History
This was my Father's first vehicle and it has sat in a covered shed on our old family farm for approximately 30 years since it was last driven, so it is a genuine 'Barn Find' vehicle. My 'old man' was always going to restore this old Zodiac but he is quite ill and will never be able to do so.
I have taken up the mantle and will hopefully bring it to my 3rd garage before Christmas, 2020 to start what will no doubt be a labour of love and hate. I have already sourced a set of brand new 13 inch white steel rims and some old 1/2 inch lug nuts to fit and make this vehicle a roller to at least be able to move it to my house. Cannot wait!!!
After a lot of mucking about I finally took possession of the #oldfordfella on Monday the 18/1/2021. I had to use a local tow truck firm with a slide/lift tray to reverse it up my 30 degree steep driveway and place it beside our triple garage where the restoration process has began.
It's a work in progress, I will update the photos regularly, so watch this page! :)
On day 2, my curiosity got the better of me so I installed a new high crank battery in the car and he cranked over strongly first go, unbelievable considering he had sat in a shed dormant for 30 + years. The next day I changed the oil, put in a new set of spark plugs and used some 'start 'ya bastard' starting spray and the engine started and ran, but had to shut off quickly as the old sludge from the engine plus the new 3.7 litres of oil came jetting out above the cartridge oil filter. My father had forgotten that someone had cannabalised the oil sender plug to put it in a Header on the farm. On day 4, I got adventurous, I installed a 3/8 inch brass plug in the oil sender plug hole, put 20 L of ULP mixed with a lead additive into the rust free fuel tank, pumped the accelerator and he started and ran for about half an hour, running a bit hot, but I've got some anti freeze/anti boil coolant to fix that. Also the original radiator was filled with water and has no leaks. The engine sounded strong and was not missing which proves the old adage, 'old engines just want to run'. I'm chuffed.
Modifications
Completely genuine vehicle + a lot of dust.
I reckon I will do away with the old Oil Bath Air Filter and replace it with a conventional air filter fitted on top of the carburetor.
I will definitely replace the front drum brakes with disc brakes, which Ford did the next year with the 1961 model Zephyr and Zodiacs.
