Dr Mark's Tardis

Karen makes a cover for the spare tyre from canvas scavenged from a skip. I'm still not sure what the material was from, it all seemed to have three layers of fabric. it seems quite durable, it cuts easily but cuts don't spread.

Nana's first ride in the Tardis. But why did we think we could go to Ryton pool on a bank holiday ... after a late start to the day? Well it was packed so we headed for Brandon Marsh as an alternative. It's good for bats, but not in daytime. we found a quiet spot just outside the car park:

The king pin to lower suspension arm ball joint had a puncture to the rubber. I'd tried gluing it but it came undone, after that I injected extra grease every now and again. it could only be removed by taking out the half shaft first which put me off a bit, little did I know that the half shaft was trivial compared with the other problems. Four weeks and £200 later it's fixed.  The bottom of the ball joint came off with the two hammer trick. The slotted nut on the top needed wacking with a chisel and a lump hammer, even when it moved it needed strong hammer blows. That was easy, the ball joint would not come out. So I decided to take it in to the workshop. Problem, the bolt connecting the lower arm to the tie rod would not budge. The garage would not come out so I called Roy. Next Saturday morning he arrived with a welding lance and a friend with a big hammer. The bolt came out and he took the arm away to separate the ball joint. The arm came back minus the ball joint ...

I need fuel filters near the tanks before the Pollack changeover valve. I use these clear plastic ones from ebay. They look a bit like a chemistry experiment, but it does let me see what's been collected. The main tank had been doing its work. Time to replace it And a deteriorating rubber fuel hose to replace..

we did always manage to fill up the water tank on holiday, but sometimes it  was a mission to find a tap with the right screw thread for our hoselock fitting. The back up plan was to see a container and a funnel. But now ... ... I'm not totally convinced yet, it just slides off our utility room tap. Update: 1 April,  but not a joke. Bought this for half the price from Wilko:

The windscreen wash was intermitent and the windows did not clean very well: Actions: Dismantle and clean all tubing and nozzles - some improvement in power when they did work. Better earthing direct to the chassis earth point (near headlights) as described in the manual. - no change. Found that the steering column switch was faulty. There is no obvious way to dismantle this so... Fitted a new dashboard switch - solved it, excellent New switch for washer bottom left, conveniently near the emergency front axle diff lock (also unlabeled) Continuing: 5. Cleaned windscreen thoroughly - wire wool 000 grade really does work - good. 6. Fitted new twin nozzles (as recommended on the forum) - lots of water, good 7. Bent the wiper arms to apply more pressure - a significant improvement, I should have done this first !

Passed the MOT first time. .... But still lots to do. Here is a list for the coming year, in no particular order: Windscreen washer and wiper effectiveness. Feb 2015 Rubber cover on front ball joint .  was struggling, now finished: 29 March 2015 Slack in rear anti-roll bar. temporary fix Improve rear step not needed? Add Shower waste water tank. Ok with removable tank Repair or replace fuel sender unit Done Jan 2015 change fuel filter Done March 2015 storage locker made of Aluminium treadplate. parts ready, mostly. Leisure battery - investigate and replace if necessary One replaced 2nd being tested Feb 2015 done Relocate LBs nearly ready, just needs time to make up cables and relocate B2B More solar power Done 80+100+100 now panel kitchen cupboard done Refurbish remaining corner of camper Done replace cushion floor Done Improved fan ventilation and insulation around the fridge. Done July Install the rooflight fan Done July More LED lights want warm LEDs now !...