like this, but there we are, and I was/am seeking advice from those who have done the same...I apologise for using this forum to further such aims...sorry I'm being sarcastic myself here.

I do not care if building a special is contentious, I built a new house in the last decade in a conservation area, now that appeared contentious, but set a small precedent....live moves on, it evolves...oh by the way, I'm European, a staunch remainer, and a Republican to boot, plus a member of the Liberal Democrats...that's put the cat amongst the proverbials, and being a bit of a provocative maverick, I expect comment. 

Don't destroy another car or chassis....gosh, I love your supercilious style old chap!

[Management]

This thread has run its useful course and will now be locked.

Thank you to all contributors.