Capri - Capri Parts + GST

This week I bought a Capri dash pod covering from the UK. I will tell you more about it when it arrives & I have fitted it. I have bought a number of parts & bits from the UK over the years because they are cheaper, there is a huge range of products & the postal services are prompt & reasonably priced.
From the beginning of July, things have changed. When I came to the checkout, there is now another line which adds GST (Goods & Services Tax) of 10%. Thanks to our Australian Government who now wants a little share of all overseas online transactions, our parts are all going to be a bit dearer.
It possibly won't stop people from buying from overseas as prices are better but just don't forget to add on the 10%.

Capri - Leaking Auto Transmission

OK, it is quite a long time since I have written anything on this blog. I have been away travelling, had a few aches & pains & because both of my cars aren't running too badly, I have done very little to them. However, I am tired of wiping transmission fluid off the garage floor. This under the white XL and it seems to be getting worse. If you do any research on Borg Warner 35 transmissions, one thing that becomes very obvious is that they like to leak! They leak for unknown reasons but it seems that if the cars aren't run frequently, the fluid runs from the torque converter back into the body of the transmission and, if the seals & gaskets aren't great, the fluid ends up on the floor.
So, time to attempt to reduce the flow. First thing is to replace the transmission sump gasket as it seems to be leaking in various places. I ordered the gasket & filter (Ryco Part No RTK 24) from Autobarn ($20) & it was here in a day.
First thing is to drain the fluid & nearly 5 litres came out. I am not sure whether this is a bit much as it takes 6 litres with the torque converter. Next was to jack the car up as high as possible & place the jack stands under the front cross member.


From past experience, I know that the 15 bolts holding on the sump require a very thin socket (1/2 inch) and I don't have a decent one. Using my special socket, I loosened them & then used my power drill to undo them completely. It can get very messy at this stage so make sure you have a big wide container underneath. Leave one nut partly in so you can let the pan come off slowly.
That done, it is now time to clean up the pan. An old Ford mechanic told me to ensure the lip on the pan was clean & flat. He said to put in on a clean board and tap around with a hammer. This is not as easy as it seems as the metal is fairly heavy but there were a few areas where I think I levelled it a little. I then gave the bottom of the pan a spray with black engine spray.
Next thing to do was to replace the pan. I inserted the bolts on one side to hold it in place & then trying to get it to fit correctly was difficult as it was catching on the kick down cable on the other side. I then had a lot of fun undoing it, trying to keep the gasket on & fitting it from the kick down cable side first. So, my advice is to ensure that when refitting the pan, you ensure that you start on the kick down cable side & ensure that it sits in properly before fitting any bolts.



After hand screwing in about 12 of the bolts, I could not get one to fit correctly. I am very aware that it is very easy to strip threads on old vehicles so not matter how I tried I could not get this one in correctly. I knew one of the bolts must have been in this slot so I patiently (although quietly cursing) undid each nut in turn to see if it would fit & after about the sixth try, one went straight in. Thank goodness & no striped threads. Also, when tightening these bolts do not over tighten as the gasket becomes damaged Check the torque ratings. During the day, I bought a long reach narrow 1/2 inch socket & that made things a lot easier.

 

 

Then to add the transmission fluid - make sure it is ATF. I used Castrol ATF. I pour the 4 litres in very slowly as the fluid was backing up the filler pipe & running over. This took a bit of time but I think most went in where it should. It possibly needs another 1/2 litre but I will check that after I drive it. That was enough for one day. It doesn't seem to be leaking but I will know after driving for a while.

Capri - RS3100 for sale.

Here is a beautiful Capri RS3100 for sale. It looks like it is brand new. It will be interesting if the seller achieves his asking price of $87,000

 

https://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Ford-Capri-1974/SSE-AD-5252572/?Cr=0

At the other end of the price scale ($10,000), here is new ad on Gumtree.

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/wollongong/cars-vans-utes/1971-ford-capri/1175034915

Capri - My Dream Engine

I came across the beautiful Capri in a magazine I picked up recently at a book fair.
The engine is a Lexus 1UZ -FE with twin turbos. It is putting out 410 RWHP! It certainly is a work of art & the whole car looks beautiful.
The owner is Joe Geri from Sydney & the photos are courtesy of ZOOM magazine No 127. (No date mentioned.) The car has had a successful drag racing history with 302 Ford engines but is also road registered.
I think I could make room for it in my garage!

Capri - For Sale

Postscript
This Capri sold for $22,650 after over 40 bids.

This local Capri V6 is for sale on EBay & its owner is a member of the Capri Club of Qld. He reports that there has been a great deal of interest in the car with the bidding already at $20,000 and there is still 5 days to go. Read more & see the pics.
Here is the link:
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Ford-Capri-1970-V6-3000-GT-Manual/173119839566?hash=item284ebf1d4e:g:KFIAAOSw-JJaZ84q

Capri - Australia Day Rally 2018

The first event of the year for many Brisbane car enthusiasts is the Australia Day Rally organised by the Bayside Vehicle Restorers Club and held at Ormiston State School. The day starts at 7.30 am with a BBQ breakfast & car show, then the choice of one of four rallies concluding with lunch at a local pub. It is always a well organised event with all the profits going to Sailability, a organisation that teaches disabled people to sail. After attending for at least 5 years, one can be assured of at least three things. Firstly, it will be hot, even at that time of the day. Secondly, there will be a diverse range of vehicles & thirdly, there will be very few Capris. This year was no exception. It was hot & quite a few had left after the raffle results. The two school ovals were packed with vehicles of all descriptions from ancient motor bikes through to huge hard tyred trucks. Yes, there was one Capri - my green 1970 Deluxe.
The pictures below give a glimpse of the variety of vehicles that attended. (Click to enlarge)

Capri - Cost of Fuel

I just happened to go to the local servo today to get some mower fuel (91 octane) & that was about $1.53 a litre. The next pump had V-Power (Shell's 98 octane fuel) which I usually use in my Capris. The price was $1.72 a litre ($10 buys you about 6 litres) at which I had to look twice to make sure it was correct. Thankfully, I don't drive very far or use much fuel but at that rate I won't be filling the tanks of the Capris. I usually like to add a bit every couple of weeks to ensure it is not sitting for too long but until the price reduces, it won't be much.
There has been a great deal of press lately about the petrol price rip-offs in Brisbane and this is a good example. It doesn't help owners of classic cars very much. I guess I will be looking for cheaper alternatives to the local Shell.  😔 😒