What have you done today with your Austin Seven

[1938austin7]

Finally got the new axle in and drove the car for the first time since March 2019...  Thanks to forum members who gave advice along the way. Much appreciated.

[sparkeysprite]

Today I started to learn to drive an Austin 7.  
I picked up this little RN a few days ago and after a quick check over I took my daughter out for a drive this evening.  It takes a bit of getting used to, especially as it's very hilly around here - the local roads all seem too steep for 3rd gear, but it revs away in 2nd.   I even got it a bit muddy.    

[Mike Costigan]

Welcome to the world of slow motoring, Sparky 

Yes, you'll find lots of second gear motoring in the Peak District, downhill as well as uphill! Super-looking RN you've got there, but it looks like you need to tighten your nearside headlamp before it drops off ...

[sparkeysprite]

Yes, my first drive revealed a few things that will need attention, but that will hopefully be part of the fun!

[Peter Naulls]

After 35 years I finally replaced the incorrect boot-lock cover with the correct one bought on ebay. I think this makes me something of a sad rivet counter!

Peter.

   

[squeak]

i would have said 'happy' rivet counter Peter. Looks lovely

[Bob Culver]

Hi Sparkeysprite

You make no mention of the non synchro gears? A challenge for most moderns and many others. Any car with trace synchro is much easier than none at all.

[Jamie]

Finally got the new axle in and drove the car for the first time since March 2019...  Thanks to forum members who gave advice along the way. Much appreciated.

1938austin7.
Your car looks really good. I like that shape of the doors and the tops of thm. What model is it or is it a special?

Jamie.

[sparkeysprite]

Hi Sparkeysprite

You make no mention of the non synchro gears? A challenge for most moderns and many others. Any car with trace synchro is much easier than none at all.

Hi Bob,

Yes the non synchro box takes a bit of practice.  It's OK when there's time to plan it and think it through first, but it's the "panic changes" - when you realise the hills too steep and you need a lower gear and there's a modern car right on your tail - that usually go wrong and end with a nasty crunch, or not finding a gear at all and coasting to an embarrassing stop.  I'll keep my test runs to the evenings when there's less traffic about and I've time to think about what I'm doing.  I think the key to driving these cars well is anticipation, and preservation of momentum!
Cheers,Steve

[Mark McKibbin]

We had our local Austin 7 gathering again this month, the first after the lockdown and only take away available but there were a few chairs outside and the weather was mild for winter.