Carter AFB restoration
Carter AFB restoration
Hi all,
As part of my efforts to bring back my car to factory original, I sourced a correct 4131s Carter. As can be expected, it badly needed an overhaul, and I decided I'd try my hand at a full strip and restoration rebuild. Just wanted to share my experiences along the way. Also wanted to share the amazing results one can get from vapor blasting (wet blastin) in case not everyone has used this yet.
The linkages are being plated, and the fasteners are on order, so reassembly should start soon.
Process so far: Stripping of every component, removal of aluminium cleaning plugs, ultrasonic bath to clean all orifices, then a vapor blast cleaning. Any hints and suggestions? I think i'm keeping the jets and metering rods as per OEM for now. New thermostatic choke and choke-pull-off are to be installed. I appreciate that it can be a lot easier and reliable if I'd upgrade to electric choke etc, but my goal is originality.. That will include cussing at the car when its flooded or won't start when cold .
As part of my efforts to bring back my car to factory original, I sourced a correct 4131s Carter. As can be expected, it badly needed an overhaul, and I decided I'd try my hand at a full strip and restoration rebuild. Just wanted to share my experiences along the way. Also wanted to share the amazing results one can get from vapor blasting (wet blastin) in case not everyone has used this yet.
The linkages are being plated, and the fasteners are on order, so reassembly should start soon.
Process so far: Stripping of every component, removal of aluminium cleaning plugs, ultrasonic bath to clean all orifices, then a vapor blast cleaning. Any hints and suggestions? I think i'm keeping the jets and metering rods as per OEM for now. New thermostatic choke and choke-pull-off are to be installed. I appreciate that it can be a lot easier and reliable if I'd upgrade to electric choke etc, but my goal is originality.. That will include cussing at the car when its flooded or won't start when cold .
Found a Vignale built LHD MK1 in South Africa, Sincar #15, chassis 117/2592.
On a long and winding road to restore it back to original condition.
On a long and winding road to restore it back to original condition.
Re: Carter AFB restoration
Original is the way to go. It's looking great!
CV8 MK1 104/2004
CV8 MK1 104/2035
Jensen Healey 1110/14162
CV8 MK1 104/2035
Jensen Healey 1110/14162
Re: Carter AFB restoration
Great outcome by the looks of it.
Both of my Jensen's are running fine on original Carter carbs.
Both of my Jensen's are running fine on original Carter carbs.
Re: Carter AFB restoration
And she's done. One original 1966 Carter AFB restored, and looking better than it ever did I guess. Shame it hides underneath the air filter How is it I only realise that now.. my OCD is getting out of hand guys, please help.
Also found a NOS Carter thermostatic choke, nice little detail to get right.
Also found a NOS Carter thermostatic choke, nice little detail to get right.
Found a Vignale built LHD MK1 in South Africa, Sincar #15, chassis 117/2592.
On a long and winding road to restore it back to original condition.
On a long and winding road to restore it back to original condition.
Re: Carter AFB restoration
Beautiful job Jasper, it's very satisfying having OCD..it gives you a good feeling when you do stuff like this..it is nearly impossible to find people to do any sort of work for you to this level..There aren't many people you can employ with such finesse , well I have always struggled..everything |I ever get done or get people to do for me it is just never quite good enough they want to cut an unecessary corner
Well done Jasper
Well done Jasper
Manual Int&Rag-Top
"Monkey Man"sig Registrar
"Monkey Man"sig Registrar
Re: Carter AFB restoration
Absolutely right Grant. Also, the tinkering is one of the most enjoyable aspects of these kind of cars for me. Getting everything as close to 100% as you can, no effort spared.
I've had a few years of working on my cars only in the midst of night and late in weekends, when my boy and girl were born. Now that they're a little more independent (3+yrs) I can do a bit more hobbying, but time is always a challenge indeed.
On to the next thing! (hint, I took the rear view mirror apart... )
I've had a few years of working on my cars only in the midst of night and late in weekends, when my boy and girl were born. Now that they're a little more independent (3+yrs) I can do a bit more hobbying, but time is always a challenge indeed.
On to the next thing! (hint, I took the rear view mirror apart... )
Found a Vignale built LHD MK1 in South Africa, Sincar #15, chassis 117/2592.
On a long and winding road to restore it back to original condition.
On a long and winding road to restore it back to original condition.
Re: Carter AFB restoration
a few photos here that might help. https://www.joc.org.uk/Interceptor_Mk_1 ... 2.html#142
Re: Carter AFB restoration
Steve, already had downloaded all your pictures! In fact, it was the inspiration to do the job in the first place. Would love to restore the local switch functionality as well, while the surround is getting re-chromed. How have you attached the light bulb holder to the 'chassis' of the mirror? Didn't see any pictures of how you did that.
Found a Vignale built LHD MK1 in South Africa, Sincar #15, chassis 117/2592.
On a long and winding road to restore it back to original condition.
On a long and winding road to restore it back to original condition.
Re: Carter AFB restoration
I know DPP done 3 of these lovely old mirrors recently..I think from memory he struggled to find a replacement switch and not sure if he even got one in the end..These mirror are lovely and I did buy 2 replacement mirror glass's from somewhere over-here that had a template from previous replacement glass's from someone on the Forum here..It was Taximan but I am not sure he frequents the forum anymore..but I guess in this day and age Jasper anyone could scan the old glass and CNC cut you a new one..lovely old Mirrors..sadly years ago when we all wanted the later mirrors and lter model bits on our cars I ditched an old one..a sad memory looking back now..and I also got rid of a good set of old Chrome Rostyles into a skip!!..Hindsight..a really annoying thing is that!!!
Manual Int&Rag-Top
"Monkey Man"sig Registrar
"Monkey Man"sig Registrar
Re: Carter AFB restoration
Wonderful end result, the carb looks fabulous
Who did you use for the vapor blasting ?
Who did you use for the vapor blasting ?
Re: Carter AFB restoration
Local guy in South Africa, he's running a garage based business to ultrasonically clean and vapor blast parts for rebuilds and restorations. Cheap too
Found a Vignale built LHD MK1 in South Africa, Sincar #15, chassis 117/2592.
On a long and winding road to restore it back to original condition.
On a long and winding road to restore it back to original condition.
Re: Carter AFB restoration
Terdu wrote: ↑Tue May 25, 2021 8:05 am Steve, already had downloaded all your pictures! In fact, it was the inspiration to do the job in the first place. Would love to restore the local switch functionality as well, while the surround is getting re-chromed. How have you attached the light bulb holder to the 'chassis' of the mirror? Didn't see any pictures of how you did that.
sorry Jasper
neither of us can remember but Mike thinks it might have been riveted
Re: Carter AFB restoration
That really is amazing work Jasper. The detail on the fasteners, those cheese head screws and the replating, especially the mixture screws and springs is amazing. Hard to believe they are not new. Were you able to reuse the old aluminium plugs? Did they come out easily or did you need to make new ones?
Have you seen our stolen Jensen FF 119/011 https://twitter.com/jensenffdotcom
Re: Carter AFB restoration
Hi John, the aluminium plugs were most definitly destroyed during the removal process. I bought a new set from mikes carburator parts in the US, where I also bought the rebuild kit (floats, gaskets, etc). It's a useless labor of love, but I really enjoyed doing it. Never rebuilt a carb before, as I'm from the EFI generation, but its a nice way to familiarise myself with how a carb works and is to be adjusted.
Found a Vignale built LHD MK1 in South Africa, Sincar #15, chassis 117/2592.
On a long and winding road to restore it back to original condition.
On a long and winding road to restore it back to original condition.
Re: Carter AFB restoration
Thanks for that. What a selection of spares! These are great carbs to rebuild and setup. We are so lucky them having brass floats, leather, rather than the brittle rotting plastic or decaying rubber. Nice to see that they sell float needles with Viton tips now too! Fantastic technical section, I have downloaded the rebuild kit instructions, which has been updated to say that WD40 reacts with ethanol, so don't spray it near your carb!Terdu wrote: ↑Sat May 29, 2021 8:28 am Hi John, the aluminium plugs were most definitly destroyed during the removal process. I bought a new set from mikes carburator parts in the US, where I also bought the rebuild kit (floats, gaskets, etc). It's a useless labor of love, but I really enjoyed doing it. Never rebuilt a carb before, as I'm from the EFI generation, but its a nice way to familiarise myself with how a carb works and is to be adjusted.
I don't think you will have problems starting when the car is setup. The early 383 is a great starter. After a long time parked, crank it over without touching the throttle until you see the oil pressure needle move, by then the mechanical pump should have put enough fuel in the float bowls to get a good start.
Have you seen our stolen Jensen FF 119/011 https://twitter.com/jensenffdotcom